As expected Apple has upgraded a few of its products today. New updates to the Mac Mini, iMac and Mac Pro are now live on Apple's website. You can check out the new products here. Apple has kept to its standard of upgrading the specs of but not the prices. It's a tried and true business model for Apple and there is no cause for deviation now.
The new upgrades will help keep Apple products at a more competitive price point. As the economic downturn continues consumers will be spending less and retailers need to keep the offers attractive so that consumers feel that they are getting a good value.
New Product Breakdown:
Mac Mini updates:
$600 - $800 base configuration
2.0GHz Core 2 Duo processors
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
8x SuperDrives
1-2GB of RAM
120 or 320 GB hard drive
Mac Pro updates:
Price Range
$2499 - $3299 base configuration
Quad Core or 8 Core Nehalem CPUs
3-6 GB of RAM
640GB hard drive space
NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 512MB
18x double-layer SuperDrive
iMac Updates:
Price Range $1199- $2199 base configuration
Core 2 Duo from 2.66 - 3.06
2-4GB of RAM
320GB-1TB of hard drive space
All have 8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics, NVIDIA GeForce GT 120 with 256MB memory, or NVIDIA GeForce GT 130 with 512MB memory GPUs
It's basically a re-badged 9600GT, though what I'm trying to figure out here, is that the card from the desktop version, or the mobile one? If it is the mobile version, I will be very disappointed.
All in all, very disappointing, especially the Mac Mini as at the very least they could give it a new look instead of sticking to a design that has lasted for almost 3 years! I have no problems with the iMac design but give some love to the Mac Mini for goodness sake, Apple!
Oh and for the record, the GT 120 is a re-badged 9500GS, which is a re-badged of the 8600GT
Scirwode
Check amazon.com and they still have the older models/specs listed.
US Prices stayed the same.
US Prices stayed the same.
The 24-incher now starts at $1499.00.
US Prices stayed the same.
The 24-incher now starts at $1499.00.
There were 4 models, there are now four models, the prices of each model stayed the same...each one got performance increases.
Anyway, yeah as a Mac user I'm also not happy with the pricing, and can only hope my laptop won't break down too soon after the warranty runs out. Because I can actually see myself using it for a longer time than usual thanks to the good hardware being involved here. (and also because I find myself having to upgrade due to software needs more and more rarely, including Windows boxes) But still -- it's damn pricey good hardware, unfortunately.
Anyway, yeah as a Mac user I'm also not happy with the pricing, and can only hope my laptop won't break down too soon after the warranty runs out. Because I can actually see myself using it for a longer time than usual thanks to the good hardware being involved here. But still -- it's damn pricey good hardware, unfortunately.
He complains a couple of posts down
Now that'll be worth seeing.
I'm disgusted at the pricing. Like.. so disgusted. I thought I was in with a shot at a decent incremental upgrade of my iMac and to get anywhere near where I hoped to be, I'll have to spend an additional £800 on top of what I'd sell my iMac for. Screw Apple. I'm so disappointed right now.
But as some people said on MacRumors (and I agree with this) the prices didn't balance the other way when the dollar was weaker against Sterling - Apple didn't DROP their prices in the UK.
Regardless of what the reasons are for the price adjustments, I just think they've spectacularly dropped the ball. I just don't think they represent anything remotely approaching value for money any more.
So, so disappointed.
I pity your friend
Scirwode
Personally, I can't see them selling many at that price, with the white MacBook at £719...
They're required to give minimum of 7 working days by EU distance selling laws. That's providing they didn't buy it in a local store.
They'll replace that no problem.
Intel MicroATX board - $75
1GB compatible memory - $11
160GB HD - $42
Total: $200
All prices from newegg.com
Mini does not come w/keyboard/mouse/monitor. Throw in a copy of OSX for an addition $109 if you have to have it. I'm sure the "OEM" copy doesn't cost Apple retail to include.
The case and form factor is not worth $400+ more.
Intel MicroATX board - $75
1GB compatible memory - $11
160GB HD - $42
Total: $200
All prices from newegg.com
Mini does not come w/keyboard/mouse/monitor. Throw in a copy of OSX for an addition $109 if you have to have it. I'm sure the "OEM" copy doesn't cost Apple retail to include.
The case and form factor is not worth $400+ more.
Nice! GreyWolf just put the smack down! ;-)
Don't forget the stylish case (You noted this in your post)
$250 now? No I didn't think so either.
But 400ish would be FAR more reasonable.
(Adding OSX as an OS is $109; Vista Home Premium is $99.)
That makes it $293 for the computer price. Subtract the $599 for the lower model Mini and Apple is charging $306 for OSX and a case.
(Note I could not find a 2.0GHz C2D at newegg so I equipped my "mini" with a 2.4GHz one, which Apple doesn't do. They charge you an extra $200 for another $11 stick of RAM and a $59 hard drive.
