- 2006.02.16
Five weeks after Apple announced the new Intel-based MacBook Pro, they've
already upped the speed and introduced a new model.
The MacBook Pro has begun shipping in 1.83, 2.0, and 2.16 GHz
configurations. The first two are the same price as the previously
announced 1.67 and 1.83 GHz models. The 2.16 GHz model is a
build-to-order upgrade for the 2.0 GHz model that costs a whopping $300
more!
I have two problems with the new models:
- Apple is having a hard enough time getting the models they had out
the door because Intel can't supply CPUs quickly enough, yet they
decide to drop the 1.67 GHz speed and introduce 2.0 GHz and 2.16 GHz
speeds (that won't ship to new customers for 3 to 4 weeks).
- The 2.16 GHz model. Who in their right mind is going to pay $300
for 160 MHz of additional processing power in this day and age?
What is Apple thinking? They couldn't even get the ones they
announced out the door and have a backlog of orders. Are the faster
CPUs going to be more readily available than the slower ones? Why
replace models you can't ship with models you're going to have an even
harder time shipping?
It doesn't make sense.
Overpriced 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro
And what's with the 2.16 GHz model?
Some of you might recall the days of the Sawtooth G4. The 450 MHz
model was released at US$2,499, and the 500 MHz model was announced at
$3,499. That was 40% more money for 11% more speed.
But this is different. The only change is processor speed.
With the top-end Sawtooth you not only got an 11% power boost for
your extra $1,000, you also got 128 MB of additional RAM (twice as
much), 7 GB more hard drive space (35% more), and an upgrade from a
DVD-ROM drive to a DVD-RAM drive.
Sure, the new 2.16 GHz MacBook Pro is a bit faster than the 2.0 GHz
model, but is it really worth an extra $300?
A Better Way to Spend $300
I have a hard time giving away a 300 MHz machine these days, so why
would anyone pay $300 extra to make their new laptop 160 MHz
faster?
If you're thinking about buying the new top of the line 2.16 GHz
MacBook Pro, don't. It's simply not worth it to get about 8% more
processing power for 12% more dollars.
- If you think it is, email me at tedahodges (at) yahoo (dot) com and
tell me why.
A better choice might be to take your hard earned $300, buy a
Blue & White G3 or
a Sawtooth G4, put Mac OS 9 and VNC on it, and run your
Classic apps remotely from your new MacBook Pro, since the Intel Macs
don't support Classic. 
- Link: That Extra 10%, Dan
Knight, Mac Musings, 1998.10.24
