Apple to Drop Prices of Notebooks?

[Mindflux]

I'm sorry, I forgot to mention that the original iMac was replaced. Which worked fine for a couple of weeks, until smoke started to come out of the back vent. Took it to the apple store and I was accused by the so called "Genius" of putting a cigarette in my iMac. I'm now on my third and I am so far happy with it.

Don

Yikes. Sorry to hear that. I still don't for a solitary minute believe changing across architectures has changed the quality of Apple's products (perceived quality or otherwise).

At the component level they are all very much alike.

 

[Dmac77]

Yikes. Sorry to hear that. I still don't for a solitary minute believe changing across architectures has changed the quality of Apple's products (perceived quality or otherwise).

At the component level they are all very much alike.

I can understand that. But just pop on over to the MBP forum, and read about all the problems people have with them. I'm not saying that the switch to intel is the root of the QC problems. What I'm saying is that something changed with the manufacturing process that has decreased overall quality of Apple products, and that change occurred during the PPC-Intel switch.

Don

 

[thejadedmonkey]

These people amaze me. I really like that though.... I would buy that, I can't wait for this update especially if I get to save $100 haha.

Also for those hoping that this price cut would affect the quality of Apple's products don't worry about it because if you listened to the financial report yesterday they kept on stressing how great the quality of the products they will be releasing will be. Would you expect Apple to release crap products?

Would you expect Apple to state that they will be releasing crap products?

 

[uncleSmurf]

a price drop would be nice..

means I could afford a MBP, hoepfully this happens during the back to school event so I could jump in on the ipod touch also. Hmm we'll see.

 

[SurfinDNA]

Not gonna happen -- just my thoughts

I doubt that Apple will drop their prices for the following reasons:

1. gaining market share does not necessarily translate into more profit. Apple's profit was 1.07 billion; with ~ 60% being from computer sales. That is 642 million in profit for their 8% market share. In contrast, Dell's reported (may 31, 2008) profits were 784 million (for their 31% market share). Dropping their prices significantly would represent a change in Apple's business plan (from low-volume/high-price to high-volume/low-price).

2. People are willing to pay that price for the product, as illustrated by their increased computer sales (why would they drop the price if their business model is working?).

3. Apple's "luxury" products are currently only luxury by name recognition and not hardware. I think apple will reduce it's margins by beefing up the specs on their computer systems to be competitive with the high-end computer sector. (for an analogy, they are currently selling a Honda with a Porsche emblem. I think instead of bringing their systems in line with a Honda, they are going to beef up their specs so that they are again the powerful Porsche).

Just my thoughts.

 

[Mindflux]

I can understand that. But just pop on over to the MBP forum, and read about all the problems people have with them. I'm not saying that the switch to intel is the root of the QC problems. What I'm saying is that something changed with the manufacturing process that has decreased overall quality of Apple products, and that change occurred during the PPC-Intel switch.

Don

There is also several other issues to address:

1) People who have problems are more likely to discuss their product than people who are entirely happy.

2) Tight knit groups of consumers all on one large board griping about a small set of problems will seem larger because they are continuously talked about. I see this all the time on car forums.

3) Depending on how far back you get with the iBook, not everyone was entirely computer/internet centric in 1999 (when it was first released). Heck MR didn't even EXIST yet. Yes, I realize the line ran until 2006.

 

[thecartoonguy]

I can understand that. But just pop on over to the MBP forum, and read about all the problems people have with them. I'm not saying that the switch to intel is the root of the QC problems. What I'm saying is that something changed with the manufacturing process that has decreased overall quality of Apple products, and that change occurred during the PPC-Intel switch.

Don

I can say many of the problems with the main logic boards were from being a refurb part.

 

[xerenthar]

I don't agree with you. I used a PC since MS-DOS 3.3, and my first PC was an IBM PS/2 Windows 3.0 (3.1? I forget) 386. I still work on a PC daily at work. While I'm not a computer programmer, I do a lot of audio work and I consider myself computer saavy. Heck, I even know a lot of computer programmers that have switched to Macs and never looked back.

