Here’s one for Pricewatch.
Given the economic climate, you’d think biting into the Apple wouldn’t be a priority for Irish people. But don’t hold your breath: the iPhone 3G has already sold out and it only went on sale…was it just a few days ago? That was fast. Maybe people want to read all about the recession on the internet on their phone.
I can’t hate on Apple too much, mainly because I absolutely love everything they’ve ever created. I’m even writing this post from my beloved iBook G4, Humphrey Bogart. (Yes, I named it. Don’t ask…)
Anyway, I digress. I’ve always loved Apple, but noticed when I was living in Hong Kong that the price difference between countries was pretty significant. Jumping between the Apple Store countries on the company’s website, the price discrepancies start to become more obvious.
My friend Maggie is leaving HK in a few months’ time and e-mailed me last week asking for advice on where to buy an iPod.
‘In HK you nerd, they’re so much cheaper than in Ireland!’ was my reply.
So why is this? In a nutshell, I don’t know. Of course there are shipping costs and I’m guessing some kind of stamp duty when Apple send their highly coveted produce around the globe. But with the help of my favourite money site, Oanda, let’s do a little investigating.
13inch MacBook
US$1,099 (€692)
HK$8,600 (€693)
and in Ireland we pay…
€999
Mac mini
US$599 (€376)
HK$4,700 (€379)
and in Ireland we pay…
€499
20inch iMac
US$1,199 (€754)
HK$9,400 (€758)
and in Ireland we pay…
€999
We may be headed for bread and crackers land, but I wonder are those who can still afford lovely gadgetry in any way perturbed by this? I may not fall in to that financial bracket but, as a mac lover, I am. I think I’ve found Apple’s worm.
July 16, 2008 at 3:21 pm
I have been holding out for a mac (either a mac mini or a powerbook) for a while (three years) now. I will not buy one in Ireland. I see no justification for the different price considering they all come from the factory in China. In September, I’ll be in the States and I’ll buy one there.
July 16, 2008 at 3:23 pm
I forgot to say, this price differentiation is not something new. Apple have been doing this all the time. Volkswagen also do the same thing. Cult car: volkswagen beetle. Compare and contrast the price of it in Ireland, Germany and the USA.
July 16, 2008 at 6:37 pm
I agree – you are indeed better off buying your Apple stuff elsewhere. I wasn’t aware of the Volkswagen rip off, but the Apple thing has been niggling me for a few years now. And it’s niggling me more that in those few years, it hasn’t been rectified! The cheek.
July 17, 2008 at 11:41 am
If you’re buying an Apple in the US, keep in mind that you’ll be charged state sales tax, which can be up to 9% in some states. Usually still cheaper than buying here though!
July 17, 2008 at 12:16 pm
Nicely done with something I long suspected but never put the time into researching.
July 22, 2008 at 8:06 pm
Congrats on the mention in The Times! The thoughts of buying my macbook here is making me ill.
July 23, 2008 at 12:23 am
If you can wait, I would.
I was lucky in that I bought my iBook when they stopped making them. All that was left were the ones on the shelves, so the shops were keen to rid themselves of them. While I did get mine in Hong Kong, I still haggled with the guys in the shop and managed to cut a deal. Not sure of you’d get a favourable reaction here in Ireland, but it could be worth having a crack at!
July 23, 2008 at 11:14 am
I’m going to hold out for a while and see if things improve, just really want to get off Vista! BTW, should I add you to my blogroll? Does one ask before doing such things? I have no concept of blog etiquette…
July 23, 2008 at 11:22 am
oh please add away, i shall do the same! (though i don’t know your blog address)
July 23, 2008 at 12:28 pm
http://sineadkeogh.wordpress.com, I went with the obvious! :)