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quarter_pounder · May 16, 2006, 03:30 PM

A white MacBook with the same specs as the black Macbook is $150 less. Does the black iPod cost more than the white one? Why would someone be forced to pay extra for a color change?

SpaceMonkey · May 16, 2006, 03:35 PM

I think Apple realized that some people want the option for black, but they didn't want to commit the resources to making sure they had sufficient quantities of both colors. For branding purposes, they probably want to maintain the iBook's signature look to a certain extent, and having a true mix of white and black MacBooks out there in the field might upset that. So they probably figure that people who REALLY want black will pony up the extra dough, but most people will just default to white.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 04:24 PM

They want people with the high end one to stand out. They also know they will sell more high end systems this way as many people want black.

chrisutley · May 16, 2006, 04:33 PM

They are going to sell the **** out of the black books.

Eug Wanker · May 16, 2006, 04:34 PM

Overpriced Fashion Statement?

Yes, but hey, whatever.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 04:37 PM

Yup, I am one of those that would go black for sure.

The Ancient One · May 16, 2006, 04:40 PM

Here's a thought to give one pause: could the black MacBook have been originally slated to have a separate video card at the $1499 price point - and then something happened? Like maybe a marketing analysis?

kw14 · May 16, 2006, 05:00 PM

Hey, you have the option of getting the cheaper one in white with the same spec. Unless you secretly really really really wanted the black one, then you'll just have to pay the price to join the club.

I think this is a smart way for Apple to balance out the supply and demand. The price differentiation keeps the demand down on the black units to those who really wants it. I wonder what would have happened if they had done this with the introduction of the fruity iMacs!?

Anyway, my prediction: as production and demand hit their stride, same configuration black or white will be same price.

Severed Hand of Skywalker · May 16, 2006, 05:42 PM

Originally Posted by The Ancient One

Here's a thought to give one pause: could the black MacBook have been originally slated to have a separate video card at the $1499 price point - and then something happened? Like maybe a marketing analysis?

No, they are not going to make totally new guts for one little model like that.

Also, I bet there is no room in there for a card. That is the case with the intel Mini's.

Eug Wanker · May 16, 2006, 05:43 PM

Originally Posted by Severed Hand of Skywalker

No, they are not going to make totally new guts for one little model like that.

Also, I bet there is no room in there for a card. That is the case with the intel Mini's.

There is no card. A discrete GPU would still be soldered to the motherboard. Some space would be taken up by extra memory, but I suspect the bigger issue is cost, of both the discrete GPU, and the memory.

Eriamjh · May 17, 2006, 07:08 AM

Hopefully, the BlackBook's sales will be high enough for Apple to justify lowering the price as production increases. Unless there's some reason it costs more to produce.

Yakov · 09:46 AM

The United Way should start selling stickers for $150 that say:
"I bought the white MacBook and donated $150 to those less fortunate"
to slap on your new system