I made the switch over to OSX in 2003, buying my first Powerbook. I immediately was sucked into the OSX experience. The things I grew up knowing (Program Files, Control Panel, System) and had grown accustomed to wasn't necessary anymore. Knowing the right programs to get rid of spyware (ad-aware, spybot, kaspersky), hacking video card settings to get the most juice, going into BIOS, all of that, out the window.

And I couldn't be happier.

I didn't need to skin my XP to make it look pretty, OSX did it for me. I didn't need to use EphPod to update my iPod -- iTunes on Mac is wonderful. I didn't need to gripe about using Cubase -- Apple's Logic is an incredible program. My phone connects with Aperture which connects with Mail and my iPod -- all automatically. I could do that on my PC, but it would take so may time-consuming steps my computer stops being a productivity tool and instead becomes a sort of old hot-rod I have to upkeep to make it shine.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is your experience with OSX might not have been good, but to me, PC = okay, and OSX = better. Don't automatically assume PC's are for more techy people and OSX is for the common folk.

This is what I have experienced as well. I bought my first Mac recently - a MacBook Air to replace an aging brick of a Toshiba laptop. It was a bit rough figuring out that I would need to use Cmd-Tab and Cmd-` instead of my beloved Alt-Tab. A lot of it is still new to me.

My desktop PC is also four years old. I built it myself (and it was extremely high end then, the only reason it's survived this long usably.) I'm looking at an iMac now for a few reasons. I've loved not dealing with the random crashes and terrible of Windows. Vista is useless bloatware, so even if I did build a new PC, I'd be using XP. I don't game that much anymore, but the top of the line iMac with Boot Camp can handle the few games I'd wish to play like BioShock and reportedly Crysis.

The more I think about it, the more I'm wanting to just pull the trigger on the 3.06GHz. The few Windows apps and games I need, I can Parallels or Boot Camp in to WinXP. Never have to deal with native WinXP or god forbid Vista except for those rare occasions.

In no way do I think that Mac OS X is for less advanced users of computers (hardware or software) than Windows is. Un-learning things has been irritating, and I'm still not there yet - I actually just deleted the Cmd-R = F5 remapping in an effort to actually learn the new shortcuts. I've used PCs since DOS 6.2, had a PC with every iteration of Windows from 3.1 on to XP (including the ill-fated ME) and never once thought that I was using a more "complicated" or "advanced" system to a Mac user. Excess bloat for the sake of excess bloat does not make something more advanced, only more unusable.

Really, as I'm writing this post, I'm thinking..... "why not?"

 

[EMT123]

How many of the topics on MacRumors have turned out to be false........percentage wise?

 

[thecartoonguy]

Because I'm going to take a lot of crap from people that have known me for years when they see me with a Mac after being a Windows guy and making fun of them. My school requires purchase of a MBP for Final Cut editing that we do, but I'll be running Vista on it otherwise, I want to make it clear that I haven't gone over to the dark side

I don't dislike Mac, I just prefer Vista, and most Apple fans I know take it waaaaay too seriously, so I have the need to tweak them every now and then

I can appreciate your posting. I think on both sides there are die hard fans.

Once you get your Mac I guess you would the cousin who stops by only on certain holidays: Welcome to the family

 

[SAVAGE3]

Come On Already!!!

i could care less weather or not the price drops! i just want the redesigned MBP to come out soon! i need a computer for college and i just sold my HP to buy a mac and i really don't want to start college computer less waiting for them to decide when they will release the updated MBs GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR

 

[thecartoonguy]

How many of the topics on MacRumors have turned out to be false........percentage wise?

ONE HUNDRED BILLION... wait what are we talking about again?

 

[thecartoonguy]

This is what I have experienced as well. I bought my first Mac recently - a MacBook Air to replace an aging brick of a Toshiba laptop. It was a bit rough figuring out that I would need to use Cmd-Tab and Cmd-` instead of my beloved Alt-Tab. A lot of it is still new to me.

My desktop PC is also four years old. I built it myself (and it was extremely high end then, the only reason it's survived this long usably.) I'm looking at an iMac now for a few reasons. I've loved not dealing with the random crashes and terrible of Windows. Vista is useless bloatware, so even if I did build a new PC, I'd be using XP. I don't game that much anymore, but the top of the line iMac with Boot Camp can handle the few games I'd wish to play like BioShock and reportedly Crysis.

