Amazon Offers Massive $299 Discount on 8GB M2 MacBook Air, Available for $699.99

[godorowski]

Heavy regulation and taxation, government thieves pocket the discount. The EU also just stole $20 billion from Apple, they’re great at taking and destroying but not building anything useful for citizens.

Apple is big corporation that will suck your bones to dry if you let them.

EU grabed Apple by neck and told them to use USB C, open it's software and stop gatekeeping, add RCS, make batteries easier to swap, have parts to repair for years and now it's protecting us from AI that will learn too much too quick with only corpo to have access to real data.

"They just stole" but one day you will move to europe if you not there already.

 

[henkie]

Apple is big corporation that will suck your bones to dry if you let them.

EU grabed Apple by neck and told them to use USB C, open it's software and stop gatekeeping, add RCS, make batteries easier to swap, have parts to repair for years and now it's protecting us from AI that will learn too much too quick with only corpo to have access to real data.

"They just stole" but one day you will move to europe if you not there already.

Agree. EU is certainly not perfect. But I am glad they do something about the enormous power these FAANG companies have. Just surprised how Americans just sit there and have these huge companies have a field day.
As an example: just look at how EU killed off roaming charges: no more paying through the nose for accessing Google/Apple Maps on holidays or work in France or Spain when I am from Holland. To clarify: this is the same as Americans not having to pay additional charges in Mexico or Canada for using their phones for calling or using the internet. Of course telecom providers were not happy. But EU gave them the finger and said they were grossly overcharging and needed to change their ways. Obviously, this has been great for the greater good and the telcom providers are still alive and making a good profit.
I do agree that the EU could use a bit of spark in terms of innovation, but we still have companies like ASML that play a pivotal role in tech and the chip supply.

 

[Bodhitree]

If I could get one here - the Netherlands - for that price I might do it. I’ve been thinking for a while a lightweight MacBook Air might suit my needs better than an iPad.

But discounts here suck, we hardly ever see the levels of cheap that you see in the USA.

 

[familychoice]

$699 is a clearance price not the regular price. Also remember that £180 of that £849 is VAT - so your real price is £679. Most places in the US have to add sales tax too, e.g. in California I have to pay 10% on top of retail price quoted.

Unless we’re a VAT registered business and can claim the tax back, the real price is what we pay, which is £849.

The UK standard rate is 20%. Highest US rate 9.5%. Not a massive difference for those states, but the majority don’t pay anything near that rate, and many don’t pay sales tax at all.

So someone in Michigan gets the Mac for $699. In Middlesbrough we pay £849 for the same product, from the same supplier.

I’ve also noticed US customers being offered better trade-in deals from Apple. Someone was quoted $300 for a 16/256 M1 Mini on here, and I’ve seen similar offers reported elsewhere. In contrast, Apple have offered £220 for my 16/512 M1 Mini. Less money for a better spec. So we don’t just pay more in the UK, we get a lousy trade-in deal too.

 

[Heat_Fan89]

Unless we’re a VAT registered business and can claim the tax back, the real price is what we pay, which is £849.

The UK standard rate is 20%. Highest US rate 9.5%. Not a massive difference for those states, but the majority don’t pay anything near that rate, and many don’t pay sales tax at all.

So someone in Michigan gets the Mac for $699. In Middlesbrough we pay £849 for the same product, from the same supplier.

I’ve also noticed US customers being offered better trade-in deals from Apple. Someone was quoted $300 for a 16/256 M1 Mini on here, and I’ve seen similar offers reported elsewhere. In contrast, Apple have offered £220 for my 16/512 M1 Mini. Less money for a better spec. So we don’t just pay more in the UK, we get a lousy trade-in deal too.

The real price is always the final price you pay but we are in totally different markets as the US is considered the world's largest consumer economy. Most never factor in US sales or even local taxes on products purchased. I believe in certain parts of California there are other taxes levied on purchases besides sales tax. I happen to live in a US State where twice a year we have a Tax Holiday and we don't pay sales tax on certain products, up to a certain amount. I always factor in any taxes levied as the final price.

