Price Drops on PowerBooks?

[MacRumors]

According to the same source (http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2004/01/20040119103102.shtml) of the Feb 3rd PowerBook revision rumors, the 15" and 17" PowerBooks should also see $300 price drops on the same date as the updates.

The update date has wavered between Feb 2nd and 3rd.

Regardless, this information remains uncertain due to the absence of a history of reliable reports from this particular source. Should this prove to be true, further information will be met with more confidence.

[Stoffel]

Yea! I'm so curious. Two days ago the display of my Ti400 broke. So I am on the market for a new powerbook. But not without an update before.....
Well, one week to go.

[flaire]

Price drops on the Powerbooks: smokin, but still difficult to justify for yesterdays processors.

[cyberrob]

price drops are great... but new procs (970FX) would be much better... think the only thing missing in powerbooks are new procs... and maybe someday a little 2 gig fibre channel port ;-)

[simX]

Originally posted by flaire
Price drops on the Powerbooks: smokin, but still difficult to justify for yesterdays processors.

... so then why don't you go and show those Apple engineers how to make a Powerbook G5? Surely you could show them a thing or two. :rolleyes:

[Sabenth]

never gona be satisfied are we :D hope updates do come and prices drop :)

[flaire]

Originally posted by simX
... so then why don't you go and show those Apple engineers how to make a Powerbook G5? Surely you could show them a thing or two. :rolleyes:

I certainly could show them a thing or two; however it would be totally unrelated to any engineering efforts.

I understand the difficulties in upgrading (not updating) the powerbooks, but I am eternally grateful for your aptitude to (and willingness to) point out the obvious for everyone.

[KLFloyd]

Price drops and/or upgrades to only the 15 and 17" model really don't make all that much sense to me when it's obvious that the 12" PowerBook is the one that's screaming for an upgrade.

I think Apple just has to do something to further distinguish the 12" model from the current iBook line. I realize G5's are still a long way off, and even when they do come I don't think I'm going to be an early adopter this time (AppleCare is currently not available in my home state of Florida) I'd like to see a processor bump, backlit keyboard and graphics card upgrade for starters.

Just out of curiosity, does anyone have any information on which PowerBook model is the most popular with buyers. That would be interesting to see.

I have a 15" Titanium now but from a student's perspective the 15" was just too big to take to class on a regular basis. On the other hand, I work in Graphic Design so I NEED the extra power.

I'm starting law school (hopefully) next year and I'm fairly certain my next laptop will be the PowerBook 12" with an external display to hook up to when I'm at my desk.

[varmit]

It is just hope that this rumor is giving us. I was hoping for something yesturday but I guess Apple didn't think the actual birthday was good enough to give updates, they want to wait as long as possible and do it during the super bowl, which was also its birthday. I just didn't like how Apple did nothing yesturday.

As for the design of the powerbooks, I'm sure the new 970FX processors are being rolled out just because of the lower heat and power consumtion, ideal for a lap top.

Price drop, I would like that, because my gf would be able to get one, and then she would be able to get and isight so we can see eachother. Me in PA, she in TN. For now its Yahoo messanger and the webcam sharing. Personal note: has anyone heard any more news about ichat and aim compatability for video chats yet????

[Bear]

Originally posted by KLFloyd
Price drops and/or upgrades to only the 15 and 17" model really don't make all that much sense to me when it's obvious that the 12" PowerBook is the one that's screaming for an upgrade.
... The rumor that this thread is about only talks about price decreases. The other rumor mentioned powerbook updates. So it is possible they may update the 12" without a price drop, or maybe with a smaller price drop. Although I wouldn't bet on the price drop for the 12"

Heck, I wouldn't bet on any rumors being true. Just wait and see what happens.

Having said that, if there is an incrememntal update to the Powerbooks next week, I'll be ordering a 15". If not I may or may not wait a bit longer. No rush, since my current TiBook does most of what I need, and what it doesn't do won't an issue for a few months.

[Bear]

Originally posted by varmit
It is just hope that this rumor is giving us. I was hoping for something yesturday but I guess Apple didn't think the actual birthday was good enough to give updates, they want to wait as long as possible and do it during the super bowl, which was also its birthday. I just didn't like how Apple did nothing yesturday.

...The is the possibility of announcements tomorrow of course. What apple would be announcing has been suggested to be Powermac updates this week as well as possibly display updates.

All we can do is wait and see. And not worry about it. If I had to purchase a machine fairly soon, I might be more concerned about what might be announced in the near future.

Apple will announce things when they are ready. I doubt Apple will do announcements on the weekend, but with the Superbowl, you never know. I still doubt it since Apple is said not to have an ad in the Superbowl.

[Grimace]

The 15" is the most popular - then the 12", then the 17".

[ant_s]

PowerBooks are at the cheapest they've ever been, really - I got the 15" SuperDrive AlBook in December and, although it's expensive, I think it represents the best value high-end notebook on the market. You look for a similarly specced PC machine that has a similar build quality (none exist!), even if they did - would cost more than the PowerBook.

Price drops would be welcome, however, to further enforce this fact and hopefully get even more switchers like myself. Don't expect G5s in the updated PowerBooks, it won't happen - not yet.

I'm finding it hard to wonder how Apple can improve the PowerBooks, other than the on-going processor speed, RAM, hard drive space...


Just my 2c

[Bear]

Originally posted by ant_s
...
I'm finding it hard to wonder how Apple can improve the PowerBooks, other than the on-going processor speed, RAM, hard drive space...
... RAM speed could be improved in addition to the maximum ram.

Also, the superdrive speed could be increased.

And the LCD contrast could be increased.

[Ambrose Chapel]

Well, Apple did drop the price of the last generation of Power Mac G4...everyone (who was paying attention) knew the G5 was coming soon, and I guess Apple figured they needed to give people a reason to buy now rather than wait. Maybe it's the same for the PB G4...

[ThomasJefferson]

Originally posted by Ambrose Chapel
Well, Apple did drop the price of the last generation of Power Mac G4...everyone (who was paying attention) knew the G5 was coming soon, and I guess Apple figured they needed to give people a reason to buy now rather than wait. Maybe it's the same for the PB G4...

I agree. I think the mac addicts are aware of the G5 powerbook and are holding onto their cash. This next upgrade will be tempting to me. I have always avoided the first version of a product. Considering the leap necessary to wedge a G5 into a powerbook, I may buy the 12 in powerbook now and wait till the second rev of the G5 powerbook.

Tempt me, Apple. Watch me give in.

[wordmunger]

Originally posted by Bear
RAM speed could be improved in addition to the maximum ram.

Also, the superdrive speed could be increased.