The more I think about it, the more I'm wanting to just pull the trigger on the 3.06GHz. The few Windows apps and games I need, I can Parallels or Boot Camp in to WinXP. Never have to deal with native WinXP or god forbid Vista except for those rare occasions.

In no way do I think that Mac OS X is for less advanced users of computers (hardware or software) than Windows is. Un-learning things has been irritating, and I'm still not there yet - I actually just deleted the Cmd-R = F5 remapping in an effort to actually learn the new shortcuts. I've used PCs since DOS 6.2, had a PC with every iteration of Windows from 3.1 on to XP (including the ill-fated ME) and never once thought that I was using a more "complicated" or "advanced" system to a Mac user. Excess bloat for the sake of excess bloat does not make something more advanced, only more unusable.

Really, as I'm writing this post, I'm thinking..... "why not?"

Holy crap i think I love you

 

[Bugs78]

my wife returns from here maternity leave at the end of September..

Daddy needs a MBP Hopefully they do they price cutting by early oct

 

[collegedu3]

If the number is good, it might be worth advertising the ratio of rumors that have materialized and haven't. Such a statistic could boost traffic on this site, something I know MR's creator is always interested in pursuing.

 

[Bugs78]

good luck!

Im getting one either way

The old T-series my wife uses just died. So shes using her iTouch and my Macbook until september. Once shes back at work, she inherits the MB and i get t he 15" MBP. w00t. Drop in price would mean nothing, as it would just mean more upgrades at purchase time

 

[Blazain]

I don't think so...

Ok – I know most of you have an amazing loyalty to Apple which is something that can only but appreciated and admire from the outside in. Now as a probable PC to Mac switcher this very encouraging to say the least even though at time’s having read this forum and other regularly for some time see that this loyalty borders on obsession.

This thread has really prompted me to write my first post and should I offend please excuse me, I find it amazing the number of post where people look backwards i.e the Newton a PDA nearly three times the size of a IPhone/ITouch with a screen almost the same size as the current IPhone/ITouch. This is done the Newton is dead we live in a different world – sorry I had to get that off my chest.

Back to point – lets look at the news in the rumor mill lately in bitesize chuncks without the rush to post a iwish list.

Price drop:- Apple will not drop prices of its Mac’s unless they are near end of life, not at least when they are on an growth tragetory unless they see a downturn in demand (basic supply/demand economics). As there is no indication of lower unit forecast why would they allow overall revenue to slide – that’s not good business overall revenue growth is a priority for any company. They are a niche premium player in mass market segment why would they want to loose that kudos,

Hence no lower priced macbooks, mac mini’ (even that could definitely do with a refresh), these will remain level but introduce new features and bring them on par with current PC offering with a natural premium for it being an apple product.
Canabalization:- Apple is still a niche player if they expand their product line too quickly or too widely it will create buyer confusion, this will distort their premium brand image and possible hurt topline growth.

Reduced margin forecast: - Literally means they are expecting higher costs this coming quarter, now that can be due to infrasture costs such as retail expansion, core infrasture to support maybe the push updates for Apps coming in Sept, tax, larger dividend payments, new R&D investment, new product roll out, cost of Iphone expansion to 70 plus countries. It could mean anything but it does not mean lowered prices!!

New product that will lock out the competion:- This is the one that has everyone in a stir, and it’s the most obvious that gets lost in the mix – what does the IPhone have that Mac’s don’t – An APP STORE for Mac’s & 3g. That will lock out the competion, is inline with current Apple product development philosphy, Steve Job’s once cited future revenue is in software not hardware, it makes the most sense, supports product direction in terms of MacBook Air philosphy and is the only one only missing link in the chain. Itunes, Movies, Apps Store for iPhone iTouch and mobileMe.

Once an Appstore for Mac is in place it will set the foundation for the next generation of Mac’s, no need for blueray for movies/music/cd’/dvd’s (itunes), software can already be downloaded from invidual developer cites now it will be centralized and encourage a new new frenzy of development ie. Appstore, lock out competion and allow Apple to earn revenue off thrird party Apps how smart would that be?

