Comments on: MacBook and Apple’s Black Friday Sale: “Almost,” But Not Quite Enough

By: Geary Williams

Geary Williams — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 16:15:28 +0000

The sale today was an insult to educators!! Plain and simple..if you would’ve known better the education discount was actually better yesterday….

By: Apple’s Black Friday Sales Leaked Early

Apple’s Black Friday Sales Leaked Early — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 15:37:19 +0000

[...] these deals do indeed come to pass, they would be pretty significant compared to previous Black Friday sales by the Mac-maker. 25 percent off of all Macs is a very good discount, for example, and would result [...]

By: 2009 Black Friday Ads

2009 Black Friday Ads — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 13:02:23 +0000

If you’re a techie and you’re looking for the best and latest gadget finds, Apple Store has got the best buys for you this season – ipods, iPhones, MacBook, iMac, accessories – name it and they got it for you! To give you a sneak peak at their prices, iPod shuffles are priced at $59; iPod Nano at $149, iPod Classic 80GB at $249 and Apple TV at $229.

By: DJ

DJ — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 16:37:28 +0000

I was buying a MacBook for my sister anyway, so the sale came at a handy-dandy moment. In fact I chose a white one for its lower pricepoint and for her minimal graphic requirements, it should be very adequate.

All in all, a fine buy with a cheery little discount thrown in.

By: overprocessed

overprocessed — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 13:37:50 +0000

@ Some Buy

The overhead you speak of isn’t the issue when you’re giving twice the discount but selling three times the product. In the worst case, Apple would end up with smaller profits than if they had discounted it $100, but there would be more Macs in circulation. Despite their wonderful growth over the last few years, they still need more market share.

And yes, the purchase was also dictated by my “need” for it. It was more of a “want”. I currently own a Mac Pro, Macbook, iMac, and a couple of older model Macs.

Goodbye.

By: Sharninder

Sharninder — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 09:19:34 +0000

I have always been of the opinion that the only Apple machines worth buying are the apple refurbished ones … but that’s just me I guess. Buying a refurbished one keeps you away from paying the apple tax, and the problems that a rev. 1 machine might end up having and we all know how Apple is with their Rev. 1 products ;)

By: paul in kirkland

paul in kirkland — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 07:38:21 +0000

I was tempted to upgrade from my 13″ MacBook to a 15″ MBP, since I’m now 100% mobile and could use the extra firepower, but I’m being stubborn this time and waiting until Rev B.

I guess in a way the 13″ MacIntel MacBook is TOO good. It’s definitely good enough to ride out Rev A of the current line, especially considering all the trackpad issues I’ve heard about.

Like Windows XP for Microsoft, Apple is approaching the “good enough” point with it’s product line. As an investor I’d take notice.

By: Panny

Panny — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 06:56:03 +0000

Of course choosing a purchase is always going to be subjective depending on what your wants and needs are. However, a few points to take into account that most people seem to overlook:

1. New Model.
Like cars, I always think its a better investment to purchase a product as soon as its a
new model – at the beginning of the product life cycle. Its newer for longer as it will
be the same model for years.
2. Quality.
There are so many upgrades – the casing quality, brighter screen, trackpad, greener,
lighter, etc. A lot of small things that add up to much better product that may not
show up on a feature list. (always think this is one of the differences of Apple Vs PC).
It ‘feels’ like a better product; and it is.
3. Future Proofing.
New technology like the display port, graphics card, headphone/microphone port, etc.
Will spawn accessories and software not compatible with older models (e.g. New LED
display).

To me, these stack the odds in favor of the new model, but like I said it’s subjective. Regarding firewire, I’ve seen so many complaints – do all of these people have a firewire only video camera? In the top 10 selling camcorders they all have USB 2. You can argue that if they have both, firewire is superior. As a video editor, the upgraded video card outweighs this unless there’s no USB 2 output on the camera.

By: Steve

Steve — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:34:33 +0000

Unless you actually have firewire-only gear that you can’t live without, you probably won’t notice. I have a backup drive for time machine that was usb/firewire. I don’t notice a difference.

The machine itself, however, is great. Much more durable-feeling than my plastic macbook (soon to be up for sale).

By: Derek K. Miller

Derek K. Miller — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 05:08:40 +0000

The lack of FireWire on the new MacBooks dismays me, and my first-gen 2006 black Core Duo MacBook is still chugging along fine. I will place another vote for avoiding the first rev of a new Apple design: my 2006 MacBook has well paid for its AppleCare by needing a new battery (early), new motherboard, new fan, and new MagSafe cord, etc., all before its second birthday, and most in its first year.

The Black Friday sale was not worthwhile for the MacBook. Maybe in a few revs.

By: Ernie

Ernie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:54:46 +0000

I just don’t get when people complain about how “expensive” Macs/Apple Products are… it’s like people complaining that Lamborghinis are too expensive. You’re paying for a high quality product….

By: M.A. Pryor

M.A. Pryor — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:53:42 +0000

It was enough for me. I’m enjoying my new macbook. BTW went from a 17 MBP and found I’m loving the portability of a 13 and carrying it everywhere.

By: Some Buy

Some Buy — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:52:31 +0000

@ overprocessed:

If by “make more money” you mean lose money on a sale due to the overhead costs than you’re right. But in this case, you’re wrong.

By: overprocessed

overprocessed — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:45:23 +0000

$100 was simply not enough of a discount. I would have bought one if it were discounted $200. Apple would have made more money that way as well. It’s the same reason iPhone app developers are making more money selling their apps for $.99 over the ones that are selling their apps for $1.99.

By: David B

David B — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 04:31:03 +0000

I just bought a 2.4 Ghz MacBook. I had been mulling it over and didn’t wind up ordering it on Black Friday, but my student discount is only one dollar less than the Black Friday discount (which didn’t stack with my student discount).

By: Ernie

Ernie — Wed, 03 Dec 2008 03:04:31 +0000

When I bought my iBook 4 years ago I didn’t give two **** if it was on sale or if I had to pay more. I must admit, I was 11 and probably kinda ignorant, but even at such a young age I could tell that the machine was going to be an amazing computer and 100% worth the money. Of course it’s given the ghost after 1460 days of consistent use, going to almost 10 different countries, and following to school with me every day. Now I’m typing this on a brand new unibody MacBook 2.4Ghz – original price :D