And the LCD contrast could be increased.
Also, bigger hard drives, higher monitor resolutions.

And what about some "wow" features--something to really set them apart from PCs. A new battery technology, maybe--something that doubles or triples battery life? Integrated iSight? A new speaker technology to give more lifelike sound? A better way for laptops to work with ipods--I'd like to just plug my ipod right into the top of the computer while it's closed and recharging, to automatically recharge and sync without the need for any cords.

[`Mackdaddy]

I bought my new powerbook 15" 4 days ago. I'm loving it. What I'm curious about tho is when Apple's gonna come out with a new powerbook.... any ideas?

[jeremy2]

I don't think the G5s are ready for the powerbooks yet. Even with the revision, they put out more than twice the power of the current g4 in the powerbooks.

[Bear]

Originally posted by `Mackdaddy
I bought my new powerbook 15" 4 days ago. I'm loving it. What I'm curious about tho is when Apple's gonna come out with a new powerbook.... any ideas? An integrated camera is a bad idea. A lot of companies don't allow cameras on their property. This also means the cell phones with cameras can be a problem.

[Raiden]

I dont care about price drops, ive been working since the summer, saved 3000 dollars, and now all I want from apple is to release a 15 inch G5 powerbook so I can buy it for my freshman year of college.

Though 300 bucks is a big drop though...

[jnasato]

I'm not looking to buy a new PowerBook, but $300 price drops would be nice.
Man, the cost of portability...

[BagelTycoon]

Originally posted by Ambrose Chapel
Well, Apple did drop the price of the last generation of Power Mac G4...

* * *

Maybe it's the same for the PB G4...

At last year's 2003 MWSF keynote, Steve talked about how portables represented a hugely growing % of Apple sales; CFO Fred Anderson repeated the same mantra when announcing Q1 results (http://www.apple.com/quicktime/qtv/earningsq104/) the other week.

Since the Wintel notebook market seems to remain strong & steady, it would make sense for Apple to drop PB prices.

Still, I think it makes far more sense to drop the iBook pricepoint, rather than PBs. The new G4 iBooks prices have minimized the gap between entry evel portability & the hi-end market.

For the non-education market, Apple's small price gap between combo drive G4 iBooks & PBs packed with 40 GB & 640 RAM, Bluetooth AirPort Extreme ($1423 v. $1798) seems small (note: these specs have a PB configured at 512 RAM, since 640 ins't an option). With that difference, you'd think that iBook sales would be eaten away by folks making the jump to PBs.

The solution would seem to be: drop the entry level iBook price another $200-$250, and make AirPort Extreme a standard feature across the entire notebook line.

[NNO-Stephen]

Originally posted by Raiden
I dont care about price drops, ive been working since the summer, saved 3000 dollars, and now all I want from apple is to release a 15 inch G5 powerbook so I can buy it for my freshman year of college.

Though 300 bucks is a big drop though...

I'm in the same position as you man. I'm starting my freshmen year of college in the fall and would love for Apple to have a G5 stuck in a PowerBook by then. I'm getting it for my birthday which is in june, so maybe I can just hold off till WWDC at the latest so that I can actually get my BTO machine in time :D but if I have to, I'll get a cheap used iBook or PowerBook G3 to hold me over till they do get a G5 in there.

[virividox]

dont hold ur breath for the pb g5, they havent even gotten a new version for the desktops. i cant see them upgrading the powerbooks tho with speed bumps. what would be the point

[Bear]

Originally posted by virividox
dont hold ur breath for the pb g5, they havent even gotten a new version for the desktops. i cant see them upgrading the powerbooks tho with speed bumps. what would be the point To answer your second bit first, if Apple needs to tweak components in the powerbook due to availability, they're better off doing an incremental speed boost so they can get some mileage from the component changes. Also, a little more speed could be enough for some people to buy a new machine.

As for a Powerbook G5, I also think it is too soon, however, if they had a cool enough G5 to run at say 1.4 GHz, I could see them doing a powerbook with it before they did the Powermac upgrades. However, I expect we'll see powermac upgrades soon I also expect powerbook upgrades, but only to slightly faster G4s and other incremental improvements (and hopefully a price drop).

[elmerfudd]

I would never get a G5 PB before 60nm, second generation. If you want a powerbook wait for the next incremental update and buy. Personally I ordered a 12" some weeks ago and hope to get it AFTER the rumored updates http://forums.macrumors.com/newreply.php?s=&action=newreply&threadid=57315#
it's too underspecced for a powerbook...

Short of a miracle, don't get to huffed about G5 PBs, even if they come out, it would likely be in 17" models for people that can waste money on expensive, buggy, first generation toys that they can flash around. If you want to du useful work buy an established technology.

[psycho bob]

whats the point of using faster RAM the bus can't utilise whats in there at the moment.
Last time I looked Mororola were downsizing and selling off their processor and semiconductor departments. We aint goin above 1.42 GHz G4's. Can't see 1.42's goin in either otherwise surely they would have been used already?
I think just price cuts.

[Bear]

Originally posted by psycho bob
whats the point of using faster RAM the bus can't utilise whats in there at the moment.
Last time I looked Mororola were downsizing and selling off their processor and semiconductor departments. We aint goin above 1.42 GHz G4's. Can't see 1.42's goin in either otherwise surely they would have been used already?
I think just price cuts. Well, they could increase the RAM speed. They could also just increase the seed of the 15" to 1.33GHz. Of course they could just tweak the superdrive speed and some other minor things. Any of the above mixed with a price drop would be good in my opinion.

[rmac]

As someone who has owned:
a first-gen PPC desktop, first-gen G4 desktop and first-gen Powerbook G4, I don't understand what all the fuss is about waiting. They were all great machines. The Powerbook G4 has some issues (keyboard needed replacement and monitor has vertical lines in it now), but someone else owned it for the first 2 years and gave it quite a bit of a beating, so can't say whether that's normal.

Anyway, if I had waited for the second-gen G4 desktop, would have been a long wait, and those weren't that much of an improvement either. Granted, we are hoping progress will be quicker now with IBM, but generally timeframes between first and second-gen machines is much longer than, say, third and fourth.

[NNO-Stephen]

with the G4s, there really is nowhere to go. they can maybe get in an OCd G4 at 1.42Ghz but then the heat issue is still about the same as it would be to get a 90nm G5 in there, so no point in going that direction for the relatively small performance increase. just stick in 1.4 and maybe 1.6Ghz 970FX processors. yeah, it's not "that easy" you may say, but seriously, they NEED it to separate the PowerBooks from the iBooks. they need the G5s MORE than the PowerMacs do.

