Australian Apple ads hint at new pro Macs [U]
updated 07:45 am EDT, Wed March 17, 2010
MacBook Air, MacBook Pro, Mac Pro may change price
(Update with possible explanation) A series of ads on the pages of Australian tech site PC Authority have possibly signaled an upcoming update to Apple's pro desktops and notebooks. Ads for the MacBook Air, MacBook Pro and Mac Pro show all three systems starting at higher prices than they do today. The MacBook Pro would cost A$1,899, the smallest hike but a jump from A$1,599; the MacBook Air would increase from A$1,999 to A$2,399; the Mac Pro would see the largest leap by moving from A$3,599 to A$4,499.
Whether this reflects a currency value adjustment or an actual price boost isn't certain. However, Apple seldom adjusts prices outside of hardware upgrades and so may have unintentionally started rotation for new ads ahead of an actual update.
Most expect Apple to launch a Core i7 MacBook Pro in the near future as well as to use low-voltage Core i5 or i7 chips in the MacBook Air. Intel just yesterday launched the six-core Xeon 5600 and is very likely to introduce a variant of this into the Mac Pro. [Thanks to Matthew for the tip]
Update: The possibility exists that the prices are those from last year, which were higher than they are today. However, ads for the iMac, white MacBook and other more mainstream systems have accurate pricing and were also Apple's most recently updated systems.
Whether this reflects a currency value adjustment
03/17, 08:14am reply
No, just greed. Again.
Before the GFC an entry level MacPro set you back $3999 AU. During the GFC the prices jumped to $4499 (whilst in the US prices dropped). The latest Mac Pro, to a lot of Australians amazement, was introduced at $3599. Nice surprise. And now it looks like it's back up to $4499.
The Aussie dollar has been holding steady at $0.91 (give or take a cent or two). So what's the price hike about? Apple's lips are sealed on the topic.
revco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
Sealed on what topic?
03/17, 09:11am reply
Its an as of yet unconfirmed price change reflected on a internet graphic. What's there for Apple to comment on?
And I think your textexpander is confused. It put greed where you meant to put "profit."
MhzDoesMatter
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Jul 2002
re: Sealed on what topic?
03/17, 10:53am reply
The topic of price rises. Contacted Apple to find out why they increased their price from $3999 to $4499 last time. They responded with "Apple sets different prices for different markets/regions." No S***.
And yes, you're right. It is just a graphic found on the net. It doesn't mean anything yet.
Thanks.
revco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005