Regarding trade in values, here in the US we tend to see higher trade in prices especially for products purchased within the same brand. That applies to Google and Samsung products when buying the same brand, they tend to give much, much higher trade in prices. It all boils down to different markets wrt how much a customer will pay and how much they will receive in trade in values. As an example, two years ago, Google offered me 90% trade in value on a two year old Pixel phone if I purchased a newly released Pixel. It never happened again but it does happen on occasion.

 

[familychoice]

The real price is always the final price you pay but we are in totally different markets as the US is considered the world's largest consumer economy. Most never factor in US sales or even local taxes on products purchased. I believe in certain parts of California there are other taxes levied on purchases besides sales tax. I happen to live in a US State where twice a year we have a Tax Holiday and we don't pay sales tax on certain products, up to a certain amount. I always factor in any taxes levied as the final price.

Regarding trade in values, here in the US we tend to see higher trade in prices especially for products purchased within the same brand. That applies to Google and Samsung products when buying the same brand, they tend to give much, much higher trade in prices. It all boils down to different markets wrt how much a customer will pay and how much they will receive in trade in values. As an example, two years ago, Google offered me 90% trade in value on a two year old Pixel phone if I purchased a newly released Pixel. It never happened again but it does happen on occasion.

Oh I’m sure there’s lots of reasons why Apple feel they can charge non-US customers more for the same product. Doesn’t mean the rest of us aren’t irked by it, particularly when you factor in lower trade-in prices as well.

The overall cost I end up paying for an Apple product, factoring in trade-in value, is substantially higher than anyone will pay in the US, regardless of which state they live in. That’s the reality.

I’m going to buy the new M4 Mini, basically because it’s a good deal for everyone, even non-US customers. It’s £250 cheaper than I paid for the same configuration with my current Mini.

But Apple can stick their 20% trade-in offer for my current Silicon Mini, that US customers are getting at least 30% and more for, where the sun don’t shine.

 

[Biro]

Correct,
I didn’t see any coupon, you should buy one then.

I just checked again - the next day - and the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is listed for $899 with a $199.01 coupon. Are you a Prime member? I wonder if non-members don’t see it.

EDIT: Costco’s website has the same device at the same price as of Friday, November 1, 2024.

 

[morphineseason]

Does the lack of RAM make it incompatible with Apple iIntelligence Pro, or simply make it run poorly? $699 seems about right for a premium brand product that won't run the current OS in 3-4 years.

iPhone 16 has 8GB of RAM (up from 6GB previously). I think people are a bit confused in the belief that AI needed 16GB of RAM. Apple Intelligence will work exactly how it's supposed to with this model.

 

[delsoul]

Agree. EU is certainly not perfect. But I am glad they do something about the enormous power these FAANG companies have. Just surprised how Americans just sit there and have these huge companies have a field day.
As an example: just look at how EU killed off roaming charges: no more paying through the nose for accessing Google/Apple Maps on holidays or work in France or Spain when I am from Holland. To clarify: this is the same as Americans not having to pay additional charges in Mexico or Canada for using their phones for calling or using the internet. Of course telecom providers were not happy. But EU gave them the finger and said they were grossly overcharging and needed to change their ways. Obviously, this has been great for the greater good and the telcom providers are still alive and making a good profit.
I do agree that the EU could use a bit of spark in terms of innovation, but we still have companies like ASML that play a pivotal role in tech and the chip supply.

Little bit different in the sense that Americans can drive 3 days and still not reach the other side of the country. Whereas many EU countries you can drive 3 hours and be in a different country. Makes sense to get rid of roaming charges there. Vast majority of Americans, or Canadians, don’t even have a passport. An even stunning higher number is the amount they have never left their country. Wondering when Ericsson and Nokia will make Europe proud again since it seems non-European brands can’t seem to live up to the high expectations and standards of the EU.

 

[CalMin]

Unless we’re a VAT registered business and can claim the tax back, the real price is what we pay, which is £849.

The UK standard rate is 20%. Highest US rate 9.5%. Not a massive difference for those states, but the majority don’t pay anything near that rate, and many don’t pay sales tax at all.

So someone in Michigan gets the Mac for $699. In Middlesbrough we pay £849 for the same product, from the same supplier.

I’ve also noticed US customers being offered better trade-in deals from Apple. Someone was quoted $300 for a 16/256 M1 Mini on here, and I’ve seen similar offers reported elsewhere. In contrast, Apple have offered £220 for my 16/512 M1 Mini. Less money for a better spec. So we don’t just pay more in the UK, we get a lousy trade-in deal too.