[rog]

I think the portable line would sell a lot better if a few things happened regarding prices. $999 tops for a 12" ibook. $1199 for a 14" iBook that does 1152x854. $1399 for a 1.33 GHz 12" PB, $1499 with SuperDrive. Make the highest priced 15" only $1999, and the top 17" only $2499. They need to be far cheaper considering how much slower they are than G5 desktops and PC world offerings. Put Airport Extreme cards in all the PBs and AE option in the iBooks. Put 7200 RPM drives in the 15 & 17" PBs and 5400 RPM in iBooks and 12" PBs. Give the iBooks the 512kb L2 model G4s and add substantial L3 cache to all the PBs.

[NNO-Stephen]

that would push the iBook and the Powerbook lines too close together. that's why Apple has to cripple the iBooks the way they do. if they dont, then they will literally eat the sales of PowerBooks down to nothingness. the iBooks can become more full featured once the PowerBooks go to the G5 processors. till that happens, the PowerBooks (and iBooks) will see no real advances in anything at all as they have nowhere to go! iMacs also won't get G5s till PowerBooks do because they won't put a consumer desktop higher than a professional notebook. Apple knows they need a G5 PowerBook soon, but how soon is the only question.

I doubt it'll be this revision, but if it is, holy **** I'm ordering :) but, if it isn't, dont expect anything except maybe a 1.42Ghz high end model with 1.33 and 1.25 filling out the rest.

[Mord]

Originally posted by jeremy2
I don't think the G5s are ready for the powerbooks yet. Even with the revision, they put out more than twice the power of the current g4 in the powerbooks.

no they don't the 90nm 970fx dissipates 10 watts at 1.4ghz compared to the 1.33ghz g4's 13 watts

your probably comparing the 130nm g5

[pigwin32]

Originally posted by elmerfudd
I would never get a G5 PB before 60nm, second generation. If you want a powerbook wait for the next incremental update and buy.
.snip.
even if they come out, it would likely be in 17" models for people that can waste money on expensive, buggy, first generation toys that they can flash around. If you want to du useful work buy an established technology.
Golly, lots of meaty goodness here. Are you suggesting waiting for three years to buy a 2nd gen 60nm G6 PB (a 60nm chip is news to me, according to AppleInsider (http://www.appleinsider.com/news.php?id=247) IBM is aiming for a 65nm PPC980). Personally I enjoy using new tech, I've been hoarding my pennies for months now to upgrade my still useful but aging TiBook 667 and I'm going to wait for the G5 PB. There's nothing compelling about the current crop of AlBooks that would incline me to upgrade sooner. But suggesting the first gen G5 PB will be a toy and incapable of useful work is an astonishing claim. Maybe time to wipe some of the fud off your glasses elmer?

[cb911]

oh no!! :eek: i just got my PB (when they were released), i could have waited and got better features and a $300 (roughly AUD$5-600) price drop!:eek: :p

oh well, still glad to have been enjoying my PB all this time, but it would be good to see a small upgrade to the PB's, and a price drop would be sweet.

as long as Apple keeps up a regular release schedule... alot of people will be happy. :D

[aswitcher]

If the PBs get a slight speed hike and a price cut, then I think we can assume that it will be sometime before we see G5 PBs...Why tempt people in to buy a machine that is soon to be superceeded?

[Ambrose Chapel]

Originally posted by aswitcher
If the PBs get a slight speed hike and a price cut, then I think we can assume that it will be sometime before we see G5 PBs...Why tempt people in to buy a machine that is soon to be superceeded?

not necessarily
my point in a previous post was that apple price-cut the last generation of Power Mac G4 to give people a reason to buy an aging platform that was soon to be obsolete. those came out in Jan and the G5 came out in June (or Sept). so this could be history repeating.

[Bear]

Originally posted by Ambrose Chapel
not necessarily
my point in a previous post was that apple price-cut the last generation of Power Mac G4 to give people a reason to buy an aging platform that was soon to be obsolete. those came out in Jan and the G5 came out in June (or Sept). so this could be history repeating. Actually the G4 isn't obsolete, especially since Virtual PC won't run on the G5 yet.

And if Apple odes do an update, why not, some people do need to replace their systems now, so why not let them get something that's [slightly] better?

History has a habit of repeating itself. Humans are hard headed and slow to learn.:rolleyes:

[aswitcher]

Originally posted by Ambrose Chapel
not necessarily
my point in a previous post was that apple price-cut the last generation of Power Mac G4 to give people a reason to buy an aging platform that was soon to be obsolete. those came out in Jan and the G5 came out in June (or Sept). so this could be history repeating.

Well 4 or 5 months is still a far amount of time for those in need like me. But I also think it will be longer of the PM G5's 3.0GHz are slated for May/June because Apple will be busy with them...

[centauratlas]

Originally posted by wordmunger
Integrated iSight? A new speaker technology to give more lifelike sound? A better way for laptops to work with ipods--I'd like to just plug my ipod right into the top of the computer while it's closed and recharging, to automatically recharge and sync without the need for any cords.

I like all three of those. Particularly the integrated iSight as an option. That would be nice - nothing else to lug around.

[elmerfudd]

apples and oranges baby. I'm upgrading from an aging iMac DV and a slightly better 12" would be great. You're upgrading from an 'ageing' Tibook. I guess if we met in the real world I would be the guy cleaning your office :o

[tsk]

D'oh! Damn you Apple.

I've all but decided on the iBook now and then you do this to me.

I'm looking at the prices and this doesn't seem totally plausible to me:


12" PB $1599 (edu $1399)
15" PB $1699 (edu $1499)
17" PB $2699 (edu $2399)

So $100 more for the 15"? It seems to me if they drop the prices on the 15" $300 they've gotta drop the 12" price and also the iBook pricing.

I know that all this stuff is rumors but it seems kinda odd to me that this would be the new pricing.

[Steven1621]

i have accepted the fact that i just don't need a g5 in my powerbook and would certainly welcome a pricedrop. i would put the money saved towards more ram.

[sboyle]

The fall in the value of the Dollar has left US and Rest of World prices seriously out of allignment. 17" is US$2999 versus €2999 (+21% sales tax) in Ireland.

That's $4605.66 at today's rate! At least 3 acquiantances have either flown to the US or flown their relatives home for the holidays to get one.

A €300 price reduction would not be outrageous.

(Most US resellers have a notice on their website saying Apple prohibits them from selling to international customers).

