Apple reportedly to release US$799 MacBook Air in 3Q12

[buddybd]

Apple is reportedly considering responding to the upcoming second-generation ultrabooks by launching a US$799 MacBook Air in the third quarter of 2012, according to sources from the upstream supply chain.

Although Acer has recently reduced its ultrabook shipment target, Intel continues to aggressively push ultrabooks and is aiming to have the devices priced at US$699 in the second half of the year. However, if Intel is unable to bring down ASPs to its goal, the price gap between ultrabooks and the US$799 MacBook Air may further postpone the time ultrabooks become standardized, the sources noted.

Intel has already set aside a fund of US$300 million for ultrabooks and another US$100 million for developing its own application store. In addition, with its heavy investment in product promotions, the company believes the investments will help strengthen notebook brand vendors' morale and help increase ultrabook's share in the notebook market.

However, the sources believe that ultrabooks are unlikely to achieve strong sales performance until the launch of Windows 8.

Currently, Apple's 11-inch 64GB MacBook Air is priced at US$999 with a 128GB version priced at US$1,199. The 13-inch 128GB version is priced at US$1,299 and 256GB version is US$1,599. If Apple decides to launch a US$799 MacBook Air, the sources believe the strategy will damage ultrabooks allowing Apple to continue to press its advantage.

It'll be amazing it they do!

http://www.digitimes.com/news/a20120507PD214.html

 

[NMF]

If they did that people would seriously start to question the iPad's price even more than they already do.

 

[peteypab2133]

If Apple decides to launch a US$799 MacBook Air, the sources believe the strategy will damage ultrabooks allowing Apple to continue to press its advantage. ]

For me this is a joke. All they are saying is that it will "kill profits for exploiting new technology".. Ultra books = less materials. A side from the R&D.. Like anything that comes out that is new they are going to try and charge an arm and a leg. Apple has been in the market for a few years now, collected a bunch of earnings and now has an opportunity to put the nail in the coffin.

 

[dlimes13]

MacBook Air for $799 would have to = iPad (newest) for $349 to start.

Wi-Fi: $349/$449/$549
4G: $449/$549/$649

While I would absolutely love those prices, I highly doubt it will happen.

 

[nuckinfutz]

ugh Digitimes

The site bored Mac blogs rely on to fill dead space.

 

[buddybd]

I see where you guys are coming from but I think its plausible and can coexist with te 64GB iPad.

iPad is by no means a full substitute for a notebook, and while the MBA can do most, if not all, the things iPad can, it can't definitely do one thing. Operate by hand. Sure we can bust out our MBAs anytime we want but using an iPad is much easier and more 'appropriate' especailly when reading ebooks, news sites etc. iPad is just perfect for those, the touch screen simply is the difference.

I'll be really glad if there really is an 800usd MBA, Apple hasn't been this price competitive in a long time.

 

[Nikomanz]

If they did that people would seriously start to question the iPad's price even more than they already do.

Very good point

I doubt they will release it at $799

 

[KohPhiPhi]

I doubt it. I dont see how Apple can make any profit whatsoever at that price range, plus it would really hinder the sales of their other $1000+ laptops.

 

[buddybd]

Profit is possible.

NAND prices have been falling down drastically, and I'm sure the new MBAs will have more or less the same design, so no substantial increase in R&D (other than hose related to implementing IVB).

They already make a lot of profit on the $999 MBA so $800 should be possible by now considering all recent events.

If they choose to go this route is different, but the profit surely is there.

 

[dejo]

Discussion continues here: Apple Looking to Launch $799 MacBook Air in 3Q 2012?