Original URL: https://www.theregister.com/2011/06/30/apple_macbook_supply/
Apple's white MacBook drought set to flip to gush
Entry-level device to flood European channels next week
Posted in Channel, 30th June 2011 10:06 GMT
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. ®