Apple iPod and PowerBook Promo?

[MacRumors]

At least one New Zealand reseller (http://www.apple.co.nz/promotions/powerbookandipod/) is advertising a $99 NZ Dollar (~$66 USD) 20GB iPod with purchase of a PowerBook.

While the site (http://www.apple.co.nz/) is not an official division of Apple, we've received word that the promo is an official Apple promotion.

It's unclear, however, whether or not this promotion will be offered to other countries in the future.

[Grimace]

OOOH!!!! That sounds like fun!! Maybe clearing out old models of both for minor bumps.

[TyleRomeo]

I smell new cheap powerbooks coming soon. with G5 PB's in January.

Tyler

[arn]

I'm not sure I'd read into PowerBook updates based on this promo.

It may be that sales of PowerBooks are down in that region. Regardless, this is a great deal. $66 USD for a 20GB iPod?

arn

[NP3]

I'm not sure I'd read into PowerBook updates based on this promo.

It may be that sales of PowerBooks are down in that region. Regardless, this is a great deal. $66 USD for a 20GB iPod?

arn

true, isn't NZ having the same problems as Australia? Super high prices?

[cb911]

hey, we shoudl be getting the good deals over here in Aus first! :p

well that is a very good deal. if i didn't already have a PowerBook and an iPod... ;) :p

NP3- yea i guess you could say that we have super high prices. but it's getting better. :) i remember when i first got a PowerBook (TiBook 667, Rev C) it was about AU$5400... or something like that. now when i got my new 1.25GHz PB it was about AU$4400. and they're both education prices as well (as close as i can remember from memory). it's definitely getting better. there'll be alot of happy people if the price keeps dropping at this rate.

[Kiwiradar]

Renaissance are the Apple distributors for NZ, iPods are going off big time here and you could just about sell Macs as iPod life support systems! We have no iTMS here so its really a fashion deal!
At present all IT vendors (not just Apple) are pocketing huge windfalls from the plummeting US $ so at least this looks like some payback
Sadly I bought a 20Gb iPod last month! :mad:

[nargot]

The same deal is available in australia, ie macmall.com.au

It actually coincides with the apple australia education bundles at the moment http://www.apple.com.au/education/promos/havemorefun/ where ipods are added to computer deals (a quote from a reliable retailer stated that they are obviously shifting stock)

[nargot]

hey, we shoudl be getting the good deals over here in Aus first! :p

well that is a very good deal. if i didn't already have a PowerBook and an iPod... ;) :p

NP3- yea i guess you could say that we have super high prices. but it's getting better. :) i remember when i first got a PowerBook (TiBook 667, Rev C) it was about AU$5400... or something like that. now when i got my new 1.25GHz PB it was about AU$4400. and they're both education prices as well (as close as i can remember from memory). it's definitely getting better. there'll be alot of happy people if the price keeps dropping at this rate.

well fellow Brisbanian, checkout http://www.macmall.com.au

[nargot]

Renaissance are the Apple distributors for NZ, iPods are going off big time here and you could just about sell Macs as iPod life support systems! We have no iTMS here so its really a fashion deal!
At present all IT vendors (not just Apple) are pocketing huge windfalls from the plummeting US $ so at least this looks like some payback
Sadly I bought a 20Gb iPod last month! :mad:

However with the AUD at 80 US cents, the apple prices have not dropped at all to reflect, eg i could by a machine in america for 3/4 of the price easily. These deals must be to try and cheat us a bit.

[wolfywolfbits]

Oh no! [weeps uncontrollably] I just bought my Powerbook last week (here in NZ). God must hate me.

[mvc]

However with the AUD at 80 US cents, the apple prices have not dropped at all to reflect, eg i could by a machine in america for 3/4 of the price easily. These deals must be to try and cheat us a bit.

Yep, Renaissance, the NZ Mac distributor, are just reaming us kiwis out as usual, and dressing it up to look like they are doing us a favour. Kiwi dollar has climbed 66% versus US dollar in last two years, but magically Mac prices are basically unchanged.

Renaissance is now pocketing about $500 - $800 extra NZD dollars on each Mac they should be passing on to the customers. But they don't because they don't have too, because they are the exclusive approved reseller in this country, so if your new Mac breaks down or is DOA and you didn't buy it through them - tough!

So I will be buying my G5 from a non-approved Parallel importer who ships them over directly from the States, and knows how to fix them!!

[Beck446]

However with the AUD at 80 US cents, the apple prices have not dropped at all to reflect, eg i could by a machine in america for 3/4 of the price easily. These deals must be to try and cheat us a bit.


