rMBP Price Drop

Squilly · Jan 16, 2013, 05:38 PM

Does anyone here really think the price of the rMBP will drop if Apple makes their entire Pro line Retina? Bad example since it's iOS but the iPad has been $500 from the start. Same with the Mini. The only exception I could think of is when Apple dropped the price of the Touch $30 on the 4th generation. So, I ask you, do you think Apple will drop the price? I'm tempted to buy and not going to buy the current version since the product cycle is nearly over , but any penny helps. Well... I get an education discount too.

duervo · Jan 16, 2013, 05:40 PM

Yes, I'm expecting it to drop in price once they do away with the non-retina model. As long as both types remain, though, I expect the price to remain relatively steady.

They dropped the price of the MacBook Air when they dropped the old MacBook line (or was it slightly after or slightly before? ...I can't remember now.)

BlazednSleepy · Jan 16, 2013, 05:42 PM

I expect it to. They did with the macbook air.

KPOM · Jan 16, 2013, 05:57 PM

It likely will drop, just as the MacBook Air price dropped significantly in October 2010 (and the specifications improved significantly). I think it will be more pronounced for the 13" versions than the 15" versions, though. $1699 is too high for a volume notebook, so they will probably do everything they can to hit the $1299 mark at some level of capability, with $1499 as the "sweet spot" in terms of power and value.

So the bottom line is that those of us "early adopters" with 13" rMBPs and to a lesser extent 15" rMBPs will see our resale values drop quite a bit. That's nothing new, to which those of us who the early MacBook Airs can attest. And when it does, you can bet that there will be countless threads here from angry 13" rMBP owners complaining how Apple undercut them by selling something better than their $1699/$1999 models for significantly less.

Freyqq · 12:20 PM

when the rmbp came out, it was the first of its kind. Therefore, the retina screen was much more expensive. After making it for about a year and other vendors starting to get interested in the tech, I anticipate the price to drop quickly on that part. So, I'd expect a $50+ price drop on that alone. Also, ssd prices have dropped over the last year, so that's probably another $50-100 of savings.

Squilly · Jan 16, 2013, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPOM

It likely will drop, just as the MacBook Air price dropped significantly in October 2010 (and the specifications improved significantly). I think it will be more pronounced for the 13" versions than the 15" versions, though. $1699 is too high for a volume notebook, so they will probably do everything they can to hit the $1299 mark at some level of capability, with $1499 as the "sweet spot" in terms of power and value.

So the bottom line is that those of us "early adopters" with 13" rMBPs and to a lesser extent 15" rMBPs will see our resale values drop quite a bit. That's nothing new, to which those of us who the early MacBook Airs can attest. And when it does, you can bet that there will be countless threads here from angry 13" rMBP owners complaining how Apple undercut them by selling something better than their $1699/$1999 models for significantly less.

I don't know about you but I prefer the 15" model. Just needs a spec (and screen) upgrade.

KPOM · Jan 16, 2013, 07:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

I don't know about you but I prefer the 15" model. Just needs a spec (and screen) upgrade.

I bought the 13" model last month (and the 256GB one that The Verge's review said people shouldn't buy because the 15" is just $200 more). My perspective is different, as I had used MacBook Airs since February 2008. I couldn't see jumping all the way from an 11.6" Air to a 15" rMBP. As it is, the 13" rMBP is taking some getting used to (though I like it a lot).

What sort of screen upgrade do you want? I doubt they will put in a matte display option.

Squilly · Jan 16, 2013, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KPOM

I bought the 13" model last month (and the 256GB one that The Verge's review said people shouldn't buy because the 15" is just $200 more). My perspective is different, as I had used MacBook Airs since February 2008. I couldn't see jumping all the way from an 11.6" Air to a 15" rMBP. As it is, the 13" rMBP is taking some getting used to (though I like it a lot).

What sort of screen upgrade do you want? I doubt they will put in a matte display option.

By screen upgrade, I don't mean size or resolution (although it might happen with the forthcoming rumors). I mean LG/Samsung IR and other screen issues they need to address.

Drag'nGT · Jan 16, 2013, 09:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

By screen upgrade, I don't mean size or resolution (although it might happen with the forthcoming rumors). I mean LG/Samsung IR and other screen issues they need to address.

IF that happens it will be within LG or Samsung. As usual you have to look at the big picture with these gadgets. The internet is an easy place for people to come to and complain. Not many people come on here to give good feedback. It's a lot like tabloid news. My rMBP is great but I didn't make a dozen threads to get others to agree. Once a flaw was pointed out everyone started looking for more.

