“Apple Inc. unveiled new additions to its line of laptop computers Tuesday, including a model targeted to the lower-priced, sub-$1,000 market that could be a popular draw for consumers in a slowing economy,” Dan Gallagher and John Letzing report for MarketWatch.
“At an event at the company’s Cupertino, Calif., headquarters, Apple said it will cut the price of its cheapest MacBook model to $999 from $1,099, while introducing two new MacBook models that will sell for $1,299 and $1,599,” Gallagher and Letzing report. “New MacBook Pro models will sell for $1,999 and $2,499, according to Apple.”
Gallagher and Letzing report, “The new models feature ‘unibody’ designs, crafted from a single block of aluminum, which the company is touting as thinner and more durable.”
“Gene Munster, an analyst who covers Apple for Piper Jaffray, [said that] the latest releases could prove to be a catalyst for Apple’s stock, which along with the rest of the tech sector has taken a beating over the past few weeks due to the ongoing credit crisis,” Gallagher and Letzing report.
Full article here.
Can’t see how this downdate will help apple’s stock
…and it’s got Firewire.
Apple’s sub-$1000 MacBook could prove popular in slowing economy
Only In America its now more expensive in the UK
total BS Apple.
Firewire removal charge? $300
Glossy screen = no sale for me.
I’m designer by trade and need a non glossy screen for my work.
I seriously cant see anyone in the creative professions buying these.
Big mistake Apple.
Today’s display of “upgraded” laptops is exactly the kind of offering to be expected by Apple and any other PC manufacturer over the next few months, due to the global economic slowdown. I expected nothing dramatic from them today, due to that fact, and I was right in that respect. Those who have expected the iTablet are not considering the fact that people these days cannot afford such a luxury, as I’m sure Apple would price it at that high of a level. The next few months will not be about innovation, but about minor upgrades, as was today’s event.
However, what did take me off-guard is the fact that Apple wasn’t smart enough to cut prices more on their lower-end products during this economic downturn. That was a missed opportunity, I strongly believe.
Wana bet how much time until Sony, Dell and HP tries to copy it?
For those that don’t want a glossy screen:
http://shinza.com/product_info.php?products_id=50
You’re welcome.
The white MacBook with Firewire at a price below $1000 will be a hot seller. – I guess, this was actually the hot news of the day.
Screw the stock. Apple has billions in the bank and make great products that will sell hand over fist. As long as they continue to profitably do so, everything else is just bullshit.
New Apple MacBook Lacks Firewire — Cuts Off Millions Of Potential Buyers
Apple’s new MacBooks are of no use to the millions – or tens of millions – of potential buyers who own DV video cameras that use FireWire to transfer video from the camera to the computer for editing. The MacBooks are equipped with USB2, but no firewire.
I just got off the phone with the people at 1-800-MY APPLE who confirmed that there is no way they are aware of to use any firewire-based video camera with the new MacBooks.
Apple advised that buyers would have to use a video camera that uses USB to transfer video to the computer – and that excludes about 99% of all video cameras out there.
I was advised to check the Apple online store for such video cameras, but found only Canon firewire-based models for sale!
Even the new Sony, Canon etc High Definition cameras (both DV tape and flash memory based) use Firewire only to transfer video to the computer.
Unless there is something I’m missing, it means that my daughter will not be purchasing a new MacBook, nor will anyone she knows because they are all into making videos.
What do I do for a living? Marketing – and I’m filming and editing videos almost every day. All ten video cameras at my work are firewire based – right from my old reliable Sony PD150 to our new little Canon HV30 HiDef cameras (We bought three)
How big a deal is this?
Once again, unless I’m missing something, there is no way that anyone who owns a firewire video camera will purchase a MacBook.
How could Apple have made a mistake like this? Tell me I’m missing something here, please!
While the cheaper (old) MacBook could prove popular on price alone, it’s hard to escape the reality which is it’s just the “old” MacBook and the “new” product line is actually the same price.
No one buying one (unless they are dumb), will be under any illusion that they are not buying a product with a limited life-span and one certain to be discontinued soon. It’s got “placeholder product” written all over it.
I think that perception will strongly affect University and education sales. No one wants last year’s cool product, the kids want the *latest* cool laptop.
That “old” MacBook will just be shovelled out to newbies and grandmas that want to have an Apple laptop and have no conception of the product line over and above the raw price.
In other words … dummies.
USB –> Firewire adapters.
Looks like I’ll be going for a refurbed MacBook.
This was not the time to increase the price of MacBooks regardless whether the performance is significantly better.
In reality how many users of MBs need faster performance. For those who simply email, surf the web and maybe using word then there is no need for more speed. These machines scream already. I would have been more impressed with a minor update and a drop in price.
Re USB > Firewire Adaptors…
1/ Apple didn’t know if they would work.
2/ Would they allow control of the camera for capture from Final Cut Express/Pro etc?
Looking for answers. Perhaps things will become clear in a day or two as everyone in the video camera industry and videographers talk.
USB to firewire adaptors…
Found this online indicating no MAC compatibility. Once again this is only one product…
begin quote
*****************
“What does this kit do?
This kit connects your DV camcorder to the USB port on your Laptop or Desktop PC.
Do I need a FireWire port in my computer?
No, you don’t. All you need is a USB port (standard on all new computers). So, there’s no need to add a card or open your computer to install anything. It’s all easy and plug and play.
Will I need to buy software too?
No, you won’t need any additional software. Our kit comes with a software package called ImageMixer that will help you download your videos to your computer.
It sounds great, but is it Mac compatible?
Unfortunately our cable is not Mac compatible. However, it is compatible only with Windows XP. This product is not Windows Vista compatible as of yet. We are currently trying to find a work-around for this.”
************”
end quote
An anti-glare screen is a built-to-order option, people!
You can stop with the anti-glossy bitching now.
@Petey:
The MacBook line already had a glossy screen? What else were you expecting?
Do I need a FireWire port in my computer?
No, you don’t. All you need is a USB port (standard on all new computers). —Old Guy with a Beard
You don’t need firewire as long as you don’t mind plugging all your USB devices into an AC outlet (or using both of your USB ports to get sufficient power). USB 2.0 portable hard drives are notorious for not operating properly when connected to a single USB port on laptop computers.
Lots of professional anti-Apple bloggers here today. They all bitch about FireWire but I’d bet Joe-consumer, outside of Apple Joe’s, have never heard of FireWire. All they know is USB, and not even the 1.0 or 2.0. Consumers don’t care about FW over USB. MBP owners, the professional users, won’t cringe a bit.
n anti-glare screen is a built-to-order option, people!
You can stop with the anti-glossy bitching now. —Cubert
Not true. The 17-inch MacBook Pro is the only model that offers a non-glare screen option. Everybody else is out of luck.
So… the Canadian price listed on the white MacBook is exactly the same as it was before the $100 price drop.
What gives?
I’d bet Joe-consumer, outside of Apple Joe’s, have never heard of FireWire —MikeR
Joe Consumer may have never heard of firewire, but millions of clueless consumers DO own video camcorders, 99.9% of which connect to the firewire port on their computers.
@Nutcracker:
Have you seen feedback from users of this product? The fact that it exists doesn’t say anything about how easy it is to apply or how well it works.
Removing Firewire and target disk mode is a very IT-unfriendly move. It will alienate the very class of user/supporter that Apple needs desperately to seduce if they want increased acceptance in the enterprise.