Okay, I realize that Apple likes to price products higher outside the US, but I thought that a falling dollar would *help* Apple users in other countries? Line of reasoning: a stronger AUD allows AZ buyers to get more for their AUZ. Weak currencies always help exporters sell more.

Things might be different here if Apple continuously changes their prices to reflect the exchange rate, which would have AUD prices rising in the last year or two.

Any help?

Edit: okay, so Apple is keeping AUD nominal prices the same, which would make their real price higher. That makes sense...

[wembley]

At least one New Zealand reseller (http://www.apple.co.nz/promotions/powerbookandipod/) is advertising a $99 NZ Dollar (~$66 USD) 20GB iPod with purchase of a PowerBook.

As we saw from the Oscars, every single person in NZ needs to be thanked.

As we know from the LOTR DVD extras, iPods were crucial for transporting footage to Peter Jackson.

Seems like an obvious "Thank You" to the people of NZ from PJ and the LOTR crew. :)

[drock3800]

This is not that unusual of a promo. I am an Apple Product Professional at my campus computer seller and we had a promo exactly like this last fall, only it was a little sweeter! At UCI, anyone who bought a new powerbook would get a $200 rebate on an ipod. That put the education price to $79 for a brand new ipod! We bought 150 15" Powerbook G4s (Aluminum) and sold them ALL under this promo in about 2 weeks. (I bought one of them. :D) We keep hoping apple will bring this promo back. Our rep says we'll probably see it again next fall. For those of you who are students or faculty of a university or college, check your on-compus computer store often, promos from apple pop up quite often (although most aren't as sweet as the "$79 ipod" promo described here)!

[mvc]

Just so you can do a price comparison, the 15" Powerbook 1ghz combo drive is $4,049 not including sales tax (G.S.T over here) or $2712 USD by todays currency rates.

Its $1999 USD on the Apple Store, a difference of $714 USD = a 36% price hike!

I know N.Z is a long way from the U.S, but I could ship a car here for that amount. And they all come from Taiwan anyway :mad:

[Sabenth]

Sounds like a good deal but i feel there is a catch a big heavy catch hmm could it be the price of the powerbook :D

[nargot]

This is not that unusual of a promo. I am an Apple Product Professional at my campus computer seller and we had a promo exactly like this last fall, only it was a little sweeter! At UCI, anyone who bought a new powerbook would get a $200 rebate on an ipod. That put the education price to $79 for a brand new ipod! We bought 150 15" Powerbook G4s (Aluminum) and sold them ALL under this promo in about 2 weeks. (I bought one of them. :D) We keep hoping apple will bring this promo back. Our rep says we'll probably see it again next fall. For those of you who are students or faculty of a university or college, check your on-compus computer store often, promos from apple pop up quite often (although most aren't as sweet as the "$79 ipod" promo described here)!

We had the same promo for apple australia education in october last year, $300 rebate on ipod if you bought a powerbook... funny thing i only received my rebate last week :)

Our deals are weak in comparison to the rest of the world, however we all accept that fact and get on with it nowdays. I'm getting a 12"ibook hopefully in the next few weeks and for you rumormungers while i'm already being quoted for most australian rumors nowdayts, apparently 12" ibooks are backordered in australia... upto a month so i've been told, and hence why i still got not ibook.

[zen]

I was planning on buying an iBook in the US this month, but that trip fell through. I would have saved NZ$900 on the 800 Mhz model.

If I had bundles of cash, I would have gone for a 17" PowerBook, simply because by buying it in the US, I would have saved - wait for it - NZ$2000!!

Which makes me laugh and feel sick at the same time.

What on earth is going on with Apple NZ? We are getting royally shafted on prices. We always have, but this is ridiculous.

Zen

[Analog Kid]

Glad to hear it! Maybe this will cut down the complaints about special deals in the US only...

The high prices aren't Apple only. A coworker from NZ just bought a Fuji digital camera on his trip to the US because it was so much cheaper here. I have to say that sounds strange to me...

[Analog Kid]

Oh no! [weeps uncontrollably] I just bought my Powerbook last week (here in NZ). God must hate me.

Last week? Can you return it and re-buy?

[fatbarstard]

Blast and damnation!! I bought my PB 17" about nine months ago... I would have held out until now if I could have scored an Ipod for only 99 knicker....

I know the guys who run Apple's outfit in NZ and I will put in a call to see what I can get... :D

Don't hold out much hope now though.....

