maverick808 said:
I disagree, I think the current MBPs are a ripoff. You can buy a Sony VGN-FE790 with a 2.33GHz C2D for under $2000 (see
http://www.sonystyle.com/is-bin/INT...IONotebookComputers_FE_Series&Dept=computers).
Now please don't start flaming me saying things like "okay, go buy that damn Sony then". I am simply pointing out that competitors are building comparable machines with the next generation CPU and charging $500 less. With that in mind, I do feel the current MBP price is a bit much. I myself bought a 2GHz MBP back in January and I was more than happy to pay that price then. However, 9 months later and I don't expect to be paying the same price for a machine that is 9 months old (the ONLY difference to the one I bought is that they now have an extra 166MHz).
Basically, the MBP wasn't a rip off 9 months ago, but in 9 months the machine hasn't changed and neither has the price, so today, in my view, it is indeed a rip off.
I'm not sure if the link you posted ends up taking you to the same page, but I'm looking at the FE series, which is what that page took me to, and the fastest C2D is 1.83GHz. I don't see any C2D's listed on there (or CD's for that matter) that are 2GHz or faster.
IMHO, the "FE" Series is not comparable to a MBP. It is closer to the MB, especially with the Intel integrated graphics. The AR270 is more comparable to the MBP as far as options available, although I will note this version has only a 17" screen.
So, I clicked on the "Build Your Own" link, and here were the results:
The base model for an "FE" Series was $949, which had a 40G HD, and a celeron M.
Bringing it up as close as possible to the current 15.4" mid-range MBP w/o customization, produces a BTO Sony that's about $2225, with a C2D 2.33GHz.
For the AR series,
Bringing it up as close as possible to the current 15.4" mid-range MBP w/o customization, produces a BTO Sony that's about $2660, with a C2D 2.33GHz.
If comparing to the 17", to be fair since the AR is a 17" model, produces a BTO Sony that's $2740.
For the FE system, there was a note:
"Shipping availability:
Production begins on or about Oct 16, 2006. Please allow 5-7 days after this date for production to complete."
And THEN add on the time to get it from them to you.
The shipping note for the AR was:
"Shipping availability:
Please allow 3-5 business days for production to complete."
Either way, I'm personally NOT impressed with the Sony line. Not to mention the Windows factor, which I just simply refuse to use unless I have absolutely no choice (like company provided, etc.).
While it might be a "little cheaper", the difference isn't worth it to me.
Not saying that Apple's pricing on the current line isn't a bit much 9 months after they've been out, but it still isn't like it's THAT bad of a deal.
I think the big argument on your position with the Sony reference is that they are shipping, or will soon, C2D's in at least some of their lines.
While very true I don't see a big advantage over their C2D line, other than having a C2D and not a CD.
I do agree that on some fronts, with some consumers, it could be an issue with Apple not having the C2D yet, but overall I don't think it's hurting them at the moment. However it may become more of a problem if there isn't some sort of update prior to the Holiday Shopping Fiasco, but that's still a good 6-7 weeks away.
Quickly glancing the a couple other manufacturers, they're in about the same position.
Other than having a C2D in a few models, there isn't any real comparison.
Simply having a C2D isn't a justification that something is better overall in my mind.
That's just the way I see it though, FWIW.
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