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Dual 1.8 Ghz G5
- Thread starter maradong
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this seems really great, i wouldn't get one, because i don't have the cash, but i can see where someone would prefer a 2x1.8 to a 2x2.0
scan300
macrumors 6502
Re: Who IS getting a 1.6?
The prices are amplified here in Australia, so the 1.6 is significantly cheaper than the 1.8 (AU$900). That's not just exchange rate, there are other costs added and Tax. While the 1.6 is not a cheap machine, for some it's the difference between having a G5 or not. The 1.6 is not entirely out of the picture.
I agree with everyone else that there is an opportunity to make the 1.6 a real seller if they could seriously drop the price on it.
The prices are amplified here in Australia, so the 1.6 is significantly cheaper than the 1.8 (AU$900). That's not just exchange rate, there are other costs added and Tax. While the 1.6 is not a cheap machine, for some it's the difference between having a G5 or not. The 1.6 is not entirely out of the picture.
I agree with everyone else that there is an opportunity to make the 1.6 a real seller if they could seriously drop the price on it.
I was holding back on an order for financial planning reasons, and I'd sure consider the dual 1.8 over the dual 2.0.
Also, I'd respond to those who suggest this may be temporary by arguing that it's anything but- the whold G5 range will be probably be dual by the first speed bump. Maybe an entry level single, but I think the balance will shift to duals.
Also, I'd respond to those who suggest this may be temporary by arguing that it's anything but- the whold G5 range will be probably be dual by the first speed bump. Maybe an entry level single, but I think the balance will shift to duals.
kansast
macrumors member
like the idea as well
In case Apple is listening.. I put my vote in for a Dual 1.8 as well.. would be easier for me to justify such a purchase at work just a little easier than the dual 2.0
and I wouldn't feel like I was missing out on too much between a dual 1.8 and a dual 2.0 here's hoping...
In case Apple is listening.. I put my vote in for a Dual 1.8 as well.. would be easier for me to justify such a purchase at work just a little easier than the dual 2.0
and I wouldn't feel like I was missing out on too much between a dual 1.8 and a dual 2.0 here's hoping...
I was planning on getting the 1.6, because I couldn't justify the price to go up 200MHz, and certainly couldn't afford the 2.0 for what I plan to do with it.
If there was a 1.8 dual near the est. price point, I'd pull out all the stops to get one, just because I think duals will be much more future-proof.
If there was a 1.8 dual near the est. price point, I'd pull out all the stops to get one, just because I think duals will be much more future-proof.
MattG
macrumors 68040
I think I'd call and have my order changed to a dual 1.8ghz if this is the case. It does seem like there's too much a speed gap...1.6ghz, 1.8ghz, and then dual 2.0 ghz?
I don't think the difference between dual 1.8 and dual 2.0 would be that great, and I'd honestly rather save some money.
I don't think the difference between dual 1.8 and dual 2.0 would be that great, and I'd honestly rather save some money.
tazznb
macrumors regular
2.0Ghz or bust...!
I still only want a dual 2Ghz G5 (if I'm contacted I'll stand by my previous choice). I should get it early since I'm getting it at my school.
When I get MY home model I may be able to be persuaded... maybe they'll invite me over to Cupertino for lunch, and dinner....😉
I still only want a dual 2Ghz G5 (if I'm contacted I'll stand by my previous choice). I should get it early since I'm getting it at my school.
When I get MY home model I may be able to be persuaded... maybe they'll invite me over to Cupertino for lunch, and dinner....😉
oingoboingo
macrumors 6502a
Re: Who IS getting a 1.6?
The gap between the 1.6 and the 1.8 models isn't as insubstantial as everyone keeps saying. In Australia, a standard config 1.6 system costs AUD$3599. The standard config 1.8 system is AUD$4499. A difference of AUD$900 is fairly large difference for some, especially when you've had to scrape together a base of $3500. To put it into perspective, that AUD$900 difference could buy you a 19" CRT monitor and another 1GB of DDR333 RAM.
