Fair enough, The mid range pricing you are getting less and paying more.
I am not ranting, just disappointed with their pricing over here.
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Apple Announces New iMacs, Mac Minis, AirPort Extreme and Time Capsule
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Fair enough, The mid range pricing you are getting less and paying more.
I am not ranting, just disappointed with their pricing over here.
The 20" iMac features a downgrade in graphics card power, and increased price. The 24" iMacs are cheaper, sure, but basically no upgrade.
The Mac Mini is a fairly lackluster upgrade that is priced $100-$200 too much, IMO.
There is also no solution for someone like me, who has an excellent 24" external monitor, but can find no Mac desktop with a decent graphics card that has no display. The Mac Mini would be attractive, if it had better graphics , at least as an option. But you can't drive a 24" display at full resolution with integrated graphics, even on a movie, let alone gaming.
And finally, in regard to price. I will probably end up purchasing a Windows 7 performance laptop for $1700 that will easily beat the high-end iMac in value and specs, as well as quality. It'll also be portable. The fact that there is no midrange Apple desktop is pathetic. The laptop I'm looking at is more upgradeable than the iMac (you can replace the processor, HDD, optical drive, etc.). You can also get a new machine and keep the old display.
Apple fails on value, performance, and upgradeability. But it doesn't matter, because it's got an Apple logo on it, right?
The Mac Mini is a fairly lackluster upgrade that is priced $100-$200 too much, IMO.
There is also no solution for someone like me, who has an excellent 24" external monitor, but can find no Mac desktop with a decent graphics card that has no display. The Mac Mini would be attractive, if it had better graphics , at least as an option. But you can't drive a 24" display at full resolution with integrated graphics, even on a movie, let alone gaming.
And finally, in regard to price. I will probably end up purchasing a Windows 7 performance laptop for $1700 that will easily beat the high-end iMac in value and specs, as well as quality. It'll also be portable. The fact that there is no midrange Apple desktop is pathetic. The laptop I'm looking at is more upgradeable than the iMac (you can replace the processor, HDD, optical drive, etc.). You can also get a new machine and keep the old display.
Apple fails on value, performance, and upgradeability. But it doesn't matter, because it's got an Apple logo on it, right?
Price of entry to semi-pro work just went up
Absolutely absurd that the cheapest Mac with a dedicated graphics processor is $1800USD.
I long for the days when even multicolored iMacs and G3 iBooks had early generation Radeon GPUs.
Absolutely absurd that the cheapest Mac with a dedicated graphics processor is $1800USD.
I long for the days when even multicolored iMacs and G3 iBooks had early generation Radeon GPUs.
What laptop would that be?
Glad you asked.
http://www.xoticpc.com/sager-np8660-built-clevo-m860tu-p-2411.html?wconfigure=yesEDIT: And yeah, portability isn't a big deal to me, but I figure I might as well have it, if I can get something with it for cheaper than an iMac.
I think your environmental scanning is a little out. Maybe you need to explain your finding on market attractiveness using Porters 5 Forces.
Even a basic analysis would include Key Success Factors, an area that your comments seem to ignore. A few paragraphs on your thoughts on competitive advantage also wouldn't go amiss.
The idea of building success by losing large numbers of customers is intriguing - perhaps you could explain how Apple will become more successful by shrinking and alienating an already small user base. Niche marketing into Micro-niche perhaps? I imagine they will have completed their brilliant strategy when only four, very discerning, customers remain globally, each willing to pay $1Trillion for their 2007 spec Mac Mini?
I see no definite proof of a lack of business acumen. I am in Apple's target demographic and, having waited for a Mini refresh, and going to take my business elsewhere. Irrespective of income I look for value for money. And Macs have fallen too far off the performance vs value curve.
IMO
I live in NYC and I am considering going to Delaware to purchase my iMac, my family lives in Jersey so three days back home to visit and make a side trip to tax free shopping. I plan on making a few upgrades so it will have to be shipped. My question is will I still get hit with taxes if I purchase in Delaware and have shipped to NYC?
Kid: "Mortal Kombat for the Sega Genesis is the best game ever."
Billy: "I disagree. Mortal Kombat is a very good game, but Donkey Kong is better."
Kids: "Donkey Kong sucks."
Billy: "You wanna know something? You suck!"
If you want it, buy it. If you don't, don't buy it. Nobody's ever gonna change someone elses mind on this board.
Billy: "I disagree. Mortal Kombat is a very good game, but Donkey Kong is better."
Kids: "Donkey Kong sucks."
Billy: "You wanna know something? You suck!"
If you want it, buy it. If you don't, don't buy it. Nobody's ever gonna change someone elses mind on this board.
That's such BS! It's been no secret that Apple charges a lot for their computer and there was no mention that they might be lowering prices with the new hardware. So if you're gonna lie, you might want to tell one that we can believe.
