[MacTel]

Quote:

---

Anyone know why Apple only allows you to choose one software bundle?

---

No idea. We'll just call that a stupedo web developer trick. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/wink.gif

[Downing]

I would gladly pay the premium for a black MacBook but not for its "status." I just much prefer black over white for a laptop.
And although I enjoy my MacBook Pro in all its shiny aluminum glory, I would have paid a premium to get it in black as well.

[flybynight]

Quote:

---

As someone pointed out when the MacBook first came upon the scene, they don't charge extra for a black iPod video or nano, so why do they do this with the MacBook??

---

Actually, if you want a Nano in black, then you have to opt for the 8Gb model, so there is somewhat of a premium there. You are getting more than just the color for that money, but if all you want is a black Nano, you can't get it in 2 or 4 Gb.
As for the person trying to claim that they don't like the black because of "status"... Sounds to me like you are just trying not to seem snooty. If, you "prefer" the black and are willing to pay the premium, then what's the difference between "status" and "preference?"

[icerabbit]

... I might get flamed for this, but well, here's my take on glossy screens:
I am personally not a fan of glossy screens at all. I do not like reflections and glare and as such prefer to keep a matte screen.
The good news is that the MacBook's glossy screen is not as 'hyper'-glossy as some other notebook screens I've seen from - insert any brand name that has them. The film they placed over the screens seems less glossy or mirroring.
My wife has a macbook and on the same spot & angle comparisons I instantly notice the reflections. They bother me unless I have no lights that bounce onto the screen at an angle where my eyes can notice them. Other than the glossy screen it is a fine machine, even though I find it hampered by the slow hard drive.
I know that my next notebook will come with a matte screen. I like a lot of light. There are plenty of windows & lamps in various places and I don't want any reflection or glare. Some extra deep blacks and color saturation I'll gladly skip for viewing comfort. For years I (and most people I would think) have enjoyed matte LCD screens from Apple and others; and I hope to continue to do so. The three greatest things with LCD over CRT were the space & energy savings and the lack of reflections.
Sadly enough you can't know your fit until you try it. I highly recommend looking at a MacBook before you buy it.

[mavapa]

If the speed of the Apple store is any indication, they are getting lots of traffic.
I have been waiting a long time for this. Now I just need to spec it out and see whether it's worth paying the extra $ for a MBP or go with the MB. Mmmm. Decisions, decisions.

[Peter Cohen]

Quote:

---

Actually, if you want a Nano in black, then you have to opt for the 8Gb model, so there is somewhat of a premium there. You are getting more than just the color for that money, but if all you want is a black Nano, you can't get it in 2 or 4 Gb.

---

Agreed, but then that difference does disappear with the video iPod, which is available in black and white in both 30GB and 80GB capacities at the same price, regardless of color. It's a bit of an idiosyncracy.

[OM_user]

True.
And my one concern here is that we're seeing a new pattern. Apple is beginning to create artificial demand for products based solely on the dye used in its case, touting them as "premium" models. Granted, the black nano and black MB both offer other technological advantages over their mid-range siblings, even if it's just the size of the hard drive, but that is Apple's choosing, not because of any technology contraints. I'm pretty certain a black MacBook would happily work with an 80 GB HD and a Combo optical drive. Given this pattern that's starting to emerge, I worry about what future product announcements will bring.
What if during the next MB Pro rev they redesign the case and offer a 15.4" model in black for a premium price? Technically they can do this, since it's been proven that customers will pay extra for nothing more than the color difference. For every person that buys a black MacBook or black nano, they are reinforcing Apple's opinion that they can charge extra for a color preference. This is setting a dangerous precedence if you ask me.
I can't see how it could possibly cost more to produce a black case over a white one. I may be wrong though. If anyone has information to the contrary I'd love to hear it.

[griffman]

It can cost more simply because the volume is lower. I doubt it can cost $50 more, but it can certainly cost something more.
But as others have pointed out, this is all about supply and demand. As long as people want them, I can't blame Apple for building them. If they ever get it wrong (Flower Power iMac, anyone?), the market responds in kind.
-rob.

[OM_user]

OK, I'll buy that.
However, I think this really only applied when they first came out with the black MacBook, since it was the first 'iBook' style laptop in black. Given that the black model is now one of their more popular (their words), I would think Apple is ramping production to meet or exceed the white models, which would technically bring the price back in line, or, maybe even lower.
Yet, we still see it higher. So I'm not sure that completely explains the price difference. It's still a supply/demand issue as you say, in that Apple is choosing to charge more for the black because they know it's popular and people will pay for it.
Or, they charge more to keep demand down, knowing so many buyers would want one. I suppose that's possible too.
Whatever. I just think it's odd, and I hope it doesn't lead to other wierd price disparities down the line in other products.

[lantzn]

You'll need this.
Black Upgrade

[lantzn]

I to am surprised by this. I thought Apple would release an upgraded MacBook at January's MacWorld. Now that just about every machine has been recently updated to the C2Duo what's left for MacWorld?
Let's hope they will release Leopard early on a new Mac mini/iTV combo. I want them to release the iTV like we saw demoed for existing machines and a Mac Mini with all of iTVs stuff built-in for an all in one offering. The mini/iTV would allow me to do away with my DVD player and possibly the Tivo if the interface had similar features. One box hooked to a HDTV would be the perfect solution.
Also a full line of towers, some entry level single core and the quad core stuff dreams are made of.

[Downing]

Quote:

---

As for the person trying to claim that they don't like the black because of "status"... Sounds to me like you are just trying not to seem snooty. If, you "prefer" the black and are willing to pay the premium, then what's the difference between "status" and "preference?"

---

Per dictionary.com:
status [stey-tuhs, stat-uhs] noun: the position of an individual in relation to another or others, esp. in regard to social or professional standing.
preference [pref-er-uhns, pref-ruhns] noun: that which is preferred; choice: His preference is vanilla, not chocolate.
The difference is I would buy the black model because it's a color I like a whole lot better than white, not because I care that other people might think it's um, cool because it's more expensive. What would really suit me down to the ground is if the black model were cheaper than the white ones. Then I'd have the best of both worlds. /forums/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif