Wow, Apple's such a cheapskake!

[deputy_doofy]

Well, I've used the remote a handful of times in over a year's time. They've probably done their research to find out that most people do not use it (and some probably don't even know what it is, because they didn't RTFM).
That said, if the Apple TV market grows, there's your remote. Will work on all Macs (with an IR sensor).

 

[ryanwarsaw]

Am I the only one that thinks that Apple is doing this to phase the remote out altogether? I am thinking they will come out with a $100+(this figure could go up to a gajillion if it is the right product) touch device of some kind to sell us later.

The remote as it is is sort of crappy anyway. I can't see Apple putting anymore investment into it. I wonder if Jobs is sort of embarassed to ship it with such nice hardware? The iPhone and touch or a device like them could be an ideal replacement. Has the remote ever been redesigned since it has shipped with any Mac?

Apple is trying to become king of the living room now and needs a decent remote so it can sell Apple TV without being laughed at by the mainstream. I think we all know the current remote is not it.

The remote only fits in with the bottom of Apple's current product line. They dropped the magnet for it on the iMac, why? Well because that cheap, little, POS remote just doesn't belong there. Unless there was a shortage of magnets that I never heard about.

The only computer I can see that keeps the remote with it is the Mini. The poor Mini always gets the hand me downs and waste products. I am glad I am not the youngest sibling in the Apple family.

They are kind enough to leave it as a add on for those that have some sort of use for it and absolutely can't live without it.

The SDK is most likely arriving late and Apple TV take 2 was also delayed. The iPhone has had a firmware update that last I heard nobody knew what the point of it was. My guess is they are up to something. Apple needs a fully functioning remote of some kind, be it touch screen or otherwise to compete in the market. The apps available to use the iPhone as a remote now are not so great but thats where i see things going from here.

If I am right get ready for threads with people wondering if they can exchange the open remotes they bought 13.5 days ago for a $1.99 restocking fee.

 

[saltyzoo]

Am I the only one that thinks that Apple is doing this to phase the remote out altogether? I am thinking they will come out with a $100+(this figure could go up to a gajillion if it is the right product) touch device of some kind to sell us later.

I dunno about that, but I could definitely see the iPod touch getting new software to allow it to be used as a remote. Heck it sounds stupid, but I'd rather buy an iPod touch with "universal remote" technology than spend $300 on a Logitech harmony.

 

[ryanwarsaw]

I dunno about that, but I could definitely see the iPod touch getting new software to allow it to be used as a remote. Heck it sounds stupid, but I'd rather buy an iPod touch with "universal remote" technology than spend $300 on a Logitech harmony.

Well that is a $100+ product. i am sure Apple would be delighted to sell you one.

 

[kkat69]

I dunno about that, but I could definitely see the iPod touch getting new software to allow it to be used as a remote. Heck it sounds stupid, but I'd rather buy an iPod touch with "universal remote" technology than spend $300 on a Logitech harmony.

No arguement there. I bought an HP IPaq of eBay and it cames with an IR remote attachment that plugged into the headphone jack. It had universal capability. I just plugged in my device manufacturer and started playing with the numbers until I got the part that worked, the software interface was skinnable, etc. Very nice but to have this ability built in to say an iPod Touch wouldn't be a bad idea, just 'FLICK' through the channels

 

[saltyzoo]

No arguement there. I bought an HP IPaq of eBay and it cames with an IR remote attachment that plugged into the headphone jack. It had universal capability. I just plugged in my device manufacturer and started playing with the numbers until I got the part that worked, the software interface was skinnable, etc. Very nice but to have this ability built in to say an iPod Touch wouldn't be a bad idea, just 'FLICK' through the channels

I just hope Jobs remembers me when it's time to write the royalty checks.

 

[AMessy]

I'm actually glad Apple isn't forcing me to buy a remote anymore...If Apple just set the price of all the new MBP's and MB's at $19 higher than they currently are priced and included the remote people would be complaining that they should be able to buy a MBP or MB and not have to pay for the remote.

 

[macenforcer]

I'm actually glad Apple isn't forcing me to buy a remote anymore...If Apple just set the price of all the new MBP's and MB's at $19 higher than they currently are priced and included the remote people would be complaining that they should be able to buy a MBP or MB and not have to pay for the remote.

Hahahahahah. LOVE the reverse logic there. You were being charged for the remote before. Did you think you were getting it for FREE? Now you are still getting charged only you don't get the remote. THINK about it. Wow.

 

[heyromantic]

Apple is a business and they want to maximize profit? They realized less than a quarter of people actually use the remote and it's not a deal breaker to potential macbook pro buyers if Apple doesn't include it.

It was a deal breaker for me, I actually use my remote. I have my macbook set up on my desk and watch movies and listen to iTunes while I'm studying on my bed. So it does get heavy usage. I was going to return it for the upgrade, but it's not worth the trouble if I'm not getting the Apple Remote included.

