U.S. built MBP Vs. China built!!!???

[92GTA]

I just went to order a MBP, (my company is Apple certified) and Apple now has a brand new P/N (I don't want to post it yet, NOTHING shows on google or their site) that is listed as "TRADE COMP" and has the exact same price. I called and they said that the new P/N was for a U.S. built MBP and the old/current P/N was for the China built MBP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone have details on this? This purchase is actually for myself. The new P/N starts with a "K" not an "M" and they are not shipping as of today but will be!!! A Google and search of Apple.com reveal not a SINGLE hit as of this post. *Note* this new P/N is NOT the "D" revision, it's something totally different but specs and cost are EXACTLY the same!

Anyone? Bueler? Is it possible they changed OEM's to ensure better quality because of the issues they were having?

EDIT: Can a MOD please change MPB to MBP in the topic title, thanks lol.

[caveman_uk]

I would be surprised as Apple uses Taiwanese companies like quanta and asus to make it's notebooks. I haven't heard of Apple making any of it computers outside of the far east for quite some time - except the Powermacs which are 'assembled' in the west (Ireland or the US depending on market).

To be honest there's nothing special about manufacturing in the west. If your QC is rubbish you can build crappy computers anywhere-the US, Europe or China - all can build utter tat given the chance. Irrrational dislike of Chinese stuff is just being xenophobic.

[portent]

Maybe it's a separate CKD (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CKD) order for government customers that don't allow foreign sourcing? Just speculating. It may be that Apple has changed contract manufacturers regarding the quality issues. Or maybe QC is now being done stateside, before units are packaged and shipped, to catch defects that weren't being caught at the factory.

I've never heard of a 'K' part number. Have there ever been any new Macs without an 'M' P/N? (I know refurbed machines have an 'F' P/N.)

FWIW, I have a 12" PowerBook, from China, with excellent fit-and-finish and reliability.

[grabberslasher]

Possibly they're manufacturing MBPs at the Sacramento plant now as well as Shanghai? That could be the answer.

[92GTA]

No it's definantly not government. Here is the product description for the current MBP and the description for the new one below it:

MA464LL/A - Apple MacBook Pro - Core Duo 2 GHz - RAM 1 GB - HD 100 GB - 583 Available $2,248.85
KA46*LL/A - MACBOOK PRO CD/2.0 1GB 100GB 15IN OSX TRADE COMP - Check ETA $2,248.85

MA463LL/A - Apple MacBook Pro - Core Duo 1.83 GHz - RAM 512 MB - HD 80 GB - 820 Available $1,798.88
KA46*LL/A - MACBOOK PRO CD/1.83 512M 80GB 15IN OSX TRADE COMP - Check ETA $1,798.88

Just for the record, I have nothing against products made in the far east.

[caveman_uk]

No it's definantly not government. Here is the product description for the current MBP and the description for the new one below it:

Apple MacBook Pro - Core Duo 2 GHz - RAM 1 GB - HD 100 GB - 583 Available $2,248.85
MACBOOK PRO CD/2.0 1GB 100GB 15IN OSX TRADE COMP - Check ETA $2,248.85

Apple MacBook Pro - Core Duo 1.83 GHz - RAM 512 MB - HD 80 GB - 820 Available $1,798.88
MACBOOK PRO CD/1.83 512M 80GB 15IN OSX TRADE COMP - Check ETA $1,798.88
The specs for 'the new one' are for the base model and the 'current' one is the model above. They're different specs. There's nothing unusual in the specs.

Besides both quanta and asus are very well respected OEMs in Taiwan. They are not 2 cent fly-by-night operations. I seriously doubt a US company could do much better.

[Chaszmyr]

My MBP shipped from China, and my friend's Intel iMac did as well.

[92GTA]

The specs for 'the new one' are for the base model and the 'current' one is the model above. They're different specs. There's nothing unusual in the specs.

??? They look the same too me? Maybe you are reading my post wrong? The top 2 are the 2.0 model, the bottom 2 are the 1.83. Of each model, the top is the old P/N and the bottom is the new....

