New white MacBook specs trigger UK price hike
updated 09:40 am EDT, Thu May 28, 2009
UK MacBook price hike
Apple's modest increase of specifications for the white MacBook -- including 800MHz RAM, a 160GB hard drive and a 2.13GHz CPU -- has led to a price increase in the UK, local Mac users note. Having formerly been priced at £719, the notebook now costs £749 in the region. In spite of having the same hardware, the US version has remained at $999.
The new hike echoes a previous one, which bumped prices from £704 to £719 when GeForce 9400M chipsets were added to MacBooks. The growing discrepancy is thought to be attributable to exchange rates, which have become less favorable for the UK over the course of several months. Whereas the pound was once worth twice the US dollar, exchange is now valued at $1.59 per pound, with a low of $1.48 having been hit on May 3rd.
Converting a $999 price using current rates translates to £627.47, or £721.28 after applying 15 percent in VAT taxes. UK buyers are thus being charged over £27 pounds extra on top of basic concerns, though other expenses may factor in. These may include items like shipping costs, or simply decreased revenue in general for Apple's American headquarters.
Apple Tax for RoW
05/28, 11:11am reply
Seems to be a regular pattern for Apple of late; maintain or reduce prices in the US whilst hiking prices for the rest of world. The worrying part is prices are never adjusted back down should currencies shift direction again.
revco
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: May 2005
no surprise
05/28, 11:11am reply
This comes as no surprise where Apple generated a 15% increase in profits from a 5% increase in sales outside the USA for their last financial year! Microsoft may not be right about Apple pricing in the U.S. but hop on a plane if you really want to get reamed by Apple!
Feathers
Forum Regular
Joined: Oct 1999
Strange timing?
05/28, 08:35pm reply
Strange timing given that the uk pound is now recovering from its slump against the U$D.. We're back to $1.60 to £1 now.
Should have had a price drop if anything!
Then again, Macs are not made in the US, so perhaps that figures in to the equation, as I have no idea how the UK pound currently fares in china or where ever it is macbooks are made now.
Grrr
Grizzled Veteran
Joined: Jun 2001