Then we can see new exciting product in whatever format Apple see prudent and advantageous in the next quarter based around connectivity and touch technologies. 3G macbooks and touch keyboards posibly touch screen but these will roll in Q1. if there is a product refresh at the end of this month it will quitely a) spec upgrade or b) A new macbook form factor ready for an MacAppstore. Any new form factors i.e macbook touch, eepc killer etc Q1 2009. or most likely c) Ipod line transition to touch models as these are normally reserved for major event release as far as I can tell - you all know better i am sure.

It’s hard to imagine a iPhone nano before this time next year not until the iPhone 3g is not roll out is not complete worldwide.

I am sure there will be some interesting comments to follow but that’s my two cents looking from the outside in.

PS - If there is a price cut it will be the MBA for obvious reasons.
PPS - Pardon my ignorance all things Apple I know you all have far more Apple Knowledge than me.

 

[acxz]

How many of the topics on MacRumors have turned out to be false........percentage wise?

Who knows, but who cares. The site is called MacRumors after all and speculating is fun

 

[Kiyomizu]

I really do hope Apple drops the prices of their laptops because I definitely want to move to OSX probably along with the thousands of lurkers who frequent MaCR and AI waiting for the new rumored updates.

The time is now for Apple to show the world that their products are not one generation behind with the PC industry but one step ahead with full High Definition capabilities. I think this is what middle and high end users want and are waiting for Apple to deliver with a product that doesn't charge buyers a premium surcharge for their brand name.

A new personal computer revolution could occur if Apple can be installed on every PC with Windows or even with a slight price drop would make a big difference for many waiting to move over to a reliable OS.

 

[ezekielrage_99]

Bout freakin time.

Yeah I agree, Apple needs a slight drop in price just to be more competitive on a price vs price aspect. I know they will never be the same price or cheap than a Dell or HP but as technology becomes faster and cheaper Apple needs to adjust price accordingly.

 

[FF_productions]

Why would Apple cut its profit margins? It isn't Dell, making low end kit, with small margins, so why do it? Piper Jaffray seems to have been going out on a limb here. They'll bump everything i'd imagine. Wouldn't see APple reducing any price points much, if at all, unless they have a better line planned.

Are you kidding? Why would they not lower their gigantic profit margins is the right question.

Apple is always on the expensive side (I have a Mac Pro, PowerBook, enough crediblity..). It will sure as hell boost their sales to have some more competitive pricing. I could give two ***** if they are making less money. As long as they continue to pump out good products at fair prices, I'll continue to purchase their products.

 

[SFVCyclone]

Ok – I know most of you have an amazing loyalty to Apple which is something that can only but appreciated and admire from the outside in. Now as a probable PC to Mac switcher this very encouraging to say the least even though at time’s having read this forum and other regularly for some time see that this loyalty borders on obsession.

This thread has really prompted me to write my first post and should I offend please excuse me, I find it amazing the number of post where people look backwards i.e the Newton a PDA nearly three times the size of a IPhone/ITouch with a screen almost the same size as the current IPhone/ITouch. This is done the Newton is dead we live in a different world – sorry I had to get that off my chest.

Back to point – lets look at the news in the rumor mill lately in bitesize chuncks without the rush to post a iwish list.

Price drop:- Apple will not drop prices of its Mac’s unless they are near end of life, not at least when they are on an growth tragetory unless they see a downturn in demand (basic supply/demand economics). As there is no indication of lower unit forecast why would they allow overall revenue to slide – that’s not good business overall revenue growth is a priority for any company. They are a niche premium player in mass market segment why would they want to loose that kudos,

Hence no lower priced macbooks, mac mini’ (even that could definitely do with a refresh), these will remain level but introduce new features and bring them on par with current PC offering with a natural premium for it being an apple product.
Canabalization:- Apple is still a niche player if they expand their product line too quickly or too widely it will create buyer confusion, this will distort their premium brand image and possible hurt topline growth.