EDIT: I added P/N's to my original post to make it more readable for you.

[Icedog]

Could it have something to do with this?

http://thinksecret.com/news/0603briefly3.html

Apple readying new serial number format

Apple will roll out a new serial number scheme for hardware products in May, sources have disclosed. All Apple hardware components, from iMacs to iPods to iSights, will sport a new 18 digit numeric serial number. Current Apple hardware features 11 digit alphanumeric serial numbers. Sub-assembly parts, such as optical drives and logic boards, will move from the current 12 alphanumeric character serial number scheme to a 17 alphanumeric character one.

Apple says it is implementing the change to accommodate continued growth and scalability. Customers will be unaffected by the serial number change, although today's Apple serial number decoding tools will surely need to be updated.

[92GTA]

Hmmm, I don't think so. They were very specific in saying that it was because they were U.S. built models. I don't see how that would effect serial #'s.

I'm positve that it has to do with quality in some way because I can't imagine it being cheaper for them to simply begin making them here. I mean even if they were built abroad and QC'd here, they still can't just say they were built here. Maybe Intel has something to do with it?

[generik]

Can someone buy one of these K models and see if it says made in the US of A? :rolleyes:

[superbovine]

Hmmm, I don't think so. They were very specific in saying that it was because they were U.S. built models. I don't see how that would effect serial #'s.

I'm positve that it has to do with quality in some way because I can't imagine it being cheaper for them to simply begin making them here. I mean even if they were built abroad and QC'd here, they still can't just say they were built here. Maybe Intel has something to do with it?

your logic is flawed. they wouldn't price them different their margins would just be less in theory. Apple wouldn't compete with themselves to make less money from themselves. what quality difference could there be? They are assembled with the same parts which are made in Asia, so you basically judging on how well people can use a screw driver between the US and China. I assume the plants use some type of quality standard like ISO 9001 to assure quality.

[generik]

They are assembled with the same parts which are made in Asia, so you basically judging on how well people can use a screw driver between the US and China. I assume the plants use some type of quality standard like ISO 9001 to assure quality.

Surely the Americans are more talented at welding screwdrivers? :rolleyes:

[toothpaste]

I just went to order a MBP, (my company is Apple certified) and Apple now has a brand new P/N (I don't want to post it yet, NOTHING shows on google or their site) that is listed as "TRADE COMP" and has the exact same price. I called and they said that the new P/N was for a U.S. built MBP and the old/current P/N was for the China built MBP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anyone have details on this? This purchase is actually for myself. The new P/N starts with a "K" not an "M" and they are not shipping as of today but will be!!! A Google and search of Apple.com reveal not a SINGLE hit as of this post. *Note* this new P/N is NOT the "D" revision, it's something totally different but specs and cost are EXACTLY the same!

Anyone? Bueler? Is it possible they changed OEM's to ensure better quality because of the issues they were having?

EDIT: Can a MOD please change MPB to MBP in the topic title, thanks lol.

Does it really matter where the laptop was assembled?

[bah-bah'd]

Irrrational dislike of Chinese stuff is just being xenophobic.

Don't you mean Chinophobic?

[sk1985]

Does it really matter where the laptop was assembled?
Actually it does. At least to me. I try to buy American made goods as much as possible. I have nothing against the orient, but I'd buy an American made product over ANY foreign made product.

[mjstew33]

Sometimes the foreign made are better. ;)

[bah-bah'd]

Actually it does. At least to me. I try to buy American made goods as much as possible. I have nothing against the orient, but I'd buy an American made product over ANY foreign made product.

Me to; except for cars, knives, porcelain, lacquer-ware, power tools, suits, shoes, home applianaces and cheese...

I stopped buying american when I realized most american companies are capitalist opprotunists who really don't care who makes the sub-par crap you buy just because it is 5-15% less than what is sitting next to it on the shelf. I buy American when I want something disposable.

