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Apple’s Rumored $800 MacBook: Personally, Not Cheap Enough

October 11th, 2008

I’ve been eyeing “netbooks” in the past few weeks, and still haven’t bought one. My personal price point was around $500, and there are several highly appealing options available in that range.

But now we have Apple with a just announced a special event on October 14, with a black image and tag line “The spotlight turns to notebooks.” Yes, a MacBook and MacBook pro refresh is on the way, and an additional rumor predicts a low-priced MacBook at $800.

I know the logic behind an $800 MacBook and can even imagine how the presentation would go. Apple will say netbooks are cool, but they are underpowered and have too many confusing varieties and options (Linux vs. XP, SSD vs. hard drives). They may even mention how some are going through nerdy steps to instal OS X on netbooks. The low-cost MacBook will be presented as no compromise in terms of power, quality, and compatibility, at a lower cost than ever before. This low-end MacBook won’t be called a “netbook” in order to differentiate it from those low-cost products. Heck, you can even install XP on it. Add the expectedly slick form factor and this would be worth the “extra” $200 to many. I have no doubt Apple will sell a crap-load at that price point.

But then we get down to little old me. While I’d love to order a new MacBook to replace my “aging” one, I won’t be doing so, and it’s all due to that there “economy” that people are in all sorts of confusion about. I’m still focused on hoarding as much cash as possible in case of the unspeakable, and looking at the state of our investments certainly didn’t help anything (some funds are down 45% YTD!). Yeah, the prospect of working an extra few years to catch up for retirement certainly has me feeling $500 is too much to spend on a non-necessity. Sorry economy – this consumer is tapped out.

So, no $800 MacBook for me. Sorry Steve. Maybe next year – if the world doesn’t go to hell and I’m reduced to eating beans and rice, or cold porridge spills on my present MacBook motherboard leaving me with no choice.

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  • jcieplinski
    I don't buy this rumor for a minute. I seriously doubt any new MacBook will be less than $899. $999 is probably more likely the new low price. And skimping on features to achieve a lower price? That just isn't Apple's style. Down economy or no, there just isn't much sense in competing with Ultra cheap PCs. There's no margin there.

    I've been wrong before, but I'll be seriously shocked if I am this time.
  • Well, I guess we'll see on Tuesday. I'm always hoping for cheaper Apple products for selfish reasons although I have seen it's not really the "apple way." I don't think $900 or $800 would be a big enough drop to put an Apple MacBook in the same range as the netbooks. They do have the MacMini, which I love, for a sub $1000 Mac. Maybe this cheaper MacBook would be the "MacBook Mini."
  • The new Dell Mini 9 is very nice - screen is bright, Windows performance is snappy, and it's nearly silent due to the solid state drive. The keyboard is very usable, but I'm a little disappointed with a couple of the layout choices made to keep the keyboard's size down. At $450, it's hard to find much to complain about!
  • Yep, again, here are the OS X install instructions http://uneasysilence.com/archive/2008/10/13519/
  • Skip the Eee PC unless you have tiny figures or don't mind getting used to typing on a really, really small keyboard. Performance wise it's fine. I'm still a little puzzled over the concept of "Ultra Portable" - it's not like they fit in your pocket. You still need some kind of bag to carry them in, and you can carry your MacBook/MacBook Pro in that same bag. Whatever. I've gotten my moneys worth out of it, via tutorials. My mom really likes it, so I gave it to her, but I suspect if I gave her a laptop she'd be a lot more happy w/ it.

    Anyway, I'm w/ you. Pass on a low-end MacBook thanks. I want to upgrade (MacBook Pro), not downgrade. Unless they come out w/ a more powerful version of my MacBook Pro, that isn't a MacBook Pro, I'll be waiting a while longer for a price drop, and then "really" upgrading.
  • Truth be told I'm an "apple cheapskate." My current Macs are the cheapest MacBook and a Mac Mini. I like having two computers and buying the cheapest Macs make this possible. So if it were any other year I'd buy whatever cheapest model they announce Tuesday. It will be interesting to see what they have offered in the MacBook Pro line on the high end.
  • $800 Mac notebook would be a steal! You really wouldn't buy one at that price? I just hooked up a previous generation top of the line MacBook Pro for $1700 and I'm loving it!

    I recommend getting one! ;-)
  • The 'mac netbook' obviously didn't materialize - maybe Apple are holding back for better times? As the article suggests: if it does appear it will be good but it would also be expensive, and in times like these (things are just getting worse at the moment) if you really needed to buy a netbook then I'm sure cost would rule above style.
  • Virg
    I am using a iBook G4 1.43 Ghz and it does pretty good. It works for my music software, but I still would love an upgrade. However, I don't want to give up any screen space. It is very valuable when you're writing music. You have to think about the way you use your mac before you get the next one. I'll probably get a refurbished MacBook if there is a powerful one for a good deal. I like portability, but my iBook is portable enough for me.
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