[pigwin32]

Originally posted by elmerfudd
apples and oranges baby. I'm upgrading from an aging iMac DV and a slightly better 12" would be great. You're upgrading from an 'ageing' Tibook. I guess if we met in the real world I would be the guy cleaning your office :o
Actually my cubicle is just the way I like it and if I catch you moving anything you're in big trouble. BTW, just read on The Register (http://www.theregister.co.uk/content/39/35057.html) that a 1.4GHz 90nm G5 consumes 12.3W. Surely that new G5 PB can't be far away. Interested in a used TiBook?

[ITR 81]

Originally posted by varmit
It is just hope that this rumor is giving us. I was hoping for something yesturday but I guess Apple didn't think the actual birthday was good enough to give updates, they want to wait as long as possible and do it during the super bowl, which was also its birthday. I just didn't like how Apple did nothing yesturday.

As for the design of the powerbooks, I'm sure the new 970FX processors are being rolled out just because of the lower heat and power consumtion, ideal for a lap top.

Price drop, I would like that, because my gf would be able to get one, and then she would be able to get and isight so we can see eachother. Me in PA, she in TN. For now its Yahoo messanger and the webcam sharing. Personal note: has anyone heard any more news about ichat and aim compatability for video chats yet????

Apple opened it's 74th Apple store yesterday and did a give away.

[bnemesis]

Im about to buy a new powerbook and went to Macwarehouse.com and clicked on the powerbook graphic on the front page.

It says "15" Powerbooks starting at $1795"

I guess Ill call them tommarow and see if its a typo or a lesser model then the base 15".

Macwarehouse Powerbook page (http://www.cdw.com/webcontent/hubs/mw/family/powerbook.asp)

[MikeAtari]

I'm starting to think a PB G5 isn't so far off. There's no upgrade path from Motorola, the IBook is using a G4 and the current Powerbooks have an upgrade program in place( to move inventory? ).

Of course, we don't want to be disappointed by premature speculation...

[RichP]

Originally posted by bnemesis
Im about to buy a new powerbook and went to Macwarehouse.com and clicked on the powerbook graphic on the front page.

It says "15" Powerbooks starting at $1795"

I guess Ill call them tommarow and see if its a typo or a lesser model then the base 15".

Macwarehouse Powerbook page (http://www.cdw.com/webcontent/hubs/mw/family/powerbook.asp)

Strange, you cant click on a model at those lowered prices; in addition, it seems like the rebates do not addup to that amount of savings.

[Delta-9]

Here is a hint if you want to get a good deal on a powerbook.

The price I got was better than what I could've received from Apple on a refurbished model. This powerbook was an open box return and was marked down to slighty over $1100 (combo drive).

What I did, was make some phone calls to Micro Centers around the country. Often times they have open box returns that are not advertised on their website. I found one and had it shipped out from the retail Micro Center store.

The powerbook I have here does have a 1yr warranty, however it is from the original purchase date. So I end up getting a 10 month warranty instead of 12. I also didn't get the most recent OS versions, however that didn't matter to me. In the end I got the powerbook shipped over night with an airport extreme card for less than $1300, about a $90 savings over buying it from Apple.

[agentkow]

Well after I ordered my new 15" Powerbook 2 weeks ago and then after supposedly shipping last week it got mysteriously moved to Feb 2nd because of a "manufacturing delay", I just hope this rumour comes true.

Or alternatively, my Powerbook could just arrive already.

[yoman]

Originally posted by Delta-9
Here is a hint if you want to get a good deal on a powerbook.

The price I got was better than what I could've received from Apple on a refurbished model. This powerbook was an open box return and was marked down to slighty over $1100 (combo drive).

What I did, was make some phone calls to Micro Centers around the country. Often times they have open box returns that are not advertised on their website. I found one and had it shipped out from the retail Micro Center store.

The powerbook I have here does have a 1yr warranty, however it is from the original purchase date. So I end up getting a 10 month warranty instead of 12. I also didn't get the most recent OS versions, however that didn't matter to me. In the end I got the powerbook shipped over night with an airport extreme card for less than $1300, about a $90 savings over buying it from Apple.

I'm too lazy to go through all that work to save $90 on a powerbook. Now if it would save me $91 then I would jump on the idea. :)

[br0wnbuffer]

I'm pretty sure that the 12" PB Combo model will be dropped. It really offered only speed as the differentiator between it and the 12" iBook (slight bumps in HD/RAM), and it costs $500 more, so it probably wasn't selling well the last few months. If Apple isn't throwing new designs into the mix, they'll keep the same bus and memory speeds, along with the built-in RAM, which are handicaps for the 12" board. So even though the speculation isn't that the 12" models will be affected, I think they will, because it makes the most sense to make moves along that line.

The 15" Combo will probably be kept because a budget 15" model is needed. If it got a speed bump along with the high-end 15", it might be difficult to differentiate the two models.

The 17" would benefit from getting both a speed bump and price drop.

I don't think a PB G5 will happen until WWDC this year at the earliest. If Apple announced Xserve G5 and the iPod, both of which won't ship for another two months, I can't see Apple releasing a PB G5 any sooner because of the need to fill Xserve orders and because of the testing required on PB G5 concepts. The heat problem on the 970FX is probably overblown, but the heat given by the high-speed controller chip and the faster bus is definitely a concern. Notice how most PC notebook manufacturers have gone with fairly thick plastic cases for their P4-based models, not just the "desktop replacement" types? This is no accident. I just hope that people aren't too disappointed when they see that a PB G5 isn't as elegantly designed as the G4 was.

[Finiksa]

Originally posted by br0wnbuffer
I'm pretty sure that the 12" PB Combo model will be dropped.

* snip *

The 15" Combo will probably be kept because a budget 15" model is needed.

I suspect they'd do the same thing they do with the G5 Power Mac currently and have SuperDrive standard with the option to BTO a Combo drive on all models.

[MacNut]

First off I love my 15PB that i got just after xmas, no complaints here. But i remember hearing a rumor of a 15.4 inch Powerbook. What are the chances that those could be in the works. Now lets take that a step further and say that Apple could release a 12.2 inch Powerbook.

[reyesmac]

Anyone that wants G5 powerbooks needs to see what happened to all the people that wanted G5 macs. They waited since the Powermac was stuck at 500mhz. Many rumors came and went about how the powermacs were going to go past the 1ghz barrier. The G4 went to 1.25 and 1.44 with over-clocking. I think powerbook users will have to wait for quite some time until IBM makes a new chip just for laptops that runs nice and cool and can be sold to apple in large quantities. Once they have it, it will be another half year until G5 Powerbooks hit the streets.

Just because Apple came out with the G5 eventually that doesn't mean they are going to start coming out with great updates to the powerbook line in a timely manner. They never have and they probably never will under Steve Jobs. I think major overhauls in the Powerbook line every 2-3 years is going to have to be good enough. Just keep the price right and the OS fast and people will have less to complain about.

