MacBook Pro Pricing Doesn't Add Up
MacBook Pro Pricing Doesn't Add Up
by , 3:05 PM EDT, April 25th, 2006
When Apple introduced the 17-inch MacBook Pro on Monday, some observers scratched their heads over the pricing when compared to the 15-inch model. For example, the 15-inch MacBook Pro sells for US$2,499, and upgrading its processor to the 2.16GHz Core Duo one used in the $2,799 17-inch version adds $300, making the cost equal with its sibling but without the larger hard drive, 8X Dual Layer SuperDrive, FireWire 800 port, and other amenities.
Gizmodo was one of several Web sites pointing out the disparity on Tuesday. Some believe the issue could lead to Apple slicing prices or making changes to the 15-inch MacBook Pro. "No doubt that portends an upcoming price reduction or processor enhancement for the original model, but it does seem strange right now," Gene Steinberg wrote on his Web site, The Mac Night Owl.
Observer Comments
The 15" and 17" MacBook Pro are different products. Some people crave for the screen real estate of the 17" (I do typing this on the latest 17" PowerBook), others are decidedly buying the 12". Most people I know like the 15" form factor best. The DVD burning speed is of no interest for people who seldomly burn a DVD. FireWire 800 is almost useless in a market where hardly any 800 product exists.
Possibly the high end 15" will be priced lower soon, but differences in features might be of less importance then difference in form factor for what is a great machine anyway.
QuoteGuest wrote:
The 15" and 17" MacBook Pro are different products. Some people crave for the screen real estate of the 17" (I do typing this on the latest 17" PowerBook), others are decidedly buying the 12". Most people I know like the 15" form factor best. The DVD burning speed is of no interest for people who seldomly burn a DVD. FireWire 800 is almost useless in a market where hardly any 800 product exists.
Possibly the high end 15" will be priced lower soon, but differences in features might be of less importance then difference in form factor for what is a great machine anyway.
That's great and all, but it ignores the fact that Apple has never priced this way in the past.
I suppose this could be the start of an entirely new practice for them, but I think it's more likely that the 15" will simply get cheaper at the end of the week.
Tue Apr 25, 2006 7:38 pm Subject: It makes complete sense
I recently ditched my 17" G4 PowerBook for a 15" (by swapping with my Mom) because although the 17" seemed like the cat's @$$ at the time, it was just too big. I suspect that thousands of other people have discovered the same thing, resulting in soft demand for 17" notebooks and stronger demand for 15" notebooks. Apple, though, bought 50 million 17" screeens last year in a little noticed deal with whomever makes the screens. So they have to unload them. Additionally, they have tons and tons of FW800 ports and circuits left over from the old PowerBook line. Basically, they are just getting rid of a bunch of crap that's lying around the factories. Word is that they brought Jon Rubenstein back to solve this particular problem. Steve Jobs asked himself, "What am I gonna do with all this extra crap we bought last year?". Then Steve said, "I know, I'll call Jon and see if he's grown roots out his butt yet from inactivity!". Then Jon said he would be a consultant if he could get $75/hour, discounted parking, and free lunch in the Apple cafeteria with a few other consultants. Jon came in and proposed they make a 17" iPod, but the lawyers thought it would have a cracking problem and nixed the idea. So Jon proposed to get rid of all the crap by making a 17" MacBook Pro. Everyone loved that idea!
QuoteGuest wrote:
I am waiting for a 19 or 20 Macbook Pro that takes up to 8 gig of ram. Please.....
That's not about to happen. As Bosco noted, many people already find the 17" model way too big, and it is harder to carry around.
As for the 8 GB RAM, do you see a MBP with 8 ram slots under the keyboard coming soon.
And thirdly, the demand for the thing would be sooo low that introducing such a model would not be worth it.
Wed Apr 26, 2006 4:07 am Subject: Re: 50 million screens LOL
It all depends on your needs, money, and ego. I don't want a 17" screen. (My oppinion, Anything bigger than 14" screen is pushing to concept of portability) I value portability more than having a large screen. However, I do want to have a big hard drive and fast CPU. So, is it worth paying the 17" price to get a loaded 15". Since I have the money, yes.
obviously, the pricing is there to promote what a deal it is to buy the 17 inch. Who's going to buy the 17 at anything higher if it's not that popular anyways. "Aww! Might as well get the bigger screen, and FW800 etc, etc.. for that price, and get standard 2.16dc." It's not that hard to imagine. ;/
QuoteHave you been attending the Vern Seward school of journalism?Bosco wrote:
I recently ditched my 17" G4 PowerBook for a 15" (by swapping with my Mom) because although the 17" seemed like the cat's @$$ at the time, it was just too big. I suspect that thousands of other people have discovered the same thing, resulting in soft demand for 17" notebooks and stronger demand for 15" notebooks. Apple, though, bought 50 million 17" screeens last year in a little noticed deal with whomever makes the screens. So they have to unload them. Additionally, they have tons and tons of FW800 ports and circuits left over from the old PowerBook line. Basically, they are just getting rid of a bunch of crap that's lying around the factories. Word is that they brought Jon Rubenstein back to solve this particular problem. Steve Jobs asked himself, "What am I gonna do with all this extra crap we bought last year?". Then Steve said, "I know, I'll call Jon and see if he's grown roots out his butt yet from inactivity!". Then Jon said he would be a consultant if he could get $75/hour, discounted parking, and free lunch in the Apple cafeteria with a few other consultants. Jon came in and proposed they make a 17" iPod, but the lawyers thought it would have a cracking problem and nixed the idea. So Jon proposed to get rid of all the crap by making a 17" MacBook Pro. Everyone loved that idea!
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