Apple cash grab(s)

» 17 May 2006, 12:39pm in technology - 3 comments

I've nearly been lured into the Apple phenomenon. I haven't purchased any products yet, but I like the iPod, the Macbook and OS X as much as the next guy, and am considering moving from my desktop PC to an Apple laptop this fall. So why the hard feelings?

Apple has just released the new Macbook, which looks like a really great deal: Intel Core Duo, 13" widescreen, Bluetooth, Wifi, Combo drive, etc. all for $1,100 US greenbacks.

However, the inclusion of a mini-DVI connector for an external monitor rather than a full-sized, standard DVI connector, and not including the adapter is a simple cash grab! The Mini-DVI to DVI adapter costs an extra $19.00 USD. There appears to be plenty of room for a full-sized connector on the left side of the machine, why not include it? I'll bet the mini connector actually costs more, being a non-standard size.

Now, the bigger issue: the Macbook is available with either a white or black polycarbonate case. The black model also includes the 80 GB hard disk--the only other difference between the two--but that is a mere $50.00 USD option on the white model. The $200.00 USD overall price difference between them makes the black plastic a $150.00 USD option!

This reminds me of the $19.00 iPod AV Cable that allows you to connect your iPod Video to a TV for video display. Apple claims (first paragraph, "other AV cables are not compatible with iPod with color display") that other cables are incompatible with the iPod... true enough, if you aren't savvy enough to discover that you simply swap the yellow and red connectors of an ordinary cable and it works!

I'm sure there are other examples of Apple cash-grabbing and would love to hear about them. Post your comments and help spread the word!

3 comments:

  • angela: the apple "monster cable" (essentially an AV cable, i don't know the real name but it connects computers/ipods to stereos through the headphone output) costs about $50 while a regular old cable is like $20 or less. my sweetheart of a dad didn't know the difference and bought me the monster cable.

    that said, i still want an apple laptop!!!!
  • bryan: one day you too will switch over to a mac, run os x and wonder how you got along in tha clunky world of windows.. it's just so counter productive. I'm debating between the black macbook and a pro. I love the 15" screen on my existing G4 Powerbook, and running either Windows natively on the system or using parallels to run vituralization rocks. I do want to hold off until Leopard 10.5 is released.
  • rob: i'm sure you're right, i'm leaning towards ditching my desktop peecee for a laptop, and it's hard to beat the macs for features and even price these days. the core duo is where it's at, and OS X is gorgeous. my favourite feature is that you can just open up a terminal and... it's *NIX!

    anyway i was having the same thoughts as you, macbook vs. macbook pro. i thought the 13" macbook was perfect (i really value portability), but after a little investigating i don't think i can make do with the very low-end graphics chip. i don't like the mini-dvi connector (hence the "cash grab"), don't want the glossy screen (it's not realistic for photo editing, too much glare), no expansion card slot, don't like the keyboard, and the weight savings is miniscule. We have a 15" pro at work and it now seems perfect.

    anyway, yeah, i believe you're right and i'll probably love it when it happens.

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