[Bear]

Originally posted by Delta-9
Here is a hint if you want to get a good deal on a powerbook.

The price I got was better than what I could've received from Apple on a refurbished model. This powerbook was an open box return and was marked down to slighty over $1100 (combo drive).

What I did, was make some phone calls to Micro Centers around the country. Often times they have open box returns that are not advertised on their website. I found one and had it shipped out from the retail Micro Center store.

The powerbook I have here does have a 1yr warranty, however it is from the original purchase date. So I end up getting a 10 month warranty instead of 12. I also didn't get the most recent OS versions, however that didn't matter to me. In the end I got the powerbook shipped over night with an airport extreme card for less than $1300, about a $90 savings over buying it from Apple. Did you include the cost of all those phone calls in your $$$ figures?

How much is having a shorter warranty costing you?

Do you know why the Powerbook was returned?

In your savings $$$$, did you remember to factor in the cost of an OS upgrade if it didn't come with the latest OS?

I think this purchase falls under "pennywise and pound foolish".

[MetallicPenguin]

Originally posted by reyesmac
Anyone that wants G5 powerbooks needs to see what happened to all the people that wanted G5 macs. They waited since the Powermac was stuck at 500mhz. Many rumors came and went about how the powermacs were going to go past the 1ghz barrier. The G4 went to 1.25 and 1.44 with over-clocking. I think powerbook users will have to wait for quite some time until IBM makes a new chip just for laptops that runs nice and cool and can be sold to apple in large quantities. Once they have it, it will be another half year until G5 Powerbooks hit the streets.

Just because Apple came out with the G5 eventually that doesn't mean they are going to start coming out with great updates to the powerbook line in a timely manner. They never have and they probably never will under Steve Jobs. I think major overhauls in the Powerbook line every 2-3 years is going to have to be good enough. Just keep the price right and the OS fast and people will have less to complain about.

While you may be right, I don't think we'll have to wait too much longer (I'd say by the end of the year we'll have one, if not then maybe at 2005's MWSF. I would hope I don't have to wait that long though.

[dryvlee]

Originally posted by Bear
Did you include the cost of all those phone calls in your $$$ figures?

How much is having a shorter warranty costing you?

Do you know why the Powerbook was returned?

In your savings $$$$, did you remember to factor in the cost of an OS upgrade if it didn't come with the latest OS?

I think this purchase falls under "pennywise and pound foolish".

Although I agree with you on this, only because our time is precious. For someone else, they may have all the time in the world to kill and hence will not see our logic.

[imnotatfault]

The 15" Powerbook I had ordered on the 15th is on back order. Possibly low on supplies to bring in the new updates?

[Bear]

Originally posted by dryvlee
Although I agree with you on this, only because our time is precious. For someone else, they may have all the time in the world to kill and hence will not see our logic. Time and the cost of taking the time to track it down is something I hadn't included in my list.

I tried to include items that have or would have a real $$$ cost to everyone. Most notcably, $129 for an OS upgrade is more than the $90 the person saved with all the phone call costs and the time they used finding the returned unit.

[Bear]

Originally posted by imnotatfault
The 15" Powerbook I had ordered on the 15th is on back order. Possibly low on supplies to bring in the new updates? It would be of more use to know the expected delivery date as well as the order date. Just telling us it is on backorder doesn't tell us much.

Also, including any extra options you ordered would help. Sometimes a part (80GB 5400rpm disk for instance) gets backordered and causes delays.

In this case a lot of people are seeing delays on their orders, but without knowing if there is a part backorder, it's hard to tell the actual reason for the delay.

[dryvlee]

Originally posted by Bear
Time and the cost of taking the time to track it down is something I hadn't included in my list.

I tried to include items that have or would have a real $$$ cost to everyone. Most notcably, $129 for an OS upgrade is more than the $90 the person saved with all the phone call costs and the time they used finding the returned unit.

Exactly, my point. Those with prices are just that while the time spent and opportunity lost may be priceless.

[imnotatfault]

Originally posted by Bear
It would be of more use to know the expected delivery date as well as the order date. Just telling us it is on backorder doesn't tell us much.

Also, including any extra options you ordered would help. Sometimes a part (80GB 5400rpm disk for instance) gets backordered and causes delays.

In this case a lot of people are seeing delays on their orders, but without knowing if there is a part backorder, it's hard to tell the actual reason for the delay.


est. shipping is 01/30
ordered the 5400rpm hard drive and a single 512 mb ram stick.

well, it seems like there's no new announcements today, as some had suggested.

[boros]

I also just bought a M-C Open-Box 12". I just walked into the local M-C and asked if they had open box. I got a 12" 887 with an extended 2 year warranty and 512MB RAM for $1,330 out the door... tax included. I also paid $100 for a AP Extreme card, so that brings the grand total to about $1,450 with tax for the P-Book, RAM, AP Extreme, 2yr warranty, and tax.

They sold me the P-Book for $1,045 provided I buy a 1 year warranty extension for an extra $100. I think this was a fair savings over the Apple Refurb Web Site. Now, of course, I fully expect Apple to do something to the P-Book line to make me wish I'd waited...


Originally posted by Delta-9
Here is a hint if you want to get a good deal on a powerbook.

The price I got was better than what I could've received from Apple on a refurbished model. This powerbook was an open box return and was marked down to slighty over $1100 (combo drive).

What I did, was make some phone calls to Micro Centers around the country. Often times they have open box returns that are not advertised on their website. I found one and had it shipped out from the retail Micro Center store.

The powerbook I have here does have a 1yr warranty, however it is from the original purchase date. So I end up getting a 10 month warranty instead of 12. I also didn't get the most recent OS versions, however that didn't matter to me. In the end I got the powerbook shipped over night with an airport extreme card for less than $1300, about a $90 savings over buying it from Apple. :(

[luggnutt]

Originally posted by tsk
12" PB $1599 (edu $1399)
15" PB $1699 (edu $1499)
17" PB $2699 (edu $2399)

So $100 more for the 15"? It seems to me if they drop the prices on the 15" $300 they've gotta drop the 12" price and also the iBook pricing.

Remember that the form factor costs, too. Do any PC laptops squeeze down to 12"? I've always thought the 12" could cost more because you are paying for the smaller size.

With laptops, you pay more to get a bigger screen and more to get a smaller body. perhaps here the second overrides the first.

Of course, that is all assuming some performance upgrades to the 12".....