[johnnyjibbs]

Promos like this are just what Apple needs. Part of me and my brother getting our Apple stuff was due to the any Apple laptop + iPod and get £120 back (or £180 by adding my printer to the mix). He would never have got an iPod otherwise, and now he is looking to make his uni laptop purchase later this year an iBook.

I wouldn't think this has anything to do with updates. For example, I also got Final Cut Express for £80 instead of £250 by buying it with my PowerBook - that didn't expire just prior to the September PB updates, rather a week later (but then got extended to Christmas).

Hopefully we will see this kind of deal in other terrirories too.

[Wardofsky]

I believe this to be an "Oceania" deal.
It was announced to resellers in Australia a few weeks ago I think.

[rdowns]

I smell new cheap powerbooks coming soon. with G5 PB's in January.

Tyler

Cheap PowerBooks? I'll add that to the list of famous oxymorons like jumbo shrimp, paid volunteers, Reagan Democrat and Microsoft Works.

[winmacguy]

At least one New Zealand reseller (http://www.apple.co.nz/promotions/powerbookandipod/) is advertising a $99 NZ Dollar (~$66 USD) 20GB iPod with purchase of a PowerBook.

While the site (http://www.apple.co.nz/) is not an official division of Apple, we've received word that the promo is an official Apple promotion.

It's unclear, however, whether or not this promotion will be offered to other countries in the future.

Good to see my post making it from macbytes to macrumors! Thanks Arn

[winmacguy]

true, isn't NZ having the same problems as Australia? Super high prices?
we are having and always have had high/higher comparitve prices that the US for Mac and related software. Even though the exhange rate is currently at about 70c in the dollar (70c US = $1 NZ) we still get high priced Macs. Its killing our export market but great for other imported electronic goods.

[winmacguy]

Yep, Renaissance, the NZ Mac distributor, are just reaming us kiwis out as usual, and dressing it up to look like they are doing us a favour. Kiwi dollar has climbed 66% versus US dollar in last two years, but magically Mac prices are basically unchanged.

Renaissance is now pocketing about $500 - $800 extra NZD dollars on each Mac they should be passing on to the customers. But they don't because they don't have too, because they are the exclusive approved reseller in this country, so if your new Mac breaks down or is DOA and you didn't buy it through them - tough!

So I will be buying my G5 from a non-approved Parallel importer who ships them over directly from the States, and knows how to fix them!!
Did you check out the interview with Paul Johnston the MD for Renaissance NZ in this months NZ Mac guide?

[Bigheadache]

I don't know what its like for kiwis, but in Oz it would be cheaper to order a Powerbook and an Ipod in the US (paying full retail price in the US) and pay for it to be shipped out than do the MacMall deal.

eg

PB12 Superdrive US$1799
20gb Ipod US$399

Total US$2198

Price at Macmall.com.au AUD$3274+$99=$3383 (USD$2570)

@ AUD$1 = USD$0.76

Apple Australia need to get real. I don't deny that PBs are reasonable value for money in the US (compared to Sony Vaios, Fujitsu Lifebook, and other High Quality portables), but in Oz this $99 Ipod deal is just an insult to everyone's intelligence. The pricelist needs a readjustment, not gimicky giveaways.

[nargot]

I believe this to be an "Oceania" deal.
It was announced to resellers in Australia a few weeks ago I think.

Yep, was released monday by macmall.com.au and the education deal two weeks ago by apple.com.au

[eddyg]

Renaissance is now pocketing about $500 - $800 extra NZD dollars on each Mac they should be passing on to the customers. But they don't because they don't have too, because they are the exclusive approved reseller in this country, so if your new Mac breaks down or is DOA and you didn't buy it through them - tough!

So I will be buying my G5 from a non-approved Parallel importer who ships them over directly from the States, and knows how to fix them!!

Powerbooks come with a world wide warrenty, they will be fixed in which ever country you are in at the time, nothing to do with where it was bought or where you live. Which is very handy for people like myself who change countries frequently, my Apple kit is from all over the place, and I've had warrenty work done in both Australia and the USA without issues.

Since I'm moving to NZ soon no doubt I'll get a chance to try out their warrenty services, then again, hopefully I won't need to :)

Cheers,

Edward.

[Escher]

Did anybody notice that the NZ/AUS PowerBook plus iPod deal ends March 27. (http://www.apple.co.nz/promotions/powerbookandipod/) That's when the US memory promotion (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/) ends too!

I just hope this means new PowerMacs and PowerBooks.

