Apple says 17-inch MacBook Pros will see further delays

[AppleInsider]

Apple said Wednesday that it's facing unexpected delays related to its new unibody 17-inch MacBook Pros and won't be capable of shipping orders for at least another two weeks.

"Wrapping up the new 17-inch MacBook Pro is taking a few days longer than we projected," the company said in an email sent to thousands of customers this afternoon. "As a result, we will be unable to ship your 17-inch MacBook Pro until February 19, 2009."

Despite reports last week to the contrary, Apple hasn't shipped a single 17-inch MacBook Pro. Even customers who purchased immediately following the notebook's announcement last month are still waiting on their orders.

"I pre-ordered the new Macbook Pro 17" just before 3PM EST on January 6th, the day it was announced at MacWorld '09," said one customer. "Upon placing my order the ship date was set for February 4th with a receive date of February 9th [...] I went to check the status of my order only to find that the shipping date has been pushed out to February 19th, with no estimated receive date."

Apple isn't providing customers with an explanation for the delay, but is offering them the option of canceling their orders for a prompt refund by calling 800-676-2775 or by visiting its online order status website.

"If we do not hear from you before we ship the 17-inch MacBook Pro to you, we will assume that you have agreed to this shipment delay," the company added in its email blast. "In that event, a shipment notification with tracking information will be emailed to you as soon as your order is shipped."

Although the Mac maker briefly changed lead times on its online store last week to reflect availability of the high-end notebook in 7-10 business days, it pushed those lead times back out to 3-4 weeks about an hour before it began informing customers of the latest round of delays.

Two weeks ago, AppleInsider reported that Apple was expected to push delivery of the new 17-inch MacBook Pro out towards March. The Cupertino-based company initially promised that orders would begin shipping in late January.

Update: Apple has told at least one customer that it is waiting on certain components specific to the 17-inch MacBook Pro from its supply chain before it can begin shipping the notebooks.

For those waiting anyway, MacMall is offering AppleInsider readers an additional 3% off all MacBook Pros through Feb 28th, which brings the net cost of the $2799 system down to $2,610.18 after a mail-in-rebate (details).

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[DHagan4755]

Awww, shit. This totally blows. It probably also explains why Apple's giving up on trade shows. Just about everything Apple's announced at Macworld never ships until weeks or even months afterward.

[paragoat]

Mine was supposed to ship on Feb 6, now the delay is until Feb 19th. I dont know how much more I can take of this!

[rbonner]

I am just a bummed about iLife and iWork, having to wait on both of those items as well. Apple should allow us to get a copy of both and get a refund when we get our systems.

[MJ Web]

Well, if this is yet another in the long line of recent Apple QC issues at least they caught it before the product shipped.

[lordyoupeoplearedense]

Phil says "end of January." I order two hours later. Ship date: Feb 4. Wait a month. Now wait two more weeks. Pathetic. If they couldn't get the computers ready until mid-February, they shouldn't have announced the things until mid-February.

[walshbj]

Ouch. I feel for anyone who has to wait. When I decide to buy I'm lucky enough to have an Apple Store nearby. I don't have Mac purchase patience at all.

On the other hand, they don't always have exactly what you want in stock. Next day pickup at the store would be nice. Order on the web, pick up at the store. Helpful for people who can't meet the FedEx man. Do they have anything like that??

[MuffinDCC]

Why Apple Why! It's not so bad for me as my original shipping date was the 18th, so I'm not too fussed about it. I just know its going to come eventually so I'm content.

That is the price to pay for pre-ordering, I may not like that I don't have my new toy now, but I am patient

[nace33]

I have only been following Apple for about 3 and 1/2 years, but it seems to me that they are really struggling with their quality control in light of their market share growth. While I understand how big a task it must be, it still feels like they are losing the magic a little bit. I also realize they set the bar pretty high with the iPhone, but I feel like we are past due to be wowed by them.

[revs]

Gahhh sucks for those of you waiting. I'm holding out until the next revision and cant help thinking that the more these are delayed, the more the next revision will be delayed. I'm guessing they will be out September/October time.

[ashleyeaster]

Originally Posted by rbonner

I am just a bummed about iLife and iWork, having to wait on both of those items as well. Apple should allow us to get a copy of both and get a refund when we get our systems.

I fully agree with that - I figured that it was a prime time to buy, based on the timing of the software release and the (supposed) hardware release. Now it's nearly an extra month. It's the least they could do!

[veloboldie]

After calling Apple Customer Service, I was told that shipments of ALL 17 inch MacBook Pro models (standard configuration and built to order) have been delayed until February 19, 2009. The reason stated was that Apple is waiting for some components for the MBP. As soon as they arrive, the 17-inch MBP production will begin. Please verify this claim.