[bdkennedy1]

Originally posted by varmit
It is just hope that this rumor is giving us. I was hoping for something yesturday but I guess Apple didn't think the actual birthday was good enough to give updates, they want to wait as long as possible and do it during the super bowl, which was also its birthday. I just didn't like how Apple did nothing yesturday.


I'm having trouble comprehending why they chose to do nothing on such an important and widely publicized day. I definitely feel let down.

[ectocooler]

I ordered a 15" on the 16th and its been delayed to....YOU GUESSED IT....

Feb 3rd, 2004

I emailed apple asking them what their policies were in the case of:

-Refunds in a price drop
-Do they refund if the technology gets better but they dont change the price

This was their reply:

Thank you for contacting Apple.

Apple does not comment on rumors about decisions, products, programs, or promotions that Apple has not officially announced. Apple telephone representatives learn about new products and price changes when Apple makes formal public announcements, and not before.

By withholding comment, Apple hopes to protect customers from making decisions based on information that is incomplete, inaccurate, or subject to change before the formal announcement. Apple believes this is the best way to ensure that all customers are treated fairly.

To stay up to date on Apple news, visit Apple Hot News at
<http://www.apple.com/hotnews>.

Should Apple reduce its price on any shipped product within 10 calendar days of shipment, you may contact Apple Sales Support at 1-800-676-2775 to request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current selling price.  To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 business days of shipment. For more information about Apple's price protection policy, please visit <http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html#Apple%20Prices>.

Sincerely,
The Apple Store Team

[BagelTycoon]

Originally posted by ectocooler
I emailed apple asking them what their policies were in the case of:

-Refunds in a price drop
-Do they refund if the technology gets better but they dont change the price

This was their reply:

* * *

Should Apple reduce its price on any shipped product within 10 calendar days of shipment, you may contact Apple Sales Support at 1-800-676-2775 to request a refund or credit of the difference between the price you were charged and the current selling price.  To receive the refund or credit you must contact Apple within 14 business days of shipment. For more information about Apple's price protection policy, please visit <http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/salespolicies.html#Apple%20Prices>.



Thanks. This is helpful and leads me to risk waiting until after the first few days in February before making a new PBook decision.

I was thinking about getting a refurbed 12" sooner, I'll wait to see what's new.

[lind0834]

Wasn't there a news bite some months ago about how IBM had made a G3 chip that was faster than the G4s?
I'd like to see those in the PB if heat issues keep the G5 out of its league. Could call them the G5m.. take a page out of Intel's book.

Whatever the course they take, Apple got lucky Motorola designed the G4 so the same chip can be put in a desktop or a laptop. As much as I hate the ol Mot, they deserve some credit. I think they'll have to get IBM to create a different chip for thier laptops.. Not just a G5 clocked lower, or a smaller G5, but something different.

http://www.macrumors.com/pages/2003/12/20031211140409.shtml

[SiliconAddict]

What could Apple do in future versions of *books?


How about a higher quality on Rev A devices. Ya know. The ones some people stay away from like the plague because Apple has a rep of having plenty of bugs in them.
How about a system bus that is somewhat respectable? Right now the current PowerBook's system bus speed is about 1/3 that of a laptops which is obviously a bottleneck.
How about options for a higher res on the 17" PowerBook? Someone from our corp HQ in Chicago rolled in with his new Thankpad G last Thursday. Had to setup his system for our office so while I was doing that I update his patchs. *sighs* patches. Anyways. The resolution was 1600 x 1200. Oh MY GOD! I think I almost had a geek orgasm right there.
Battery life could use a major boost.
As I've ranted before the Pentium M blows current G4 PowerBooks out of the water so there is a lot room for improvement there as well. (Lets face it the G4 is dead in anything but the ibook lines anyways so it's a moot point.
How about a set of decent speakers in the not so rare occasion when someone wants to listen to some music while they work or watch a movie without the headphones. The PowerBooks speakers are marginally acceptable but the iBooks are instruments of torture. My previous Compaq, and my current Toshiba (That has a freaking sub built in.) kicks the crap out of the speakers found on any *book.
OK so this is a personal pref but how about design the PowerBook series so that the touchpad and the mouse section can be upgraded on the site when you config your purchase to allow *drum roll* a two button mouse. I'm sitting here with the maintenance manuals for the 17" PowerBook. I'm seeing the layout inside the thing. This IS doable.
Possible overkill alert: IBM notebooks have a very cool feature called a security subsystem. This is basically a set of chips that store what on Macs are called keychains, along with other things such as VPN certs, and personal information. The software IBM has directly integrates into these chips allowing these keys to be in a more secure location. In addition to that from what I've read on IBM's site these chips aid in the encryption and decryption process taking the load off of the CPU. It's a very nice feature for those interested in security. For the average user this isn't a major concern but for last say someone in the healthcare industry or insurance industry, or [insert industry here that needs a very secure environment] it's a highly useful tool.
This is a little out there yet but OLED screen. Other then the CPU one of the biggest battery drainers is the LCD esp on something like the 17" PowerBook. An OLED screen would be a godsend.


I could go on and on.

[aswitcher]

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
What could Apple do in future versions of *books?

[list]
How about a higher quality on Rev A devices. Ya know. The ones some people stay away from like the plague because Apple has a rep of having plenty of bugs in them.

> Yep.

How about a system bus that is somewhat respectable? Right now the current PowerBook's system bus speed is about 1/3 that of a laptops which is obviously a bottleneck.

> Definitely

How about options for a higher res on the 17" PowerBook? Someone from our corp HQ in Chicago rolled in with his new Thankpad G last Thursday. Had to setup his system for our office so while I was doing that I update his patchs. *sighs* patches. Anyways. The resolution was 1600 x 1200. Oh MY GOD! I think I almost had a geek orgasm right there.

> Would be very attractive...

SNIP



WiFi as standard seems to me might actually be cheaper than as an option...giving it to everybody brings the costs down.

If they could also pull the keyboard on the 17" a few inches towards the middle away from the screen, I think that would be an improvment.

Jason

[john123]

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
I think I almost had a geek orgasm right there.

gross...

[michaelrjohnson]

well, once agian, i am one of those people waiting for updates... except this time i cant' afford it. {sigh} oh well, someday, someday

[Delta-9]

Originally posted by Bear

I think this purchase falls under "pennywise and pound foolish".

Actually, what I failed to mention was the fact that the model on the Apple site hadn't been available for sometime. In the days that I waited I decided to make those phone calls. Phone calls are essentually free since I have a cell phone. LD Charges, what are they?

Had the product became available on the apple.com website it might've bought from them, but in the end, I wanted it and didn't want to wait. I plan on buying AppleCare before the warranty is up, so the difference in warranty isn't a concern. As far as the laptop itself goes. I was told that it was a return and went through testing and works 100%. No problems with it in the least. My guess is that it was a gift of some sort and was returned in MicroCenter's 7day window where you don't need a reason to return an item.

