False rMB rumor thread

[boltjames]

Most apple laptops sells because they look good, and because they are Apple. For many it's a symbol of status. Apple laptops are seen in general as overpriced and underpowered by the general population for the reasons you list in your other post.

No, most Apple laptops sell to OSX users who only have one place to go for new machines. There aren't many 'switchers' from Windows because no one wants to learn a new OS. The RMB is my first Apple notebook and I'm using it to run Windows 10 exclusively. I'm a very small minority.

My wife and kids are happy with their MB Pro's and MB Air's and their iMac's because we are wealthy and they wanted them to run basic programs like spreadsheets and browsers. The rest of the world can't afford them.

wow, that's another interesting assumption. It's designed for all people who need an ultra light laptop with a nice screen - at least, that is what attracts me to it. And it's gonna be my only computer.

That's great if your parents are wealthy. I indulge my kids with iPhone 6's and iPad Air's and MB Air's and MB Pro's too, to them it's nothing special, just another toy to play with. But ask their cousin's whose fathers are working menial jobs and can barely pay the rent, they are using 5 year old HP's bought at Best Buy and are forced over to Android to save a few bucks.

The core audience for the RMB from what I can see in the executive workplace in Manhattan and as I travel to Tokyo, Hong Kong, Shenzhen, London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, in and out of airports and hotels and board rooms is a traveling executive who wants the ultimate thin/light travel companion.

you falsely assume competition will not catch up and offer more competitive products in the same package. Besides, retina displays have been around for years and therefore can hardly be seen as avant guard. Wireless - "ahead of its time"? Are you sure?

There is no 'competition' because no one else makes notebooks with OSX. Only 4% of the world's computers are OSX. It's a private club with a few members.

Retina displays that look as good as the RMB are not commonplace in Windows machines, in fact, the HP that is the closest MS product to the RMB has a lousy screen. As far as wireless, the RMB has all the necessary protocols to ensure future-proofing for a long time without needing upgrades, that's what "ahead of its time" refers to.

There isn't an incentive for Apple to add Skylake to the RMB 12 months after its launch. That's a fact. There's is no money to be made by it, and it's biggest attribute of better battery life doesn't matter much to a product that already has all-day battery life, I can easily get 10 hours out of mine.

BJ

 

[Koudspeel]

There isn't an incentive for Apple to add Skylake to the RMB 12 months after its launch. That's a fact. There's is no money to be made by it, and it's biggest attribute of better battery life doesn't matter much to a product that already has all-day battery life, I can easily get 10 hours out of mine.BJ

A lot of assumptions here. Unless you're working for Apple you're just making up things that sound logical to your own findings and experiences.

More and more people are using slimmer devices these days. It's just a matter of time before we see more and more rMB's. Apple knows this and is very likely to upgrade the rMB next year.

Just don't say something is a fact while you have no idea.

 

[Amazing Ox Space Monkey]

There aren't many 'switchers' from Windows because no one wants to learn a new OS.

completely disagree with you. I myself am such a switcher, as well as all my colleagues at work who have macbooks. Basically, most of Apple users are like that.

It's great that you are wealthy and are proud of it to announce it to the world on this forum. My respect to you that you are able to provide your kids with such expensive equipment.

There is no 'competition' because no one else makes notebooks with OSX. Only 4% of the world's computers are OSX. It's a private club with a few members

We can only wonder why Apple updates their computers and os x devices at all.

 

[oneMadRssn]

There is no 'competition' because no one else makes notebooks with OSX. Only 4% of the world's computers are OSX. It's a private club with a few members.

Worldwide market share for OSX is closer to 8%. Still not huge, but you were giving it only half credit. (https://www.netmarketshare.com/operating-system-market-share.aspx?qprid=10&qpcustomd=0)

Notably, Windows XP is still at about 25% marketshare. This indicates that most of the total marketshare is represented by very old computers. To me, this makes the "worldwide marketshare" pretty useless as any meaningful measure. I would ignore it.

