Apple's WWDC 2009 and its Incomplete MacBook Lineup
Apple's WWDC 2009 was an interesting event for Apple's MacBooks. The company decided to lower prices almost across the board for all MacBooks, but what was even more interesting was the move to take the 13" MacBook to MacBook Pro category. While the 13" MacBook still lacks the option to add 7200 RPM hard drive, it does get back lit keyboard on both models now. And the lower price point makes it a very attractive choice for people interested in Apple's computers. Similar pricing moves for Snow Leopard ($29 regular upgrade and $10 upgrade for Apple computers bought after 8th June) makes Apple more competitive against PCs which typically sell at a much lower price point.
The move to take 13" MacBook to MacBook Pro category also leaves a void in the MacBook lineup, which now has only one model: the old non-aluminium MacBook. Before WWDC, one could have expected Apple to phase it out in favor of aluminium models, but having moved the aluminium models to the Pro lineup, Apple has created an empty slot to fill in the low-end MacBook lineup. So the questions is: what will Apple use to fill this gap?
Apple has so far avoided entering the netbook space, which currently consists of small, low-cost and equally low-featured laptops running Windows XP or Linux. Apple may choose not to get into that market in future either because that space doesn't seem to fit their DNA of premium computers. But what has successfully worked for Apple lately is the iPhone. Besides turning the smartphone market upside down, iPhone has also set a new price standard for smartphones. It looks like Apple's deal with AT&T has worked really well there.
With all the right pieces in place, Apple can now play the low-end mobile computer game to their advantage. They can either play it safe and keep the old MacBooks around, add 3G capabilities, and subsidise their prices through wireless carriers like AT&T. Or they can fill this gap with a shiny new tablet device, borrowing ideas from both MacBook and iPhone. If a device like this is done and priced right like the iPhone, Apple will have another winner at hand.
So come on Apple, surprise us again!
0 Komentar