Piper Jaffray says new MacBooks could be priced from $899

[AppleInsider]

The stars are aligning for Apple to transition its 13-inch MacBook family into more of a premium product while simultaneously slashing prices on new models by as much as 18 percent, according to investment bank Piper Jaffray.

Reacting to Apple's announcement that it plans to hold a special notebook event on its campus next Tuesday, analyst Gene Munster told clients he believes the big news will surround a revamp of the company's entry-level MacBook line with prices starting at $899 or $999.

"We expect the new MacBooks to be cheaper. However, it is likely that the new MacBooks will be a more premium product (with new aluminum casing and gesture-based touchpad)," he wrote. "In other words, we expect the new MacBooks to be a meaningful upgrade with an average selling price 9 percent to 18 percent lower [than today's models]."

Similarly, Munster is also expecting a complete redesign of the 15- and 17-inch MacBook Pros, which are likely to carry an $1899 entry-level price tag. Among the new models' selling points will be a thinner design and more sophisticated gesture-based touchpad, he said.

While the analyst isn't expecting Apple to add a new product to its MacBook family, he believes the company will also use the event to update the specs of its ultra-thin MacBook Air. Expectations for a Mac with touchscreen technology should be sidelined for a later date, however.

"While we are confident that Apple will eventually bring its touchscreen technology from the iPhone to the Mac, we do not expect to see a touchscreen Mac this year," he told clients.

Munster maintained his Buy rating and $250 price target on shares of Apple, saying next week's event should serve as a catalyst for the company's stock price.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[BRussell]

$250 price target.

[Galley]

Man, am I glad I sold my Core Duo MacBook for $800 a few months ago.

[polvadis]

Seeing how Apple operates thus far, for $899 you're gonna get 512mb or Ram, a CD-Rom, and and a 20gig hard drive. I personally think the specs for for their low end models, their "entry MacBooks", are completely ridiculous compared to what everyone else is selling at the same price point. But that's Mac. I am very curious to see what this release has to offer.

[gregarious119]

I was skeptical it'd make it that high even when it was over 150. It may make it to $250...but I can't see it happening in the next 12-18 months.

[Abster2core]

Originally Posted by polvadis

Seeing how Apple operates thus far, for $899 you're gonna get 512mb or Ram, a CD-Rom, and and a 20gig hard drive. I personally think the specs for for their low end models, their "entry MacBooks", are completely ridiculous compared to what everyone else is selling at the same price point. But that's Mac. I am very curious to see what this release has to offer.

That has to be the most asinine and uncorroborated statement I have ever seen.

Best you troll elsewhere. We really couldn't give a rat's ass what you think

[stonefree]

Originally Posted by polvadis

Seeing how Apple operates thus far, for $899 you're gonna get 512mb or Ram, a CD-Rom, and and a 20gig hard drive. I personally think the specs for for their low end models, their "entry MacBooks", are completely ridiculous compared to what everyone else is selling at the same price point. But that's Mac. I am very curious to see what this release has to offer.

I think they'll finally come around. Macs often have competitve prices when first introduced but then tend to languish as component prices plummet. The current pricing of Macbooks is a return to their former days of half the power, twice the price (compared to PC makers). But I expect things will on Tuesday. I don't even think the lower prices will have an effect on their margins considering how substantially prices of RAM, CPUs, hard drives, LEDs, etc have fallen. Looking forward to owning my first Mac.

[polvadis]

Originally Posted by Abster2core

That has to be the most asinine and uncorroborated statement I have ever seen.

Best you troll elsewhere. We really couldn't give a rat's ass what you think

Dude, compared to what others post on here this you chose this as the most asinine. Very professional there buddy.

[SpamSandwich]

For $899 you'll get a single panel or a two panel MacBook touch... and you will like it!

[TenoBell]

Originally Posted by stonefree

I think they'll finally come around. Macs often have competitve prices when first introduced but then tend to languish as component prices plummet. The current pricing of Macbooks is a return to their former days of half the power, twice the price (compared to PC makers).

A bit of an over statement. While it being true that the MB has not yet had the current Intel updates. Montevina is not twice the speed of Santa Rosa. It is only a slight bump in performance. Including Vista the overall performance isn't much different.

[TenoBell]

Originally Posted by polvadis

Seeing how Apple operates thus far, for $899 you're gonna get 512mb or Ram, a CD-Rom, and and a 20gig hard drive. I personally think the specs for for their low end models, their "entry MacBooks", are completely ridiculous compared to what everyone else is selling at the same price point. But that's Mac. I am very curious to see what this release has to offer.

I'm not sure what you mean. Over the last two years everytime Intel has launched a major new architecture Apple was the first to use its best mobile chipsets. PC OEM often use slower chips with less L2 cache.

[wobegon]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

...he believes the company will also use the event to update the specs of its ultra-thin MacBook Air.

I'm crossing my fingers for a 1.8" 120GB HDD and/or 128GB SSD option. That'll make it far more compelling as I'm currently about 10GB away from filling up my 15" PowerBook G4's 80GB (74.53GB formatted) HDD.