Escher

[Finiksa]

Did anybody notice that the NZ/AUS PowerBook plus iPod deal ends March 27. (http://www.apple.co.nz/promotions/powerbookandipod/) That's when the US memory promotion (http://store.apple.com/1-800-MY-APPLE/WebObjects/AppleStore/) ends too!

The AUS Power Mac G5 "Trade in. Trade up." ends on March 26 also, all very coincidental…

[Counterfit]

This is not that unusual of a promo. I am an Apple Product Professional at my campus computer seller and we had a promo exactly like this last fall, only it was a little sweeter! At UCI, anyone who bought a new powerbook would get a $200 rebate on an ipod. That put the education price to $79 for a brand new ipod! We bought 150 15" Powerbook G4s (Aluminum) and sold them ALL under this promo in about 2 weeks. (I bought one of them. :D) We keep hoping apple will bring this promo back. Our rep says we'll probably see it again next fall. For those of you who are students or faculty of a university or college, check your on-compus computer store often, promos from apple pop up quite often (although most aren't as sweet as the "$79 ipod" promo described here)! I almost got in on that promo myself. But the store didn't have any iPods in stock, and by the time they did the promo was over :( :mad: Ah well, I have my PB and iPod now, even if I did pay the full Edu price for them both :rolleyes:

[nuclearwinter]

I bought a PB too early... :mad:

[oddjob]

Did anybody notice that the NZ/AUS PowerBook plus iPod deal ends March 27. That's when the US memory promotion ends too!

The AUS Power Mac G5 "Trade in. Trade up." ends on March 26 also, all very coincidental…

Somethin' is a brewin'!!!

The PowerBook g4 trade-in program (US) (http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=86643) also ends March 27th.

[appleguy]

I'm not sure I'd read into PowerBook updates based on this promo.

It may be that sales of PowerBooks are down in that region. Regardless, this is a great deal. $66 USD for a 20GB iPod?

arn
Well Arn, powerbook sales are up. As for working for a reseller here in NZ our powerbook sales are up 75% over the same period last year.
And something to note is that the iPod deal is open to anyone expect educational purchases..

[appleguy]

Yep, Renaissance, the NZ Mac distributor, are just reaming us kiwis out as usual, and dressing it up to look like they are doing us a favour. Kiwi dollar has climbed 66% versus US dollar in last two years, but magically Mac prices are basically unchanged.

Renaissance is now pocketing about $500 - $800 extra NZD dollars on each Mac they should be passing on to the customers. But they don't because they don't have too, because they are the exclusive approved reseller in this country, so if your new Mac breaks down or is DOA and you didn't buy it through them - tough!

So I will be buying my G5 from a non-approved Parallel importer who ships them over directly from the States, and knows how to fix them!!

Just some facts here
Renaissance don't buy systems off Apple US direct.
They come via the way of Apple Australia, they get their systems in via Apple Singapore, as someone that knows the Apple Division guys @ Renaissance well (often had a beer or two). Renaissance also buys currency in bulk which some times pays of expecially if the kiwi dollar falls, it looks like you are getting a good deal for systems. sometimes it goes the other way. But more often than not is a good deal considering how they make it down under.

[nargot]

The AUS Power Mac G5 "Trade in. Trade up." ends on March 26 also, all very coincidental…

Yep, i've posted this before. The last ipod promo coincided with both powerbook/ibook/ipod upgrades either before, during or just after

[jeffgarden]

Yeah I took part in the $200 rebate thing also. I bought a powerbook and got the 10 gig iPod for $69 ($269 edu price - $200 rebate). i already had the 40 gig one so I gave it to my cousin for the $69

[mvc]

Just some facts here
Renaissance don't buy systems off Apple US direct.
They come via the way of Apple Australia, they get their systems in via Apple Singapore, as someone that knows the Apple Division guys @ Renaissance well (often had a beer or two). Renaissance also buys currency in bulk which some times pays of expecially if the kiwi dollar falls, it looks like you are getting a good deal for systems. sometimes it goes the other way. But more often than not is a good deal considering how they make it down under.

Excuses. None of which justifies the uncompetitive price gouging arrangement we have here. The currency has been climbing for well over a year, where are the price cuts? We do not see the same effect with PC purchases in New Zealand.

