Apple lands Xbox boss, Mac OS X 10.5.7, $999 MacBook Air deal

[AppleInsider]

A director of Microsoft's Xbox team is on his way to Apple. Meanwhile, the Mac maker appears to be taking its time to assure that Mac OS X 10.5.7 Update is rock solid before it's released to the public. And one of our sponsors is clearing out early model MacBook Airs for $999 and has dropped word that existing MacBook coupons won't run in May.

Xbox director quits for Apple

Microsoft's Xbox strategy boss Richard Teversham has quit the company after 15 years to assume a new role in Apple's European offices related to education.

For the past two years, Teversham has been Redmond's Director of Business, Insights and Strategy for Xbox, reporting directly to Vice President of Interactive Entertainment, Chris Lewis. Prior to that he held a director title overseeing the Xbox platform and marketing.

Microsoft confirmed to MCV that Teversham has step down to take "a new opportunity outside" of the company without identifying Apple by name. "A process is underway for recruiting his replacement," the software giant said.

Mac OS X 10.5.7

Once presumed to be racing towards the finish line with Mac OS X 10.5.7, Apple's now said to be easing into the release of the Leopard update and making sure all its ends are tied.

Rumors of the software's imminent release have swirled for about two weeks now but on Wednesday developers were reportedly asked to put their weight on yet another pre-release distribution carrying build number 9J58.

Like those that came before it, the latest build corrects just a couple of issues -- one related to iChat and the other Safari -- and continues to list incompatibility with the public beta of Safari 4.0 as its lone issue.

$999 MacBook Air and MacBook coupons

MacMall, one of AppleInsider's sponsors, dropped us a note earlier this week about a deal it's running on first-generation MacBook Airs. It's offering the original $1799 1.6GHz model with Intel graphics for $999 after instant discounts and a $200 mail-in-rebate. The deal may be a compelling option for anyone in the market for an ultra-portable Mac for basic email, internet and business use, and who isn't concerned with the NVIDIA graphics boost delivered by the latest models.

Also, the Apple authorized reseller let us know that its 3% off coupons on the current 13-inch MacBook line are going on hiatus until at least June, and will therefore expire tonight at 12:00 am Pacific. The coupons, when combined with MacMall's instant discounts, offer between $100 and $156 off the MacBook line (or $899.18 to $1,442.29). As always, full details are available via our Mac Price Guide.

[ View this article at AppleInsider.com ]

[solipsism]

Since Safari is a separate update I'm sure they will up the beta before the release of 10.5.7.

[SpamSandwich]

I suspect they'll discontinue the MBA and replace it with their new 'thin-as-paper-but-just-as-powerful-as-the-Air' computing device.

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by solipsism

Since Safari is a separate update I'm sure they will up the beta before the release of 10.5.7.

This is what I suspect as well.

[John French]

Let's see...First adding a number of graphics chip experts to it's team, and now an xbox director...Yep, It's looking like Apple is working up on a Mac gaming push.

[Kasper]

Originally Posted by John French

Let's see...First adding a number of graphics chip experts to it's team, and now an xbox director...Yep, It's looking like Apple is working up on a Mac gaming push.

Yeah, but the article on this latest hire indicates he's going to work in one of Apple's education departments, which is odd.

K

[stokessd]

Given that the xbox hasn't made a dime of profit, and doesn't appear to in the future, I don't see that as a great hire.

Sheldon

[SpamSandwich]

Originally Posted by John French

Let's see...First adding a number of graphics chip experts to it's team, and now an xbox director...Yep, It's looking like Apple is working up on a Mac gaming push.

I agree, even though they have him working out of a European office under the guise of something "related to education", there's no other reason to hire him except for his knowledge of the gaming market.

[Hudson1]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

I agree, even though they have him working out of a European office under the guise of something "related to education", there's no other reason to hire him except for his knowledge of the gaming market.

Agree. The "Europe" and "education" comments are very possibly just a ruse.

[jpellino]

"-- and continues to list incompatibility with the public beta of Safari 4.0 as its lone issue."

That's kinda a big one.

There must be some working Safari in the release, does anyone know if the test release includes an older 3.x version or some better 4.x?

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Kasper

Yeah, but the article on this latest hire indicates he's going to work in one of Apple's education departments, which is odd.

Perhaps the position on paper is a preemptive move by Apple in the vein of the Papermaster hire from IBM to prevent MS from suing.

