New MacBook Pro (2012) and iPad vs Windows 8 and its “cheap” update strategy
May 18th, 2012, 9:53 P.M. –Microsoft’s way, sell cheap Windows 8 upgrade. Can this strategy compete with Apple’s rumored new MacBook Pro?
One of the biggest problems of the upcoming Windows 8 ecosystem, surprisingly, is the iPad and not the new MacBook according to the latest report posted by Digitimes.
The new blog post is suggesting that OEMs (specifically in Asia) that are wishing to sell Windows 8 laptops or tablet computers must have to pay Microsoft a price tag of $90-100 for a Windows 8 license. For starters, OEMs will assemble and manufacture the hardware, and Microsoft will provide the software, so if the laptop an OEM is building costs $400, plus the $90 to $100, then the overall manufacturing of the laptop will be $490 to $500. Plus, OEMs must also pay for the marketing or the ad blitz, plus the shipping, handling, and all the finances needed to ship the device to retailers, etc.
The iPad, on the other hand, costs $499 (cheapest) each, so competing against the iPad is harder than competing against the MacBook Pro, apparently. Digitimes revealed that “the cost of the software is expected to create more uncertainties.” Another reason, I think, is the Android operating system of Google which is “easier” to build because its license is free (though Steve Ballmer is claiming that Android is not free).
Another problem of Windows 8, aside from the iPad, is the rumored new MacBook Pro which will ship with the new Mac OS X Mountain Lion operating system. According to rumors, the new MacBook Pro is the combination of the “Air” design, and the power of the “Pro,” allowing Apple to sell an iPad-like laptop–with the iPad-like operating system, and lighter hardware.
No word yet from Apple on its 2012 Mac strategy, but its new iPad is a popular device that cemented its tablet market lead. Analysts also believe that the new Mac is expected to arrive this quarter, and before the official release of the iPhone 5 next quarter. If accurate then it looks like the Windows 8 will not only face the iPad “roadblock,” but also a possible “new MacBook” challenge.
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