More useful is to look at computers online recently. Here, worldwide, OS X represents nearly 10%. http://gs.statcounter.com/#desktop-os-ww-monthly-201505-201510-bar

Notably, OS X represents 19% of internet usage in the United States. Indeed, if you look at most major economics that are open enough to allow the sale of Apple products (meaning, not China and the like), they are above 10% for OSX.

In the US with 19% using OS X, assuming the distribution is equal, that means someone in the top 19% of salaries affords an OS X computer. This means someone making ~$45,000/year (81th percentile for salaries) or more can buy Mac. Hardly rich.

So, while it's definitely a minority, I don't think it's correct to characterize it as a private club with few members, and only for the elite and the rich.

 

[boltjames]

A lot of assumptions here. Unless you're working for Apple you're just making up things that sound logical to your own findings and experiences.

Or I'm an EVP for a consumer electronics company with decades of experience and I know what I'm talking about as far as marketing strategies, target audiences, assortment planning, and product transitions.

More and more people are using slimmer devices these days. It's just a matter of time before we see more and more rMB's. Apple knows this and is very likely to upgrade the rMB next year.

On the day that Apple drops the Air entirely and commits to the new MacBook as a full line with various screen sizes, yes, they would update to Skylake or whatever is the chip-of-the-moment at that time. Based on current inventory and entering the Holiday season, there is no evidence that the Air is being marked-down and discontinued as one would expect if indeed there was a run up to an RMB overtake.

It is very clear that the RMB is a one-trick-pony, a best in class product that's available in one size for a niche audience that can live without performance for the sake of form factor and portability. It takes months or years to develop a next-gen version and the product was only released 6 months ago to the preorder crowd, only got into mass distribution of all colors and specs 3 months ago.

Just don't say something is a fact while you have no idea.

This is a discussion forum. One of its purposes is to speculate. If you don't like speculation, I suggest you don't participate in a thread entitled "The False RMB Rumor Thread".

BJ

 

[boltjames]

completely disagree with you. I myself am such a switcher, as well as all my colleagues at work who have macbooks. Basically, most of Apple users are like that.

That's great, it's still only 4%-8% of the population, the very definition of "niche". And then add Apple's most expensive and status-laden notebook atop that, it's a niche-within-a-niche. That's why it won't be updated any time soon.

It's great that you are wealthy and are proud of it to announce it to the world on this forum. My respect to you that you are able to provide your kids with such expensive equipment.

We are ALL wealthy if we can afford a luxurious plaything like the RMB. Pat yourself on the back too.

We can only wonder why Apple updates their computers and os x devices at all.

Apple updates their devices all the time. But they do so on strategic schedules that ensure maximization of R&D investments and revenue expectations. Look at the iMac, look at the MB Air, look at the MB Pro, look at the iPad Air, look at Apple TV. None of them are updated with the frequency and radical redesign of, say, an iPhone.

So, while it's definitely a minority, I don't think it's correct to characterize it as a private club with few members, and only for the elite and the rich.

I didn't say that only the 1%-ers could afford a $1,600 notebook. But I will say that annual household income of $47,000 is an average, meaning that many people make well-below that amount. Sometimes I drive my $60,000 BMW past bus stops in sketchy neighborhoods. Sometimes I glance at the pool attendant during my $15,000 vacation in the Caribbean. Sometimes when I'm watching my daughter at a ballet recital at a school that my $50,000 a year in taxes helps fund I see the janitor and think what his life must be like. All of those who think there is nothing "special" about a RMB and who think it's some pedestrian product that anyone can afford should try to do likewise. We live in a nice bubble.

BJ

 

[oneMadRssn]

That's great, it's still only 4%-8% of the population, the very definition of "niche". And then add Apple's most expensive and status-laden notebook atop that, it's a niche-within-a-niche. That's why it won't be updated any time soon.

Again, not a range of 4-8%, not 6%. It's 8%. Period. I don't understand why you keep insisting on making it smaller than it actually is. And 8% is not niche in the computer space.