Stop being an apologist for a monopoly situation. This sort of thing always happens where there is no true competition. :mad:

[TyleRomeo]

Cheap PowerBooks? I'll add that to the list of famous oxymorons like jumbo shrimp, paid volunteers, Reagan Democrat and Microsoft Works.

haha, alright well then i'll say the cheapest powerbooks ever. Just like the Dual 1.42 Power Macs were the cheapest powermacs ever since it was just a tiny speed bump with 4x burner and fw800 before the G5s.

these powerbooks seem to be going the same route. so what if there is a 1.5GHZ 17' powerbook and a 1.3-1.4 15' powerbook. everyone wants the g5 powerbooks. so apple will get prices lower. i can see the 17' 1.5GHZ g4 powerbook going for $2800 or less

they aren't going to give the 17' powerbook 1GB of ram and it already has one 512MB there. 2.5 inch drives havent gotten larger than 80GB, they can offer the hard drive to be standard at 7200rpms but i doubt that. so unless we see the ati 9700 card in there. I don't see any other changes. I think thats reason for the powerbooks to drop in price.

Tyler

[cb911]

oh well. at least it's good to hear that Apple Australia is offering the same deal now. :)

[jap4n]

So I will be buying my G5 from a non-approved Parallel importer who ships them over directly from the States, and knows how to fix them!!

duude - have you found someone to import the macs or are looking..?

i'm looking too, and all i find are supercheap macs from the US but arent allowed to ship to NZ.. :(

i mean, for a G5 1.6 its $NZ2,695 in the US and $NZ3,936 in NZ..!

[rdowns]

haha, alright well then i'll say the cheapest powerbooks ever. Just like the Dual 1.42 Power Macs were the cheapest powermacs ever since it was just a tiny speed bump with 4x burner and fw800 before the G5s.

these powerbooks seem to be going the same route. so what if there is a 1.5GHZ 17' powerbook and a 1.3-1.4 15' powerbook. everyone wants the g5 powerbooks. so apple will get prices lower. i can see the 17' 1.5GHZ g4 powerbook going for $2800 or less

they aren't going to give the 17' powerbook 1GB of ram and it already has one 512MB there. 2.5 inch drives havent gotten larger than 80GB, they can offer the hard drive to be standard at 7200rpms but i doubt that. so unless we see the ati 9700 card in there. I don't see any other changes. I think thats reason for the powerbooks to drop in price.

Tyler

Cheapest is not the correct term to use in the same sentence as Apple. As a marketing type, might I suggest "most affordable".

[The Ancients]

Did you check out the interview with Paul Johnston the MD for Renaissance NZ in this months NZ Mac guide?

Dare I ask what he says? He didn't look too happy when we were in with Janet getting our 4th, or 5th, or 6th (I can't remember by now) iBook getting swapped for a new one.

[mvc]

duude - have you found someone to import the macs or are looking..?

i'm looking too, and all i find are supercheap macs from the US but arent allowed to ship to NZ.. :(

i mean, for a G5 1.6 its $NZ2,695 in the US and $NZ3,936 in NZ..!

I thought I had, but it turns out he is an approved reseller as well, which means I am now looking at re-shipping companies in the U.S. as a means of getting one over here.

I got my iBook as a one off when a relative in the States came over, sent it to her from the Apple Store, she carried it on the plane, but I'm not sure how it would have gone for me if it had been DOA. Someone earlier said Apple supports laptops worldwide, not sure if this is correct, or if this includes any meaningful warranty, but I certainly don't want to find out the hard way.

Hey, if I had 3 to buy, the money saved would cover a return airfare to L.A. from N.Z.


:p

[eddyg]

I thought I had, but it turns out he is an approved reseller as well, which means I am now looking at re-shipping companies in the U.S. as a means of getting one over here.

I got my iBook as a one off when a relative in the States came over, sent it to her from the Apple Store, she carried it on the plane, but I'm not sure how it would have gone for me if it had been DOA. Someone earlier said Apple supports laptops worldwide, not sure if this is correct, or if this includes any meaningful warranty, but I certainly don't want to find out the hard way.

