Full Laptop Refresh By Holidays?

[clintob]

I've said this before...

Everyone keeps saying you need to factor in x, y and z to the cost of the MBP, and makes are worth it because of the extras. Regardless of all that, I'm sure everyone here expects the NEW C2D MBPs to be the same price as the current models.

Let's say the average price of the current MBPs is $2,800. Either the CURRENT MBPs are indeed worth $2,800, or NEW MBPs that could be released tomorrow with C2D in them, larger hard-drives, and other new/better goodies are worth $2,800.

So which is it? Either you have to admit the current MBP is overpriced, or you have to truely believe that the pricing of the current MBPs is a totally fair deal and that the new MBPs will cost MORE than the current ones!!! Does anyone really think that? That the new MBP models with C2D will be say $3,300 for the mid-range model?

I don't think anyone believes that the pricing of the current MBP isn't a bit high. Anytime you have an unchanged computer system for 6-12 months that remains at the same price, it's overpriced.

The point we're making with factoring "x,y, and z" is that even at it's bloated pricepoint, the MBP is still a better machine than most brand new PC laptops that have been quoted on here. Priced higher? Sure, but all things being equal, I would always pay more for OSX and all that goes with it than I would for a comparably equipped PC. How much more? Well that's up for debate, but "a lot" is a good place to start.

 

[33scottie33]

If overpriced, why buy?

The simple fact is, the price the MacBook Pro is currently at, with its 9 month old hardware, means it's clearly a ripoff. I don't hate Macs, I have a 24" iMac, 2 MacBooks, 1 iBook and a PowerBook, and I will be buying a MBP when they are updated. However, this doesn't mean I'm blind to the fact that the current MBP model simply isn't worth the asking price.

If they are not worth the asking price and overprice, they why are you going to buy it? If they were TRULY overpriced, I doubt you would buy one and they would not have had the profits from last quarter.

I think that the other Pro notebook models are just underpriced. If you can't match another manufactuer's quality, you have to lower your price. BMW vs Ford!!

 

[ct-scan]

Why?

Why do Winblows people hang out around a MacRumors forum?
Are you all unemployed?

I wouldn't even read the "New Dell Updates..." (etc) forum, let alone register myself, and post so many times I become a 'regular' (or MUCH higher postings in the case of some people here).

Is it some sort of self-loathing thing?
Or self-denial?

So you're pissed, you like HP/Dell/Sony/Lenovo/MS so much more...good for you, I'm glad you're happy, we're glad you're happy. Question, are you trying to convert us [back] to MS? Good luck! I've never met a MacOS user who said, "I really want to buy a PC so I can try out MS Windows XXXX again."

Anyways, back on topic...for those of us who actually care about Apple...
Can I get a "Tuesday!"

 

[33scottie33]

Anyways, back on topic...for those of us who actually care about Apple...
Can I get a "Tuesday!"

Amen! Brother! Amen! Tuesday it is!

 

[maverick808]

If they are not worth the asking price and overprice, they why are you going to buy it? If they were TRULY overpriced, I doubt you would buy one and they would not have had the profits from last quarter.

Huh? I said I would not buy one just now. I believe they are currently overpriced and I, personally, WOULD NOT buy one.

I did buy a MacBook Pro in January 2006, because at that point they were a good price. In January I paid the price I did for a CPU that was essentially brand new and the very best mobile processor available, a hard-drive that was the fastest and largest available at the time, etc.

I am absolutely no way going to pay the exact same price now for a CPU that is 9 months old, a hard-disk that even the Mac Mini can do better than, and a GPU that is showing it's age.

 

[33scottie33]

Huh? I said I would not buy one just now. I believe they are currently overpriced and I, personally, WOULD NOT buy one.

I did buy a MacBook Pro in January 2006, because at that point they were a good price. In January I paid the price I did for a CPU that was essentially brand new and the very best mobile processor you available, a hard-drive that was the fastest and largest available at the time, etc.

I am absolutely no way going to pay the exact same price now for a CPU that is 9 months old, a hard-disk that even the Mac Mini can do better than, and a GPU that is showing it's age.

Hey, even if it's not the latest and greatest, "It just Works"! The stress of not using a PC is worth millions to me!

 

[shadowlander]

Why do Winblows people hang out around a MacRumors forum?
Are you all unemployed?

Trolling?