It's not b.s. I'm a long time Mac user who is now looking squarely at buying a cheaper PC alternative. I love the Mac experience but not that much. There are plenty of alternatives for iLife applications on the PC. Some better, some not. I've used a PC enough to know the advantages and disadvantages. Also, Windows 7 looks promising enough for me to make a switch back. I was hoping Apple would be reasonable with pricing the Mac Mini or iMac (if Apple is going to price it that high, you need somewhat comparable features to the alternative).
I will always love my Mac Centris 610 (my first Mac), PowerBook 165c, Bondi iMac, sunflower iMac, PowerBook 12" G4, and my MacBook. However, enough is enough. I am now voicing my displeasure with the high prices with my wallet. Windows 7 here I come.
Sorry but I don't know if anyone said this (I'm not going through 800 comments), but the iMac now supports the Apple Stereo Headset with microphone.
P.S. Before it said the iMac will ship in 24 hours and now it says 3-5 days for student discount and 24 hours for normal price.
P.S. Before it said the iMac will ship in 24 hours and now it says 3-5 days for student discount and 24 hours for normal price.
Macrumors really should have separated the iMac and Mac Mini announcements. The Mac Mini is taking some of the iMacs beating.
I really like the Mini's update. It's never been this powerful. The complainers need to understand that this CPU is a $200 part with a TDP of 25W!
Stick an SSD in the mini (which is a lot easier than the iMac) and you have one heck of a speedy (and green) computer.
I really like the Mini's update. It's never been this powerful. The complainers need to understand that this CPU is a $200 part with a TDP of 25W!
Stick an SSD in the mini (which is a lot easier than the iMac) and you have one heck of a speedy (and green) computer.
Glad you asked.
EDIT: And yeah, portability isn't a big deal to me, but I figure I might as well have it, if I can get something with it for cheaper than an iMac.
Granted it's upgradeable and comes in lower in cost than a MBP but dang, that's one ugly machine!
So I assume you are actually in the market for a new computer as your current one isnt very capable for what you do anymore right? You wouldnt happen to just be a complainer who isnt even in the market right?
I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt though, as you've actually made your case instead of some of the "ZOMG!
madd mad! theses prices are insane!!".
Hence the word update
Just browsed eBay, there's lots of Mac minis being listed today! Luckily I saw this coming and put mine on last week, sold last night!
Not quite...
So what you're saying is that Apple targets a wealthier customer in the UK and Europe than in the US. A straight exchange rate comparison (as I provided earlier) is rather crude of course, but I don't have the Economist's Big Mac index to hand to calculate equivalent prices at purchasing power parity. I do agree that there are consumers for whom money is not an issue and who just must be seen with the latest Mac and naturally Apple wants this consumer. But many Apple fans who are not so economically well off are intensely loyal to the brand and Apple will I'm sure want to satisfy this segment too. Of course, Apple exists only to provide shareholder value; the technology is just a means to that end, i.e. to make money, and this they will pursue with ruthless efficiency.
So what you're saying is that Apple targets a wealthier customer in the UK and Europe than in the US. A straight exchange rate comparison (as I provided earlier) is rather crude of course, but I don't have the Economist's Big Mac index to hand to calculate equivalent prices at purchasing power parity. I do agree that there are consumers for whom money is not an issue and who just must be seen with the latest Mac and naturally Apple wants this consumer. But many Apple fans who are not so economically well off are intensely loyal to the brand and Apple will I'm sure want to satisfy this segment too. Of course, Apple exists only to provide shareholder value; the technology is just a means to that end, i.e. to make money, and this they will pursue with ruthless efficiency.
Sadly, yes, you'll get hit. New York in it's bloodlust for throwing money into a giant, kickback-filled, taxpayer-robbing hole taxes anything coming into the state that's shipped, it includes most online merchants now. It stinks. It won't make up for New York's deficit or crumbling infrastructure but you're better off just having it shipped to a tax-free state and picking it up or something.
WooT! That $599 Mac Mini is mine!
Seriously, sure the upgrades weren't THAT big, but with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processor, a 120 GB hard drive, an NVidia Graphics Chip and a SuperDrive as STANDARD, when just last week that same price would just get you a 1.83 GHz processor, an 80 GB hard drive, an Intel Graphics Chip and a Combo Drive, I have a feeling I'll want to buy THIS. And with the educational discount and RAM upgrading to 2 GB now only $45, once I've made $700 in my upcoming job I can buy that Mac Mini from the Apple Education Store (good thing I'm still a college student!)
And luckily, it still has FireWire!
I do already have an Apple Pro Keyboard and several USB mice, and I have an HP 15-inch CRT monitor that uses VGA (currently connected to my HP desktop PC) so I can buy a MiniDisplay-to-VGA adapter. If not, then I'll look for a used Apple Studio Display or Apple Cinema Display online, like this:
Not only is there a DVI version, and not only do I need to spend loads of money on a new Apple Cinema Display, I really like how the old ones looked. They're nice and stylish.