[rbonner]

So, shipping on the 19th, will put the 3rd day on a Saturday. Does anyone know if FedEx delivers on the weekend or are we really talking about the 23rd?

[Lorre]

My money is on 9400 chipset issues

[rbonner]

Originally Posted by veloboldie

After calling Apple Customer Service, I was told that shipments of ALL 17 inch MacBook Pro models (standard configuration and built to order) have been delayed until February 19, 2009. The reason stated was that Apple is waiting for some components for the MBP. As soon as they arrive, the 17-inch MBP production will begin. Please verify this claim.

This is what I was told on Monday as well, off the cuff so to speak.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by ashleyeaster

I fully agree with that - I figured that it was a prime time to buy, based on the timing of the software release and the (supposed) hardware release. Now it's nearly an extra month. It's the least they could do!

Apple should give you a couple of hundred bucks of free software because you have a two week delay in categorising your pics by face? Or because your iMovie project could have really used that map feature?

[filburt]

Originally Posted by Lorre

My money is on 9400 chipset issues

I take dibs on 17-inch LED panel.

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by lordyoupeoplearedense

Phil says "end of January." I order two hours later. Ship date: Feb 4. Wait a month. Now wait two more weeks. Pathetic. If they couldn't get the computers ready until mid-February, they shouldn't have announced the things until mid-February.

This is exactly why Apple isn't doing MacWorlds anymore. They weren't ready to ship this, but knew they had to release something at the keynote and this was the closest thing they could get out. If you've noticed everything they release when they call an Apple Event ships that day (or they give a confirmed shipping date). Its hard to predict when a product is going to ship when its not ready to ship the day its announced.

BTW...I don't believe Apple owes you squat! Sorry Charlie, I've had to wait for many things in life, longer than I was told. Its just one of those things where you say "shit happens". Its not like Apple is purposely delaying this shipment. It hurts Apple as much as it does you. They aren't making any money off it until it ships, mean while they're still pouring money into this product.

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by filburt

I take dibs on 17-inch LED panel.

Maybe they're trying to figure out how to get FireWire on it.

[sausage&Onion]

Yeah, this is how its been for a while. Remember the 2.5 liquid G5 towers? I waited through three months of delay for those motherfuckers. This is what happens with first generation tech from Apple. Ah well.

[dreyfus2]

Well, I ordered the 17" with the anti-glare option, 256GB SSD and the 2.93 GHz CPU one day after the announcement (and already got two 4 GB DIMMs from a third party)... until now I have never received a confirmed shipping date, and just today the information in the store changed from a "2-3 weeks" to a "4-5 weeks" estimate.

I am not really that angry about it though. My present 17" MBP is still doing fine and I can enjoy having a good (non-black) keyboard a bit longer, unfortunately this is no longer an option.

[markm49uk]

Not sure I would be first in line for a machine that is still having issues this close to release !

Good luck to all who are waiting though....

[Mark 2000]

Originally Posted by lordyoupeoplearedense

Phil says "end of January." I order two hours later. Ship date: Feb 4. Wait a month. Now wait two more weeks. Pathetic. If they couldn't get the computers ready until mid-February, they shouldn't have announced the things until mid-February.

That's just dumb sour grapes. I rather know about a product ASAP so I am a more informed shopper than buy right before the new model comes out. I'd be more pissed now not knowing there would be a 17" than I am that I'm not getting it on time.

[rbonner]

Originally Posted by Mark 2000

That's just dumb sour grapes. I rather know about a product ASAP so I am a more informed shopper than buy right before the new model comes out. I'd be more pissed now not knowing there would be a 17" than I am that I'm not getting it on time.

I agree with the basics of the above, but would like Apple to be a bit more honest about time frames. Standing up and saying that the new project will be released soon, or in a month, etc, is better than giving a date and then missing it by 6 weeks.

[Virgil-TB2]

Originally Posted by rbonner

I agree with the basics of the above, but would like Apple to be a bit more honest about time frames. ...

Why do people assume that just because it's late, Apple was being dishonest about the first release date?

[sandau]

This way they can suck up more cash on component price drops over the extra couple of months! Brilliant!

[Jarman]

Originally Posted by revs

I'm holding out until the next revision and cant help thinking that the more these are delayed, the more the next revision will be delayed.

My thoughts exactly. And I feel this is an already delayed product, as it was expected at the same time as the 15" MBP release in late 2008.

[PatsFan83]

Originally Posted by macxpress

This is exactly why Apple isn't doing MacWorlds anymore. They weren't ready to ship this, but knew they had to release something at the keynote and this was the closest thing they could get out. If you've noticed everything they release when they call an Apple Event ships that day (or they give a confirmed shipping date). Its hard to predict when a product is going to ship when its not ready to ship the day its announced.

