Apple to Launch an $800 Laptop?

[MacRumors]

The Inquisitr claims that some Apple retailers have already been given price lists for Apple's upcoming laptops and that there are 12 price points ranging from $800 to $3100. Current laptops are said to have only have 8 retail price points: 3 Macbooks (starting at $1099), 3 Macbook Pros and 2 Macbook Airs.

There has been speculation that Apple could be dropping prices their MacBooks ahead of an economic downturn, though analysts predicted the drop would only go as far as $999 (from $1099). An $800 MacBook would represent a $300 drop from the current low-end.

While The Inquisitr has no prior track record with Apple rumors, the owner of the site and author of the report is a relatively established blogger. One potential cause for doubt is that their source claims that "retail outlets usually get the price lists 10 days before products hit the market" which is not typical. Historically, price lists have appeared as early as a few days ahead of launch. The longest lead time in recent memory was about four days prior to a Monday iMac launch.

As a result, it's feasible that (assuming this is true) these rumored product lists could foretell of announcements as early as next week. If so, then we'll likely hear further confirmation from other retail sources shortly.

Article Link

[kyen1]

We continue to wait patiently...

[MasterNile]

Originally Posted by kyen1

We continue to wait patiently...

lol or not so patiently for some

[kanon14]

Just release them!!!!

[Phormic]

Anyone want to predict that the $800 model STILL has a combo drive?

[kanon14]

Originally Posted by Phormic

Anyone want to predict that the $800 model STILL has a combo drive?

I do, and it's sad.

[MasterNile]

I'd agree with that, either combo drive or macbook air style no optical drive

[BornAgainMac]

The $999 Macbook above the $799 will have some must have feature I bet. And the $3,100 Macbook sounds like it will have Blu-Ray.

[dainiookas]

I doubt this pricing... although it would be very good for me, because I'm planning to grab as soon as it arrives

[Shagrat]

Hmmn. Might have to replace ageing 1st gen white Macbook (32 bit processor) with Pro of some description. Could do with a better screen/graphics/case/etc/ etc.

And cheaper than Pros were, when I could only afford the Macbook, too, I hope

[gifford]

$800 would shut people up. good

[dambro1978]

I just need a MBA with 2 USB ports, at least a 5400rpm HD and a standard Core2duo .
Really hoping for next tuesday.

[MasterNile]

Excuse my ignorance but how are people expecting the MBPs to be cheaper when top of the line MBP now costs $2800 and the most expensive one will now cost $3100?

[Philberttheduck]

Just hope it's not an $800 netbook. Despite the impulse-buy popularity of netbooks, I just don't see Apple playing this market; Apple's always been a trend STARTER, not follower. But I have seen crazier things and wouldn't be opposed to a netbook at all (although at $500, not 800)

[Kilamite]

Oh, the suspense of all this is killing me!

I need to know now, Apple. Please.

[peepboon]

Apple's trying to get a slice of the $100 laptop per child hahaha.... still have to cut back almost $700!

[Philberttheduck]

Originally Posted by MasterNile

Excuse my ignorance but how are people expecting the MBPs to be cheaper when top of the line MBP now costs $2800 and the most expensive one will now cost $3100?

They could throw in a 17" model with an SSD as another MBP model

[MasterNile]

Originally Posted by Philberttheduck

They could throw in a 17" model with an SSD as another MBP model

So you're saying 1. 15 inch model, 2. 17 inch model, 3. 17 inch model w/ SSD?

[fendersrule]

Originally Posted by MasterNile

Excuse my ignorance but how are people expecting the MBPs to be cheaper when top of the line MBP now costs $2800 and the most expensive one will now cost $3100?

Because there may be an amazing new hope that Apple might be installing BluRay on their new systems, which would easy create a new price cap.

I really could care less about this notebook crap. I already have a new MacBookPro, along with a 2008 Mac Pro...and I love them both. But what I really care about: is to replace my G4 mini sitting in front of my HDTV with a brand new Mac Mini. It would be awesome if Apple is putting BluRay in their new units...AND if the update the mini. Talk about a killer unit!

Fingers are still crossed.

[k2k koos]

14th or not? who knows, it appears to be an impressive range of portables, if this is going to be true :-)

[jodelli]

I hope this is for real. Even if the entry line lacks some features.

[iCantwait]

that should make my proposed set up cheaper

[djens]

I just sold my MPB (3500$) so I have alot of money to spend
But I doubt they will be released as sonn as the 14th. I think most Apple fanatics is just blinded by hope or something... But i am crossing my fingers myself though
I live in Norway, therefore the prices. Btw a fully upgraded 17 incher costs almost 5000 USD here... :/

[MasterNile]

Question regarding Blu-Ray, my understanding was that software wise Macs wouldn't be able to support it till Snow Leopard is released, does this mean that if the new MBPs did come with a Blu-Ray drive they wouldn't be able to use it to it's full potential until Jan?

[fendersrule]

Originally Posted by MasterNile

Question regarding Blu-Ray, my understanding was that software wise Macs wouldn't be able to support it till Snow Leopard is released, does this mean that if the new MBPs did come with a Blu-Ray drive they wouldn't be able to use it to it's full potential until Jan?

Possibly.

It could also be possible that Apple's next revision of OSX will contain support for BluRay, along with pronouncing a date for the new revision release. I don't think there is any evidence that 10.6 is the "beginning" of BluRay support, we just know that it does support it.