Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Apple Releases Aluminum Unibody 17" MacBook Pro

ericinboston said:
I feel the following problems are huge and need to be rectified:

1)Movie prices too high: The BR movie titles are like $18-24 since about June 2008. Prior to that date, I was able to buy them all over the place for about $14 as they tried to lure people into choosing BR over HDDVD. So now that BR has won, they jack the prices up?
Click to expand...
If anything, the prices for movies on iTunes at $14 or so is too high. At least with Blu-Ray you get the physical media, the extras, commentary, superior picture and superior audio. You might as well use your price argument for Macs vs PC. And it doesn't look like Macs are going away any time soon.
2)Only movies created after 1999 AND THAT ARE ACTION PACKED are really necessary on BR format. Think about it...are you gonna plunk down $24 for a BR version of When Harry Met Sally when your $8.99 DVD on your $89 up-converting DVD player is already as good as it will ever get? If the films weren't recorded in high def, then essentially there is no reason to buy high def (better than dvd quality) versions of the film. It just doesn't make sense.
Click to expand...
This is false. Film has WAY more resolution than digital media. This is fact. Therefore, any film or TV show shot with film (yes, even from way back) can be transfered to Blu-Ray and WILL look better (depending on the quality of the transfer).
3)The players are still too expensive. Let's see, $299 for the bottom of the barrel player. BR has been out for years yet Sony (and essentially their patents) and friends are charging way too much to simply play a movie. Oh, and likely they do not include HDMI cables in the box (which many stores rape you $100 or more for an HDMI cable that you can buy for $20 online)...without HDMI, what's the point? So the up front cost is quite high when you factor in the unit and the cable. Then consider that you will need/want to update your movies which are all very expensive (again, compare an old 80s or 90s movie on dvd format vs. BR...not the latest release blockbusters where the dvd and BR will be closer).
Click to expand...
This is irrelevent. Plasma, DLP, LCD...basically all high def TV's costs more than cheap CRT but still sell well. Those who want and appreciate the higher resolution and audio will pay for it and it's not all that expensive in the overall scheme of things. Again, this is the same argument in Macs vs PC and Macs seem to sell alright. And let's see, which company is making people buy a cable for the mini DisplayPort instead of going with industry standard DVI/HDMI?
I think Sony's in a heap of trouble as they won "the war" a year ago almost to this date and yet I know nobody (I mean that quite literally) that owns a BR player.
Click to expand...
I know more people with PS3 machines (and thus Blu-Ray) than Macs. Yet I wouldn't say Apple is in a heap of trouble.
Prices are too high for both movies and a player (especially considering the movies were cheaper during the BR HDDVD war AND that a year has passed),
Click to expand...
Again, this can be applied to Macs vs PC in regards to price. And if you think the demise of Blu-Ray is coming, show some actual sales figures and not conjecture. Fact is, sales are up 300% over 2007. http://www.afterdawn.com/news/archive/15132.cfm
I believe the picture quality combined with the simplicity of HDMI are huge wins for BR...but time is ticking...it's only a matter of 2-3 years before movies will somehow stream to your television (which brings up an interesting topic of how well that will take off since people like to "own" physical things).
Click to expand...
Picture quality is not the only thing Blu-Ray offers. Better audio is part of the package. Top notch audio is a huge part of the experience. Also, having extras such as outtakes, extended takes, etc. makes physical media superior to streamed movies. If anything, it's iTunes is the one with crazy pricing for movies that have zero extras, have lousy resolution, lousy audio and can't be easily moved around.
I didn't like Netflix because 60% of the movies I rented looked like an adult skated on them down a 50 foot driveway. But hey, if I can stream them at a great price, cya later BR.
-Eric
Click to expand...
I have Netflix and I've only had to send back discs maybe twice. A lot of mangled/scratched discs will still play fine, surprisingly.

Streaming movies is akin to listening to MP3. It's convenient but if I'm going to waste x hours watching something, it better be worth it. I prefer high quality CD's on my home audio system and high quality video on my high def TV. There's enough people like me to make sure Blu-Ray and physical media will last for quite some time.
 
Eddyisgreat said:
You know places like BB and maybe even Sony Style have Razor thin margins on TV's and recoup the cost via (you guessed it) Cables and accessories.

