People who slate Apple for how expensive the Mini is are forgetting one critical part of the equation: Mac OS X. Consider Mac OS X as the "ultimate" version (compared with Windows 7, for example) and deduct around $200 from the Mini's price and you're getting closer to the hardware cost. Mac OS X development doesn't come from thin air...
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Apple Drops Price of Mac Mini Internationally
- Thread starter MacRumors
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
If you take away VAT, you still have 15-20% price difference.
The 'copyright' fee is 10 Euro. That's why it's 709 and not 699.
The 2-year EU warranty does not affect Apple much, because the EU warranty is only valid between the place where you buy the product and the customer. Apple is only involved here if they sell directly, which they do less outside of the US. Also, the EU warranty effectively loses its 'edge' after 6 months. The often-quoted 2 years are hardly ever really applicable.
So no, these things can't be the reason.
That was largely because of the iPad and especially in the recent quarter because of the newly introduced iPhone. Take into account that the Mac is now only a third of Apple's revenue. My take is that the Mac margins haven't changed one bit.
I'm European, I'm quite involved in IT sales/business regulations and I've never heard of that. Care to eloborate?
Short explanation of EU warranty:
You have 6 months full warranty on all consumer products.
You have 2 years of full warranty on all consumer products if you can prove that the defect has already been there at the time when you bought the product. Good luck with that. Effectively that means you don't have 2 years in the vast majority of cases, but only 6 months.
Consequence: After 6 months, you have to rely on the warranty the manufacturer gives you. And that can be anywhere from 0 to infinity. There are no regulations on that.
If you wind back a page or two there are some links.
Basically, most European states have a 2 year statutory warranty period - and all states should have implemented this minimum by 2002.
The UK takes a different approach with a 6 month 'no argument' period during which you can get a repair with out having to prove it's the manufacturer's mistake.
After that there's up to 6 years during which you can potentially get repairs if the item doesn't match the expected life for that type of product.
Looks like the UK didn't specifically ratify the EU 2 year provision, since our regulations were already superior - although that's debatable, since there may be a difference between the two in terms of the proof required to get redress.
You need to look up the laws in your country.
The question now would be how this applies to consumer products in practice. Is there any precedent?
If your Mac broke after 2 years Apple couldn't turn round and say it isn't expected to last more than a year because they are offering extended AppleCare cover for up to 3 years.
That's true, comes from Sale of Goods Act. It states everything should last for a reasonable length of time (no more than 6 years) so Mac could easily argue for 3 years.
One thing to note that the standard of proof is "on balance of probabilities". A 51% chance is good enough. So if you can do some googling and find examples of similar faults there is a reasonable chance you could get a result. Especially if there is some evidence of you looking after device well (case, screen protector etc).
Strike!
Especially concerning now we have to share aircraft carriers with them.
"Er... non, our navy... she is on strike"
Thanks for clearing that up. So it's hardly different to the EU warranty in practice. I was really worried for UK retailers
It's almost impossible to prove that for most consumer products. So effectively, Apple couldn't care less about anything that happens after the 1 year warranty.
Anyway, this discussion applied only to the UK, and the prices are similarly high in the UK and the rest of Europe, meaning the UK warranty can't be the cause for the 'EU Apple tax'.
Well, I asked for precedent. No offense, but you simply stating that Apple couldn't do that is not exactly relevant unless you can show me that this is actually the usual procedure for defective Macs in the UK.
Also, if that were really the case, why would anyone in the UK feel the need to buy AppleCare? Just for slightly increased convenience? I seriously doubt that. Wouldn't AppleCare be much cheaper in the UK then?
Thanks for clearing that up. So it's hardly different to the EU warranty in practice. I was really worried for UK retailers
It's almost impossible to prove that for most consumer products. So effectively, Apple couldn't care less about anything that happens after the 1 year warranty.
Why wouldn't Apple care about stuff after a year.
- They themselves expect Macs to last for 3 years (evidence Applecare)
- It's easy to get evidence of similar failings elsewhere if there are production issues - the Internet is awash with complaints.
So I wouldn't assume it's that difficult to get a fix made even after a year.
Apple would be stupid to let a legal precedent be set. Suits them very well to have people believe there's only a year warranty.
It would hardly be the first time someone's made money selling insurance you don't need.
These teams are centralized for regions. It's where the term EMEA comes from. Again, other companies are facing the exact same globalization&localization costs and don't have 15-20% higher prices before VAT. So it IS very specific to Apple (and select other companies). So your theory would be that Apple, the 2nd most valuable company of the US, is very ineffective doing business outside the US?
Just show me that it is regular practice that Apple offers free replacements for Macs after the 1 year warranty runs out and we can stop with the speculations. Until then have my serious doubts.
Often people don't know their rights, and in some cases the limits on their rights. A few examples-
You don't need a receipt to return a faulty item.
You don't have to take a credit note when returning faulty items.
You shouldn't have to pay a restocking fee to Apple when you return a Mac, even if it is just because you changed your mind. Provided you bought remotely and weren't told of it in advance.
You can't insist a shop sells you an item that is priced incorrectly.
People buy Applecare for peace of mind, and sometimes in ignorance of their rights. The ignorance issue is probably why it isn't cheaper here than in the US.
That's not precedent, that's a lengthy discussion on the topic with many different opinions thrown around. I stopped after 3 minutes reading.
Thanks. I was planning on upgrading my '06 iMac with a Mini, that thread has convinced me not to. Looks like the '10 Mini sucks.
I can't prove that and you know it. It's absolutely not in Apple's interest to publicise any repairs or replacement beyond their 1 year warranty period, as it would undermine sales of Applecare.
You're welcome to your doubt, but I don't share it.
Good find.
I love the bit where he was told Apple is a US company and so UK law won't apply!
"I'm sorry there was a live cobra in your Mac, but Apple has just moved its base to Zimbabwe so you can't do anything about it."