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Why 17 inch more expensive than 15 inch

RoelJuun

RoelJuun

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Aug 31, 2010
451
210
Netherlands
I've asked myself for quite some time: Why is the 17 inch MBP more expensive than the 15 inch…

I've been searching in the forum/internet etc but found no real answer. When I think for myself the 15 inch should be more expensive since they put the same maximum specs in a smaller space. Making the design of the 15 inch more difficult. The only more expensive part in the 17 inch is its display and the extra costs for alumium etc because of its bigger size. (I guess that 1 extra usb-port doesn't take an extra $50 or so)

The difference between 13 and 15 inch is somewhat logical, far better processors and graphics.

Does anybody have a clear answer? Something in my head says that I'm overlooking something simple but fundamental.
 
The 17" MBP is more expensive than the 15" because it is bigger, and therefore "better". How would customers feel if the 15" MBP started at $1800 and the 17" started at $1700? They would be baffled. Why are SUVs more expensive than sedans? Well, for the most part, it is because they are bigger and people are willing to pay more for size. In fact, automobile manufacturers are in trouble right now because of the lack of sales of SUVs due to high gas prices. They have a greater profit margin on SUVs than on smaller cars. The difference in materials cost in both of these examples is minimal. It all comes down to what people are willing to pay more for.
 
Better display 1900x1200 probably a 200$ upgrade with 2" difference, ExpressCard, Extra USB port? Just my .02
 
I agree with the previous post to some extent. But, you do have to consider the increased cost of materials. Larger screens, batteries, better speakers, extra USB, Express Card slot, and other things all add to the cost.
 
DustinT said:
I agree with the previous post to some extent. But, you do have to consider the increased cost of materials. Larger screens, batteries, better speakers, extra USB, Express Card slot, and other things all add to the cost.
Click to expand...
Yes, there are more materials in the 17" than in the 15", but not $700 worth, which is the cost difference between them. That stuff is chump change when bought in bulk at wholesale.
 
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No the difference is not 700. You should compare the high end 15" with the 17" because of specs. I totally forgot the express card slot though.

I find the price still high compared to the 15" powerhouse.
 
Nielsenius said:
Yes, there are more materials in the 17" than in the 15", but not $700 worth, which is the cost difference between them. That stuff is chump change when bought in bulk at wholesale.
Click to expand...
It's a $300 difference...
 
You think by and large that the price difference among different models and options within a product family are reflective of the wholesale component prices? :eek:
 
RoelJuun said:
I've asked myself for quite some time: Why is the 17 inch MBP more expensive than the 15 inch…

I've been searching in the forum/internet etc but found no real answer. When I think for myself the 15 inch should be more expensive since they put the same maximum specs in a smaller space. Making the design of the 15 inch more difficult. The only more expensive part in the 17 inch is its display and the extra costs for alumium etc because of its bigger size. (I guess that 1 extra usb-port doesn't take an extra $50 or so)

The difference between 13 and 15 inch is somewhat logical, far better processors and graphics.

Does anybody have a clear answer? Something in my head says that I'm overlooking something simple but fundamental.
Click to expand...

Don't think about it, it's apple. They sell smoke and shiny products to windows refugees at any price they want to put.
 
Really, are you serious OMG.

Another point would be that as the 17" sells less units than either the 13" or 15" production costs would be greater - not to mention its size extra screen real estate blah blah blah....
 
And just like every other product on the market, computers, cars, bicycles, sofas, and on and on and on; the company's profit margin tends to be least on the lowest spec'd product, and greatest on the highest spec'd product. There's a reason that sales people are always working for the upsale.
 
Nielsenius said:
Why are SUVs more expensive than sedans? Well, for the most part, it is because they are bigger and people are willing to pay more for size. In fact, automobile manufacturers are in trouble right now because of the lack of sales of SUVs due to high gas prices. They have a greater profit margin on SUVs than on smaller cars. The difference in materials cost in both of these examples is minimal. It all comes down to what people are willing to pay more for.
Click to expand...

why are coupes more expensive that sedans? lol :D
 
The increased screen size/resolution, extra USB Port, ExpressCard Slot, increased materials all adds up for the $200 difference ($150 when discounted).
 
In addition to extra materials, it's that much more expensive because it can be. Simple supply and demand here, there's enough demand for the 17" MBP at it's current price point that people buy it, and enough people buy it at that price point for Apple to optimize their profits. If no one was willing to pay that much extra for the 17" model over the 15" model, then Apple wouldn't be able to charge what they do.
 
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Well thanks for all the answers made it much more clear. I find it a pity since I'd like to get a 17 inch but the price is too high for me.
 
The 17" also runs a little faster than a 15" with the same specs, perhaps because the 17" has better thermal characteristics.

I find it a pity since I'd like to get a 17 inch but the price is too high for me.
Click to expand...
I got a 15" a few years ago and regretted it almost immediately. This year I got a 17" and like it much better. Get the 17" and you'll thank yourself every time you use it.
 
Once you get a 17" it's quite hard to go back to anything smaller, can be done. I have done it several times, but always find my self coming back to the 17. :)
 
That, of course, depends on how much you want to move it. I have a friend who had a 17" for a while, and while he liked the size, he's always on the go and it was a little on the big side for him. He now has a 15" high-res and likes it much better.
 
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