I think Best Buy's markup on Monster cables and rocketfish are somewhere in the 90%-95% range.

Thats correct. The store paid 10 dollars for that 100 dollar cable your touting.
The manufactuer probably paid pennies on those dollars to make em.
Click to expand...

.Chris said:
Not "k"

What you guys arnt getting is, there is a difference between a good quality cable and a good quality cable. While they may deliver the same, its all how well its built and how strong it is. Also, not to mention the gold ones produce a lot better then the chrome ones. YOU may not notice a difference, but a lot do, including my self.
Click to expand...

What you aren't getting .Chris is that what I, and I think others, are trying to say is that you can get the EXACT SAME cable that you would get for $100 at a big-box retail store for a much cheaper price somewhere else.

As an example, BB sells USB cables for $29.99. I know for a fact that BB buys those USB cables from the manufacturer for less than $2. So, while someone like you will go out and pay the $29.99, others who are aware of this ridiculous mark-up will gladly go somewhere else to get the EXACT SAME cable at a more reasonable price.

That was only an example...but the same thing applies for most, if not all, of the accessories and cables at stores like BB. As someone already pointed out, this is because the actual profits they make on laptops, desktops, TVs, iPods, etc, is quite small, so they make up for it by hiking up the prices on accessories and cables.

So the differences in cables that you are citing, such as strength and how well-built they are, may be true but, what I'm talking about is getting the EXACT SAME cable as you're getting, but at a much lower price.
 
NT1440 said:
Well just so you know, other than marketing for the vast majority of cables out there, there is no performance difference between a $15 and a $100 cable.
Click to expand...

miggitymac said:
What you aren't getting .Chris is that what I, and I think others, are trying to say is that you can get the EXACT SAME cable that you would get for $100 at a big-box retail store for a much cheaper price somewhere else.

As an example, BB sells USB cables for $29.99. I know for a fact that the price they buy them at from the manufacturer is less than $2. So, while someone like you will go out and pay the $29.99, others who are aware of this ridiculous mark-up will gladly go somewhere else to get the EXACT SAME cable at a more reasonable price.

That was only an example...but the same thing applies for most, if not all, of the accessories and cables at stores like BB. As someone already pointed out, this is because the actual profits they make on laptops, desktops, TVs, iPods, etc, is quite small.

So the differences in cables that you are using, such as strength and how well-built they are, may be true, but what I'm talking about is getting the EXACT SAME cable as you're getting, but at a much lower price.
Click to expand...

woah there, dont have an aneurysm,
 
.Chris said:
woah there, dont have an aneurysm,
Click to expand...

LOL!

You're truly maddening. :confused:

All you've been doing on this forum is criticize...Apple, its users, and even one poster's grammar, when your own use of English is terrible.

And then when people point out your irrelevant/inaccurate information, you can't accept the fact that you're mistaken (even when it must be clear by now that you've been mistaken about so many things) so instead, you become defensive about it.

I'll admit that I was getting a bit frustrated by it, but now I'm finding your ignorance quite humorous.

Keep it coming!:D
 
Just a little off...

Originally Posted by Eddyisgreat
You know places like BB and maybe even Sony Style have Razor thin margins on TV's and recoup the cost via (you guessed it) Cables and accessories.

I think Best Buy's markup on Monster cables and rocketfish are somewhere in the 90%-95% range.

Thats correct. The store paid 10 dollars for that 100 dollar cable your touting.
The manufactuer probably paid pennies on those dollars to make em.

That example would be 900-950%, not 90-95%;)
100% markup on a ten dollar cable would be $10 for a total of $20, etc.
 
Maybe we should all agree not to feed .chris?

Good to hear the 17" matte screens are not a compromise in quality.
 
farmboy said:
That example would be 900-950%, not 90-95%;)
100% markup on a ten dollar cable would be $10 for a total of $20, etc.
Click to expand...

Lol I failed maths. Next time I won't get into percentages. Point is, its still a rip.

miggitymac said:
Rocketfish is BB's own generic brand. Same for Init and Dynex. Just thought you might be interested to know.
Click to expand...

Interesting. I knew Dynex and the Geeksquad brand (obviously) were.
 