Originally Posted by stokessd

Given that the xbox hasn't made a dime of profit, and doesn't appear to in the future, I don't see that as a great hire.

That doesn't mean it's his fault. He could be responsible for not losing another billion or from finally turning a gross profit, albeit a small one, per unit sale.

[Oh-es-Ten]

As mentioned in the older 10.5.7 thread, my source informed me that it looked like there was going to be at least one more build likely after 9J56, and I would say this is it. The tell will be if this has the latest ATi video drivers present - which is what had been holding up the previous seed. I think this delay has meant they could check off some additional fixes in the meantime.

[PG4G]

Please note:

10.5.7 is not incompatible with the beta. The installer however is.

I installed the Safari 4 beta on 10.5.6, then installed the beta, and there is no issue with the actual beta with 10.5.7 itself.

Originally Posted by jpellino

"-- and continues to list incompatibility with the public beta of Safari 4.0 as its lone issue."

That's kinda a big one.

There must be some working Safari in the release, does anyone know if the test release includes an older 3.x version or some better 4.x?

[DimMok]

I too have left the Xbox after experiencing the dreaded RROD.
I just purchased a PS3....wow this system is so much nicer.

MGS4 FTW!

[ltcommander.data]

I wonder if the care being taken with 10.5.7 may be partly because it's intended to be the final update for Leopard? Given the gap between an almost assured May release and Snow Leopard likely not coming until August, there is definitely time for another Leopard update.

[OriginalMacRat]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

MacMall, one of AppleInsider's sponsors, dropped us a note earlier this week about a deal it's running on first-generation MacBook Airs. It's offering the original $1799 1.6GHz model with Intel graphics for $999 after instant discounts and a $200 mail-in-rebate.

So it is really $1,199 that gets charged to your credit card. Then you wait around and see if $200 actually arrives in the mail later.

Pass.

[irnchriz]

Originally Posted by DimMok

I too have left the Xbox after experiencing the dreaded RROD.
I just purchased a PS3....wow this system is so much nicer.

MGS4 FTW!

Troll much?

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by stokessd

Given that the xbox hasn't made a dime of profit, and doesn't appear to in the future, I don't see that as a great hire.

Assuming it's his fault. I think MS is in it for the long haul, if they weren't convinced of the project's long term viability, they would have dropped it like Ultimate TV or their networking hardware.

Originally Posted by DimMok

I too have left the Xbox after experiencing the dreaded RROD.
I just purchased a PS3....wow this system is so much nicer.

MGS4 FTW!

It was a fiasco, but I thought they have a warranty extension set up for that. You can get it fixed for free, I heard they even send you the shipping box & prepaid label.

But the PS3 is pretty nice too.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by ltcommander.data

I wonder if the care being taken with 10.5.7 may be partly because it's intended to be the final update for Leopard? Given the gap between an almost assured May release and Snow Leopard likely not coming until August, there is definitely time for another Leopard update.

I think there will be at least one more and probably two point updates. Since Snow Leopard will not be on PPC Macs and the time frame from the last PPC Mac sold to the Snow Leopard release this Fall, I think Apple will keep those aging Macs current with more updates to appease their customer is some way.

Originally Posted by irnchriz

Troll much?

His post was in no way trolling.

[monstrosity]

Originally Posted by SpamSandwich

I agree, even though they have him working out of a European office under the guise of something "related to education", there's no other reason to hire him except for his knowledge of the gaming market.

indeed. But it makes me wonder why they bother. I mean, it's clear as day to me and has been for considerable time that Apple are working on the next big thing in gaming. So if I know then surely Apples competitors know.

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by monstrosity

So if I know then surely Apples competitors know.

We also knew the iPhone was going to be a hit, yet it didn't seem to hit many execs until after it sold a million or two units.

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by Kasper

Yeah, but the article on this latest hire indicates he's going to work in one of Apple's education departments, which is odd.

K

Smoke and mirrors, smoke and mirrors.

[old-wiz]

The MacBook air deal sounds good, but 'rebates' are notoriously difficult to actually get. I'd buy one, but I don't trust rebates; they are usually all but impossible to get.

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by OriginalMacRat

So it is really $1,199 that gets charged to your credit card. Then you wait around and see if $200 actually arrives in the mail later.

Pass.