Not only that, but maybe once I have this and my eMac, I could just buy one of those Belkin Switch thingies and set up both the Mac Mini and the eMac on the same desk, sharing the same keyboard and mouse.
Seriously, sure the upgrades weren't THAT big, but with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2.0 GHz processor, a 120 GB hard drive, an NVidia Graphics Chip and a SuperDrive as STANDARD, when just last week that same price would just get you a 1.83 GHz processor, an 80 GB hard drive, an Intel Graphics Chip and a Combo Drive, I have a feeling I'll want to buy THIS. And with the educational discount and RAM upgrading to 2 GB now only $45, once I've made $700 in my upcoming job I can buy that Mac Mini from the Apple Education Store (good thing I'm still a college student!)
And luckily, it still has FireWire!
I do already have an Apple Pro Keyboard and several USB mice, and I have an HP 15-inch CRT monitor that uses VGA (currently connected to my HP desktop PC) so I can buy a MiniDisplay-to-VGA adapter. If not, then I'll look for a used Apple Studio Display or Apple Cinema Display online, like this:
Not only is there a DVI version, and not only do I need to spend loads of money on a new Apple Cinema Display, I really like how the old ones looked. They're nice and stylish.
Not only that, but maybe once I have this and my eMac, I could just buy one of those Belkin Switch thingies and set up both the Mac Mini and the eMac on the same desk, sharing the same keyboard and mouse.
I've been thinking about this all day. I think the UK prices are fair (compared to the US prices) - probably fairer than they've ever been. They are, however, incredibly stupid. Imagine someone wanting to buy a Mac and has saved up £1000 or so for a 24". Now that same £1000 isn't enough - are they really going to say "ok, the pound's gone down by 30% so instead I'll hand over nearly a month's salary instead"? No they are either going to not buy it, or have to save for a few more months (= not buying it).
The actual upgrades themselves are a disgrace. For a company that only upgrades once or twice a year (in this case it's been nearly a year) we get:
the same top end cpu
a slightly higher (2.93 vs 2.8) midrange cpu
graphics that are exactly the same (bar a name change) or worse at the low end
A memory upgrade (that just about everyone who bought a mac did anyway)
A bigger hard drive
Now, if you look ever at the macbook forum, people are saying the the difference between the 2 and 2.4 cpus (20%) isn't worth the upgrade and won't be that noticeable, so the 2.8 to 2.93 upgrade (5%) will be even less noticeable.
This could be the only upgrade until October and this is what they've given us - to combat the release of Windows 7 and ever more-affordable quad core PCs? Surely no one can say these are good upgrades (on the tech front - the prices are just unfortunate).
If Apple release a new iMac in June with big changes (quad core, blu ray, LED display), will all the apologists who are buying now still feel good will towards Apple.
You should never show brand loyalty to anything if it doesn't show you respect back and frankly this is a slap in the face.
The actual upgrades themselves are a disgrace. For a company that only upgrades once or twice a year (in this case it's been nearly a year) we get:
the same top end cpu
a slightly higher (2.93 vs 2.8) midrange cpu
graphics that are exactly the same (bar a name change) or worse at the low end
A memory upgrade (that just about everyone who bought a mac did anyway)
A bigger hard drive
Now, if you look ever at the macbook forum, people are saying the the difference between the 2 and 2.4 cpus (20%) isn't worth the upgrade and won't be that noticeable, so the 2.8 to 2.93 upgrade (5%) will be even less noticeable.
This could be the only upgrade until October and this is what they've given us - to combat the release of Windows 7 and ever more-affordable quad core PCs? Surely no one can say these are good upgrades (on the tech front - the prices are just unfortunate).
If Apple release a new iMac in June with big changes (quad core, blu ray, LED display), will all the apologists who are buying now still feel good will towards Apple.
You should never show brand loyalty to anything if it doesn't show you respect back and frankly this is a slap in the face.
So I assume you are actually in the market for a new computer as your current one isnt very capable for what you do anymore right? You wouldnt happen to just be a complainer who isnt even in the market right?
I'm gonna give you the benefit of the doubt though, as you've actually made your case instead of some of the "ZOMG!
Fella, I would take you're age of your profile. You have already lost credibility for constantly hunting down anyone who states these prices are high for a credit crisis. You would lose even more when they all see you are a zit popping 17 year old who doesn't even earn a paycheck or feed a family.
Get a life.
What????
Is it just me or do the new iMac specs say nothing about a dot-matrix printer being included? My IIGS came with one and it was much less. Thanks but NO THANKS Apple. How the hell am I going to make Happy Birthday and Welcome Home banners in Print Shop Pro if I don't have the printer included.
Is it just me or do the new iMac specs say nothing about a dot-matrix printer being included? My IIGS came with one and it was much less. Thanks but NO THANKS Apple. How the hell am I going to make Happy Birthday and Welcome Home banners in Print Shop Pro if I don't have the printer included.