A Hebrew · Jan 16, 2013, 11:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyqq

when the rmbp came out, it was the first of its kind. Therefore, the retina screen was much more expensive. After making it for about a year and other vendors starting to get interested in the tech, I anticipate the price to drop quickly on that part. So, I'd expect at least a $100 price drop on that alone. Also, ssd prices have dropped over the last year, so that's probably another $50-100 of savings.

A $100 price drop on a $100 dollar screen? My math is not working in favor of your argument.

Mdwall · Jan 17, 2013, 07:59 AM

I don't know if they will drop it just on the supposition that the entire line will be Retina but I;m sure eventually they will drop down but not to the same price the cMBP's are at. I could see maybe a 100-200 dollar drop eventually but nothing significant. It's not like the cMBP was cheap (and actually somewhat more expensive similarly equipped to the Retina)

lapeno · Jan 17, 2013, 08:05 AM

Hopefully with only rmbp, there will be a price drop

Squilly · Jan 17, 2013, 09:33 AM

What is a cMBP? I'm still not expecting much of a drop. What about the people that don't need Retina's capabilities? Or people on a tighter budget that still want an Apple computer?

MMOTotal · Jan 17, 2013, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

What is a cMBP? I'm still not expecting much of a drop. What about the people that don't need Retina's capabilities? Or people on a tighter budget that still want an Apple computer?

a cMBP is the classic non retina models.

Interstella5555 · Jan 17, 2013, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

What is a cMBP? I'm still not expecting much of a drop. What about the people that don't need Retina's capabilities? Or people on a tighter budget that still want an Apple computer?

??? If you can't afford it you shouldn't buy it. There's plenty of things I want but can't afford and I'll either save or find a better alternative in my price range. If you don't need a retina display, there are other computers on the market that are probably more affordable. You can also buy used or refurbed.

Squilly · Jan 17, 2013, 11:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Interstella5555

??? If you can't afford it you shouldn't buy it. There's plenty of things I want but can't afford and I'll either save or find a better alternative in my price range. If you don't need a retina display, there are other computers on the market that are probably more affordable. You can also buy used or refurbed.

Talking about society as a whole here....

seveej · Jan 17, 2013, 11:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Does anyone here really think the price of the rMBP will drop if Apple makes their entire Pro line Retina?

I think the order of causality is somewhat skewed here. Apple won't ditch the cMBP' before the production costs of the retinas come down far enough to be in the same price range (N.B! range, not point). For the moment, the pricing of the retina models contain a significant premium, based as well on the "no one else offers this" -argument as on the fact that some components (LCD panel and SSD to a lesser degree) are not yet established, bulkified technologies.

Remember, apple's ability to negotiate prices is based on three factors: huge cash reserves, being a big buyer and having a lot of comparable oem manufacturers to choose from. In the case of the rMBP's the latter two factors do not yet fully work.

RGDS,

RGDS,

Interstella5555 · Jan 17, 2013, 12:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Talking about society as a whole here....

As was I.

Mr. Retrofire · Jan 17, 2013, 12:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Does anyone here really think the price of the rMBP will drop if Apple makes their entire Pro line Retina?

No. The 2nd wave of Ivy Bridge processors is not cheap, and the retina displays are also not cheap. Do not forget the price for the new 802.11ac hardware components. I do not see that metals (copper, gold, aluminum) are much cheaper on the market.

So why should the 2nd wave of retina MBPs costs less than the 1st wave? Wishful thinking!?

Freyqq · Jan 17, 2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by A Hebrew

A $100 price drop on a $100 dollar screen? My math is not working in favor of your argument.

Where do you get $100 from? I thought it was at least $150?

Mr. Retrofire · Jan 17, 2013, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

What about the people that don't need Retina's capabilities?

http://store.apple.com/us/browse/home/specialdeals/mac

Quote:

Originally Posted by Squilly

Or people on a tighter budget that still want an Apple computer?

http://store.apple.com/us-hed/findyo...US-Edu-NavLink

kage207 · Jan 17, 2013, 12:32 PM

I think Apple will once the competition catches up and they do make it only Retina Display for the Macs. The reason while it won't happen for awhile is because there is no need, there's plenty of money still left to make for Apple here until they have a challenge.

That's how business works.

bbucy · Jan 17, 2013, 01:56 PM

so, if apple drops the cMBP and goes all retina... do you think they will continue providing only SSD storage options. seems like apple prices on SSD is what drives the price up.

KPOM · Jan 17, 2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bbucy

so, if apple drops the cMBP and goes all retina... do you think they will continue providing only SSD storage options. seems like apple prices on SSD is what drives the price up.

Maybe 2013 is the year Apple relents a little on SSD prices. Right now, they make as much money selling SSDs as the SSD manufacturers do (probably more).

