Linked by Thom Holwerda on Tue 25th Nov 2008 22:45 UTC
Apple isn't exactly known for catering to the lower end of the market, but so far, it doesn't really seem to have slowed them down much. They are selling more Macs than ever, and especially in the ever-growing notebook market, Apple is very successful. However, with people all worried about possible economic downturn, and with the success of cheap, small laptops (netbooks), people are starting to speculate if Apple will enter the netbook market.
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Member since:2005-08-18
Im sure if they did try to enter the market they would sell it for a grand and market it as the Gucci of netbooks like they do for all their other products.
Which is exactly the point. Apple wouldn't have to be cheap, they sell on the brand name. You don't buy Gucci because of the quality, you buy it because it is Gucci. It is by no means crap but you an easily get the same or better quality cheaper with other brands. No matter if we like it or not, brand names sell products.
Member since:2008-06-24
That's true, however with Apple you're not 'just' paying for a printed logo. Their laptops tend to be streamlined, designed very well, and are quite innovative. For example, the patented Magsafe connector that they've been using on their entire notebook line for quite a number of years now. Who would have thought that using a tiny magnet could pose so useful if tripping over a cord. Not ONE company has been able to match, to my knowledge, something remotely close to that. Yes, it is patented, but it just goes to show the innovation the other companies lack.
Apples tend to be priced higher (and the upgrades even more), but if you compare the Macbook to a similar Dell, you'll find the prices aren't THAT far off. The gap between them has gotten smaller since their release of Intel chips, but you're getting a proven-stable OS, along with a laptop that's very slick. This 'Gucci' laptop easily stands out from the other 'Adidas' laptops.
Some argue the hardware is controlled. While true, it does give a uniformity which allows Apple to focus on (and prefect?) driver support, which Windows can't necessarily do as easily. At the same time, it's believed that Apple also ensures the hardware they choose is of good build quality and testing before placed in their products.
Edited 2008-11-26 16:34 UTC
News
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Member since:
2008-11-11
very true, Apple is notorious for charging too much money for their hardware. I'm sure if they did try to enter the market they would sell it for a grand and market it as the Gucci of netbooks like they do for all their other products.