Obviously the 1.8 model has 256MB more RAM as standard and a larger hard drive, and once this is taken into account, the 'bang per buck' of the 1.6GHz system certainly doesn't stack up to the 1.8. But the fact remains that the absolute price point of the 1.8 model is (and was) simply too expensive for some, myself included. With a student discount (I'm studying for a PhD), I was able to configure and pre-order a 1.6GHz system with a Combo drive, no modem and a Radeon 9600Pro card for just under AUD$3000.
There was no way I was going to be able to afford the 1.8GHz model, even with a student discount, and even though when everything is averaged out the 1.8 is better value for money. It's the difference between getting your hands on the latest Apple platform with years of useful life ahead of it, and continuing to hack away on G3-upgraded FrankenMac 7600.
The gap between the 1.6 and the 1.8 models isn't as insubstantial as everyone keeps saying. In Australia, a standard config 1.6 system costs AUD$3599. The standard config 1.8 system is AUD$4499. A difference of AUD$900 is fairly large difference for some, especially when you've had to scrape together a base of $3500. To put it into perspective, that AUD$900 difference could buy you a 19" CRT monitor and another 1GB of DDR333 RAM.
Obviously the 1.8 model has 256MB more RAM as standard and a larger hard drive, and once this is taken into account, the 'bang per buck' of the 1.6GHz system certainly doesn't stack up to the 1.8. But the fact remains that the absolute price point of the 1.8 model is (and was) simply too expensive for some, myself included. With a student discount (I'm studying for a PhD), I was able to configure and pre-order a 1.6GHz system with a Combo drive, no modem and a Radeon 9600Pro card for just under AUD$3000.
There was no way I was going to be able to afford the 1.8GHz model, even with a student discount, and even though when everything is averaged out the 1.8 is better value for money. It's the difference between getting your hands on the latest Apple platform with years of useful life ahead of it, and continuing to hack away on G3-upgraded FrankenMac 7600.
Go Aussie/Warnie...Warnie...(etc. etc.)
Hey! I'm also a student (supposedly also studying for a Ph.D (or 'D.Phil' in poncy-speak) but in fact trawling through Mac-related news sites continually...some might say obsessively...) and I thought I was getting a bargain...but AUD$3000 is an absolute steal. Isn't that only about 1000 quid?
Hmmmmmm.
Maybe I'll cancel my order and 'acquire' a dual 2.0 Gig when I come down to Manly in October to visit my brother....
(Better still, just give me your address, mate...er, and the times when you'll be out, of course 😉 .)
Cheers
Brother Mugga
PS: Goodnight, by the way...
Hey! I'm also a student (supposedly also studying for a Ph.D (or 'D.Phil' in poncy-speak) but in fact trawling through Mac-related news sites continually...some might say obsessively...) and I thought I was getting a bargain...but AUD$3000 is an absolute steal. Isn't that only about 1000 quid?
Hmmmmmm.
Maybe I'll cancel my order and 'acquire' a dual 2.0 Gig when I come down to Manly in October to visit my brother....
(Better still, just give me your address, mate...er, and the times when you'll be out, of course 😉 .)
Cheers
Brother Mugga
PS: Goodnight, by the way...
Mr. Anderson
Moderator emeritus
It makes sense to offer another dual machine. After seeing that they have 65,000 orders for the 2.0 and only 26,000 for the 1.8. That's about 5 times as many processors for the 2.0. Some of those preorders are going to be shipping later than expected. I'm sure several individuals will take advantage of the refund and get an almost as fast machine.
I haven't ordered mine yet and it looks tempting. But I not even sure I'll get the first revision anyway. I'm waiting to see how people like them first. Plus it gives me more time to get the money together 😉
D
I haven't ordered mine yet and it looks tempting. But I not even sure I'll get the first revision anyway. I'm waiting to see how people like them first. Plus it gives me more time to get the money together 😉
D
Actually it would only save $400 once you throw in the video card upgrade necessary to bring the 1.8 and 2.0 systems even.