 

[Freyqq]

I noticed on the site that Apple's now charging $20 for an Apple Remote for the MBPs, previously included with all MBPs before the update. How lame!

Just another way for Apple to make quick bucks. I guess this is a gain for those who bought a MBP before. Any comments?

all i can say is LMAO

doesn't the mac mini even come with a remote?

 

[cohibadad]

I'm just guessing, but I'd say maybe 5% of buyers ever used that remote more than once.

 

[f1]

why do ppl complain about things like this? If you don't like the fact that apple isn't a charity and actually wants to make money stop buying apple products... its that simple...

 

[Flyer0815]

It was a deal breaker for me, I actually use my remote. I have my macbook set up on my desk and watch movies and listen to iTunes while I'm studying on my bed. So it does get heavy usage. I was going to return it for the upgrade, but it's not worth the trouble if I'm not getting the Apple Remote included.

A 19 dollar remote was a deal breaker?

It is unfortunate they are no longer free, but deal breaker is excessive.

 

[heyromantic]

A 19 dollar remote was a deal breaker?

It is unfortunate they are no longer free, but deal breaker is excessive.

plus re-stock fee. f that s.

 

[Habusho]

why do ppl complain about things like this? If you don't like the fact that apple isn't a charity and actually wants to make money stop buying apple products... its that simple...

Yes they are a business and need to make money but to nickle and dime your customers every time you get a chance to is really starting to turn me off. They're already charging about 500 more than a pc laptop and now $19 for the remote, lame.
How about the time when they wanted like $10 to enable 802.11N on their last laptops, anybody remember that? The hardware was already on the machine and they wanted to charge you to enable it? Cheap.

 

[HLdan]

It was a deal breaker for me, I actually use my remote. I have my macbook set up on my desk and watch movies and listen to iTunes while I'm studying on my bed. So it does get heavy usage. I was going to return it for the upgrade, but it's not worth the trouble if I'm not getting the Apple Remote included.

So getting an included remote is more important than getting a higher spec machine?? Ok.

 

[HLdan]

The remote as it is is sort of crappy anyway. I wonder if Jobs is sort of embarassed to ship it with such nice hardware?

I don't think so as he is not too embarrassed to now charge us for it.

 

[cobbe1]

Dosn't this remote work with keynote too?
If so it is not just a media remote.

Didn't know that. Just tried it and you're right, it works with Keynote! Sweet! I'll be the coolest kid in school to do a presentation with that.

all i can say is LMAO

doesn't the mac mini even come with a remote?

Yes, Mac Mini do come with the remote, even the low end $599 model. That's funny, you pay bucks Apple throw in the remote, but if you pay 2k then sorry, you have to buy your own.

 

[Peteybiz02]

Has anyone tried just asking for one at the Apple store? My MB is supposed to be here tomorrow, I didn't opt for the remote because I didn't think I'd use it. However this is my first Mac so, who knows. But like one poster said, I guess I won't miss what I never had. I don't really think its a big deal.

 

[markrivers]

oh my!! the case of the apple remote..
who knew? after all the upgrades... it's the remote that people will be talking about!

 

[illegallydead]

Yes, they are cheap...

This is just another thing they are not including. I was pissed when I found out my shiny new iPod Classic doesn't even come with the basic black sleeve the 5G's came with. It is making it's home in an old sock (how un-ceremonious, eh?) For gods sake, the first few gen's of iPod came with a dock. Now you can't even get a $5 sleeve with it.
Yes, it might be cutting costs, but I think it makes the customer base more happy in general paying an extra $10 on a laptop for some accessories you may or may not use, then actually having to add the $20 accessories on yourself. It just seems like one of those "jeez" things...

 

[honeycrisp]

I noticed on the site that Apple's now charging $20 for an Apple Remote for the MBPs, previously included with all MBPs before the update. How lame!

Just another way for Apple to make quick bucks. I guess this is a gain for those who bought a MBP before. Any comments?

This is a slap in the face to their pro costumers...

 

[markrivers]

same thing happened to the ipods..
apple wants your money!!

 

[GoodWatch]

2007 Q4 laptop sales: 1.3M

Even at $2 cost, that's $2.6M. That's probably real money, to someone.

I'll agree, it's a very small percentage of the cost of a MB/MBP, but we're not seeing it from the same perspective as their bean-counters.

Apple are sitting on $18 billion in cash already. There's also someting like being nice to your loyal customers. Or not?

 

[saltyzoo]

Apple are sitting on $18 billion in cash already. There's also someting like being nice to your loyal customers. Or not?

You don't get a billion in cash giving away something many people will never use. You can, however, get a billion in cash while forcing everyone that buys a product to pay for a device they'll never use.