Hey, if I had 3 to buy, the money saved would cover a return airfare to L.A. from N.Z.
:p

From:

http://store.apple.com/Catalog/US/Images/wty-post1997.html

OBTAINING WARRANTY SERVICE

If you purchased the product in the U.S. and Canada, deliver the product, at your expense, to any Apple Authorized Service Provider located in U.S. and Canada. If you purchased the product in Latin America or the Caribbean, deliver the product to any Apple Authorized Service Provider in the country where you purchased the product. If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide. Be aware, however, that not all countries have Apple Authorized Service Providers and not all Authorized Service Providers outside the country of purchase have all parts or replacement units for the product. If the product cannot be repaired or replaced in the country it is in, it may need to be sent to a different country or returned to the country of purchase at your expense for repair or replacement. Some products may be eligible for Express Mail/Courier Service within the United States and Canada. Express Mail/Courier Service involves mailing the product directly to Apple. To determine if the product is eligible for this service, call an Apple Authorized Service Provider in the U.S., Canada, Latin America or the Caribbean, or call Apple directly at the telephone numbers set out in the service and support reference material accompanying the product. If the product qualifies for this service, the telephone representative will provide further information and instructions. To locate an Apple Authorized Service Provider refer to the service and support reference materials accompanying the product or visit our web site at http://www.apple.com/. When you contact the Apple Authorized Service Provider, you will be asked to furnish your name, address, telephone number, and proof of the original purchase (receipt) containing a description of the product(s), purchase date, and the appropriate Apple serial number(s).
Note: Before you deliver your product for warranty service it is your responsibility to keep a separate backup copy of the system software, application software and data, and disable any security passwords. You will be responsible for reinstalling all such software, data and passwords. Data recovery is not included in the warranty service and Apple is not responsible for data that may be lost or damaged during transit or a repair.


So, this applies to iPods, iBooks and Powerbooks.

I can verify that this works, I have had my Powerbook (bought in Australia) repaired in the USA, as well as repaired in Australia. I also have AppleCare on it bought in the USA.

Cheers, Edward.

[fearless]

Apple Australia need to get real. I don't deny that PBs are reasonable value for money in the US (compared to Sony Vaios, Fujitsu Lifebook, and other High Quality portables), but in Oz this $99 Ipod deal is just an insult to everyone's intelligence. The pricelist needs a readjustment, not gimicky giveaways.

Apple Australia are the culprits here. Renaissance can be quite aggressive when pushed but Apple Australia controls their line of supply, and as we know they're a dozy bunch at best. The markets in NZ and Australia are very different (as KMart found to their cost) and Apple in NZ is utterly hobbled by a cost plus mentality on monopoly pricing, indifference to market share and (wait for it) arrogant Australianism when dealing with 'kid brother' NZ...

[mvc]

If the product is portable, meaning that it can operate independently without a power cord, you may obtain warranty service worldwide.

So, this applies to iPods, iBooks and Powerbooks.

I can verify that this works, I have had my Powerbook (bought in Australia) repaired in the USA, as well as repaired in Australia. I also have AppleCare on it bought in the USA.

Cheers, Edward.

Thanks for that, that's good, and I'm glad my iBook would be covered, but its the G5 I want to buy thats gonna be the fly in the ointment.

Perhaps I can get Peter to chuck one in with his little gold statues when he flies home, I don't remember my name being mentioned on the night, and I personally know two people involved in the filming (including the Black Rider who bends down over the bank above the hobbits in Fellowship OTR ) so I must be due a thank you present :p

[mvc]

Apple Australia are the culprits here. Renaissance can be quite aggressive when pushed but Apple Australia controls their line of supply, and as we know they're a dozy bunch at best

Excellent, always good to be able to blame the Aussies, damn underarm bowlers that they are! :D

[aswitcher]

Yep, i've posted this before. The last ipod promo coincided with both powerbook/ibook/ipod upgrades either before, during or just after

I've only been watching since July last year. Can you add any detail to what you have said like when did that promo take place, what form it took etc?

[Nermal]

Thanks for that, that's good, and I'm glad my iBook would be covered, but its the G5 I want to buy thats gonna be the fly in the ointment.

I'm not certain about this, but I believe that if you purchase a G5 in the US, then buy AppleCare from an NZ reseller, the warranty will work here. In fact, buying AppleCare will make the warranty work anywhere.

I remember about a year ago, AppleCare was about half the price it is now :(

[aswitcher]

Actually this promo is nice but its a bit of a farce because really they are only compensating partially for the exchange rate issue that has been around all year and has now hit the mainstream media. Its good to see but I suspect its either a shortterm fix before price rerationalisation OR hopefully as others have said, a patch until the new machines come and bring with them price updates more in line with what we should be paying. At least Apple NZ and some independants are doign this. Can't figure out why Apple Australia isn't - at leats I can't find anything but free engraving on their website...

[nargot]

I've only been watching since July last year. Can you add any detail to what you have said like when did that promo take place, what form it took etc?

education computer and ipod purchases, when both bought you were eligible for a $300 rebate if purchased between 1 August and 30 September, 200.

