Apple Justifies iLife Price Tag

CameronWolf writes "Just in case there was any doubt about Apple computers decision to sell applications they used to give away, I got this response, via email, from Apple upon my enquiry: 'As the iLife applications have become increasingly integrated it has become more and more important for a user to have all of the "correct" versions on their Mac at once, working together, giving a unified user experience. This is one of the main reasons we've decided to offer iLife in suite form only. In addition, for iLife users who want the latest and greatest applications on their Macs, the iLife suite is priced very affordably.' Apple are running an upgrade scheme for those who bought a qualifying Mac after Jan 6th. Too bad I just had to have the iBook G4 the second it was released!" For those who used only the free iLife apps before -- those without SuperDrives -- this reason doesn't make any sense. If the goal were really to make sure you had the latest versions, they could simply make the latest iMovie require the latest iDVD.

Hmm.

[daeley]

OK, first of all, unconfirmed submission: can someone point out where on the web Apple actually said this? And second of all, it should be pointed out that iLife [apple.com] comes bundled with every new Mac at no extra charge. And third of all, what's the big deal?

One wish

[fr0dicus]

That the new iDVD supported external non-Apple firewire DVD writers (I haven't checked whether it does or not, but the old version didn't). It would be well worth it then....

They should atleast offer it free to .Mac members

[shr1n1]

This should be at least downloadable free for us .mac subscribers. It would make me want to continue my subscription.

Re: comparisons and discussions

[Anonymous Coward]

You might find some info. in these discussion threads:
http://forums.macrumors.com/forumdisplay .php?s=&fo rumid=65

And if you're interested, a Soundtrack vs. GarageBand editorial -
http://www.emotionent.com/perl/yabb/YaBB.cgi?bo ard =audio;action=display;num=1073846311

Re:Typical Apple Business Model

[geoffspear]

iDVD was never a free product (although it does come bundled with every SuperDrive-equipped Mac). I'm not aware of Apple ever claiming the $50 for iLife was to cover distribution costs because iDVD was too big to download; IIRC they were selling iDVD before they created the iLife bundle in the first place.

In any case, the iLife applications are not bundled with the operating system, they're bundled with new computers. If you buy an iMac or iBook, do you expect to get new versions of AppleWorks for free?

iDVD should support 3rd party drives now

[finelinebob]

I remember all the shrieking back when Apple started charging for the yearly OS updates, then people began to realize just how much progress Apple was making with each of the updates and many of those folk (including me) started to accept that the cost may be worth it (and then some). I'm hoping the same holds true for the iLife apps -- if everyone is going to have to start contributing some $$$ for them, we should be assured of a fairly quick upgrade cycle with some significant improvements for each new donation.

HOWEVER, since these are no longer free, I think it's reasonable for Apple to start supporting DVD writers other than built-in Superdrives. Quite frankly, I don't have a couple grand to drop on a new G5. I'd love to spend a few hundred, tho, on a DVD burner ... and I'd be more than happy to kick out an extra $50 for the latest iLife suite. Apple might want to think about talking to some third-party drive manufacturers about bundling drives and iLife for sale at the Apple Store. I imagine there are a good number of others out there like me who aren't in the market for a new desktop (so Apple isn't going to cut its throat by doing this) but would be willing to purchase a bundle like this (getting Apple some extra cash and making their 3rd-party developers happy).

... otherwise, I really don't see the need to pay for an upgrade where many of the major changes benefit people with DVD burners.

Re:Lots of "punish me harder" comments

[MoneyT]

Where did the iApps get pulled out of the OS? The only one that didn't come with the OS was iDVD.