2012 Macbook Air may battle Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks with price cut

Apple may not be talking about concerns over competition between their 13-inch Macbook Air and 2012 Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks, but that doesn't mean they are ignoring the threat either. In fact, Apple is taking it so seriously, there is already speculation that the next generation of Macbook Air's will emerge with a price cut.

"Apple's plans are reportedly to counter second-generation Ultrabooks, based on Intel's specifications for thin and light notebooks, which PC makers hope to price around $699," according to Apple Insider.

"If PC makers are unable to reach the $699 price point with their second-generation Ultrabooks, Apple could have a significant competitive advantage with an aggressive $799 price point for a new MacBook Air."

So, could Apple really be ready to think the unthinkable and cut the price of the next generation Macbook Air?

Ultrabooks have come a long way since their introduction behind the 2008 Macbook Air, and Ivy Bridge Ultrabooks could still pose a threat to the 2012 Macbook Air, even with a price cut.
There is a lot at stake for Intel this year. Their branding for the Ultrabook could shape the future of PC's as true performers, or give Apple yet another success story, proving they know how to eat the competition.

2012 is being touted as the Year of the Ultrabook. That means that in the world of laptops, Ultrabooks will either emerge as viable competitors, or Apple will corner the 13-inch laptop market and leave the 2012 Ultrabooks in the dust.

Portable computing has also become a battle of operating systems, with Apple boasting less susceptibility to internet viruses than PC's. But there is yet another factor working in Apple's favor. With the growing number of iPhones and iPads on the planet, compatibly could push some potential Ultrabook buyers toward the Macbook Air. Apple products would much rather 'talk' to other Apple products, thus making syncing between devices even more convenient.

Apple seems to be banking on their new strategy with their 13-inch line. In addition to rumors of a price cut for the next generation of Macbook Air's, orders for the 13-inch 2012 Macbook Pro are far exceeding 15-inch models, according to Digitimes, which suggest that Apple may be getting ready for a big push of their best-selling,13-inch Macbook Pro line as well.

If you follow the supply chain and production lines with Apple, it is easy to see their vision for the future, although tracking is not really required. Apple has made no secret of the fact that they want consumers to think of only one name when it comes to technology, and that name is Apple.

Source: Allvoices

Tags: Apple, MacBook, MacBook Air, Ultrabook, Laptop