The computer market is hugely diverse, the niche players tend to be ultra specialized and make up less than 1% of sales. (e.g., Falcon-NW gaming PCs, Orbital Computers for CAD). Are Acer and Asus niche Windows PC OEMs - they have less than 10% market share? I wouldn't call them niche. Heck, by your definition, Dell is only a few percentage points above "niche." Get real man - Apple is a major market player in the computer market, with a product for everyone.

I didn't say that only the 1%-ers could afford a $1,600 notebook. But I will say that annual household income of $47,000 is an average, meaning that many people make well-below that amount. Sometimes I drive my $60,000 BMW past bus stops in sketchy neighborhoods. Sometimes I glance at the pool attendant during my $15,000 vacation in the Caribbean. Sometimes when I'm watching my daughter at a ballet recital at a school that my $50,000 a year in taxes helps fund I see the janitor and think what his life must be like. All of those who think there is nothing "special" about a RMB and who think it's some pedestrian product that anyone can afford should try to do likewise. We live in a nice bubble.

First, Yes, $47k is the average salary, and people at that salary are perfectly capable of buying a Mac and many do - indeed Mac ownership is less expensive in the long term than buying a cheapo Windows PC.

Second, how elitist of you to look down from your gold thrown and make all these assumptions. I earn enough to afford a Tesla easily, and more, but I take public transit to work and I live adjacent to a sketchy neighborhood. I don't want a car right now, and moving in this insane housing market would be a waste. You would be an idiot to look down at me like that just because I'm at a bus stop or which 7-11 I go to for a snack. In college, I worked a "low" job where I had to mop up floors and serve people. I also had a research assistant job working for a professor, but you wouldn't know it because if you saw me working the first job, you would look down at me as some peasant. However, the job was super fun, I worked with many friends, and allowed us a ton of scheduling freedom which is why we had it. Next time you see someone drive past you in a beat up Ford, don't assume that person is unprivileged - they probably just don't give a s**t about your fancy car.

I think your problem is you have some fixation with material possessions as a measure as self worth (which is frankly quite sad). You writing all these figures and examples of how rich you are - cars, vacations, experiences, wealthy school, etc. - aren't impressive. Certainly a lot of the population does publicly display wealth like that. But don't assume the majority cares or thinks like you. Many don't buy a Mac because it's gold and expensive; they buy it because it works best for what they need it for.

Just because being able to afford a Mac requires you to be at average wage or higher doesn't make it an elitist thing. A John Deer is also quite expensive as compared to other similar tractors. But if you need that tractor, you'll find a way to buy a John Deer.

 

[boltjames]

I think your problem is you have some fixation with material possessions as a measure as self worth (which is frankly quite sad). You writing all these figures and examples of how rich you are - cars, vacations, experiences, wealthy school, etc. - aren't impressive.

Does no one read any more?

What I posted about material wealth was in response to another poster who thinks the RMB is an affordable product, commonplace, not a luxury, pedestrian. I pointed out to him that in his enclave he might be blind to the fact that a $1,600 notebook is indeed something special. You can put your soapbox away now.

BJ

 

[Amazing Ox Space Monkey]

Does no one read any more?
BJ

I do read and am patiently waiting for your further input on the topic. It's getting so interesting. So, Apple, who are about the 5th largest computer manufacturer, manufactures niche products. That leaves only 4 companies in the world whose products are probably not niche. What's your take about that?

And, sorry, I do not deserve a pat. I need consolation. Compared to your expenses, I am poorer than a church mouse.

 

[boltjames]

So, Apple, who are about the 5th largest computer manufacturer, manufactures niche products. That leaves only 4 companies in the world whose products are probably not niche. What's your take about that?

BMW makes niche products but the 3 Series is the world's most popular luxury sport sedan, they make millions of them, can be had for as little as $29,000. But at the same time, they make a product called the i8 which is best-in-class and costs $170,000 and is for an even smaller niche. It's like that. Savvy?

And, sorry, I do not deserve a pat. I need consolation. Compared to your expenses, I am poorer than a church mouse.

Stop making me feel bad for being successful.

BJ

 

[roxysdad]

I could read BJ's posts all day. You, sir, are fun to read. I imagine you sitting in some airline lounge, the only guy in the airport (or city for that matter) with a rMB running Windows 10, clicking away on the funny new keyboard, replying to all these threads. Does your mind ever slow down? Anyone I've ever known who is very successful has a mind that goes 1000 miles per hour.

