Apple Lowers Prices on PowerBooks...12" and 15"

[mactastic]

Wow, this WWDC is shaping up to be pretty spectacular. Of course we may all come away dissappointed and bitching about it but this sure looks promising. I wouldn't get too excited about 970 PB's yet though, not this rev. One more round with 1.14, or maybe even 1.25 ghz g4 processors in the high end, and 1 ghz in the 12". I don't see how they could update the 15" without updating the 17" since putting a faster processor in the 15" would gut 17" sales. The 17" needs to stay top dog. And hopefully apple has heard the complaints about the 12" and fixes some of them, like maybe a DVI out instead of VGA, and the ability to expand to at least 1 gig of RAM. A PCMCIA card slot would be nice, but I don't know where they would put it. Hmmm should I sell my 7 month old TiBook (1ghz) and buy a new 15" AlBook now? HAHA no! I love my TiBook. Im anticipating at least another 18 months before I'm ready to part with this beauty.

 

[dethl]

Wow

If you guys can get the educational discount, its an extra $100 off the new price!

I'm looking at a 12" myself. Though figure in the Applecare protection plan (which everyone should get, because anything could happen to our beloved macs) and the price goes fairly high($1,878 w/combo drive). Still a nice price for a 12". I don't get it, why is the ibook protection plan like half the cost of the powerbook plan?

 

[Dave K]

For those wondering, Canadian pricing has been tweaked to adjust for the 10 cent rise in the $ since the beginning of the year.

So, while the 17" PB held steady down south, it dropped $600 up here. iBooks were shaved as well, although desktops held steady...

 

[gotohamish]

Originally posted by macnews
Are there any new rumors if the 15" will get the back lit keyboard? I know a month or so ago people were saying the back light would be only for the 17".

Probably, but anyone can start a rumor!

 

[SilentPanda]

Mmmm... updates in less than a month (hopefully). Somebody should start tracking a pricedrop -> update chart. 1, 2, 3 not it!

Anyhow... my dad finally decided that he might want to "play around" with a Mac so he said he'd buy mine and I could get a better one... I'm thinking a 15" powerbook but definitely not until they're updated... the 12" has better specs pretty much than the 15" aside from the screen resolution. Right now I'm using a 15" flat panel iMac (my first Mac woo hoo!) but I think I'd rather have a laptop (with a superdrive)... good ol' envy from friends...

 

[brhmac]

[Apple appears to have quietly dropped prices on their 12" and 15" PowerBooks:]

Apple posted the new prices on its Web site and featured a prominent headline.

How is that "quiet"?

You were expecting maybe a phone call? Fireworks display?

Apple has a history of doing this. Cool company. Innovative technology.

But still more expensive than computers with other OSs. Price drops like this help drive sales and move inventory.

 

[jxyama]

it's "quiet" because it didn't replace the iTMS/iPod banner on the main site...

10+% price drop would usually merit a big announcement... but this is probably to clear the inventory.

my bet is that 12" won't get updated this month. i think they lowered the price to combat:

1) "confusion" from iBook's 900 MHz.
2) better distinction when 15" gets Al/1GHz/lit keyboard/FW 800 and be priced around $2,300..?

so after wwdc, the lineup may look like:
12" - 867 GHz - $1599
15" - 1 GHz - $2299
17" - 1 GHz - $3299

OR the 17" inventory is "thin" enough that it can be updated to 1+ GHz along with the 15"...?

dethl: if you can get ed. discount on the PB, you can also get a discount on the AppleCare. i think it's a shade under $300...

 

[Macmaniac]

Hopefully they will keep that price when they revise the 12in PB I want to get a 1ghz model, and one that has a better vid card. Crossing my fingers for september!!!