[jefhatfield]

your logic is flawed. they wouldn't price them different their margins would just be less in theory. Apple wouldn't compete with themselves to make less money from themselves. what quality difference could there be? They are assembled with the same parts which are made in Asia, so you basically judging on how well people can use a screw driver between the US and China. I assume the plants use some type of quality standard like ISO 9001 to assure quality.

lmao

we here in america can use a screw driver better than anybodys out theres

and the rest of this world can go to hell...as i pull out my flag and assualt rifle ;)

[jefhatfield]

Actually it does. At least to me. I try to buy American made goods as much as possible. I have nothing against the orient, but I'd buy an American made product over ANY foreign made product.

oh, it does...and what do you know about computer manufacturing??

maybe you just don't like "orientals"

[jefhatfield]

Don't you mean Chinophobic?

it could be that they don't like china because

...they are communist

and

they plan to take over apple inc and use it as a staging ground for the invasion of america

maybe the chinese macs are spying on the good ole usa

i am scared, those commies are back...oh noooo!

[superbovine]

lmao

we here in america can use a screw driver better than anybodys out theres

and the rest of this world can go to hell...as i pull out my flag and assualt rifle ;)

ahhhhhhh noooo anything but the assualt rifle! :eek:

[yg17]

Actually it does. At least to me. I try to buy American made goods as much as possible. I have nothing against the orient, but I'd buy an American made product over ANY foreign made product.

Because the american cars are so much more reliable than Hondas and Toyotas :rolleyes:

[generik]

Because the american cars are so much more reliable than Hondas and Toyotas :rolleyes:

I know BS when I read it :D

Ford cars reliable?! Cats chase after dogs! Felons put police behind bars! Women date men! Curry tastes sweet!

[mojohanna]

Can someone buy one of these K models and see if it says made in the US of A? :rolleyes:
I would all but stake my life on Apple NOT manufacturing in the US.

[techster82]

You guys do realize that most "foreign" car manufacturers build every bit of their cars here in the USA right? It has been this way for awhile because of import taxes. It is cheaper for the car companies to build the entire vehicle here rather than import it. So your argument that the quality of Toyota and Honda are better simply because they are foreign owned is flawed.

[generik]

You guys do realize that most "foreign" car manufacturers build every bit of their cars here in the USA right? It has been this way for awhile because of import taxes. It is cheaper for the car companies to build the entire vehicle here rather than import it. So your argument that the quality of Toyota and Honda are better simply because they are foreign owned is flawed.

If that's the case then why are Hondas so good? Better engineers?

[Dave the Great]

Because the american cars are so much more reliable than Hondas and Toyotas :rolleyes:

Actually, yes, they are.

As an example, look at the last JD Power results. American cars smacked the imports.

It is just so stereotypical to think that imports are better, that might have been the case in the 80s and most of the 90s, but it is simply not true any more.

[Dave the Great]

If that's the case then why are Hondas so good? Better engineers?

Hondas are not that good.

[Dave the Great]

... except ... cheese...

Wisconsin Cheese is the best!! You are missing out!!


I stopped buying american when I realized most american companies are capitalist opprotunists ...

Because Chinese companies care so much for their employees/people?

[generik]

Because Chinese companies care so much for their employees/people?

Well the sad truth is the Americans don't care so much for their people either, because you can be trodding about in the city unemployed after your job got outsourced to China, bump into the CEO of say... Apple (!!) and he will just shove you aside :o

[Electro Funk]

Hondas are not that good.

I know a lot of people that would argue against that...;)

[generik]

I know a lot of people that would argue against that...;)

Same, which was why I initially said Hondas are good.

[TheAnswer]

Actually, yes, they are.

As an example, look at the last JD Power results. American cars smacked the imports.

It is just so stereotypical to think that imports are better, that might have been the case in the 80s and most of the 90s, but it is simply not true any more.

Actually looking at the JP Power dependability results...

1. Lexus
2. Porsche
3. Lincoln
4. Buick
5. Cadillac
6. Infiniti
7. Toyota
8. Mercury
9. Honda
10. Acura
11. BMW
12. Ford
13. Chevrolet
14. Chrysler

GM and Ford did earn a record number of model awards in 2005, but they are still a little behind Honda and Toyota. I didn't read enough to see if they factored average cost of repair in there (in which case I would expect the German imports to fair much lower.)

