I find it strange that in the US Dell charges for a colour change, but in Canada (not sure about others) all colours are included in the price, despite availability.
Although I suppose this isn't really a benefit considering we are charged quite a bit more for a similarly spec'ed laptop than in the States, despite our dollar being pretty much exactly on par, or slightly above the USD.
Seems that someone has to take some lessons in manufacturing.
The reason laptops get cheaper over time isn't only because of hardware components. Demand for laptops(and other devices) drive the cost down since they don't have to stop the production chain.
There is obviously a change of process in painting/making these laptops a different color, every choice of color costs the company some extra money to start a line up and running.
That said, it doesn't mean i'd enjoy paying extra for a Midnight Blue Dell. Besides, not all companies charge extra for different colors. Nintendo, for instance, simply releases new colors every now and then, to spruce up the demand.
Actually, Apple is probably worse. The black Macbook has always cost more than it should for just a hard disk upgrade, and if you want colours in the Nano, you need to buy the 8GB version. They clearly charge for the colours. I still love Apple for everything else though...
There really is no reason to jack the price up for different colors other than to make a bit more cash. Plastic parts cost the same regardless of which color is used. They just change to a different color bead. The only difference is they are required to have multiple storage bins for the same part at the assembly plant. They are very likely all assembled on the same production line.
My credentials: I've been a design engineer in 3 industries (furniture, telecommunications, now automotive). I've designed plastic parts, toured injection molding plants, and taken classes on advanced injection molded techniques.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Mark @ Apr 22nd 2008 11:57AM
wow. pink.
colors on laptops/electronics?! amazing.
Dell, you're about 3 years too late on the color bandwagon.
I love how these idiots at Dell are making COLORS the highlight of their laptop advertising campaign.
They're making you PAY for it too. Does a cheap plastic bezel really cost $25 Dell?
schmitty338 @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:03PM
I find it strange that in the US Dell charges for a colour change, but in Canada (not sure about others) all colours are included in the price, despite availability.
Although I suppose this isn't really a benefit considering we are charged quite a bit more for a similarly spec'ed laptop than in the States, despite our dollar being pretty much exactly on par, or slightly above the USD.
Nushio (NDF - Blue) @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:05PM
Seems that someone has to take some lessons in manufacturing.
The reason laptops get cheaper over time isn't only because of hardware components. Demand for laptops(and other devices) drive the cost down since they don't have to stop the production chain.
There is obviously a change of process in painting/making these laptops a different color, every choice of color costs the company some extra money to start a line up and running.
That said, it doesn't mean i'd enjoy paying extra for a Midnight Blue Dell. Besides, not all companies charge extra for different colors. Nintendo, for instance, simply releases new colors every now and then, to spruce up the demand.
Nushio (NDF - Blue) @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:07PM
Oh, and don't take my word for it. I am a lowly code-monkey, and by no means know of any actual production chains.
kyau1 @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:25PM
Just three years late? Try 10. Remember the original iMacs?
Nushio (NDF - Blue) @ Apr 22nd 2008 12:37PM
Mark: speaking of Apple products...
Didn't/doesn't Apple charge about 100 bucks for a black iLaptop?
I don't follow Apple's prices, so I'm not sure if they still do it, but I do remember them charging 100 bucks for a simple color change...
SJT @ Apr 22nd 2008 1:08PM
Actually, Apple is probably worse. The black Macbook has always cost more than it should for just a hard disk upgrade, and if you want colours in the Nano, you need to buy the 8GB version. They clearly charge for the colours. I still love Apple for everything else though...
Chris @ Apr 22nd 2008 4:59PM
There really is no reason to jack the price up for different colors other than to make a bit more cash. Plastic parts cost the same regardless of which color is used. They just change to a different color bead. The only difference is they are required to have multiple storage bins for the same part at the assembly plant. They are very likely all assembled on the same production line.
My credentials: I've been a design engineer in 3 industries (furniture, telecommunications, now automotive). I've designed plastic parts, toured injection molding plants, and taken classes on advanced injection molded techniques.
waiownsyou @ Apr 22nd 2008 6:10PM
Actually the black MacBook costs more because it's considered more higher-end with more powerful (or spacious in terms of HDD) components.
And don't call it an iLaptop.