Apple switching to yearly updates?

[inkswamp]

I'm wondering if anyone else is looking at the pattern of updates that Apple has been doing on their consumer Mac line-up over the last two years and thinking that Apple is trying to switch to a yearly update schedule. I remember a time when you could count on a couple of significant updates per year with maybe a price adjustment or two thrown in for good measure, but it looks like Apple may be going to a yearly update schedule, at least as far as the Mini and the iMac go.

I don't understand why they would do that. The computer industry has always moved forward at a breakneck pace and Apple--let's be honest--hasn't exactly shown an ability to keep up. I can't imagine why they would make that worse by slowing the rate of updates. At this point, however, it's not hard to imagine the iMacs not being touched again until August.

Of course, I'd love for Apple to prove me wrong, but I'm not holding my breath.

 

[Noobish]

It does appear that way. With the iMac anniversary fast approaching, I wouldn't be so sure that Apple won't hold out an on updating it until the anniversary.

The mini... who knows. I want to buy one but they're overpriced as they stand right now.

 

[inkswamp]

It does appear that way. With the iMac anniversary fast approaching, I wouldn't be so sure that Apple won't hold out an on updating it until the anniversary.

That's unfortunate, really. I know a lot of people around here would point to Apple's increasing market share and then ask me who the @#$%& I am to criticize how they're doing things, but as a long time Mac user, it's disappointing to see Apple shift into such a lethargic update cycle.

The mini... who knows. I want to buy one but they're overpriced as they stand right now.

Isn't that the truth! I recall reading that the Mini's BOM (bill of materials) cost is somewhere in the neighborhood of $250-$300. Now, I know there are manufacturing, shipping and advertising costs to recoup, but even then, the $599 and $799 price tag on the Mini is ludicrous, especially considering how out-of-date and underpowered some of the components are. I mean, seriously. $600 for a machine with 80GB hard drive and a combo drive, and no keyboard, mouse or display. Is that supposed to be funny?

 

[takeabyteoutta]

There's no reason for Apple to update. The iMac is still selling strong and technology has not kept pace these past two years. Penryn processors offer slim-none advantages over the current merom being used, whereas Montevina will actually offer the performance improvements desktop users are looking for.

I though apple should of at least offered prices cuts, especially after macworld, but its their business plan and I don't mind waiting for Montevina.

Another important factor is Vista. Microsoft is helping to push users who want a seemless machine over to Mac OS X and Apple is reaping the benefits.

Ultimately, it all comes down to making money and Apple is succeeding and showing no mercy.

Isn't that the truth! I recall reading that the Mini's BOM (bill of materials) cost is somewhere in the neighborhood of $250-$300. Now, I know there are manufacturing, shipping and advertising costs to recoup, but even then, the $599 and $799 price tag on the Mini is ludicrous, especially considering how out-of-date and underpowered some of the components are. I mean, seriously. $600 for a machine with 80GB hard drive and a combo drive, and no keyboard, mouse or display. Is that supposed to be funny?

They'll keep selling it if people will keep buying it.

 

[inkswamp]

There's no reason for Apple to update. The iMac is still selling strong and technology has not kept pace these past two years. Penryn processors offer slim-none advantages over the current merom being used, whereas Montevina will actually offer the performance improvements desktop users are looking for.

Then they should either a) lower the prices appropriately; or b) offer deals with the iMac (i.e., steeply discounted display or keyboards with the purchase of a Mini); or c) do a spec bump (bigger HD, superdrive.) It doesn't make sense to let Apple off the hook solely on the basis of processor performance. There are lots of other ways they can improve the value of a machine if they want to keep it at $599.

 

[Noobish]

Then they should either a) lower the prices appropriately; or b) offer deals with the iMac (i.e., steeply discounted display or keyboards with the purchase of a Mini); or c) do a spec bump (bigger HD, superdrive.) It doesn't make sense to let Apple off the hook solely on the basis of processor performance. There are lots of other ways they can improve the value of a machine if they want to keep it at $599.

I agree. It's not so much the absolute price, it's the price to spec value. Combo drive... what is this? An eMachine?

 

[inkswamp]

I agree. It's not so much the absolute price, it's the price to spec value. Combo drive... what is this? An eMachine?

An eMachine circa 2003! I believe eMachines don't ship combo drives in even their cheapest, crappiest desktop anymore. Sad state of affairs when eMachines beats Apple in terms of optical drives they offer in their low-end machines.