Reduced margin forecast: - Literally means they are expecting higher costs this coming quarter, now that can be due to infrasture costs such as retail expansion, core infrasture to support maybe the push updates for Apps coming in Sept, tax, larger dividend payments, new R&D investment, new product roll out, cost of Iphone expansion to 70 plus countries. It could mean anything but it does not mean lowered prices!!

New product that will lock out the competion:- This is the one that has everyone in a stir, and it’s the most obvious that gets lost in the mix – what does the IPhone have that Mac’s don’t – An APP STORE for Mac’s & 3g. That will lock out the competion, is inline with current Apple product development philosphy, Steve Job’s once cited future revenue is in software not hardware, it makes the most sense, supports product direction in terms of MacBook Air philosphy and is the only one only missing link in the chain. Itunes, Movies, Apps Store for iPhone iTouch and mobileMe.

Once an Appstore for Mac is in place it will set the foundation for the next generation of Mac’s, no need for blueray for movies/music/cd’/dvd’s (itunes), software can already be downloaded from invidual developer cites now it will be centralized and encourage a new new frenzy of development ie. Appstore, lock out competion and allow Apple to earn revenue off thrird party Apps how smart would that be?

Then we can see new exciting product in whatever format Apple see prudent and advantageous in the next quarter based around connectivity and touch technologies. 3G macbooks and touch keyboards posibly touch screen but these will roll in Q1. if there is a product refresh at the end of this month it will quitely a) spec upgrade or b) A new macbook form factor ready for an MacAppstore. Any new form factors i.e macbook touch, eepc killer etc Q1 2009. or most likely c) Ipod line transition to touch models as these are normally reserved for major event release as far as I can tell - you all know better i am sure.

It’s hard to imagine a iPhone nano before this time next year not until the iPhone 3g is not roll out is not complete worldwide.

I am sure there will be some interesting comments to follow but that’s my two cents looking from the outside in.

PS - If there is a price cut it will be the MBA for obvious reasons.
PPS - Pardon my ignorance all things Apple I know you all have far more Apple Knowledge than me.

P.S.,:- abbreviation for "post scriptum", a Latin expression meaning "after writing" according to wikipedia

 

[Mr Maui]

Are you kidding? Why would they not lower their gigantic profit margins is the right question.

Apple is always on the expensive side (I have a Mac Pro, PowerBook, enough crediblity..). It will sure as hell boost their sales to have some more competitive pricing. I could give two ***** if they are making less money. As long as they continue to pump out good products at fair prices, I'll continue to purchase their products.

And you've obviously purchased their products already, overpriced or not, so who cares if they lower the prices. People will buy good Apple products regardless of cost. Some people will complain, but they probably complain about rain in springtime too. That's the nature of people. As I've said before, if people believe Apple products are overpriced, they shouldn't buy them. And they shouldn't complain if they choose t buy to OR if they choose not to buy.

Apple is entitled to make as much profit on their product as the market will bear ... and with record Mac sales for Apple last quarter ... it's obvious ... people are buying despite the "perceived" overpricing.

 

[viperguy]

All I am hoping for...

..is a cheaper iPod Touch..with a camera.

I love the camera idea.

 

[Tosser]

This thread has really prompted me to write my first post and should I offend please excuse me, I find it amazing the number of post where people look backwards i.e the Newton a PDA nearly three times the size of a IPhone/ITouch with a screen almost the same size as the current IPhone/ITouch. This is done the Newton is dead we live in a different world – sorry I had to get that off my chest.

You sriously think that discussion was about screen size? Or are you making a strawman on purpose? It was about features. And just features. Next you'll be telling me it had a serial port and not USB. Well, no *****, sherlock! It was introduced in 1993. 15 (!!!) years ago, yet it had more features and was generally much more useful.

You cannot be that old, if you think that we should ignore the past.
If one draws a line to past products, and those past products are much, much fuller featured than the current offering from your favourite company, and it's PPC-cousins of today are even fuller featured than todays offerings from your favourite company, then you must be lacking some basic insight.

With an attitude like that, I'm glad I'm not your friend. Because if you live by your argument, you will never admit to anything being better, never admit to have made a mistake, and everything new is better, BECAUSE it's newer.