[SiliconAddict]

Originally posted by john123
gross...

Would it have helped if I had said ;)

I like tech. But not THAT much!!

[SiliconAddict]

Oh. Another wish list item. Laptop docking stations. This would be soo simple to impliment with having an interface on the bottem of the laptop that attaches to a dock. Life is soo much simpler with a docking station. Plug in your power, monitor, keyboard, mouse, PDA, scanner, Eithernet, and printer into the dock vs. needing to take the time to plug these things into the PowerBook itself.

[segundo]

I totally agree, a docking station (or a port replicator) would be so nice. This could be yet another feature that would distinguish the PowerBooks from the iBooks.

[singletrack]

I do hope they drop the UK prices more. With the USD <> GBP exchange rate at the moment, I can fly to New York from London with the girlfriend for the weekend, buy a PB15 with Superdrive and get back and still have money left over in comparison to the UK price.

[john123]

Originally posted by SiliconAddict
Would it have helped if I had said ;)

I like tech. But not THAT much!!

It just created a powerful yet disturbing visual.....

[cancerward]

Originally posted by singletrack
I do hope they drop the UK prices more. With the USD <> GBP exchange rate at the moment, I can fly to New York from London with the girlfriend for the weekend, buy a PB15 with Superdrive and get back and still have money left over in comparison to the UK price.

Seconded, as an Aussie I can see that the CA, SG, KR, TW, US and HK prices have all dropped significantly in $A. Only UK, EU, AU and NZ have stayed about the same over the last two months. I used to be angry about it, but the only way to force a change is to stop buying. What happens is that Apple passes on exchange rate improvements much much more slowly than exchange rate depreciations. Mac buyers must be suckers! :confused:

Still, doing a lexis-nexis search, I see that the PB15SD dropped from $A4995 to $A3799 in June 03. And since $A1 is slightly more than $C1, I only need to look at the Canada store to see about what the price SHOULD be - it's set at the US price + 10%.

[durvivor]

I was in the Apple store at Aspen Grove in Colorado yesterday evening.

I was just there to pick up iLife & noticed that there were NO PowerBooks on display except for one. The one was on the table where they keep the sample photo book.

The regular display table for PowerBooks (to the left of the front doors as you enter the store) was empty.

Could this mean anything? Or were they just in the back for a cleaning?

[aswitcher]

Originally posted by cancerward
Seconded, as an Aussie I can see that the CA, SG, KR, TW, US and HK prices have all dropped significantly in $A. Only UK, EU, AU and NZ have stayed about the same over the last two months. I used to be angry about it, but the only way to force a change is to stop buying. What happens is that Apple passes on exchange rate improvements much much more slowly than exchange rate depreciations. Mac buyers must be suckers! :confused:

Still, doing a lexis-nexis search, I see that the PB15SD dropped from $A4995 to $A3799 in June 03. And since $A1 is slightly more than $C1, I only need to look at the Canada store to see about what the price SHOULD be - it's set at the US price + 10%.

Australian pricing really seems unreasonable with the Aussie dollar at 77 US cents

iMacs are 37% above US - thats $1042AUD more than in USA for 20"
PMacs are 36% - thats $1404.19 more than in USA for Dual 2Ghz
Screens are 40% - thats $902.90 more than in USA for 23"
iBooks are 34% - thats $652.25 for 14" 1Ghz
PBooks are 43% - The highest is the 12"PB Super at 45.5%! or $1062.64 more. And try $1604.19 for 17" PB

Yet servers are only 24%
and iPods are barely GST at about 10%

Why are we paying SO much more - real terms

Jason

[ghostboy]

I am soooo hanging out for a price drop here in Ozzie Land....I want it now already!

[iChan]

you can't compare desktop machines and portables... portables are always going to be more expensive because of the minurisation.


Originally posted by rog
I think the portable line would sell a lot better if a few things happened regarding prices. $999 tops for a 12" ibook. $1199 for a 14" iBook that does 1152x854. $1399 for a 1.33 GHz 12" PB, $1499 with SuperDrive. Make the highest priced 15" only $1999, and the top 17" only $2499. They need to be far cheaper considering how much slower they are than G5 desktops and PC world offerings. Put Airport Extreme cards in all the PBs and AE option in the iBooks. Put 7200 RPM drives in the 15 & 17" PBs and 5400 RPM in iBooks and 12" PBs. Give the iBooks the 512kb L2 model G4s and add substantial L3 cache to all the PBs.

[iChan]

what i'd like to see is a PB with a 13" widescreen...

then all the PB's will have widescreen and the ibooks will have 4:3.

now what bigger differentiator could there be?

coupled with the fact that the PB's are aluminium!!!


Originally posted by MacNut
First off I love my 15PB that i got just after xmas, no complaints here. But i remember hearing a rumor of a 15.4 inch Powerbook. What are the chances that those could be in the works. Now lets take that a step further and say that Apple could release a 12.2 inch Powerbook.

[iChan]

what makes you think that the current powerbook require an overhaul if they are moved to the G5...
did ibook when it moved to G4?
I think the current poewrbook enclosures are as damn-near perfect as you can get right now. and any changed will be subject to the law of diminishing returns...

Originally posted by reyesmac
Anyone that wants G5 powerbooks needs to see what happened to all the people that wanted G5 macs. They waited since the Powermac was stuck at 500mhz. Many rumors came and went about how the powermacs were going to go past the 1ghz barrier. The G4 went to 1.25 and 1.44 with over-clocking. I think powerbook users will have to wait for quite some time until IBM makes a new chip just for laptops that runs nice and cool and can be sold to apple in large quantities. Once they have it, it will be another half year until G5 Powerbooks hit the streets.

Just because Apple came out with the G5 eventually that doesn't mean they are going to start coming out with great updates to the powerbook line in a timely manner. They never have and they probably never will under Steve Jobs. I think major overhauls in the Powerbook line every 2-3 years is going to have to be good enough. Just keep the price right and the OS fast and people will have less to complain about.

[iChan]

seeing as there are always so many problems with rev-a products. is a g5 in the current pb enclosure considered to be a rev-a? or rev-b/c?

[Devlin_du_GEnie]

If rumor-mongers keep predicting hardware updates on Mondays and Tuesdays after a keynote, eventually one of the dates will be right.

Duh.

[back2bondi]

I'm waiting for a price correction by Apple Oz before buying my PB15. Doesn't need to be much.

Visiting the US in 2 months and will pick one up then if no price drop here.