 

[nick9191]

Apple updated the macbook in november, then again in february. Thats not yearly. They really need to update the imac and mini though, still can't believe the BS combo drives though. I guess they do it because how many non computer savvy people would buy a computer and actually burn a DVD? They should do it just to keep up with the others though.

 

[treasurefinder]

Then they should either a) lower the prices appropriately; or b) offer deals with the iMac (i.e., steeply discounted display or keyboards with the purchase of a Mini); or c) do a spec bump (bigger HD, superdrive.) It doesn't make sense to let Apple off the hook solely on the basis of processor performance. There are lots of other ways they can improve the value of a machine if they want to keep it at $599.

Ultimately, buying anything mac comes down to one simple priniciple: buy it as soon as they update it/launch it.

the only exception to this rule is when they cut the price, such as with the recent ipod shuffle update or the iphone price cut.

I imagine we'll see something similar ($200 price cut) with the MBA around June in order to cash in on those graduating high school seniors.

if you really don't like what apple's doing in terms of value/price with their products, buy some stock. then you'll be really happy.

 

[clyde2801]

Then they should either a) lower the prices appropriately; or b) offer deals with the iMac (i.e., steeply discounted display or keyboards with the purchase of a Mini); or c) do a spec bump (bigger HD, superdrive.) It doesn't make sense to let Apple off the hook solely on the basis of processor performance. There are lots of other ways they can improve the value of a machine if they want to keep it at $599.

I went into a bestbuy right after they updated the portable line and they had their newly obsolete stock at (gasp) a 10% discount! I was genuinely surprised to see even that, and imagined a black turtlenecked hand grasping a printed email, pale with rage and shaking.

Refurbs at the apple site are only 17% off, unless they're refurbed models that they're no longer selling; then they're 28% or 29% off.

Honestly, they could do price discounts, or throw in software, maybe a shuffle or sell accessories at cost.

Better yet, they could knock down the price of a low end imac down 200 bucks and do away with the mini. The base imac, or emac, or whatever, could be sold to schools and do pure, basic consumer needs. Allow more customization on the higher end models, such as matte or glossy, video cards, in addition to the hard drives, so gamers and graphics professionals would finally **** about the headless mac.

At times being a mac owner is like being a teenager living with strict parents. The 'my house, my terms, my rules' mentality gets to be a bit grating at times.

 

[Bubba Satori]

$600 for a machine with 80GB hard drive and a combo drive, and no keyboard, mouse or display. Is that supposed to be funny?

Whatever you do, don't go to Newegg and see what kind of a barebones box $600 buys you these days. I know, it doesn't come in pretty, itsy bitsy case like the mini and you can't run OS X without hacking it.

 

[Noobish]

if you really don't like what apple's doing in terms of value/price with their products, buy some stock. then you'll be really happy.

Apple's stock has been down lately... not sure why that would make anyone happy.

 

[Perfectionist]

Apple's stock has been down lately... not sure why that would make anyone happy.

Understatement of the year so far dude !!

Apple stock was sitting at just over $200 in January ..... it's now down to $120-$130 !!

I reckon by the end of the year it will be around $75 !!

 

[akm3]

Understatement of the year so far dude !!

Apple stock was sitting at just over $200 in January ..... it's now down to $120-$130 !!

I reckon by the end of the year it will be around $75 !!

Only the people who bought at $200 are hurting, the stock has done very, very well for long term buy and holders (up ~1400%+)

And by your logic, it is one degree cooler today than yesterday, IF THIS TREND CONTINUES we'll be in an ice age and freeze to death in 60 days! Everybody panic!

 

[clyde2801]

Only the people who bought at $200 are hurting, the stock has done very, very well for long term buy and holders (up ~1400%+)

And by your logic, it is one degree cooler today than yesterday, IF THIS TREND CONTINUES we'll be in an ice age and freeze to death in 60 days! Everybody panic!

It is kind of chilly today....<brrrr>

 

[Perfectionist]

Only the people who bought at $200 are hurting, the stock has done very, very well for long term buy and holders (up ~1400%+)

Indeed !! I bought a ****load of Apple in Nov 03, and made a fortune when I sold in Nov 07 !!

And by your logic, it is one degree cooler today than yesterday, IF THIS TREND CONTINUES we'll be in an ice age and freeze to death in 60 days! Everybody panic!

My logic is based on the state of the US Economy, the Stockmarkets and the Dollar ..... which are all slowly but surely dying !!

Bear Stearns is the tip of the iceberg dude !! This time next year, iPod's, iPhone's and iMac's will be the last thing on the list of people's priorities !!