Last edited by Ricardo Gil on 04 Mar 2009 - 13:15
- English wired keyboard no longer has a numpad - you'll need the International English one if you want that
- iMacs no longer come bundled with Apple Remotes, they're an extra as they are with the Macbooks
- ITS ALL REALLY EXPENSIVE NOW
It's been expensive for years! The very least they could do is charge Europeans the same price as in America. They wonder why not many people buy Macs in the UK, it's because an iMac starts from £800!
http://oldcomputers.net/lisa.html
http://oldcomputers.net/lisa.html
Still cheaper then a high end mac pro!
Surprising for how sexy Apple's hardware normally is!
Time Capsule 1TB combines an 802.11n router and server-grade hard disk for automatic wireless back-up with Time Machine, and is immediately available in two models: a 500GB model for $299 and a 1TB model for $499.
Source: http://techfragments.com/news/558/Hardware...w_Products.html
OSx86 all the way
Think Apple needs to rethink this or consumers will just buy win7 when it comes out and load it on their PCs. Whats good about Win7 is that it will run on older hardware just fine when Vista would not. So people are going to look at the $150 or so price tag for Win7 and choose that over a Mac.
They're an American for-profit corporation. If they're not interested in money, what are they interested in?
World+dog is going to end up with Windows 7 whether or not it's any good. If the positive press holds true at launch the take-up might be more rapid, but I don't think any realistic Apple investor expects to see a significant (
Just tell me if the mini display port is enabled for multichannel audio and all may not be lost.
I bought a low end HP computer this past summer, $400 and had 4gb of DDR2 RAM
I bought a low end HP computer this past summer, $400 and had 4gb of DDR2 RAM
But was it white and shinny? lol
Anyway, yeah the Apple tax is freaking high. Even I who love to defend Apple, don't know what yo say really. My main problem is with Mac Minis and the 8GB config of the iMac...
Apple has kept to its standard of upgrading the specs of but not the prices. It's a tried and true business model for Apple and there is no cause for deviation now
Ha ha ha ha, you're kidding, right? Apple didn't "invent" this business model. For a long, long time, you could get a higher-end computer, with everything, for about $3,000. Over time the price stayed pretty much the same as the specs came up. Several years ago, this price started to decline a little faster than the specs improved and now you can get a decent, higher-end PC for $1500.
Apple, of course, resisted this trend. You pay at least $3,000 for their higher end model.
The commends already made about Apple's prices speak for themselves. Their customers justify it by comparing themselves to elite owners of high-end vehicles. Now that's what I call reality distortion field.
Apple has kept to its standard of upgrading the specs of but not the prices. It's a tried and true business model for Apple and there is no cause for deviation now
Ha ha ha ha, you're kidding, right? Apple didn't "invent" this business model. For a long, long time, you could get a higher-end computer, with everything, for about $3,000. Over time the price stayed pretty much the same as the specs came up. Several years ago, this price started to decline a little faster than the specs improved and now you can get a decent, higher-end PC for $1500.
Apple, of course, resisted this trend. You pay at least $3,000 for their higher end model.
The commends already made about Apple's prices speak for themselves. Their customers justify it by comparing themselves to elite owners of high-end vehicles. Now that's what I call reality distortion field.
At least high-end vehicles truely are high-end. What makes Apple sad is the fact that they are trying to pass off low-end w/ high-end and the sheep eat it all up.
iMacs are insane machines, but at a price. The advantage of the Mac Mini remains, but it's losing nearly all of it with such a poor upgrade. For the basic config, I was thinking more along the lines of :
2.33 GHz C2D
2GB of DDR3
Exactly! Its what made me switch. I would love to get a higher end mac but simply cant afford it, maybe some day. I would of considered selling my current mini for the upgraded one and pay the difference. But seeing the upgrade they gave it now, I can do just about do all the upgrades to my current mini for cheaper
Clueless, Mister Jobs (still).
http://www.engadget.com/2009/03/03/apple-a...wired-keyboard/
I have to say, how stupid of them. Not that I care, I'm not looking to get an imac, but come on, They are doing this because they want to do their usual "change the world" crap
I'm just wondering as I have never used those number pads at the side, I always use the ones at the top, yet I know some people who always use the ones at the side but never the ones at the top.
These are the questions I am asking myself right now:
Does anyone use both?
Is there need for both?
Which one would be better to keep - numbers at the top or numbers at the side?
Anybody want a kidney?
For that price I'd want intercourse with Steve.
At least wait 'till he's got better
And now the number pad is missing on your wired keyboard?
Thanks for the update Apple, and now I've seen what you've got to offer, it's safe to say you won't be getting any of my money.
The iMac updates are a joke. Especially for Canadians!
$200 price increase for speed bumps and larger HD's, and slightly better graphics.
My Core Duo (2006) is still kicking, and will be even better with Snow Leopard.
The new Macbook Pro seems like a good deal now, since the prices stayed the same. Might get one of them + a cinema display which pretty much = an iMac, but portable
Commenting has either been disabled on this article or you are not logged in. Click here to login or register, its free!
Note: Anonymous commenting is disabled in order to keep the quality of responses to a high standard.