While I understand your reluctance, you don't seem to understand just how a volume wholesaler works, and how low the margins are out there. They probably have to wait for Apple to reimburse them under some special arrangement, then they reimburse YOU. The tight credit markets have undoubtably hurt many wholesalers, and I doubt they have that kind of rebate cash on hand. Apple and others use this type of marketing to blow out inventory just prior to end-of-life announcements. It insulates Apple from taking hits about price reductions, etc., yet still lets the wholesalers do their thing.

Could you get burned? Sure, but MacMall and others still maintain pretty good ratings out there. Unless, of course, Bernie Madoff and Company is on the board of directors.

It's a bummer for the end user to have to wait for the rebate, but there it is.

[justflybob]

Originally Posted by stokessd

Given that the xbox hasn't made a dime of profit, and doesn't appear to in the future, I don't see that as a great hire.

Sheldon

Having the sudden death syndrome on (pick a ridiculously large number here) of the XBox hardware probably didn't help much.

But hey, to each their own.....

[Bageljoey]

Originally Posted by justflybob

It's a bummer for the end user to have to wait for the rebate, but there it is.

It's not just the waiting. It if it was just that, they could just pop the "rebate" on your credit card when they get the $$$ from wherever. No, the problem with rebates is that they are difficult to gather all the information for, with annoying hoops to jump through.
WHY? Because they count on a huge percentage of people to be dazzled and excited about their new pruchase and forget to file. Or be confused about the process. Or to misplace some necessary paper. Or to worry that cutting out a UPC from the box will impact the warrentee...

I do not purchace from MacMall anymore because their best price always depends on rebates. I go to Amazon or straight to Apple with the Education Discount. Maybe I loose a little $$, but I don't have to be annoyed by rebates...

[solipsism]

Originally Posted by Bageljoey

I Hate Rebates

I never send in rebates. I can't stand the concept of them and don't even bother with the hassle. I almost sent in a $100 rebate for my AT&T Sierra Wireless 3G card, but when I finally decided to do it a year had passed. Well past the 30 days from time of receipt required to get a refund.

[Hudson1]

Originally Posted by old-wiz

The MacBook air deal sounds good, but 'rebates' are notoriously difficult to actually get. I'd buy one, but I don't trust rebates; they are usually all but impossible to get.

I can't recall ever having a problem with a rebate. I'm sure I have but it's probably been several years ago. Heck, Apple practically has their "$100 off on a printer with a Mac" rebate it in the mail before you get home from the Apple Store.

[lightstriker]

Originally Posted by irnchriz

troll much?

metal gear solid 4 for the win!

[hiimamac]

Originally Posted by OriginalMacRat

So it is really $1,199 that gets charged to your credit card. Then you wait around and see if $200 actually arrives in the mail later.

Pass.

Ha ha ha. True. Plus you get taxed on $1199 not $999 and you don't get that back.

With regard to apple,profits and fearing of cheap products, that if someone can del an air for $999, you know the device cost $300 at best, to manufacture. We're finally seeing a closer pricing for a product. Apple already marks up hugely and they will either have to refresh new models to have 4 cores or buid a netbook that is limited.

With Intel as their partner, know one here actually believes Apple pays retail for their CPU's I hope. The entire product line could be reduced 30% and Apple woud still turn a decent profit. Time to see some mid range i7 machines. Stronger than iMac line, upgradeable, 4 and 8 core. Move the Mac Pro to 16 cores.
Either way, it looks like we, the consumer/pro user will be getting price breaks. The Air was the most over priced. Next will probably be Mac Pro and then all laptops. Ironically, if Apple had computers that ranged from $299 (mini), to $699, mid range, headless, they would have at LEAST double the marketshare.
Good luck Apple. Hope it all works out.

[teckstud]

Originally Posted by OriginalMacRat

So it is really $1,199 that gets charged to your credit card. Then you wait around and see if $200 actually arrives in the mail later.

Pass.

I know-right? I hate those friggin' rebates. Besides, that 1st Gen MBA was slow as molasses and video challenged- forget it.

[kim kap sol]

Originally Posted by stokessd

Given that the xbox hasn't made a dime of profit, and doesn't appear to in the future, I don't see that as a great hire.

Sheldon

Apple is sitting on billions of dollars of cash to piss away like Microsoft is doing with many of its products (xbox and Zune come to mind).

[MacTel]

Originally Posted by Kasper

Yeah, but the article on this latest hire indicates he's going to work in one of Apple's education departments, which is odd.

K

It's not odd if he has a non-compete clause with Microsoft. Usually those are for one year so we might see him get reassigned after that non-compete expires.