BTW...I don't believe Apple owes you squat! Sorry Charlie, I've had to wait for many things in life, longer than I was told. Its just one of those things where you say "shit happens". Its not like Apple is purposely delaying this shipment. It hurts Apple as much as it does you. They aren't making any money off it until it ships, mean while they're still pouring money into this product.

Finally, someone with a little common sense.

[small mustache]

Agony!

I ordered the 17" back in early January along with the 24" LED Display which I received 2 days later. I looked at 24" display everyday and the empty space next to it on my desk for a few weeks, before putting 24" back in the box and hiding it in the closet so it would torture me..... I can't even power up the LED without a mini-display port machine..... Rant, Grumble....

BTW did everyone receive this email:

As a result, we will be unable to ship your 17-inch MacBook Pro
until February 19, 2009.

That sounds like one big fed ex pick up

[hillstones]

Originally Posted by lordyoupeoplearedense

Phil says "end of January." I order two hours later. Ship date: Feb 4. Wait a month. Now wait two more weeks. Pathetic. If they couldn't get the computers ready until mid-February, they shouldn't have announced the things until mid-February.

Duh, now you know why Apple hates the Macworld Expo. They don't really have much control over their suppliers either.

[rbonner]

Originally Posted by Virgil-TB2

Why do people assume that just because it's late, Apple was being dishonest about the first release date?

Good point, it would either be dishonest, incompetent or just overly optimistic. If I give you a date on a piece of software being due, and it slips (not saying that it never happens), it is because I didn't speck it correctly, or I under estimated the time it would take to complete. That close to the release and a 3 week delay means that they were not finished with supply chain provisioning, there was still risk in the estimate, which they could have disclosed. Even a "Should be shipping . . ." would be more forthcoming.

I love apple, probably one of the fan boys people talk about. The danger here is that when Apple gives a date and misses it, there credibility is diminished.

[hillstones]

What a bunch of whining crybabies. Apparently no one knows how to read either. It is not a quality control problem, it is not a technical problem, it is a parts issue. Can't ship a computer missing a part. Apple doesn't owe anyone shit. You pre-ordered it, so wait for it. If you don't want to bitch and complain about waiting for a new product, wait until they are readily available and pick one up in person.

I like the guy complaining about having to contine to work on his existing 17" MacBook Pro! Give me a break! I am interested to know why someone needs to replace a perfectly good MacBook Pro with another MacBook Pro. I guess you are able to waste your money on a lot of things that aren't really necessary.

[hbg]

I've said it before- they're trying to fix the mess they have with the new mini display port and it not working right with external displays. It is a real mess right now with the 15" unibody for this same issue. I'd bet money this is the reason.

[ahmlco]

Originally Posted by nace33

I have only been following Apple for about 3 and 1/2 years, but it seems to me that they are really struggling with their quality control in light of their market share growth.

How do you translate a component shortage or delay (which the article implies) with "really struggling with their quality control"?

If we hear about problems AFTER they ship it then you can complain about QC issues. Until then...

[ahmlco]

Originally Posted by rbonner

.... it is because I didn't speck it correctly, or I under estimated the time it would take to complete....

Or because someone else that YOU were depending on failed to meet THEIR delivery date.

In which case you suck it up, walk into your boss's office, and tell him it's going to miss.

[sflocal]

Originally Posted by MJ Web

Well, if this is yet another in the long line of recent Apple QC issues at least they caught it before the product shipped.

How many other companies end up deciding to ship products early that aren't ready? I look at this as Apple being proactive and preventing a future problem. Apple gets ripped-on for delaying a product to make sure it's of the standards that the consumer has grown to expect from Apple.

In five minutes of receiving your MBP, you'll have forgotten the drama and find an excuse to complain about something else.

People's remarks just cements the notion of a me-me, instant-gratification, "I want now" mentality.

Thank you Apple for preferring to wait a few more weeks to make sure it is working just the way you want it to and not succumbing to the whims of people that think they know how to run a company better than you.

[Walter Slocombe]

I pity the wives of any of you guys, what you gonna do when she goes past her due date? sue? ask for a couple of hundred dollars in software?

GROW UP!

[ahmlco]

Originally Posted by Walter Slocombe

I pity the wives of any of you guys, what you gonna do when she goes past her due date? sue? ask for a couple of hundred dollars in software?

Wait... you can do that?????

[Cubert]

"Apple has told at least one customer that it is waiting on certain components specific to the 17-inch MacBook Pro from its supply chain before it can begin shipping the notebooks."

Must be the flux capacitor.

[macxpress]

Originally Posted by Cubert

Must be the flux capacitor.

HAHA! Good one!