 

[rjwill246]

Originally posted by iwantanewmac
Don't hold your breath for a 970 powerbook.
that's going to take QUITE a while before it gets here.
(if it ever gets here)

No it won't: and here is why. Apple is painfully, painfully aware!! that they are getting the stuffing kicked out of them because of the megahertz myth (no longer a myth, of course, the theory behind this notwithstanding). Their sales will go nowhere if they don't get their MHz up there STAT. This is so bloody obvious that it shouldn't need to be stated. I would be amazed if in 6 to 9 months' time that we find G3s, G4s, 970s in all manner of combinations in the product line. Not only would that absolutely mess with the consumer's mind to the extent that sale's paralysis would occur, no manner of advertising or financial coercion would get people to buy Apple's computers.
"Er, excuse me, but could you tell me which one of these is good value for money?" Can you imagine the salesperson at CompUSA explaining THAT mess to a customer?
Nope. Apple has little option but to get to the 970s as the ONLY chip in the lineup and make that an advertising advantage. If the rumour that the IBM chips are cheaper than the Moto chips, it makes even less sense to continue to buy Moto chips... Apple would have only to fulfill their obligation to Moto for the current contract and I bet that there is an "out" clause in there somewhere.
Remember that these chips consume little power at reasonable clock speeds and are ideal for PBs. I realize that Dell et al. have all sorts of CPUs at all sorts of clock speeds in their computers- but Apple has to fight this fight with as clean a set of numbers as possible. The Wintel world is largely uncritical of its own shortcomings while happily- and too often successfully- miring Apple in arguments that are nothing more than paper tigers.. but somehow they grow teeth and end up biting Apple.
What we need are stunning chips in the best computers running the best OS at competitive prices. Apple has only once in a while achieved all of these parameters. Let's hope that by the end of the year, that reviewer after reviewer is able to trumpet that Apple Computer simply hands down has the best computing experience in the world, for business as well as the consumer. Let's hope.
PS: It would be still reasonable, for an IBM G3 to be in a low cost box, terminal or other device, if Apple goes with that concept.

 

[Moxiemike]

Originally posted by hvfsl
I was thinking the same since I have a 550 version, but looking at the differences in screen sizes I will only upgrade to a 15in Powerbook or maybe the 14in ibook if it gets a faster cpu (1ghz or more) and a better graphics card (at least geforce 4go 440 or radeon 9000m. I will wait and see what WWDC brings.

The way I see it, you're not losing much real estate--it's all in the width. I do like the 15" but i carry too many bulky things with me already.

And the ability to burn a disc on the road would be awesome (dvd only here )

The 15 just seems a bit too bulky. I almost wish i still had my lombard....

 

[jxyama]

we find G3s, G4s, 970s in all manner of combinations in the product line. Not only would that absolutely mess with the consumer's mind to the extent that sale's paralysis would occur, no manner of advertising or financial coercion would get people to buy Apple's computers.
"Er, excuse me, but could you tell me which one of these is good value for money?" Can you imagine the salesperson at CompUSA explaining THAT mess to a customer?

how's this any more confusing than Celeron, P3, P3-M, P4, P4-M, AMD Athlon, etc., etc..?

MHz myth is not as bad, I hope... Athlon chips never state their speed, at least not as clearly as Intel. Apple would probably do ok just by dropping MHz/GHz designation and just call machines "867", "900" and "1000".

it would be dangerous to have ONE chip. i think you are trying to convince yourself that 970 PB will ship later this month and coming up with reasons why...

i can't say anything for sure, of course, but this is a rumors site, afterall... my money would be on PB NOT getting 970 anytime soon, certainly not this month. i could be wrong, but i wouldn't get the hopes up.

 

[KingDanimus]

Oh What I'd Give...

Oh how I hope it could be true... a portable 970 this summer.

 

[Sonofhaig]

Lord of the Macs

Originally posted by JediMacster
Their numbers are waning...

My iBook served me well, alas its time has come...

Soon the PB 15" 970 will be mine... my own... MY PRECIOUS!