A Hebrew · Jan 17, 2013, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Freyqq

Where do you get $100 from? I thought it was at least $150?

$100 for the panel, I was not including any of the manufacturing processes for the laptop itself.

Jan 16, 2013, 05:38 PM	#1
Squilly In Time-Out Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: PA	rMBP Price Drop Does anyone here really think the price of the rMBP will drop if Apple makes their entire Pro line Retina? Bad example since it's iOS but the iPad has been $500 from the start. Same with the Mini. The only exception I could think of is when Apple dropped the price of the Touch $30 on the 4th generation. So, I ask you, do you think Apple will drop the price? I'm tempted to buy and not going to buy the current version since the product cycle is nearly over , but any penny helps. Well... I get an education discount too.
	0

Jan 16, 2013, 06:00 PM	#5
Freyqq macrumors 68020 Join Date: Dec 2004	when the rmbp came out, it was the first of its kind. Therefore, the retina screen was much more expensive. After making it for about a year and other vendors starting to get interested in the tech, I anticipate the price to drop quickly on that part. So, I'd expect a $50+ price drop on that alone. Also, ssd prices have dropped over the last year, so that's probably another $50-100 of savings. Last edited by Freyqq; Jan 17, 2013 at 12:20 PM.
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 07:59 AM	#11
Mdwall macrumors member Join Date: Oct 2012	I don't know if they will drop it just on the supposition that the entire line will be Retina but I;m sure eventually they will drop down but not to the same price the cMBP's are at. I could see maybe a 100-200 dollar drop eventually but nothing significant. It's not like the cMBP was cheap (and actually somewhat more expensive similarly equipped to the Retina) __________________ iPod Classic 160GB, 32GB iPad2 WiFi, 15" rMBP 2.6, 512GB.
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 08:05 AM	#12
lapeno macrumors 6502 Join Date: Jul 2010	Hopefully with only rmbp, there will be a price drop __________________ iMac 21.5" 500GB HD, 8GB DDR3, 3.06 GHZ C2D, Lion 10.7.5 16 GB Black iPhone 4 5.1.1
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 12:32 PM	#22
kage207 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2008	I think Apple will once the competition catches up and they do make it only Retina Display for the Macs. The reason while it won't happen for awhile is because there is no need, there's plenty of money still left to make for Apple here until they have a challenge. That's how business works. __________________ MBA 13", i5 1.8GHz, 8GM RAM, 128GB SSD These are amazing products that enrich our lives that we see as toys, remember that they are expensive and should be used as tools to reach our dreams~
	0

Jan 16, 2013, 05:40 PM	#2
duervo macrumors 6502 Join Date: Feb 2011	Yes, I'm expecting it to drop in price once they do away with the non-retina model. As long as both types remain, though, I expect the price to remain relatively steady. They dropped the price of the MacBook Air when they dropped the old MacBook line (or was it slightly after or slightly before? ...I can't remember now.)
	2

Jan 16, 2013, 05:42 PM	#3
BlazednSleepy macrumors 6502a Join Date: Apr 2012	I expect it to. They did with the macbook air.
	0

Jan 16, 2013, 05:57 PM	#4
KPOM macrumors 604 Join Date: Oct 2010	It likely will drop, just as the MacBook Air price dropped significantly in October 2010 (and the specifications improved significantly). I think it will be more pronounced for the 13" versions than the 15" versions, though. $1699 is too high for a volume notebook, so they will probably do everything they can to hit the $1299 mark at some level of capability, with $1499 as the "sweet spot" in terms of power and value. So the bottom line is that those of us "early adopters" with 13" rMBPs and to a lesser extent 15" rMBPs will see our resale values drop quite a bit. That's nothing new, to which those of us who the early MacBook Airs can attest. And when it does, you can bet that there will be countless threads here from angry 13" rMBP owners complaining how Apple undercut them by selling something better than their $1699/$1999 models for significantly less.
	1

Jan 17, 2013, 09:33 AM	#13
Squilly Thread Starter In Time-Out Join Date: Nov 2012 Location: PA	What is a cMBP? I'm still not expecting much of a drop. What about the people that don't need Retina's capabilities? Or people on a tighter budget that still want an Apple computer?
	0

Jan 17, 2013, 01:56 PM	#23
bbucy macrumors regular Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: The Colony, TX	so, if apple drops the cMBP and goes all retina... do you think they will continue providing only SSD storage options. seems like apple prices on SSD is what drives the price up. __________________ Bob Bucy 24" Alu iMac, 2.4 GHz MacBook, 2.4GHz IPhone 5 32G Black AppleTV new IPad
	0

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