Apple Oz, the clock is ticking if you want my purchase, otherwise, it'll go to the Apple US guys.

[beebjunk]

Yup, I'm in exactly the same situation. Even with the educational discount AND applecare thrown in, buying a Mac from the states is way cheaper. It's getting out of hand.

[centauratlas]

Given that it is 8:35am (EST, US) on Feb 3 and the Apple Store is still up, it kind of looks like this rumor was wrong AGAIN.

I want a PB, haven't had one since my old 540c. I want a 17 with at least 2GB and I'd like a G5, but don't know if I want to wait another 6-9 months.I might get a 15 to hold me over.

[I am hoping that by posting this, Apple will release something just to make me look bad...ha ha ha]

[Vashti]

I also have been waiting to buy a new powerbook to see if prices will drop today. Does this mean it won't happen today? I've been waiting for a month for new announcements/price drops/whatever. This seems like the last day there were rumors of announcements. Any reason to wait any longer?

[kenaustus]

I was holding back a business trip to the Land of Oz until I could take advantage of a price break today. Should have known - should have flown - now scheduled for surgery on the 16th and there is no price drop. At least I have 6 - 8 weeks now to take advantage of any new price cut . . .

[Plastic Avatar]

Originally posted by centauratlas
GI want a PB, haven't had one since my old 540c. I want a 17 with at least 2GB and I'd like a G5, but don't know if I want to wait another 6-9 months.I might get a 15 to hold me over.

Ah, the 540c...

<far-away look>

That was a great portable, a tank. Good design, and slapping that second battery in made me the envy of my friends.

<looks away, again>

<sighs>

-Plastic Avatar

[EK03]

guess this was false too :( think its worth waiting more i should just order my powerbook? Also i wanted to know how long shipping normally is and if its worth goin to the apple store in the mall or just buy it thru apple.com

[centauratlas]

Originally posted by Plastic Avatar
Ah, the 540c...

<far-away look>


I think it is pretty clear it won't happen today! Alas.

If I get one, I am going to get a bare bones one and then get the PB G5 whenever it is out (either a Rev A or B).

I still have my 540c and it works, just it doesn't work for anything that I need to do! Particularly now that everything else is OS X, Airport Extreme etc. It was nice, just WAY out of date now - its been 5 years since I used it regularly. I had a PB 170 before that and was so psyched to replace it with the 540c. Amazing how our expectations change. I remember when I got my 512K Mac to replace the 128K...that was heaven. Upping it to 1MB, then 4MB too. (Of course 128K was great compared to the 48K Apple ][ then 64K with the 16K RAM card. The guy at ComputerLand couldn't think why I'd need an extra 16K, but was more than happy to sell it to me even though "I'd never use it."). Ha ha.

Now a 15 inch display seems kind of cramped! And the cable modem seems kind of slow (compared to 100 baud and 300 baud BBSing it isn't)!

[brhmac]

Everyone that posts to this thread about new PowerBooks and/or lower-priced PowerBooks on Feb. 3 or tomorrow will receive a free G5 PowerBook from Steve Jobs when they're announced tomorrow.

[Infinitenothing]

Something's up. They just dropped the prices at my bookstore. Prices good 'till supplies last so I'm guessing a speed boost is in very short order.

[EK03]

bookstore?

[Infinitenothing]

Originally posted by EK03
bookstore? Yeah our school book store has an apple store in it.

[UofI MacConvert]

How much of a price drop did they have at the bookstore and where do yo u go to school?

[dryvlee]

Are the Powerbooks on offer the older or current models?

[Infinitenothing]

Originally posted by UofI MacConvert
How much of a price drop did they have at the bookstore and where do yo u go to school?
Just $100 (but that makes the lowest Power book just 1299 after education discount). I'm guessing they are clearing the shelves of the old computers before the new ones come in and no one wants the old ones.


I'm not sure what day it took effect but the power books are the current models.

[EK03]

can high school students get discounts?

[Infinitenothing]

Originally posted by EK03
can high school students get discounts?
I think you might be able to get some discount but I'm not sure. Ask whomever buys computers at your HS. You must be a UCSD student or a professor to get it at that price (at least from our computer store). Others are similarly discounted

[Spizzo]

Well, I just ordered a 17" PB today, and i was assured it would ship today, but it never did. It'd be nice to see a bump, but not gettin my hopes up.

[EK03]

hey powerbooks are $30 off, valentines day special ;)

[Bilba]

???
what 30$ discount?
are you beeing sarcastic?

[EK03]

no im not, anything $300 or more on the apple website is $30 off

[Bilba]

didnt see that :)

I'll check it out.
Probably won't work with educational/developer discount.
\
thanks for the heads up

[michaelrjohnson]

educational discounts are pretty much universal. you have to check with your school (college) or buy directly from apple.

high school students CAN get educational discounts. just look online @ apple.com

[d00d]

It's amazing that all these students in high school that are seeking the educational discount aren't into reading.

From the Apple Education Online Store:
Who's Eligible?
- Employee of public or private K-12 institutions in the United States
- School Board members who are currently serving as elected or appointed members
- PTA or PTO executives currently serving as elected or appointed officers
- Qualified homeschools
- Employee of a public or private, profit or non-profit preschool

Note no mention of students. Sorry to be harsh, but michaelrjohnson's quick and incorrect response to the questions emphasizing that a high school student can is so totally bogus that it warrants a harsh response.

[skinEman23]

True, technically high school students do not get discounts. However, if you are accepted to "an institution of higher education" then you do get the discount. So, if you are a senior and have been accepted somewhere, you can get the discount.

[Marc the Mac]

Just received an email from cwonline.co.uk shouting about price drops on G5's and powerbooks etc.

Maybe updates are getting closer?

[Bilba]

would have been more excited if the price drop occured in U.S stores as well...

Can you give an estimate how big is the discount?

[Marc the Mac]

Originally posted by Bilba
would have been more excited if the price drop occured in U.S stores as well...

Can you give an estimate how big is the discount?

The discount is not that much really - I'd imagine that it is just to draw a little more attention to increase sales. But it could be an encouraging sign nontheless especially if we see similar drops elsewhere.

[smartypantsguy]

The discount is not that much really - I'd imagine that it is just to draw a little more attention to increase sales.
Ditto. I've gone through the "eductaional discount' process, and the resultant "discount" left something to be desired.

[aswitcher]

Originally posted by Marc the Mac
Just received an email from cwonline.co.uk shouting about price drops on G5's and powerbooks etc.

Maybe updates are getting closer?

How significant are the drops - and do they reflect a shift in exchange rate?

[dryvlee]

Another cry wolf?