Technical Support Coordinator, BAKA Computers
Various media reports tell us that Apple's upcoming PowerPC Macs will arrive in mid-March. This will no doubt mean a shuffling of Apple's product line, and the existing Quadra systems will likely move out of the high end, or out of the lineup entirely in some cases. (In fact, this is likely to be a more dramatic shuffling than any since the Quadras first arrived on the scene.)
One clue that the Quadras will be making way is Apple USA's dual announcement today of new pricing for many Quadra systems, and special rebate offers for some systems. The new prices take effect today, and the rebate offers run from today through 31-Mar-94.
Apple's price reductions cover the high-end portion of the Quadra line, including most configurations of the Quadra 650, 800, 840AV, and 950 (including the Quadra 950 Publishing Configuration). The Quadra 605 and 610 are not affected; Apple reduced pricing on the Quadra 660AV last week.
Meanwhile, those purchasing certain Quadra systems and a qualifying printer will be eligible to receive a $150 rebate by mail. (This is not an instant, or point-of-sale, rebate, as some recent Apple promotions have been.) Quadra 605 purchasers will receive a $150 rebate if they purchase any current LaserWriter printer or a StyleWriter II, and Quadra 650 purchasers will receive a $150 rebate if they purchase any current LaserWriter model. The computer and printer need not be purchased at the same time, but each must be purchased between 07-Feb-94 and 31-Mar-94.
For those who see no need to wait for a PowerPC Mac, but who have been waiting for prices to drop, now's your chance! If any of these Quadra models are being discontinued, Apple may already have stopped making more, and some machines could be in short supply in the days preceding the PowerPC introduction.
If you're just waiting to be able to plunk down your cash for a PowerPC Mac, the news is good for you, too. Pythaeus tells us that Apple's stock of the new models is approaching the levels of most machines at their introduction dates, and growing quickly. If that's true, the wait may be almost over.
-- Information from:
Apple propaganda
Pythaeus