I would have liked to have seen 1.6/dual1.8/dual2.0 right off the bat (with no single 1.8 model). With 4 machines priced within $1000 of each other the lineup just seems cramped.
Re: Who IS getting a 1.6?
Here's my take:
The 1.6 looked like a good deal compared to the 1.8
The 1.8 looked like a TERRIBLE deal compared to the dual 2.0
I mean, for $550 more you got a faster processer (and two of them to boot!).
What I would like to see is have them email the people who ordered single 1.8's and offer to bump up their order to dual 1.8s for an extra $150. That would be nice. That would be a system worth buying. Right now the 1.6 & 1.8 aren't good values and the 2.0 is just out of my price range a little bit.
Here's my take:
The 1.6 looked like a good deal compared to the 1.8
The 1.8 looked like a TERRIBLE deal compared to the dual 2.0
I mean, for $550 more you got a faster processer (and two of them to boot!).
What I would like to see is have them email the people who ordered single 1.8's and offer to bump up their order to dual 1.8s for an extra $150. That would be nice. That would be a system worth buying. Right now the 1.6 & 1.8 aren't good values and the 2.0 is just out of my price range a little bit.
oingoboingo
macrumors 6502a
Re: Go Aussie/Warnie...Warnie...(etc. etc.)
That's AUD$2942 for the 1.6GHz system. The dual 2.0GHz system with educational discount is (goes to Apple Australia Store to check....) AUD$5039 as a stock config, or AUD$4635 with the SuperDrive changed to a Combo, the modem deleted, and a Radeon 9600 video card (that's the way I configured my 1.6 system).
Still pretty pricey, but maybe that's still good pricing versus the English prices.
BTW, it's only 10pm here...not bedtime yet.
That's AUD$2942 for the 1.6GHz system. The dual 2.0GHz system with educational discount is (goes to Apple Australia Store to check....) AUD$5039 as a stock config, or AUD$4635 with the SuperDrive changed to a Combo, the modem deleted, and a Radeon 9600 video card (that's the way I configured my 1.6 system).
Still pretty pricey, but maybe that's still good pricing versus the English prices.
BTW, it's only 10pm here...not bedtime yet.
processor AND bus speed changes...
Checking the specs again, I see that the 1.8Ghz is also running 10% slower on the system bus (900Mhz vs 1GHz), so this may factor in also in the speed race. Keep it in mind...
Checking the specs again, I see that the 1.8Ghz is also running 10% slower on the system bus (900Mhz vs 1GHz), so this may factor in also in the speed race. Keep it in mind...
Those are good numbers. They only sold 133,000 PowerMacs last quarter. Assuming that they can double the above preorders this quarter (we're only 1 month into it) that would put them at 182,000 not even counting 1.6Ghz sales. It would be nice if they could reach 200,000 PowerMac sales especially in the back-to-school time of year.
caveman_uk
Guest
Re: Go Aussie/Warnie...Warnie...(etc. etc.)
It all depends if you can sneak a 50lb computer past customs and not pay taxes on it. I guess not 🙄 They're pretty hot on stuff sent by post too - I know from experience 🙁
The Aussie Apple store has the 1.6GHz down as 3599 AUD including GST (3239 without tax). There's currently 2.4 Aussie dollars to the pound so that works out to £1349. Add to that that it will cost a fortune to bring it back as excess luggage (unless you post it) and it's liable for sales tax at 17.5% and duty (2%) when you get back to the UK which makes it nearer £1600 - more than the UK retail price.
It all depends if you can sneak a 50lb computer past customs and not pay taxes on it. I guess not 🙄 They're pretty hot on stuff sent by post too - I know from experience 🙁
Bring on the dual 1.8's
The problem I see is that Apple set the base price too high. The 1.6ghz should be selling for $1499 while the 1.8ghz should be going for $1999. Then there would be room for the dual 1.8ghz for around $2499 and the dual 2.0ghz for $2999.