Apple needs to carry the iPhone gaming craze to the AppleTV somehow someway. The AppleTV needs a hardware update though for that.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by hiimamac

With Intel as their partner, know one here actually believes Apple pays retail for their CPU's I hope.

Here, when people talk chip prices, I think they keep it in the wholesale frame of mind, referencing the publicly known 1000 piece bulk pricing. I am skeptical that the bucket of parts for the Air is $300, and the BOM breakdown ignores a lot of the costs associated with the product.

The entire product line could be reduced 30% and Apple woud still turn a decent profit

If your definition of decent is "a little", then maybe. 30% is about their net profit per their 10Q reports. They'll make some on increased volume, but I doubt that much. I also doubt that would quell the pricing complaints. Besides, they're still growing a lot despite selling a luxury product in a down economy, they have no need to cut their margins yet.

[diskimage]

Originally Posted by OriginalMacRat

So it is really $1,199 that gets charged to your credit card. Then you wait around and see if $200 actually arrives in the mail later.
.

About 6 months ago I bought a hard drive from MacMall that had 2 rebates on it.
I am still waiting for both of them.

But you might get lucky, I have gotten rebates from them before.

[JeffDM]

Originally Posted by MacTel

It's not odd if he has a non-compete clause with Microsoft. Usually those are for one year so we might see him get reassigned after that non-compete expires.

I don't know if a noncompete is relevant. Didn't already come up with that guy from IBM? He's supposedly already started work at Apple.

[ouragan]

Originally Posted by Kasper

Yeah, but the article on this latest hire indicates he's going to work in one of Apple's education departments, which is odd.

K

As I am French speaking, I noted that Apple's Vice-President for system software (?), Bertrand Serlet, lives in Paris, France. This has led me to believe that Mac OS X is developped as a multinational effort, partly in Cupertino, but partly also in Paris, France, and maybe elsewhere.

Besides accomodating software engineers and their families, there are corporate tax incentives, lower office and housing costs, and the added secrecy of no one having a feature complete, market ready copy of the software being developped.

For instance, software and game developpers like Google and Ubisoft have local software development teams in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

What I am saying is that the X-Box engineer could be working on an Apple TV, Newton pad, iPhone, iPod or Mac OS X gaming initiative right from Europe.

[rtdunham]

Originally Posted by AppleInsider

Xbox director quits for Apple

Microsoft's Xbox strategy boss Richard Teversham has quit the company after 15 years to assume a new role in Apple's European offices related to education.

Am I the only one who finds it a little uncomfortable with apple wooing MS execs? I know there's a little thrill of one-upsmanship. But imagine if the tables were turned and MS was hiring away apple execs?

[DimMok]

Originally Posted by JeffDM

Assuming it's his fault. I think MS is in it for the long haul, if they weren't convinced of the project's long term viability, they would have dropped it like Ultimate TV or their networking hardware.



It was a fiasco, but I thought they have a warranty extension set up for that. You can get it fixed for free, I heard they even send you the shipping box & prepaid label.

But the PS3 is pretty nice too.

Here is the deal, soon after I upgraded the system software to NXE (New XBox Experience) It was downhill for me....apparently this changes the 3 Rings to a 1 Ring of Death. MS doesnt cover the 1 Ring. So to all...beware. I was able to "towel" it to work just enough to trade it in for the PS3.

I cant tell you guys enough, how glad I am with the PS3.....Graphics are so much more fluid and realistic. Its amazing.

[DocNo42]

Originally Posted by DimMok

I cant tell you guys enough, how glad I am with the PS3.....Graphics are so much more fluid and realistic. Its amazing.

Really? Which games? Because for games where there are versions for both platforms, the 360 versions constantly look better - and there isn't exactly a huge library of sony exclusives these days And don't take my word for it - there have been many articles/commentaries along those lines in the gaming world.

Yes, I own both. 360 as my primary gaming console, and the PS3 primarily for Blue Ray (which I now regret given Netflix hiking the cost of BR rentals - greedy sony bastards and their licensing fees). Most of the hardware problems for the 360 are long gone. Yeah, they still have some issues, but for having shipped millions of consoles, they are relatively few now. I have an original elite, and it's chugging along just fine. I like the new dashboard too. Live kicks the crap out of sony's pathetic attempts at online services (bolted on afterthoughts). You can hate on MS all you want, but the 360 is a good platform. Heck, it's been the bright shining star for MS, carrying their other divisions the last couple of quarters. Guess even the 360 couldn't help them this quarter...