[Cubert]

A touchscreen? More likely a touchpad as with the laptops. Imagine holding your arms out all day long to work on a monitor screen in front of you.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by wobegon

I'm crossing my fingers for a 1.8" 120GB HDD and/or 128GB SSD option. That'll make it far more compelling as I'm currently about 10GB away from filling up my 15" PowerBook G4's 80GB (74.53GB formatted) HDD.

The 120GB single platter 1.8" HDD is the obvious transition for the MBA. I've read that it's a much better drive, and I think the price difference is negligible. As for the 128GB SSD option, It's hard to find info on what Apple will use and what they will cost as they aren't all made the same. Are Intel's SSD options available yet? Will Intel use Apple to showcase their new drives?

PS: The MBA upgrade to Montevina will still offer the same 1.6GHz and 1.8GHz CPU, which I think will upset many potential buyers. The power usage will be reduced slightly, but I hope they do something more drastic to make the battery last considerably longer.

[mezzkat]

Originally Posted by polvadis

Seeing how Apple operates thus far, for $899 you're gonna get 512mb or Ram, a CD-Rom, and and a 20gig hard drive. I personally think the specs for for their low end models, their "entry MacBooks", are completely ridiculous compared to what everyone else is selling at the same price point. But that's Mac. I am very curious to see what this release has to offer.

No way.

A more realistic prediction:

2.4 GHz processors
2 Gigs of RAM
200 Gig HDD

Options for:
2.6 GHz processors
4 to 8 Gigs of RAM
250 to 300 Gig HDD or 128 Gig SSD

We're looking at incremental improvements to the specs in addition to the sweet new cases and lower price point.

[teckstud]

Slash the pr$ce of the MBA- forget the spec updates. The MacorexicBookAir will die a slooow and painful death if it's not priced lower.

[Ireland]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

The stars are aligning for Apple to transition its 13-inch MacBook family into more of a premium product while simultaneously slashing prices on new models by as much as 18 percent, according to investment bank Piper Jaffray.

The moons of Vega too

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by mezzkat

4 to 8 Gigs of RAM

I can only find 4GB SODIMMS in 667MHz speeds, nothing for the newer 800MHz+ speeds.

[TenoBell]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Slash the pr$ce of the MBA- forget the spec updates. The MacorexicBookAir will die a slooow and painful death if it's not priced lower.

Will it die faster than Sony's new $4,450 Vaio TT?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Will it die faster than Sony's new $4,450 Vaio TT?

I don't know- did the Lusitania sink faster than the Titanic?

[TenoBell]

Originally Posted by teckstud

I don't know- did the Lusitania sink faster than the Titanic?

Is it possible you don't understand the market as well as Sony-Apple and others who sell similar notebooks.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Will it die faster than Sony's new $4,450 Vaio TT?

Also thanks for pointing that model put out to me- only $500 to add a blu-ray drive to it. Interesting not $1,000 as some self-annoited expert on here has claimed.

BTW- did you compare the specs between that which you mention and the MBA- it's embarrasing.

http://www.sonystyle.com/webapp/wcs/...g_vinb_gglsrch

[TenoBell]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Also thanks for pointing that model put out to me- only $500 to add a blu-ray drive to it. Interesting not $1,000 as some self-annoited expert on here has claimed.

BTW- did you compare the specs between that which you mention and the MBA- it's embarrasing.

The Vaio uses a tray loading BD drive. Solpism said a slot loading drive like the Mac's use cost $1000.

The Vaio uses a slower processor. Apple could add more RAM and 256 SSD. That would raise the price of the MBA by $2000.

[Johnny Mozzarella]

Originally Posted by teckstud

Slash the pr$ce of the MBA- forget the spec updates. The MacorexicBookAir will die a slooow and painful death if it's not priced lower.

I think they should make an entry level "netbook" version of the macbook air in a plastic case

11" MacBook nano
1.6 Ghz Core2Duo
2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
80GB 4200-rpm PATA HD
available in 1 configuration, 9 different colors (plastic case)
available for $899

13" MacBook Air
1.8 Ghz Core2Duo
2GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
120GB 4200-rpm PATA HD
available for $1399

13" MacBook Air
2.0 Ghz Core2Duo
4GB of 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM
128GB SSD
available for $1999

[shanmugam]

T9600 (6M L2 Cache 2.80Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $530
P9500 (6M L2 Cache 2.53Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $348
T9400 (6M L2 Cache 2.53Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $316
P8600 (3M L2 Cache 2.40Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $241
P8400 (3M L2 Cache 2.26Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $209

what are these?

SP9400 (6M L2 Cache 2.40Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $316
SP9300 (6M L2 Cache 2.26Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $284


which CPU goes to macbook & Pro (or iMac) what is the difference between P & SP (i know current ones use T models)

and of course for high end BTOs are
Quad Cores

QX9300 (12M L2 Cache 2.53Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $1038
Q9100 (12M L2 Cache 2.26Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $851

Dual cores

X9100 (6M L2 Cache 3.06Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $851
X9000 (6M L2 Cache 2.80Ghz 1066 Mhz FSB 45nM) $851

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Is it possible you don't understand the market as well as Sony-Apple and others who sell similar notebooks.