I wouldn't even read the "New Dell Updates..." (etc) forum, let alone register myself, and post so many times I become a 'regular' (or MUCH higher postings in the case of some people here).

Is it some sort of self-loathing thing?
Or self-denial?

Trolling.

I've never met a MacOS user who said, "I really want to buy a PC so I can try out MS Windows XXXX again."

I've met one. I work with him. He bought a PC to "save money." Just yesterday he told me that he's going back to Mac. (no kidding)

Anyways, back on topic...for those of us who actually care about Apple...Can I get a "Tuesday!"

Yep! Or, even Wednesday. Some have suggested the 25th.

 

[djkny]

Huh? I said I would not buy one just now. I believe they are currently overpriced and I, personally, WOULD NOT buy one.

I did buy a MacBook Pro in January 2006, because at that point they were a good price. In January I paid the price I did for a CPU that was essentially brand new and the very best mobile processor you available, a hard-drive that was the fastest and largest available at the time, etc.

I am absolutely no way going to pay the exact same price now for a CPU that is 9 months old, a hard-disk that even the Mac Mini can do better than, and a GPU that is showing it's age.

I think you just overstated the obvious.

 

[Sopranino]

That would give credence to why Pro Tools is the industry standard then. Sound design has much more to do with multitracking than composition. I'll have to look into PT a bit more although I know it is very expensive (not to mention their website is a little beyond me).

While you're checking different products out take a look at Digital Performer by MOTU. Very similar to ProTools in that it does everything that ProTools does with a different work flow model. Additionally there is a setting in DP that allows the user interface to behave like ProTools so that users of PT have a familiar set up for when they work in DP. A good site for user information on DP is www.unicornation.com

Sopranino

 

[maverick808]

I think you just overstated the obvious.

Yeah, well if I clearly say I'm *NOT* going to buy one and someone replies asking me why I *AM* buying then I am forced to spell it out in as obvious a manner as I can.

 

[thunda32]

While you're checking different products out take a look at Digital Performer by MOTU. Very similar to ProTools in that it does everything that ProTools does with a different work flow model. Additionally there is a setting in DP that allows the user interface to behave like ProTools so that users of PT have a familiar set up for when they work in DP. A good site for user information on DP is www.unicornation.com

Sopranino

Thanks! I will check that out while I ponder if I should wait for leopard.

 

[adiosk8]

Why do Winblows people hang out around a MacRumors forum?
Are you all unemployed?

I wouldn't even read the "New Dell Updates..." (etc) forum, let alone register myself, and post so many times I become a 'regular' (or MUCH higher postings in the case of some people here).

Is it some sort of self-loathing thing?
Or self-denial?

So you're pissed, you like HP/Dell/Sony/Lenovo/MS so much more...good for you, I'm glad you're happy, we're glad you're happy. Question, are you trying to convert us [back] to MS? Good luck! I've never met a MacOS user who said, "I really want to buy a PC so I can try out MS Windows XXXX again."

Anyways, back on topic...for those of us who actually care about Apple...
Can I get a "Tuesday!"

Nope, we are here to seperate the fanboy's from the facts, you have to look at the whole pie, not just APPLE IS BETTER thinking all of the time.

 

[phebus]

Macworld 2007

I think Apple is waiting for Macworld 2007 before announcing the new MBP.

With all the current bad news (batteries, shutting down, heat, etc), I sense that the current MBP are in need of a major overhaul in order to make them attractive for the next 6-9 months.

I would love to buy one now, but I doubt we'll get them before January 07.

 

[aaronb]

I think Apple is waiting for Macworld 2007 before announcing the new MBP.

With all the current bad news (batteries, shutting down, heat, etc), I sense that the current MBP are in need of a major overhaul in order to make them attractive for the next 6-9 months.

I would love to buy one now, but I doubt we'll get them before January 07.

I'm pretty sure that the MBP is pretty good on those levels aside from heat. The Macbook is the one with the random shutdowns. I really think that waiting until January would be a bad move on Apple's part to release new laptops.

 

[Opticdraft]

I think Apple is waiting for Macworld 2007 before announcing the new MBP.

With all the current bad news (batteries, shutting down, heat, etc), I sense that the current MBP are in need of a major overhaul in order to make them attractive for the next 6-9 months.

I would love to buy one now, but I doubt we'll get them before January 07.