All flattery aside, I think BJ has some great points. This computer is a huge niche product for Apple, who is for all intents and purposes a niche computer manufacturer. Spend some time people watching in your local Best Buy computer department, and you will see how the computer purchasing public chooses to spend their money. They literally have to dust off the Apple products now and again.

I think this little computer is something fun for Apple to produce, because they can. I think it is the future of their MacBook line (otherwise they would have slapped a 12" retina screen on the Air). It is an engineering exercise, built to demonstrate what they can do with their engineering prowess and firepower. Next year we get a new rMBP that will carry some of the same design elements and blow the pro market away. My take anyway.

I think it might, maybe, possibly, potentially get an update to the new processor next year, and with that comes the double USB-c port. And the model I have will still be just as functional then as it is now.

 

[boltjames]

I could read BJ's posts all day. You, sir, are fun to read. I imagine you sitting in some airline lounge, the only guy in the airport (or city for that matter) with a rMB running Windows 10, clicking away on the funny new keyboard, replying to all these threads. Does your mind ever slow down? Anyone I've ever known who is very successful has a mind that goes 1000 miles per hour.

All flattery aside, I think BJ has some great points. This computer is a huge niche product for Apple, who is for all intents and purposes a niche computer manufacturer. Spend some time people watching in your local Best Buy computer department, and you will see how the computer purchasing public chooses to spend their money. They literally have to dust off the Apple products now and again.

I think this little computer is something fun for Apple to produce, because they can. I think it is the future of their MacBook line (otherwise they would have slapped a 12" retina screen on the Air). It is an engineering exercise, built to demonstrate what they can do with their engineering prowess and firepower. Next year we get a new rMBP that will carry some of the same design elements and blow the pro market away. My take anyway.

I think it might, maybe, possibly, potentially get an update to the new processor next year, and with that comes the double USB-c port. And the model I have will still be just as functional then as it is now.

Great post, spot on.

Yes, mind moves 1000 MPH all day long, wish I could shut it down now and then.

Yes, I enjoy whipping out the RMB and making others envious. And, of course, the added bonus of vexed Apple fans when they see the Windows 10 logo and the Start menu running amok. It's a fantastic white-collar double-whammy.

Great machine, we should all be happy that we are able to own one. Whether an experiment or the precursor, very thankful to Apple for making it happen.

BJ

 

[Amazing Ox Space Monkey]

Apple updates their devices all the time. But they do so on strategic schedules that ensure maximization of R&D investments and revenue expectations. Look at the iMac, look at the MB Air, look at the MB Pro, look at the iPad Air, look at Apple TV. None of them are updated with the frequency and radical redesign of, say, an iPhone.
BJ

The MB Pro is updated twice a year, the iPhone just once. And iPad 3 and 4 were released in the same year.

 

[boltjames]

The MB Pro is updated twice a year, the iPhone just once. And iPad 3 and 4 were released in the same year.

The devices you reference are the bread-and-butter for Apple, selling huge numbers in their respective spaces, worthy of updating frequently.

The RMB is the antithesis of these products, selling a fraction of what these other devices do, far less important in the big picture view of revenues.

The RMB is the Apple TV of the MacBook range, if that.

BJ

 

[Amazing Ox Space Monkey]

No, it was you who referenced these devices and said they were not updated with the frequency and radical redesign of the iPhone. It's difficult to understand what you mean but I won't lose my sleep over it.

As this is a topic for false rMB rumor I'd rather stay on topic. Yesterday I was at an Apple store and the Employee there told me Apple would never update the rMB. When they sell the last rMB in the inventory that'll be it. Tomorrow starts the clearance sale. They are making room for a brand new Apple product but he was unwilling to share more details.

 

[MH01]

So you think 3 years for an update? Has Apple EVER gone that long on any computer? I know the Mac mini had a long drought but was it even 3 years?

The Mac Pro . Current one launched 2013.