Edit: Hit submit button too soon...ahh Keyboard was made in Malaysia...that explains it. ;-)

[sk1985]

oh, it does...and what do you know about computer manufacturing??

maybe you just don't like "orientals"

Wow...nothing I said was anti-oriental. You really must be one of those strange P.C. people. Seriously don't take offense to every little thing people say. You shouldn't spin what other's say into fabrications (I said nothing against Asians). You read way too deeply into what I wrote. Maybe you don't like Americans. You know White, Black, Asian, and Latin people (Americans come in all colors bro) and thats one of the most wonderful aspects of the USA. Also what do you know about computer manufacturing? Seriously NOTHING...(not that I do either). Truth be told I buy American made products to support American workers. When I buy American made goods I try to support an industry on it's death bed. It's really just a shame.

[davenet]

Because the american cars are so much more reliable than Hondas and Toyotas :rolleyes:

Well, after studying some economics recently, I was made aware that almost all the Toyota & Honda vehicles sold in the USA are made in USA plants by American workers. Sure, alot of the sub-assemblies probably come from abroad, but even Toyota and Honda source parts from companies like Delphi (GM). And the opposite is true too. Alot of GM and Ford parts come from abroad. It really is a global business and pretty difficult to define a foreign or domestic car any more.

David

[AaronHeth]

So..back to the topic of the difference of these two Macintosh Computers. :p

[bah-bah'd]

Actually, yes, they are.

As an example, look at the last JD Power results. American cars smacked the imports.

It is just so stereotypical to think that imports are better, that might have been the case in the 80s and most of the 90s, but it is simply not true any more.

Blah blah blah, they had to improve them or go out of business... I still would rather have an Audi, Saab, Acura, Lexus over anything American.

Lets have an anti-Japanses campaign. We can make a few movies about Detroit auto-compaines and Americans being bought out (or sold out by other Americans. Hmm.) Change popular opinion because noone wants to admit America sucks. Then we can get everyone ready for some kick ass Ford & Dodge ads.

Well the sad truth is the Americans don't care so much for their people either, because you can be trodding about in the city unemployed after your job got outsourced to China, bump into the CEO of say... Apple (!!) and he will just shove you aside :o

We like it this way. Individualism & individual responsibility. We do not pay for adequate education systems, health care, social services or environmental preservation (which greatly affects future industry, not just hippies.)

It has been created like this on purpose. Republicans LOVE the fact that New Orleans and Mississippi get obliterated and they don't have to do ANYTHING. Gulf coast looks the exact same as 6 months ago except for where individuals are cleaning it up themselves.

For some reason though the Federal government has enough money to spend on itself. They can take the world to hell in a handbasket but they can't create a worthy education system or protect from disasters? Why can't we rebuild the gulf coast? Oh, cuz we are rebuilding the the middle east.
$522,000,000,000 for the United States military budget (including funding for Iraq and Afghanistan) Hahahah. We are all suckers~!~!~!~

It is getting to the point that I don't care anymore. If self-centered is how I get ahead in this country, no wonder it is in such a state. I just want to buy my Mac, mow my lawn and make fun of the rest of you Americans for not being as good of a person as me because you don't own the things I do. In other words, be just like the rest of you. The only freedom you have is the freedom to buy things.

AMERICA - **** YEA~!~

Wisconsin Cheese is the best!! You are missing out!!

Because Chinese companies care so much for their employees/people?

Dave, where do you live? I so want to move in next door.

[aussie_geek]

start rant / patriotic speech

We should all be worried about where the products we buy are made. If they are made in the USA, then the buck stops there. You are giving someone in your country money to assemble the computer.

Would you rather support your nations' economy? Reduce the foreign debt?? Hell yeah!!

This applies to all countries. Not just the USA. Here in Australia we are encouraged to buy Australian made AND owned products. Fair enough they might be a little more expensive but you are supporting YOUR country..

end rant / patriotic speach

:D

aussie_geek