Will Apple continue G4 PB once G5s are released?
Originally posted by dryvlee
... when a new powerbook model is announced, the older model will get a price cut or even sometimes before announcement.
Usually the older model still exist in the distributor chain although Apple has 'discontinued' the production (EOL). For example,
when I ordered my 17in Powerbook 1.33, the older 17in Powerbook 1GHz is still available but the
price has dropped significantly.
Will Apple continue a line of G4 PBs once G5 PBs are released?
YES. I think a line of G4 PowerBooks will continue to sell well.
Although I agree that once there is a bump in G4 speeds, the old line of G4 PBs will disappear, I do believe there is a distinct possibility that
G4 PowerBooks as a separate Line will continue independently (especially the 15", probably the 12", but not the 17") after the G5s are introduced for several reasons --
G4 PowerMac 1.25GHz sales and availability have continued even in the face of competiton from G5 PowerMacs. FACT: not everyone wants a G5 PowerPC! There is a market for a G4 PPC especially a Dual (which in many ways gives a single CPU G5 a run for its money!!! I'm not ready to abandon my Dual 1GHz PPC for a 1st generation G5 quite yet; maybe 2nd G)
not everyone will be enthusiastic about being an early adopter of G5 PowerBooks, too many experienced, cautious, MacAddicts out there...
G4 PB at a lower than current price would be very attractive to those who want more than an iBook but don't want to pay for a G5 PB; just as
G3 iBooks at a lower than current G4 iBook prices are very attractive to those who want a laptop but don't want to pay G4 iBook, or G4 / G5 PowerBook prices.
Dropping the price of the G4 line significantly would be possible because manufacturing setup costs have already been recovered, production at current plant locations is on a groove, quality control problems have already been ironed out, and profit would still be there without any worry about cutting into G5 sales as long as demand exceeds supply
Apple has to know that G5 demand will completely outstrip Supply so continuation of PB G4 models will fill a void created by VERY HIGH PRICES initially set on G5 PowerBooks for what the market place will allow until supply catches up.
Reduced G4 PB prices would likewise have a domino affect on G4 iBook prices, making iBooks even more attractive to new laptop buyers, and more competitive with PC laptop prices as perceived by consummers. If this doen't happen for iBooks, what is the reason for their existence as entry level laptops? Apple has long needed a really low priced laptop to attract PC switchers and Mac loyalists into the laptop market. G3 iBook prices are indicitive of what can happen - tons of people are buying under $1000 G3 iBooks that would not otherwise be willing or able to. Once G3 iBooks stop filling that price niche, what will fill the void?
I would love to buy a loaded 15" PB G4 for $1999 instead of $2599, especially if G5 PowerBook 15" are $2999 or higher.
Anyone who thinks that Steve Jobs & Co. is going to introduce G5 PowerBooks at the current G4 price structure with the kind of demand that's so obviously out there, then they must believe that Apple Computer, Inc. is really part of the Salvation Army and is itself a Non-Profit organization.
R&D costs for development of an efficient cooling system and case for a new One Inch G5 PowerBook has got to be ugly! and Steve has to keep Apple stockholders happy, so quick recovery of those costs is going to happen.
Save your nickels, Boys & Girls, because we are going to need every penny we can scrape up to participate in the next generation of Macs. Financial realities of the
outside world may be cold and cruel, but at least there IS a...