And I suppose you haven't read or perhaps understand that the sales for the MBA are stagnant? I haven't read Sony sales reports for the TT or TZ. Have you?

[diskimage]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

For $899 you'll get a single panel or a two panel MacBook touch... and you will like it!

You are joking right?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

The Vaio uses a tray loading BD drive. Solpism said a slot loading drive like the Mac's use cost $1000.

The Vaio uses a slower processor. Apple could add more RAM and 256 SSD. That would raise the price of the MBA by $2000.

So add it to the MacBookPro then. My point is -it's almost 2009 and no Mac has a blu-ray drive. Many of us want one. Just because you may not doesn't make it an undersirable option.

[backtomac]

Originally Posted by teckstud

So add it to the MacBookPro then. My point is -it's almost 2009 and no Mac has a blu-ray drive. Many of us want one. Just because you may not doesn't make it an undersirable option.

I agree with Teckstud here. And if the MBP needs a thicker enclosure to accommodate a tray drive then so be it.

Apple's most expensive and technologically advanced laptop should have the most advanced optical drive available as well.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

The Vaio uses a tray loading BD drive. Solpism said a slot loading drive like the Mac's use cost $1000.

After FuturePastNow pointed out that the drive uses a Panasonic UJ-225, I was able to find listings on Google Shopping for as low as $550. But how much would Apple charge if that is lowest end of the retail price range when we know that Apple sells their upgrades for considerably m7ore? And, of course, this still doesn't address the issue that this drive is a 12.7mm drive, not a 9.5mm drive in either a reader or burner.

PS: Imagine the uproar is Apple does release a BLu-ray option that is only a reader.

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by teckstud

And I suppose you haven't read or perhaps understand that the sales for the MBA are stagnant? I haven't read Sony sales reports for the TT or TZ. Have you?

There's only one reason for that, they're at the end of their update cycle, and everyone is waiting for the update to them. It's normal. At the start of the update cycle, they sell like hotcakes and then a couple months later sales start slowing down.

[Squuiid]

Seriously, anyone else laughing at the $250 target?

Munster is on drugs!

[extremeskater]

Originally Posted by Squuiid

Seriously, anyone else laughing at the $250 target?

Munster is on drugs!

Yeah I am not sure anyone should consult him for 401k advice. Apple's one year high is just about 200.00 not sure how he expect 250.00 when the market drops about 7% daily.

I expect AAPL to hit in the low 80's before the pain ends.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by solipsism

PS: Imagine the uproar is Apple does release a BLu-ray option that is only a reader.

Why would that be? Was there an uproar when Apple only released DVD readers long before writers were available? or CD readers before CD writers?

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by TenoBell

Is it possible you don't understand the market as well as Sony-Apple and others who sell similar notebooks.

BTW--The market you speak of has tanked. Not even Apple could have predicted that- sorry to say.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by backtomac

I agree with Teckstud here. And if the MBP needs a thicker enclosure to accommodate a tray drive then so be it.

Apple's most expensive and technologically advanced laptop should have the most advanced optical drive available as well.

Thank god- at last!
That sentence is brilliant- you've summed it up.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by Squuiid

Seriously, anyone else laughing at the $250 target?

Munster is on drugs!

Must be related to Herman and Lily.

[IrishMac]

If the MacBook becomes a more premium product, will this confirm that both model lines will merge? That is "Pro" is dropped from the MacBook laptop range.

Blu-ray will appear in the the supposed $3100 laptop and be BTO in the rest but probably not in the base model. As long as they don't stick a combo in the base model. I know its been discussed before but Apple need to spec these well or they'll never live down the "I can get better with a $300 Asus".

I do wonder though whether blu-ray will disappear before it even gets started in computers... like with dvd-ram. Great idea but never took off. I've read a few reports stating concern around the slow uptake of blu-ray and the obvious impact of the increase in download services. I suppose Apple will have to offer it for the moment to keep up with the rest of the pc market.

[Kendoka]

Originally Posted by Squuiid

Seriously, anyone else laughing at the $250 target?

I am betting my savings (buying AAPL tomorrow) that he's actually quite right (for once).

Prediction:
The coming weeks* Apple will recover (slowly) from the massive hit their shares have taken lately.
By December AAPL will reach $170, fall to $150 in January and then start up again, reaching above $200 (if no split is issued) before summer. $250 within a year seems quite reasonable.

*given that the financial crisis doesn't get much deeper than today.


The above is based upon the massive growth potential Apple computers/iPhones has worldwide.
Despite their current success in the states, Apple is still a smallish player on the international market.
If Apple would reach anywhere near the market shares they have in the US in other countries their sales/earnings/stock price could easily triple.

[mcarling]

Originally Posted by backtomac

Apple's most expensive and technologically advanced laptop should have the most advanced optical drive available as well.

As long as it's available only as an external option, then I agree with you.