.Chris said:
Not "k"

What you guys arnt getting is, there is a difference between a good quality cable and a good quality cable. While they may deliver the same, its all how well its built and how strong it is. Also, not to mention the gold ones produce a lot better then the chrome ones. YOU may not notice a difference, but a lot do, including my self.
Click to expand...

HAHAHA :D

The digital signal being carried by your HDMI cable could care less if it is made of gold or 'chrome' or melted coathangers for all it matters. Digital is digital. Anything that is the right HDMI spec will work as well as anything else.

Who cares 'how strong' your HDMI cable is? Are you jumping rope with it? :confused:

Any difference is entirely in your head. Every reputable double blind test has proven this to the point where even most audio/videophiles will admit they are paying for aesthetics when they buy high end cables.
 
@ .Chris

It's a digital signal (binary code).

Either it works, or it doesn't. If it doesn't you will see artifacts on the screen (like when there is a storm and your digital TV service goes down). If this happens with a HDMI cable for example, then your cable is busted.

Gold plated connectors and such are only true of an analogue connection (ie. SCART for example) where degradation is possible. Buying a better cable is a wise choice in this case.

Whatever enhanced picture quality you think you are seeing, you are not, and you just wasted $100 on a cable that is exactly the same as a $15 cable. Build quality? Its a cable for crying out loud. Even if a $100 cable lasts twice as long as a $15 cable which it wont, then I've still saved $70.
 
miggitymac said:
What you aren't getting .Chris is that what I, and I think others, are trying to say is that you can get the EXACT SAME cable that you would get for $100 at a big-box retail store for a much cheaper price somewhere else.

As an example, BB sells USB cables for $29.99. I know for a fact that BB buys those USB cables from the manufacturer for less than $2. So, while someone like you will go out and pay the $29.99, others who are aware of this ridiculous mark-up will gladly go somewhere else to get the EXACT SAME cable at a more reasonable price.

That was only an example...but the same thing applies for most, if not all, of the accessories and cables at stores like BB. As someone already pointed out, this is because the actual profits they make on laptops, desktops, TVs, iPods, etc, is quite small, so they make up for it by hiking up the prices on accessories and cables.

So the differences in cables that you are citing, such as strength and how well-built they are, may be true but, what I'm talking about is getting the EXACT SAME cable as you're getting, but at a much lower price.
Click to expand...

.Chris said:
woah there, dont have an aneurysm,
Click to expand...

This is some of the most ignorant banter I've read on here.. in atleast 3 hours..

First off.. Monster cable isnt HIGH END.. it's worthless cotton filled throw away cable.

the difference between a cable costing 10 bucks and 100 is this..

Monster brand.. Vs. Mogami brand.

Mogami will kill any moster cable out there. and all cables I know of.. Unless some new uranium tipped quad spun platinum cable that floats is available.

Nevermind the markup, if they can buy it for $2 , it's worth $2.. Ever wonder who " Whole Market" stores like Best Buy never carry anything of high quality? it's because it's valued MSRP IS THE PRICE.
 
vogelhausdesign said:
This is some of the most ignorant banter I've read on here.. in atleast 3 hours..

First off.. Monster cable isnt HIGH END.. it's worthless cotton filled throw away cable.

the difference between a cable costing 10 bucks and 100 is this..

Monster brand.. Vs. Mogami brand.

Mogami will kill any moster cable out there. and all cables I know of.. Unless some new uranium tipped quad spun platinum cable that floats is available.

Nevermind the markup, if they can buy it for $2 , it's worth $2.. Ever wonder who " Whole Market" stores like Best Buy never carry anything of high quality? it's because it's valued MSRP IS THE PRICE.
Click to expand...

lol...ok...I'll take the bait...

Mogami is a brand that specializes in audio cables, if I'm not mistaken...do they even make DVI or HDMI cables? If they do, they're doing a horrible job of marketing them because a quick Google search didn't show any that were for sale.

The more likely scenario is that you didn't really read what was being discussed in this forum, but decided to chime in anyway...

If that's what happened, before you label something as ignorant banter, you might want to actually try reading what is being said, so that you don't make a fool of yourself...

And it's ever wonder WHY, not WHO...

Oh, and this statement here:

"it's valued MSRP IS THE PRICE"

Do you know what MSRP is? If you did, then you'd realize how ridiculous it would be to make such a statement...
 
When did this thread become about HDMI cables? :confused:

Anyway, I'll be getting a new 17" MacBook Pro as soon as I've had a chance to play with one in person and decide whether or not I need the matte option. I'm surprised by all the negative comments regarding the price. I'm not the first to point this out, but the old 17" MacBook Pro cost exactly the same amount - I'm not the slightest bit shocked at the $2799 price tag. It's roughly what I paid for my 17" PowerBook G4 over 5 years ago, and it has been worth every penny. I would even go so far as to say that the new 17" MacBook Pro is good value for money. It may not be the cheapest 17" laptop in the world (in fact the opposite is probably true) but the design, build quality and components used are second to none. For all of the complaining I hear about Apple's laptop screen quality, I would've thought more of you would be pleased that Apple have used the BEST quality laptop screen possible in this latest machine, even if that puts the price up significantly. As for the battery, I'm cool with Apple's decision. I trust them.
 
.Chris said:
I guess we have kids here who dont know much... sad....
Click to expand...

If this vague statement is in reference to what I've said, please back it up with a link or URL address...something that can confirm that Mogami makes DVI and/or HDMI cables.

I'll readily apologize and admit I was wrong if you can show I was mistaken, unlike some people on this forum <looking at .Chris :rolleyes:>

And even if they do make DVI and/or HDMI cables, the poster I was replying to would still be mistaken if he thinks a Mogami HDMI cable will "kill" a Monster HDMI cable...as many people have already stated, digital is digital.

Audio cables (for instruments/microphones/analog signals) are a different story...

Otherwise, I hope your statement was about someone else...

Even then, it's probably better if you just don't say anything more than you already have. :D
 
Yea sorry.. I saw monster and best buy and my "noob-o-meter" went off..
No, in fact they do not make Binary transfer, or data transfer cables ( as far as I know) The information i was dishing was for audio, which is a subject I know much more than any one person should know about..
Sorry for the ONE LETTER TYPO THOUGH.

By the way , the MSRP statement was about high end manufacturers suggesting a retail price at a premium to sell their products.

You just assumed that I didn't know what it meant.
 
vogelhausdesign said:
Yea sorry.. I saw monster and best buy and my "noob-o-meter" went off..
No, in fact they do not make Binary transfer, or data transfer cables ( as far as I know) The information i was dishing was for audio, which is a subject I know much more than any one person should know about..
Sorry for the ONE LETTER TYPO THOUGH.

By the way , the MSRP statement was about high end manufacturers suggesting a retail price at a premium to sell their products.

You just assumed that I didn't know what it meant.
Click to expand...

Haha...sorry...my reply was probably a bit too harsh...might have been enough to just question whether you were talking about audio or video.

I started to get the impression that the majority of posts here are from people who just spew out inaccurate information about things that they truly know nothing of. I mistakenly assumed that you were one of these people.

My apologies. :eek:
 
Sexy.

After seeing these new unibody machines my god my old MBP looks dated and ancient. I need to stay away from Apple stores, these are way too tempting to spend much time around.
 
Well, I'll comment on two things: First, sometime in early February I will be the proud owner of a 17" MBP. I plan to keep my current Rev 1 15" MBP. It has served me well.

So since part of this thread got devoted to HDMI cables and such, here is number two and I'm going to make you do the homework. Do you know where ALL of the cabling is made, regardless of name brand and what the actual difference is between makes/brands/etc?

If you don't know, you're getting ripped off.
 
.Chris said:
I highly dobut they will sell many. With in the first month, I say, they may sell, like, 50? maybe 100. Who has THAT much money, let alone, the way you look at it, you can get the same basic specs for 1699 range.

Apple is crazy. They know the enconmey sucks right now and they are really discriminating those who want one, but can't afford it.

Reason why i'm saying this is because the price. 2799. I could see if it was 2199, but 27?
Click to expand...

"Maybe 100"? They will sell a lot more. Every self-proclaimed "artist" or "pro" who knows how to open Photoshop will buy it blindly.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back