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Kenstee · Dec 30, 2003, 09:56 AM

The "Kooky Admin" owes me a beer!!!

UPDATED 12/29: The PowerPage has obtained the complete text of the offer:

PowerBook G4 Upgrade Program
Applies to US

From December 19, 2003 to March 27, 2004, Apple is offering owners of original PowerBook G4 and the PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) computers the opportunity to trade in qualifying units for a credit toward the purchase of the current PowerBook G4 (15-inch FW 800) or PowerBook G4 (17-inch).

Because this is a pilot program, it is currently available only to those customers within the United States.

Note: To take advantage of this limited time offer, customers must contact Apple directly at 800-275-2273.

Customer Eligibility
Most owners of the original PowerBook G4 and PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) are eligible. Please mention the availability of this program during any contact with customers who own these products.

Generally speaking, the best time to introduce the program is at the outset of the customer's contact with your establishment. As always, use your best judgment as to the most appropriate moment to mention the program.

Exceptions
PowerBook G4 and PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) computers that have been dropped, have cracked displays, have had liquid spilled into them, or have been otherwise accidentally damaged are not eligible for this program.

Please discuss these conditions of ineligibility with your customers and clearly communicate that any units exhibiting these symptoms will be rejected.

Eligible Products
The following PowerBook G4 products are eligible for the upgrade program:
PowerBook G4 400/500MHz 15.2 Mega-wide screen:
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD
PBG4 400/128/10G/DVD
PBG4 500/256/20G/DVD

PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) with 550 or 667 MHz processor, high speed graphics and larger hard drives:
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/256/30G/DVD/AP/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/256/30G/DVD/AP/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/256/30G/DVD/AP/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/256/30G/DVD/AP/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/256/30G/DVD/AP/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/128/20G/DVD/+PROMO RAM

PowerBook G4 (Gigabit Ethernet) with 550 or 667 MHz processor, and new DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo drive
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/256/20G/COMBO
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/512/30G/COMBO/AP
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/256/20G/COMBO
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/512/30G/COMBO/AP
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/512/30G/COMBO/AP
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/512/30G/COMBO/AP
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 667/512/30G/COMBO/AP
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/256/20G/COMBO
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/256/20G/COMBO
PBG4 (Gigabit Ethernet) 550/256/20G/COMBO

More Information
Interested customers or customers with additional questions should be directed to Apple at 800-275-2273.

ae86_16v · Dec 30, 2003, 06:58 PM

Did you guys bet?

Kenstee · 07:44 PM

Originally posted by ae86_16v:
Did you guys bet?

Naah. However, he dissed me for posting a "rumor" and locked the thread I had started on this subject. I stand by my original post!

tdvorak · Dec 31, 2003, 10:07 AM

I called AppleCare yesterday about this offer. Apparently it is true, but you must order a STOCK PowerBook, but hey it's worth it for me. I have a PB 500 and want a new one, but don't want to be bothered with eBay. The only thing is the process for signing up is kind of slow...

israces · Dec 31, 2003, 12:37 PM

This is some streak of good luck!! This is the second time Apple has started a program to give me money for my old PowerBook. (I had a 5300 CE).

I have to wonder though about Apple's motivation. Before, the credit was given because the thing would allegedly catch fire. Bad PR. Now, I'm wondering if the current offer is an inventory clearing move before new PBs are released or if Apple knows that something is seriously wrong with the old PBs and isn't telling.

I wonder if you have to sign a waiver or something before getting the credit? Anyone know?

-Q- · Dec 31, 2003, 12:54 PM

Originally posted by israces:
I have to wonder though about Apple's motivation. Before, the credit was given because the thing would allegedly catch fire. Bad PR. Now, I'm wondering if the current offer is an inventory clearing move before new PBs are released or if Apple knows that something is seriously wrong with the old PBs and isn't telling.

I'm of two minds:

1) It is an inventory-clearing move like you suggested to clear the channel of PowerBooks.

2) It's a ploy by apple to encourage those old TiBook users to upgrade their machines now instead of waiting around for the G5 PB.

If there was something major wrong, i'm sure we would have heard about it thru the people here by now. Other than the hinge issue, I've not really heard of anything major going wrong with the PBs.

tdvorak · Dec 31, 2003, 03:30 PM

I didn't have to sign a waiver, they just sent me a PDF explaining the "rules". I got my box today and shipped the old PB off, then it will be around 5 days to make a determination to see if Apple wants it back... then the new PB will be sent... oh yea, they have to bill my credit card.

Drakino · Jan 1, 2004, 04:21 AM

For the record, this program is another way Apple is trying to take business away from the resellers. This offer is only valid at an official Apple Store, or by calling Apple.

Didn't make my reseller too happy, expecially after the iPod holiday issues they had. They estimated they could have moved at least 100 more units then they did if they simply could have gotten stock.

While official Apple stores are a cool idea, screwing the resellers sucks in my book. I have gotten similar to CompUSA treatment at the Apple Stores, while my local reseller is actually knowledgeable. It's a shame Apple didn't try to work with local resellers to staff the new stores, and offer a franchise type deal.

new newton · Jan 1, 2004, 08:35 AM

This sort of program isn't new for Apple. Prior to the introduction of the TiBooks they ran a similar promo for educators with 5300-series PBs. It was a fairly painless process, and resulted in a good price on a Pismo.

This isn't to screw over a reseller. What's to stop a reseller from offering a similar deal? Not only that, but we're talking about a small number of people here. This isn't advertised, and it's not targeted towards a large group.

chrisutley · Jan 1, 2004, 11:40 AM

The big question is how much $$$ can you get in credit.

tdvorak · Jan 1, 2004, 11:53 AM

You get $700.00 in credit, not much. But I'd rather not sell it on eBay.

Drakino · Jan 1, 2004, 04:45 PM

Originally posted by new newton:
This isn't to screw over a reseller. What's to stop a reseller from offering a similar deal? Not only that, but we're talking about a small number of people here. This isn't advertised, and it's not targeted towards a large group.

Possibly the fact that the reseller would then be sitting on a ton of old machines. They can't do much with them, and they can't easially offer the discounts on products due to strict Apple pricing.

I'm rather defensive of my local reseller because of all they have done for me over the years. Such an experience is simply not possible at an Apple retail store, and it seems Apple only wants the quick sale these days, not a long term relationship.

SEkker · Jan 1, 2004, 06:10 PM

$700! For a G4/667 TiPB with a combo drive and 1 GB RAM?

I'll keep my old one, it's worth more than $700 especially as it has at least one more year of Apple Care on it.