I think they have had long enough, the heat issue has been known ever since it was released, the battery problem was discovered almost 5-6 months ago as well as shutting down in the MB. These are not "current" at all anymore and apple should not need a 7-8 months just to upgrade a system. It would be quite obvious to me that if apple waited that long to keep up with competition, they obviously dropped the ball. It is already looking precarious at this point.

 

[33scottie33]

Yeah, well if I clearly say I'm *NOT* going to buy one and someone replies asking me why I *AM* buying then I am forced to spell it out in as obvious a manner as I can.

This is from your previous post:

"The simple fact is, the price the MacBook Pro is currently at, with its 9 month old hardware, means it's clearly a ripoff. I don't hate Macs, I have a 24" iMac, 2 MacBooks, 1 iBook and a PowerBook, and I will be buying a MBP when they are updated. However, this doesn't mean I'm blind to the fact that the current MBP model simply isn't worth the asking price."

That's why I took it that you were going to buy one!

 

[DrFlambe]

Hear hear. Asinine Eliteism is so 1990s.

Plenty of asinine responses here to the gent who bought the HP. Many switchers will be buying a Mac "to use Windows." And many of those will end up loving OS X and truly switching. Apple continues to lose these people each day they delay behind their competitors.

Have to agree; I was really hoping this thread was beyond the fanboy behavior, but I can see that was a dream.

On that note, I'll still be waiting for the new MPB for the following reasons (which I grant are probably atypical, but I'm curious HOW atypical):


1.) Windows and OS X on One box. Number one reason. My job is in film effects, and while macs are wonderful, the majority of that software is Windows/Linux oriented. That said, I want Final Cut and Shake to be available when I need them.

2.) 64 bit. Most major 3d apps are going 64-bit now. Maya 8 announced as 64-bit at SIGGRAPH. Shake too (can someone confirm this?). This may not make too much of a difference in office applications, but in graphic intensive applications, its extremely important.

3.) (Most likely, but not announced so I'll couch it) Vista ready(?). I want a laptop that will handle Microsoft's next monster, along with whatever Apple throws at us with Leopard.

4.) Better performance not related to 64 bit. The core2duo is a better performer. Not much, but some. Obviously, everyone likes more power for their buck. An updated graphics card would be really important.

5.) 4GB Addressable memory space.

5.) Case redesign/improvements. There's a few things we all don't like about the MBP form factor, and I'd love to see some changes made.

All that being said, let's not go to crazy town on some poor guy who needed a computer now.

Thanks!

(edited for some silly, silly grammar).

 

[33scottie33]

Oh come on. The pro laptops from Apple are currently massively overpriced compared to pro laptops from any other manufacturer. This wasn't the case 9 months ago, but it is now. I challenge anyone to find a current PRO laptop from any other manufacturer that costs more, or even a copule hundred dollars less, than a similarly specced MacBook Pro.

The simple fact is, the price the MacBook Pro is currently at, with its 9 month old hardware, means it's clearly a ripoff. I don't hate Macs, I have a 24" iMac, 2 MacBooks, 1 iBook and a PowerBook, and I will be buying a MBP when they are updated. However, this doesn't mean I'm blind to the fact that the current MBP model simply isn't worth the asking price.

Just so that you can see it officially!

 

[sblasl]

Anyone else have an opinion on waiting for Leopard? I'm usually wary of buying the first shipments of a production line anyhow (new mbp). At this point if they release them next month I may just wait for January for the new OSX (would mbps ship with leopard in january or months later?) .

I'm just not sure how much of a jump it will be from the current OS. I know when Microsoft puts out a new OS its a huge jump. What's the norm for apple?

Appreciate the input everyone!

I would never wait for the release of the updated OS just to save some money. I purchase a new system based on features, capabilities, and obviously needs. The system I purchase will be supported so that is not a concern. I can understand a student maybe wanting to wait to leverage the savings. There is no firm release date for Leopard except sometime in the first half of 2007, that could be June 30th. Are you willing to wait that long?...

 

[sth]

I think Apple is waiting for Macworld 2007 before announcing the new MBP.

I don't think so. I think they will make a relatively small update now and a bigger one in mid-2007 based on Intel's new platform.

 

[maverick808]

This is from your previous post:

"The simple fact is, the price the MacBook Pro is currently at, with its 9 month old hardware, means it's clearly a ripoff. I don't hate Macs, I have a 24" iMac, 2 MacBooks, 1 iBook and a PowerBook, and I will be buying a MBP when they are updated. However, this doesn't mean I'm blind to the fact that the current MBP model simply isn't worth the asking price."

