Apple Switches to Build-to-Order Systems on Its Web Site (macworld.com)
- Reference: 0180710470
- News link: https://apple.slashdot.org/story/26/01/31/2038231/apple-switches-to-build-to-order-systems-on-its-web-site
- Source link: https://www.macworld.com/article/3048329/apple-just-completely-changed-how-you-buy-a-new-mac.html
[2] Macworld explains :
> Apple has shifted from selling pre-configured Mac models to a fully customizable build-to-order system on its website, allowing customers to select display size, chip, memory, and storage options... This change emphasizes building a machine within budget rather than choosing from set configurations, potentially preparing for future CPU/GPU core selection with M5 chips. Third-party retailers like Amazon and Best Buy are expected to continue offering standard configurations for customers preferring traditional purchasing methods...
>
> Apple is rumored to offer the ability to customize CPU and GPU cores with the upcoming launch of the [3]M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro models , so this new system could pave the way for more build-to-order options. It could also be a way to âoehideâ smaller price increases as memory and other component costs rise throughout 2026.
[1] https://slashdot.org/~esarjeant
[2] https://www.macworld.com/article/3048329/apple-just-completely-changed-how-you-buy-a-new-mac.html
[3] https://www.macworld.com/article/3030240/m5-pro-max-macbook-pro-performance-speed-graphics-configurations.html
Re: (Score:2)
> The only downside is adding 10gb ethernet is going to be expensive.
> A thunderbolt dongle with an sfp port isn’t cheap either.
Because the whole thing still isn't worth it. It's a garbage price for garbage tech - especially anything Thunderbolt related.
iForgot. (Score:3, Funny)
(Apple Store Worker) ”Alright, we’re at $1799 so far for your new system.”
(iStudent) ”See Mom, it’s not so bad.”
(Apple Store Worker) ”Mmm, yes. Now if you’ll just take your build ticket here over to counter 7, where Marco our RAM sommelier will refresh your memory as to why we’re not quite done yet. Mom, you’ll be heading over to Chapt, er I mean counter 11 where our finance concierge will walk you through our pre-approval process for memory mortgage options.”
Re: (Score:2)
This isn't just the same old Apple joke anymore, this is pretty literally how they built the system.
Even if you go build a high-end M5 MBP, it defaults to 16 gigs only. And there's an edit button to reveal 24 and 32 gig options. And then a further button to reveal the 64, 96, and 128 options, where the price goes up *fast*.
It wouldn't shock me at all if pushing those options out of the UI was a bigger reason for the change than anything else, RAM prices are insane right now.
Just like (Score:2)
Dell or Lenovo or basically any PC vendor has for the last 25 years.
Re: (Score:2)
Just like Apple has always done, you've always been able to customise what processor/RAM/storage you want. Apple are famous for screwing people over on additional RAM/storage. As far as I can tell the only difference now is that you can change the screen size. When I bought this one last December you chose the screen size then customised it however you wanted.
It's a non-story.
Re: (Score:3)
> Just like Apple has always done, you've always been able to customise what processor/RAM/storage you want. Apple are famous for screwing people over on additional RAM/storage. As far as I can tell the only difference now is that you can change the screen size. When I bought this one last December you chose the screen size then customised it however you wanted.
> It's a non-story.
The old system was sometimes confusing as heck. A sane design would have maybe three suggested configurations, but each one would be just setting the values, and you could then tune it further. Instead, with their old setup, what you chose at the beginning also determined which options you could select, which meant that configuring a machine with a particular amount of storage or RAM or CPU speed could require you to go back to the top and try again.
So here's hoping whatever they are doing now is more str
Re: (Score:2)
You are talking about the Apple Computers company that was there from the beginning up to Gil Amelio. After Steve's return to the company, that all went away. But prior to that, there were all sorts of add-ons that one could add to one's mac to make it as custom as possible: in fact, that Apple was something like Framework Computers is today
It would be nice of Apple to bring back that sort of functionality. Allow people to determine which CPU, how much RAM and upgrade space they need, how much storage
Re: (Score:3)
Dell or Lenovo or basically any PC vendor has for the last 25 years.
Sure but Apple invented it, like they invented touch pads, smartphones and sex and music.
Re: (Score:2)
Invented it sure, but then abandoned it after Steve's return to the company. Probably b'cos NEXTSTEP was nothing remotely close to System 8: there was no plug 'n' play. So if you swapped out a card and then turned the system back on, it would have had issues recognizing the hardware