Apple's white MacBook drought set to flip to gush
Entry-level device to flood European channels next week
The constraint on channel bully boy Apple's low-end white MacBook is set to end next week, according to well-placed sources in the vendor's supply chain.
This scotches rumours that the severe shortages were caused by the US giant running down production of the $999 notebook signalling the pending arrival of the next generation version.
"There have been delays but shipments are likely to flow next week which will sort out the current constraint issues," said the European distribution source.
He said the shortages were not significant, and "it has been an issue for a few days"; a point backed up by Apple dealers.
"We have got stock," said one stoic Apple house.
Another also confirmed that he still had some inventory on his shelves but noted the rumour filtering through the Apple community that the MacBook will be updated with new processors and Thunderbolt - high bandwidth technology for external storage.
The entry-level white MacBook is typically sold to education customers, because aside from the Mac Mini it is the cheapest Apple Mac, dealers said.
Apple rules its channel customers with a rod of iron and not everyone was willing to discuss the MacBook situation. "I am not going to comment on or off-record as Apple will come down on me like a ton of bricks, there will be a witch hunt," said one wary distie.
So maybe Apple is not quite the friendly alternative to the evil Microsoft empire after all. ®
COMMENTS
Supertroll!
"...constraint on channel bully..."
Taking a factual report on availability, spinning it, introducing unverified and unverifiable gossip re something as subjective as perceived attitude - and then presenting it as unbiased objective journalism.
I presume there's a masters in sophistry somewher in Mr Kunert's CV.
Await avalanche of downvotes and a diatribe spittle-flecked anti-Apple invective...
Controlling the channel is evil?
Apple reduces supply to the channel generally to avoid customers buying something that is rendered obsolete the very next day and to reduce wasted inventory, is that evil?
Apple likes to launch product refreshes with some fanfare and publicity which means it needs channel to maintain discretion, is that evil?
I'm a consumer, I don't give a monkey's how Apple treats big retailers, mistreatment of consumers might be evil - but a firm hand with bestbuy and amazon is just busiess.
Re: Supertroll!
"Unbiased objective journalism"
We've heard of that.
Excuses
Why should a stock issue be subject to a NDA? It's not exactly trade secrets. Truth is Apple just treat their 'partners' like shit. Face it, Apple want rid of you completely and to only sell direct so you don't disturb the brand image.
Business
"...maybe Apple is not quite the friendly alternative to the evil Microsoft empire..."
If you sign a confidentiality (or NDA, or similar agreement), you're expected to honour it.
No one is forcing anyone to sell apple products or sign contracts with Apple
Microsoft, Google, Apple, IBM, Facebook, Zynga - all evil (but Google at least publish an aim not to be !).