That's why I took it that you were going to buy one!

Fair enough.

It seemed to me like you were saying that I had said was buying a current MBP, which I do think are a ripoff. If they release new ones that are substantially updated (C2D, bigger HD, new enclosure), then I won't think they are over-priced, and so will buy one.

 

[thunda32]

I would never wait for the release of the updated OS just to save some money. I purchase a new system based on features, capabilities, and obviously needs. The system I purchase will be supported so that is not a concern. I can understand a student maybe wanting to wait to leverage the savings. There is no firm release date for Leopard except sometime in the first half of 2007, that could be June 30th. Are you willing to wait that long?...

Probably not willing to wait that long but I won't have a problem waiting until April/May. I'de like to see what happens in SF in January since that is THE biggest mac event of the year, correct? Also I just realized I could write this purchase off and my tax bracket will jump next year so I may wait until January no matter what. All stuff to consider and damper my urge to be a consumer whore and buy buy buy right away!

 

[AppliedVisual]

But the MOST important thing people ignore is that all Macs ship standard with the entire iLife suite! There are 4 incredibly useful, well designed apps, and they actual integrate into the entire OS seemlessly. (and that's not including iTunes, since that's free).

Yes, iLife is a huge bonus. The few offerings on Windows that compare are rarely bundled for free (usually a demo version, if they're included). Personally, I don't use any of the iLife apps as I use Final Cut Studio, Aperture, and Adobe CS2. But I've dabbled with them here and there and for included software they're top-notch. For any home user doing typical home movies or even small business types doing occasional DVD presentations and simple web sites, the iLife apps are great.

Something comparable to the iLife suite on a PC (which doesn't exist, but let's give third parties the benefit of the doubt) will run you easily $500-$600, and that still doesn't account for the fact that it's all integrated into the OS in a useful productive way.

Now I have to disagree with that... There are a few options that exist. MediaStudio is very comparable and it only costs $199 MSRP. Hehe... and while it's comparable, it's still not as good. There are several offerings that I would say are better than iLife, but are indeed in the AT LEAST $500 category. Adobe's Video Collection is great - on part with Final Cut Studio in many ways, although I think Premier Pro is still a weak link. Encore is good, but nowhere near as elegant as DVDSP.

Enjoy your craptops. Me and my koolaid-stained lips will stick with the better machine.

Too bad the KoolAid has been all red lately...

 

[Detektiv-Pinky]

There will be NO UPDATE in England, Germany, Australia, the US, whatever else online stores that suggest "1-3 days." All this bogus, palmreading into Apple's rollout plans?? As we know, fruitless.

Nothing until Next January 2007. You heard it hear first.
Useful information? No, but who says repetition ever gets through to those suffering from obsessive compulsive disorder...

Hhm, I can not really believe this.

I visited the Gravis Store in Berlin this week, (biggest?) Apple reseller in Germany and they had nothing in stock there. It seemed that they even sold the demo systems. What was left was one (1) white Macbook and one (1) 15' Powerbook. A few weeks earlier they had the whole line in store.
The salesperson told me that they can not say when they will get new stock.

So either Apple is having a very BIG problem with their manufacturing (do not know how they would then be able to satisfy analyst expectations) or there is something in preparation.

I very much think that they need to release next week, or their quarterly figures will be way off.

 

[djkny]

Hhm, I can not really believe this.

I visited the Gravis Store in Berlin this week, (biggest?) Apple reseller in Germany and they had nothing in stock there. It seemed that they even sold the demo systems. What was left was one (1) white Macbook and one (1) 15' Powerbook. A few weeks earlier they had the whole line in store.
The salesperson told me that they can not say when they will get new stock.

So either Apple is having a very BIG problem with their manufacturing (do not know how they would then be able to satisfy analyst expectations) or there is something in preparation.

I very much think that they need to release next week, or their quarterly figures will be way off.

Q figures will not be way off. And no offense taken to Europeans abroad, but you've always had to wait for the crumbs off the table, so to speak. All US-based Apple Stores show PLENTY of MBP stock. So while the Gravis Store shows zero, that's hardly a reliable factor into any predictive formula.

That said, who wouldn't want to BELIEVE and hope for an update on 10/24? We should name it and claim it.