You are too funny! That's how I see these upcoming Macs too.
(Good use a quote from a great movie)
They are putting the 970 chips in upcoming laptops too? Right?

Should I wait to see whats coming out? Or take advantage of the
price drop? Oh the temptation..........

 

[jxyama]

i knew it... ok, who put the one negative rating on this thread..?? better explain why a $200 price drop is ever a bad thing.

 

[benixau]

Originally posted by jxyama
i knew it... ok, who put the one negative rating on this thread..?? better explain why a $200 price drop is ever a bad thing.

I woke my mum up laughing - what a ****wit. Hey i wil give it a 5 to help even it up.

[mod edit: Don't circumvent the profanity filter.]

 

[john123]

Originally posted by rjwill246
No it won't: and here is why. Apple is painfully, painfully aware!! that they are getting the stuffing kicked out of them because of the megahertz myth (no longer a myth, of course, the theory behind this notwithstanding). Their sales will go nowhere if they don't get their MHz up there STAT. This is so bloody obvious that it shouldn't need to be stated. I would be amazed if in 6 to 9 months' time that we find G3s, G4s, 970s in all manner of combinations in the product line. Not only would that absolutely mess with the consumer's mind to the extent that sale's paralysis would occur, no manner of advertising or financial coercion would get people to buy Apple's computers.
"Er, excuse me, but could you tell me which one of these is good value for money?" Can you imagine the salesperson at CompUSA explaining THAT mess to a customer?
Nope. Apple has little option but to get to the 970s as the ONLY chip in the lineup and make that an advertising advantage. If the rumour that the IBM chips are cheaper than the Moto chips, it makes even less sense to continue to buy Moto chips... Apple would have only to fulfill their obligation to Moto for the current contract and I bet that there is an "out" clause in there somewhere.
Remember that these chips consume little power at reasonable clock speeds and are ideal for PBs. I realize that Dell et al. have all sorts of CPUs at all sorts of clock speeds in their computers- but Apple has to fight this fight with as clean a set of numbers as possible. The Wintel world is largely uncritical of its own shortcomings while happily- and too often successfully- miring Apple in arguments that are nothing more than paper tigers.. but somehow they grow teeth and end up biting Apple.
What we need are stunning chips in the best computers running the best OS at competitive prices. Apple has only once in a while achieved all of these parameters. Let's hope that by the end of the year, that reviewer after reviewer is able to trumpet that Apple Computer simply hands down has the best computing experience in the world, for business as well as the consumer. Let's hope.
PS: It would be still reasonable, for an IBM G3 to be in a low cost box, terminal or other device, if Apple goes with that concept.

I hate to break it to you, but there's nothing in what you said which squares with the logistics of reality.

Apple being "painfully aware" of their lag in terms of processor power is (1) not a unique feeling, as it's been that way for some time, and (2) not able to bend the laws of physics and logistics to make machines happen faster than is physically possible.

Maybe we'll all be shocked and amazed in the next month, and the 970 will find its way into laptops. But given that a new processor will require a new architecture in terms of heat and energy management, and given that we don't have a generation of desktops already in production (at least for sale) for Apple to have been working with that technology, I'd expect a delay between the introduction of the 970 in desktops and laptops -- much as we saw that kind of delay with the G4.

Further, your own argument in favor of "cleanness" in processors is your own personal opinion but is not at all a reason why Apple is more likely to introduce a 970-based laptop in the immediate future. Would it be nice to have everything simple? Yeah. Is that consideration going to outweigh financial and logistical ones? No way.

This all seems to be another one of those times when everyone is expecting way too much out of Apple and is getting hyped up for a disappointment. If Apple surprises us, then great...but I wouldn't get my hopes up and my credit card greased for a 970-based PowerBook in the next month...