All fair points. That said, you have way better football over there, so pick your poison.

No. I understand. I wasn't trying to argue that it isn't cheaper here for some things; it is. And VAT vs sales tax, well, blame your government for that, not Apple. I pay close to 10% here in California, but it’s ADDED to the cost, not included in the cost as you see. I could move to another state to pay less, but my life is here, and shopping out of state has been made increasingly difficult unless I go there (and in California, I am required to declare it on a tax return, else risk a penalty), so I just buy stuff here and suck it up! My point was that it's not always as big a difference as folks think.

Apple trade-ins are generally offensive - I live in a big city, so selling stuff used generally works better, and I get more money in my pocket that way.

I do want to address some sort of idea that you get 'screwed' in the UK. The reasons for higher costs are complex. One major factor is that it costs more to do business over there. Employers have to contribute more in taxation and national insurance (the recent budget makes this worse), the cost of retail and commercial space is higher in many cases, as is your overall taxation structure.

I don't believe Apple is out to 'rip off' UK consumers. They want to keep their overall profit margins the same in the UK as they are in the USA - it's just that it costs more to do business over there and this gets passed to the customer. It's not all roses here - I have to pay $hundreds a month for healthcare - something you don't need to worry about. Source: Brit living in the USA, parents run a small business in the UK.

 

[familychoice]

I do want to address some sort of idea that you get 'screwed' in the UK. The reasons for higher costs are complex. One major factor is that it costs more to do business over there. Employers have to contribute more in taxation and national insurance (the recent budget makes this worse), the cost of retail and commercial space is higher in many cases, as is your overall taxation structure.

I don't believe Apple is out to 'rip off' UK consumers.

Depends where you base your business - I paid relatively little for my company premises as it’s not based in a city, or wealthy area. Similarly wages are lower in this area, as are business rates - and some areas are even cheaper, in an effort to lure companies in. The nearest apple store is a three hour round trip away.

But, anyway, I don’t disagree with anything you’ve said, and I haven’t accused Apple of ripping anyone off (the new Mini deal is exceptionally good value - though my trade-in offer is pretty insulting). Most UK customers are probably unaware they’re paying more, it’s just those of us visiting websites like this one and see the headlines “The Best Early Black Friday Apple Deals”, and make the comparisons!

 

[Chomp81]

Was it sold and delivered by Amazon? Ie not a marketplace item?

That’s extremely bizarre

Yes, sold and delivered by Amazon.
A terrible experience.

The subreddit, r/amazonprime; all horror stories. Amazon is not what it used to be. Granted that it's an ecochamber, but nevertheless, once you experience it once, you're done

 

[X Cruz 187]

I just checked again - the next day - and the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is listed for $899 with a $199.01 coupon. Are you a Prime member? I wonder if non-members don’t see it.

EDIT: Costco’s website has the same device at the same price as of Friday, November 1, 2024.

I am not a prime member No this is most likely a prime only deal. $899.99 at Best Buy

 

[Heat_Fan89]

I just checked again - the next day - and the 13-inch M2 MacBook Air with 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD is listed for $899 with a $199.01 coupon. Are you a Prime member? I wonder if non-members don’t see it.

EDIT: Costco’s website has the same device at the same price as of Friday, November 1, 2024.

I checked and that is not a Prime member deal. Amazon will tell you if it is by saying it’s an “Exclusive Prime Deal, Join Amazon Prime now”.

Current price with coupon for everyone is $699.99

 

[mvdrl]

I picked one up as a backup machine, and now Amazon has the 16GB RAM version for $799.99 - an even better deal and a tiny bit more future proof... I should have waited!

 

[Biro]

I picked one up as a backup machine, and now Amazon has the 16GB RAM version for $799.99 - an even better deal and a tiny bit more future proof... I should have waited!

32 minutes after you posted this… it looks like that deal is gone. Drat. 😂

 

[mvdrl]

32 minutes after you posted this… it looks like that deal is gone. Drat. 😂

I still see it at this link; you might still have time! available in starlight and midnight: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DLHCWH55?tag=macrumors-20&th=1&geniuslink=true (this is from the macrumors front page story...)