Apple quietly updates $999 MacBook, again

[Kaido]

http://www.engadget.com/2009/0...n-goes-back-to-school/

+ 0.13GHz faster CPU (2.13GHz)
+ 133MHz faster DDR2-SDRAM
+ 40GB more HDD space
+ No price change (still $999 with the new upgrades)

Student specials:

+ MacBook $949
+ MacBook Pro $1899
+ MacBook Air $1699
+ iMac $1149
+ Free iPod Touch with computer purchase ($229 online mail-in rebate)

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

The white MB is a great machine for the money IMO. I am hoping for a refresh of the aluminum MB in the next couple of months before I replace my slowly-dying white MB, but it's been a great run . . . The only thing preventing me from buying another white machine (other than the strengths of the metal one, particularly the keypad) is the way the handrests on the white machine end up cracking due to the magnetic clasp - mine are cracked on both sides.

 

[Kaido]

Originally posted by: Don Vito Corleone
The white MB is a great machine for the money IMO. I am hoping for a refresh of the aluminum MB in the next couple of months before I replace my slowly-dying white MB, but it's been a great run . . . The only thing preventing me from buying another white machine (other than the strengths of the metal one, particularly the keypad) is the way the handrests on the white machine end up cracking due to the magnetic clasp - mine are cracked on both sides.

I just wish it had an LED screen, I love those!

 

[Don Vito Corleone]

Originally posted by: Kaido

I just wish it had an LED screen, I love those!

Good point. My MB's screen looked great to me when I bought it, but by today's standards it seems very dark. My Samsung netbook looks much nicer and brighter.

 

[secretanchitman]

not only can you select the 8GB touch, you can select the classic, both nanos, and the shuffle as well! didnt realize they had extended the offer to almost all of the ipods now

 

[Kmax82]

Yea.. it's a nice offer, and I'd be very tempted with it if I needed another Macbook. Too bad I don't... Soon, though.

 

[Tyranicus]

You could always get an iPod of equal or lesser value for free or a discount on a more expensive iPod.

 

[silverpig]

<--- hoping to spring for an aluminum MB + 16 GB touch in August.

I really hope they have the new iPhone/iPod touch out then.

 

[TheStu]

Originally posted by: silverpig
<--- hoping to spring for an aluminum MB + 16 GB touch in August.

I really hope they have the new iPhone/iPod touch out then.

What I have found in the past 3 years is that they seem to introduce a new version before the back to school deal expires, but the deal is only good on the model that was out when the offer was introduced.

So, if they do phase out the 8GB Touch and the new $229 model is 16GB and some other things, then you will still just be getting the 8GB for free (after rebate). However, you might be able to swing something if you actually purchase it in the store.

When I got my MacBook it was a Nano that was offered, and then before the deal expired, they had released new nanos but it was still the old one that was free after rebate.

 

[silverpig]

Originally posted by: TheStu

Originally posted by: silverpig
<--- hoping to spring for an aluminum MB + 16 GB touch in August.

I really hope they have the new iPhone/iPod touch out then.

What I have found in the past 3 years is that they seem to introduce a new version before the back to school deal expires, but the deal is only good on the model that was out when the offer was introduced.

So, if they do phase out the 8GB Touch and the new $229 model is 16GB and some other things, then you will still just be getting the 8GB for free (after rebate). However, you might be able to swing something if you actually purchase it in the store.

When I got my MacBook it was a Nano that was offered, and then before the deal expired, they had released new nanos but it was still the old one that was free after rebate.

Last year at the end of July I bought my wife a white macbook and got myself a 16 GB 1st gen touch (paid a little extra on top of the free 8 GB). The 2nd gen touches weren't out at the time although they did come out a few months after.

I've heard rumours of a new iPhone for July IIRC so perhaps the new touch will be out in August when I want to buy.

 

[Parasitic]

Maybe I should sell my positions and get one now...

 

[BeyondGomer]

The following is all hypothetical

I graduated last year and moved from SoCal to NorCal and am no longer a student. I still have an active school email and a non-dated school ID. Hypothetically, if I were to go into an apple store would I have any problem getting the academic price on a macbook and would I have any problems getting the free 8gig ipod (ie, any issues with the rebate?)

...ok, so maybe it isn't hypothetical, but this is the only way I can see myself coughing up the cash for the MB vs getting a much cheaper PC alternate. Please don't call the ethics police

 

[Tyranicus]

Originally posted by: BeyondGomer


The following is all hypothetical

I graduated last year and moved from SoCal to NorCal and am no longer a student. I still have an active school email and a non-dated school ID. Hypothetically, if I were to go into an apple store would I have any problem getting the academic price on a macbook and would I have any problems getting the free 8gig ipod (ie, any issues with the rebate?)

...ok, so maybe it isn't hypothetical, but this is the only way I can see myself coughing up the cash for the MB vs getting a much cheaper PC alternate. Please don't call the ethics police

I don't imagine it would be a problem. You could also do it online where they have no verification other than your word.

 

[BeyondGomer]

no verification for the online rebate on the ipod touch?

 

[TheStu]

There is no verification on the Online Store. Just go to the Education section, tell them what school you are at, and you will be put onto the Education Store. Here is another difference between brick and mortar and online... brick and mortar will fill out and file your rebates for you electronically, online purchases will have to be mailed in after the fact.

 

[rdp6]

You may want to check if your employer partners with Apple to offer discounts; the EPP store (google it) has lower prices than the edu store.

(EDIT: that is for the 'hypothetical situation people, including myself)

 

[BeyondGomer]

my EPP price (legit btw lol) is ~$50 cheaper than the EDU, but....when you factor in the "free" ipod touch...

 

[Chadder007]

Originally posted by: Don Vito Corleone

Originally posted by: Kaido

I just wish it had an LED screen, I love those!

Good point. My MB's screen looked great to me when I bought it, but by today's standards it seems very dark. My Samsung netbook looks much nicer and brighter.

I thought they were going to have LED backlights in all of their systems this year.
Also CFL's dim over time.

 

[Parasitic]

I really wish they would re-release the plastic models in black...my C2D blackbook feels so much more durable and wear-resistant compared to the glossy white CD macbook I had. Aside from attracting more dust I just think the black is a much better color on laptops.