[Cody Overcash]

Apple recently reported their Q2 earnings and for the first time in the last 6 years were unable to beat Mac sales from the same quarter the previous year. With that in mind it rumor has it that Apple is going to fight the current economic conditions by selling more budget-oriented macs. According to a report by AppleInsider

. . . people familiar with the matter say Apple's move towards more affordable Macs isn't so much a response to Redmond's marketing antics as it is an interim solution to combat the proliferation of budget notebooks -- often called netbooks -- until the company is ready to introduce its own take on the market in the much rumored Newton-like web tablet, a project which is taking considerably longer to complete than once anticipated.

These more affordable Macs could start showing up as early as spring and will probably consist of refreshed Macbook and iMac lines with the "pro" series computers remaining at current prices. There is no accurate price information about these supposed cheap Macs yet. The expense of purchasing a Mac compared to its PC cousins has been pointed out as a negative for years. Making the price closer could help Apple not only fight the economic slump but also gain market share.

[senas8]

If they come in as the same size the sony vaio P series....Im sold

[lazybearkhoa]

Maybe I can buy some macs for my family to use without draining a heft hole in my pocket!

[billchase2]

This is definitely good news. My old PowerBook G4 needs replaced (currently just using my work MBP) and this could be a good opportunity for it.

[catriple]

I have been looking at getting one of the old school black macbooks to keep at 10.5.5... this is making me think twice. Hmmmm

[ajl917]

This would be great. I am looking to get a Macbook this summer, but would like to get some add-ons without approaching $2K...

[sziklassy]

I wouldn't get my hopes up. If they do drop the prices, I doubt it will be a huge drop, maybe 50-100 bucks. Of of a $1600 computer, I doubt that will be the catalyst needed to significantly boost sales. If they do drop it substantially, I would guess they would make a "budget" version with lesser hardware than what they currently have. This is nice, I guess, but if I had to buy the bottom line mac I would rather just save a bit longer and get something better.

They also could redo their philosophy and sell their books at pc comparable prices. That would be hot... although I think that is more than wishful thinking.

[A.T]

It better be a huge price drop otherwise I'll just wait for Windows 7

[z4kMKv]

I'd like to see another PowerBook G4 12" sized Laptop. Maybe even a 10" just a neat little Netbook. I love my 15" MBP but to carry it around is a mission. My plastic Black Macbook was nice but the plastic shell bothered me when traveling. Hopefully something good comes from this..

[mikerlx]

I am enjoying my MBAir but it would be nice to see some new mac products on the market!

[ajl917]

A 15-inch regular Macbook would be great. 13 inch is nice, but 15 would be perfect!

[dannydigtl]

a 15" macbook would be awesome, but i'd kill MBP sales. ain't happening.