[nargot]

Actually this promo is nice but its a bit of a farce because really they are only compensating partially for the exchange rate issue that has been around all year and has now hit the mainstream media. Its good to see but I suspect its either a shortterm fix before price rerationalisation OR hopefully as others have said, a patch until the new machines come and bring with them price updates more in line with what we should be paying. At least Apple NZ and some independants are doign this. Can't figure out why Apple Australia isn't - at leats I can't find anything but free engraving on their website...

As mentioned in a previous post, one independent apple retailer is offering the same deal. I totally agree that this 'deal' is to try and smooth over the obvious price hikes in our region.

On a more reliable note, i have been told by my apple dealer whom i am getting a g4 ibook from in a few days that these deals are likely to shift stock for one reason or another. They do not have any idea about updates themselves.

[aswitcher]

education computer and ipod purchases, when both bought you were eligible for a $300 rebate if purchased between 1 August and 30 September, 200.

Ok, thanks. Well I guess I have to decide what to do since I want a PowerBook but am holding off for a) reasonable prices b) new model C) both. This is tempting because a 20 gig was what I was planning to get as well...
Mmm. Hopefully ThinkSecret will post something soonish...

[nargot]

Ok, thanks. Well I guess I have to decide what to do since I want a PowerBook but am holding off for a) reasonable prices b) new model C) both. This is tempting because a 20 gig was what I was planning to get as well...
Mmm. Hopefully ThinkSecret will post something soonish...

Well if you are desperate like me for a machine and want an ipod, then it would be a good deal. I personally have an ipod and only need an ibook. I've got a gut feeling that something will happen in a few weeks as per the last ipod/computer bundle deal, where every mac line was updated or dropped in price as i remember. But they are just vicious rumors that i spread :)... i'm gona have to start a macrumors.com.au to satisfy my thirst for faster (ie we are 10 hours ahead of usa) rumors :p

[Bigheadache]

Ok, thanks. Well I guess I have to decide what to do since I want a PowerBook but am holding off for a) reasonable prices b) new model C) both. This is tempting because a 20 gig was what I was planning to get as well...
Mmm. Hopefully ThinkSecret will post something soonish...

I'm in the same boat as you.

As an aside, its interesting to note that the iPod is the only thing in the Apple Australia range that has a price remotely like the US price.
Ipod 20gb US$399 = Aust$530 ish
Apple Australia price = Aust$598

[appleguy]

I'm not certain about this, but I believe that if you purchase a G5 in the US, then buy AppleCare from an NZ reseller, the warranty will work here. In fact, buying AppleCare will make the warranty work anywhere.

I remember about a year ago, AppleCare was about half the price it is now :(

Nope Sorry this doesn't work for Desktops.
Only Portables

[nargot]

I'm in the same boat as you.

As an aside, its interesting to note that the iPod is the only thing in the Apple Australia range that has a price remotely like the US price.
Ipod 20gb US$399 = Aust$530 ish
Apple Australia price = Aust$598

Thats correct, we now wonder if the ipod mini will be fairly priced by Apple Australia... they would be mad not to as importing an ipod mini would be easy. Oh i just got it, 20gb ipod are being offloaded because of the 15gb versions more competitive price and the onset of the mini.

[TyleRomeo]

Cheapest is not the correct term to use in the same sentence as Apple. As a marketing type, might I suggest "most affordable".

I don't care about marketing hype, this is a mac forum with tons of information that the average consumer is unaware of. Can we agree that the next rev. of the powerbooks will the "most affordable" ones ever, with the given information that I listed in the previous post.

Tyler

[nargot]

I don't care about marketing hype, this is a mac forum with tons of information that the average consumer is unaware of. Can we agree that the next rev. of the powerbooks will the "most affordable" ones ever, with the given information that I listed in the previous post.

Tyler

No question about that, we all believe that we are being screwed over with same high prices while the AUD has risen to approx 75 US cents.

Eg
Stock Apple 12" ibook costs $1899 AUD from apple.com.au cf. %1099 USD from apple.com ($1459.69 AUD calculated by x-rates.com)

Now where has that $550 gone??? thats the question, its nothing about the affordability

[appleguy]

No question about that, we all believe that we are being screwed over with same high prices while the AUD has risen to approx 75 US cents.

