Why? Because they make profit on the hardware they sell? Hasn't that always been their primary profit center?

Doesn't account for GSA, R+D, compliance / regulatory issues, etc.

I'd say actual profits are probably in the 20 - 25% neighborhood assuming those mfg. costs. Once they amortize all the costs above and get manufacturing efficiencies down they drop the price. That's been the apple playbook for some time now.

And you are still alive, thus reaffirming my decision. :D

Fair point, but 20-25% is still very high on the profit margin. Overtime, the R+D costs are recovered and generally the device price doesn't adjust. Instead, Apple just throws a bit more memory or a fine-tune, which has a minimal R+D cost, to sustain the price.

So initially, yes the profit projected is high, but depending on the units they sell, i'd say 12-18 months and they've recovered their R+D costs, if not sooner.

BOM target sounds about right.

Awesome news. Looks like we will just miss each other, as I will be in JNB 18-24 June for my matches.

Agreed. Which is right about when they'll drop their price on the device. Although I'll predict they do that in Nov. in time for next year's holiday season.

It's what they always do.

A "miscommunication" between my fiancee and I just deprived me of a chance to make $400 today. I used to think it was funny that English is the only language she speaks and that in her late 20's she does not yet have it mastered. As of today, it is no longer funny.

Im returning the 18th, maybe I will see you at airport :D

I saw some exit row seats freed up on my US flights tomorrow. I tried to change them around online and it wouldn't stick.

So I call their 800 number and the following conversation occurs:

Me: I'd like to change my seat assignment for flights tomorrow
US: Flights are full. You can't change.
Me: I'm looking at the seat map. On flight XXX I'd like seat 11C please.
US: That's an exit row seat, that can only be assigned at the airport.
Me: Not true.
US: Yes it is.
Me: Then how did I get an exit row seat on flights XXX and XXX
US: Uhm.
Me: Please move my seat.
US: You're not eligible for these seats.
Me: I'm Star Gold, that makes me eligible under your own published guidelines.
US: With what airline?
Me: Continental
US: I need to call Continental to confirm
Me: ... uhmmm... that makes no sense, but okay.

5 minutes later

US: Okay. I can move you.
Me: Thanks. :rolleyes:
::move seats::
Me: Okay, can you please move my companion?
US: NO.
Me: ARGH. This is why I stopped flying USAirways. Please stop making-up rules and follow what's published.
US: You are flying USAirways.
Me: I'm aware. So please follow the published rules for USAirways, not whatever you feel like making up.
US: I need to put you on hold.
Me: ... okay.

You need to write a book, call it, "Belynch's Date with Density".

I think I heard that it had been recently renovated
I've stayed at the Hilton Waterfront(?) and liked it ok, seems that all the big chains are pretty much the sane down there

I'm a dedicated co-worker as well, when should I plan for my trip

Those numbers are very close to what you estimated the day it came out.

:-:

Only if I find a decent routing that doesn't involve back-to-back redeyes. As of now, I am looking at NYC-LHR-JNB.