 

[evil]

nooooooo! i paid 2899 cdn for mine about a month ago and now its 2249!!!
im a poor student. i wouldnt care if i was rich but now i wish i could get some compensation for this.
apparently the credit card i used will give me 100 bucks back. thats no where near the 650 difference

 

[aharon]

All I want is a 15" 1 GHZ Al book. I can wait for the 970. But PLEEASSE Apple, I want an upgraded 15" Powerbook in my hands by the end of July. Is that too much to ask?

 

[jxyama]

i hear ya, evil... if it's within 30 days, doesn't Apple have a price matching policy? you may want to call...

however, you said you've had it for a month... $600 price difference is $20 per day. you can't just compare the price drop... how much use do you think you got out of your machine in a month? $5 a day? 10$ a day? think about that...

but i hear ya. i've had mine for 4 months and i've loved it, but can't help feel a little jealous of other fellows who's gonna get their 12" for $200 less.

 

[admford]

One interesting thing in Italy is that Apple is offering zero interest payments up to June 28th. Mainly apple does these things when new products are going to be released. I would say that the new PBooks or PMacs might come out around the end date of the offer. These offers aren't completely made for companies, but mainly to normal home consumers, so my best guess is new PBooks and PMacs.

 

[punter]

Originally posted by evil
nooooooo! i paid 2899 cdn for mine about a month ago and now its 2249!!!
im a poor student. i wouldnt care if i was rich but now i wish i could get some compensation for this.
apparently the credit card i used will give me 100 bucks back. thats no where near the 650 difference

Next time I buy a new computer I don't think I'll log onto any rumor sites for a while. I feel for you!

 

[celaurie]

I wonder if there will be a change to international prices too?

 

[Trekkie]

Originally posted by rjwill246
No it won't: and here is why. Apple is painfully, painfully aware!! that they are getting the stuffing kicked out of them because of the megahertz myth (no longer a myth, of course, the theory behind this notwithstanding).

Just wanted to comment on the statement.

The MHz Myth is alive and well. but when you have a 3 to 1 MHz advantadge (or GHz in this instance) the myth becomes irrelevant.

 

[Flowbee]

Originally posted by jxyama
i hear ya, evil... if it's within 30 days, doesn't Apple have a price matching policy? you may want to call...

An Apple store employee told me several months ago that there is a 10 day price guarantee. That is, if thee price drops within 10 days of your purchase (from the Apple store) they'll refund the difference to you. This was right after the 23-inch displays were lowered to $1999... apparently they were swamped with calls.

 

[Trekkie]

I just don't see the 970 in the Powerbook at this time.

I really don't see the PowerPC 970 showing up in a Powerbook at WWDC.

Think about it.

Mac's are sold like this

Best-> Power Mac
Better -> iMac
Good -> eMac

Portable -> PowerBook

If you wanted to win back a market segment that has been slipping for a while because of real lack of performance finally at the 1.4GHz speed level?

Power Mac

Power Mac will have the 970 First. I'd bet money on it. It may be first for a while, but not a long while.

I'd bet PowerBooks will get 970 1Q 2005 at Macworld SF. If not later.

Besides, the same issue is going to hold true that it does with the Intel world.

32 bit apps will need to be written to take advantage of the 64-bit capabilities.

Photoshop, Quark, you name it will need a 64bit binary to take full advantage of the PowerPC 970.

32 bit will run slightly better because of the faster clock speed, but not take advantage of the bigger memory footprint, etc, that the 64bit world offers.

Don't get me wrong, I'd love my 12" Powerbook to go obsolete (ok,not love, because I can't run out and buy a PowerPC 970 here 3 months after getting a 12") but I was tried of my 550 and I wanted a smaller footprint system.

Though I'd love to run down to my local Apple Store (woot, just moved to NC, there is an Apple store here in Durham) and pickup the Power Mac 970 system with a 23" monitor. I'd sell a kidney.

I came about 2" from buying a 1.42 with a 20" but I really couldn't stomach the speed difference between a Pent4 3.06 so I went with a Powerbook for now.