The problem I see is that Apple set the base price too high. The 1.6ghz should be selling for $1499 while the 1.8ghz should be going for $1999. Then there would be room for the dual 1.8ghz for around $2499 and the dual 2.0ghz for $2999.
Re: Bring on the dual 1.8's
I disagree a little. First, the 1.6 really starts at 1799 if you want to get a stripped model (no DVD burner).
That's a decent price. But, as you suggest, it should be a little lower. I think $1599 or $1699 would be a good price. $1499 would kill sales of the G4s left in the channel.
Plus, if G4s are any indication, the price jump for adding the second processor should be $200-300.
So maybe:
1.6 : $1799 (with DVD burner)
1.8 : $2249
dual 1.8: $2499
dual 2.0: $2999
I am sure they'll get it figured out before too long. They're in it for the long haul.
I disagree a little. First, the 1.6 really starts at 1799 if you want to get a stripped model (no DVD burner).
That's a decent price. But, as you suggest, it should be a little lower. I think $1599 or $1699 would be a good price. $1499 would kill sales of the G4s left in the channel.
Plus, if G4s are any indication, the price jump for adding the second processor should be $200-300.
So maybe:
1.6 : $1799 (with DVD burner)
1.8 : $2249
dual 1.8: $2499
dual 2.0: $2999
I am sure they'll get it figured out before too long. They're in it for the long haul.
A good option but don't pull a forced downgrade
Seems Apple learned that downgrading a product for the same price (i.e. First g4 Tower Top of the Line Fiasco) is not something to pull on your customers. Still keeping my g5s for home and work at 2 ghz.
Seems Apple learned that downgrading a product for the same price (i.e. First g4 Tower Top of the Line Fiasco) is not something to pull on your customers. Still keeping my g5s for home and work at 2 ghz.
Re: Go Aussie/Warnie...Warnie...(etc. etc.)
BrotherMugga, have you checked the Apple UK Higher Education Store site. A 1.6 G5 with DVD/CD-RW, no modem and Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 comes in at £1,007.42 + VAT. If you can get your department to buy it for you and give them the cash you could get a G5 for ~£1000, without having to lug it all the way back from Oz.
BrotherMugga, have you checked the Apple UK Higher Education Store site. A 1.6 G5 with DVD/CD-RW, no modem and Nvidia GeForce FX 5200 comes in at £1,007.42 + VAT. If you can get your department to buy it for you and give them the cash you could get a G5 for ~£1000, without having to lug it all the way back from Oz.
Sun Baked
macrumors G5
Re: Bring on the dual 1.8's
You have to consider there are both G4s and G5s in the PowerMac Matrix, and right now the PowerMac G5s are the premium machine and thus are extracting the higher prices.
Depending on Apple OS 9 strategy and when they kill of the PowerMac G4s, there should probably be a price drop.
Until then, don't expect the G5s to eat into the G4 territory.
🙄
Obviously not, considering the BASE price of a PowerMac starts at $1299
You have to consider there are both G4s and G5s in the PowerMac Matrix, and right now the PowerMac G5s are the premium machine and thus are extracting the higher prices.
Depending on Apple OS 9 strategy and when they kill of the PowerMac G4s, there should probably be a price drop.
Until then, don't expect the G5s to eat into the G4 territory.
🙄
Rocketman
macrumors 603
If this turns into official Apple policy it is the first hard evidence of a production bottleneck BY IBM similar to what Apple has been experiencing with Motorola, at least in the short term. It will be interesting to see if the G5/970 chips become absolutely abundant by December or January or if this method of carefully doling out chips continues through 2004.
It also is an indication that any G5 Powerbook would be considerably lower than 1.8 Ghz initially to get access to chips and temperatures suitable for those large sales.
Speculate on THAT!
Rocketman