Eg
Stock Apple 12" ibook costs $1899 AUD from apple.com.au cf. %1099 USD from apple.com ($1459.69 AUD calculated by x-rates.com)

Now where has that $550 gone??? thats the question, its nothing about the affordability

As stated in my previous post: Apple Aust & Renaissance buy currency in Bulk plus have you counted Shipping you know its not free to ship across the world/ then there is admin costs when it lands. Plus I also Renaissance do have to add a little bit so they can advertise run Roadshows.. I can go on and on... Its called business.
Sometimes there is a bit left over thats why/how they can do promo's like this. lets start a poll for Asia/Pacific Region on weather they think pricing is fair

[nargot]

As stated in my previous post: Apple Aust & Renaissance buy currency in Bulk plus have you counted Shipping you know its not free to ship across the world/ then there is admin costs when it lands. Plus I also Renaissance do have to add a little bit so they can advertise run Roadshows.. I can go on and on... Its called business.
Sometimes there is a bit left over thats why/how they can do promo's like this. lets start a poll for Asia/Pacific Region on weather they think pricing is fair

Sounds good, i could go on and on about the otehr side.. but would prove nothing more than my view. I think a poll would be a good idea

[aswitcher]

SNIP
Sometimes there is a bit left over thats why/how they can do promo's like this. lets start a poll for Asia/Pacific Region on weather they think pricing is fair

I think the poll is a forgone conclusion but a head count of annoyed wouldbe mac customers would be nice - those waiting for things to get better before buying.

[Bigheadache]

As stated in my previous post: Apple Aust & Renaissance buy currency in Bulk plus have you counted Shipping you know its not free to ship across the world/ then there is admin costs when it lands. Plus I also Renaissance do have to add a little bit so they can advertise run Roadshows.. I can go on and on... Its called business.
Sometimes there is a bit left over thats why/how they can do promo's like this. lets start a poll for Asia/Pacific Region on weather they think pricing is fair

Actually, most stuff ships from Quanta in Taiwan & China so it should be CHEAPER or at least comparable to ship it to NZ or Australia.

Things in NZ & Aust are always going to be a little more expensive that in the US to account for GST and different distribution networks. But there should not be 30% differences, as per Nargot's example with the Ibook.

Other examples in Aust I can think of:
G5 dual 2ghz Aust RRP AUD$5200
US price US$3000 approx (equivalent Aust AUD$4000)

Diff AUD$1200

PB15 Superdrive Aust RRP AUD$4799
US price US$2599 (equivalent Aust $3500 approx)

Diff AUD$1300
I am using AUD$1= USD$0.75

You call it "business", I call it "blatant rip off".

[Nermal]

Well I might end up taking advantage of this iPod deal. I'm considering getting a 15" PB, plus an iPod, that's $4323. This works out quite well because I need a new portable player since my CD player's just died, and it looks like the 3rd-party display on my $4649 Power Mac is on its last legs, so I can replace the computer, display, and CD player all in one go :)

[nargot]

Well I might end up taking advantage of this iPod deal. I'm considering getting a 15" PB, plus an iPod, that's $4323. This works out quite well because I need a new portable player since my CD player's just died, and it looks like the 3rd-party display on my $4649 Power Mac is on its last legs, so I can replace the computer, display, and CD player all in one go :)

Well congrats, trust me the ipod is well worth it. Had mine for 4 months now and it has been on 50 hours a weeks... on the plus side my ibook is being sent on monday, so woohoo and i'll get over the prices... but i'm not sold on the price difference. I'll still buy apple, i'll probably get an ipod mini as well, but unless the prices become reasonable apple in australia is still going to suffer to the 'dell' menace for way cheaper machine (at least half the price... no joke) and bad service :)

[eddyg]

You call it "business", I call it "blatant rip off".

Swings and roundabouts, the yanks get cheaper Apple kit, we get to live in the best countries in the world, NZ and Oz. If you want cheaper Macs move to the USA ;)

Cheers, Edward.

[Bigheadache]

Swings and roundabouts, the yanks get cheaper Apple kit, we get to live in the best countries in the world, NZ and Oz. If you want cheaper Macs move to the USA ;)

Cheers, Edward.

:confused:
Yeah... thanks for the insightful advice

[aswitcher]

Swings and roundabouts, the yanks get cheaper Apple kit, we get to live in the best countries in the world, NZ and Oz. If you want cheaper Macs move to the USA ;)

Cheers, Edward.

The Apple $99 iPod promotion wtih Powerbooks is clearly a sign Apple recognise they are overpriced but rather than drop the powerbook price they are using this as a stop gap until either the exchange rate settles down so they can reprice or they release new machines with new prices. ts also possible that powerbook sales are slow and maybe even the 20gig now the 15 has entered the market...time will perhaps tell