 

[Jayderek]

As this is a topic for false rMB rumor I'd rather stay on topic. Yesterday I was at an Apple store and the Employee there told me Apple would never update the rMB. When they sell the last rMB in the inventory that'll be it. Tomorrow starts the clearance sale. They are making room for a brand new Apple product but he was unwilling to share more details.

wha?? new product rumors usually surface quickly. Normally Apple store employees aren't that privy to 'secret' info like this. I have a friend that works for an Apple store in Florida...I'll hit him up to see if he's heard of this.

 

[boltjames]

No, it was you who referenced these devices and said they were not updated with the frequency and radical redesign of the iPhone. It's difficult to understand what you mean but I won't lose my sleep over it.

As this is a topic for false rMB rumor I'd rather stay on topic. Yesterday I was at an Apple store and the Employee there told me Apple would never update the rMB. When they sell the last rMB in the inventory that'll be it. Tomorrow starts the clearance sale. They are making room for a brand new Apple product but he was unwilling to share more details.

I visited that same Apple Store and they told me that in the Spring they are releasing the iClone which will allow you to create a living replica of any other human and there will be a DNA Store where you can buy John Lennon, JFK, Winston Churchill, and other notables. Space Grey ships with Mila Kunis and the Rose Gold ships with Scarlett Johanson.

BJ

 

[SteveJUAE]

I visited that same Apple Store and they told me that in the Spring they are releasing the iClone which will allow you to create a living replica of any other human and there will be a DNA Store where you can buy John Lennon, JFK, Winston Churchill, and other notables. Space Grey ships with Mila Kunis and the Rose Gold ships with Scarlett Johanson.

BJ

When can you pre-order ?

I hope it's not after the pencil or software to use it as I cant wait that long LOL

 

[boltjames]

When can you pre-order ?

I hope it's not after the pencil or software to use it as I cant wait that long LOL

Clone factories ramp up production in June, and to grow a human to the age of puberty takes 60 days, so I'd be looking for a May announcement and July shipping or something like that. I was thinking I would buy Steve Jobs from the DNA Store but he might not respect my nanny, he was a bit bossy.

BJ

 

[SteveJUAE]

Clone factories ramp up production in June, and to grow a human to the age of puberty takes 60 days, so I'd be looking for a May announcement and July shipping or something like that. I was thinking I would buy Steve Jobs from the DNA Store but he might not respect my nanny, he was a bit bossy.

BJ

Don't worry he will have a Siri voice box, you will be laughing too much to take him seriously

 

[Nychot]

@boltjames -- Bentley? Far from it. I'd compare it more to the Fiat Abarth -- hot-looking, reasonably fast, and overpriced. The Bentley is too stodgy, even for someone with a "trophy wife."

 

[boltjames]

@boltjames -- Bentley? Far from it. I'd compare it more to the Fiat Abarth -- hot-looking, reasonably fast, and overpriced. The Bentley is too stodgy, even for someone with a "trophy wife."

All I know is, I walk into the Cathay Pacific business class lounge in Tokyo and I have people crowding around me and my RMB despite the fact that there are about 100 open seats in a facility the size of a basketball court. I've had people ask me questions, people who want to touch it, I've even had people post for photographs with it, it's like I'm dating a supermodel.

It's Apple's flagship product. If you don't respect it, that's cool, all I can tell you is the rest of the world respects it.

BJ

 

[oneMadRssn]

All I know is, I walk into the Cathay Pacific business class lounge in Tokyo and I have people crowding around me and my RMB despite the fact that there are about 100 open seats in a facility the size of a basketball court. I've had people ask me questions, people who want to touch it, I've even had people post for photographs with it, it's like I'm dating a supermodel.

It's Apple's flagship product. If you don't respect it, that's cool, all I can tell you is the rest of the world respects it.

BJ

I 100% do not believe this actually happened.

 

[SteveJUAE]

@boltjames -- Bentley? Far from it. I'd compare it more to the Fiat Abarth -- hot-looking, reasonably fast, and overpriced. The Bentley is too stodgy, even for someone with a "trophy wife."

Hold on a mo way off on this one