Apart from the fact that everyone on the web still seems to be trying to decide what to call x86 based Macs…

The overall reaction seems to be that for users this transition should be relatively painless, for Developers..it could be a whole different story.

I was doing some more thinking on how Apple could ‘do the right thing’ (#4 on my list from the other day) with regards to Mac users who recently purchased PPC based Macs, and are now having second thoughts about the purchase.

I think that instead of actually offering to return the machines for a full refund, Apple should over a coupon for a % off the purchase of a Macintel (xMac? InteliMac? Macintel? Mac86?). This percentage should be a decent discount (something above the 6% or so that alot of people can get through corporate discount EPPs, or the education store).. Maybe offer it at Developer prices? or maybe 20%?

I know that if Apple offered me a coupon that wouldn’t expire until…let’s say.. WWDC 2008, for like 20 or 25% off my order for a Mac86 machine, I’d keep the iMac, and stop trying to get a refund for it.

Now.. keep in mind, that while it would be nice if there was a blanket “Hey you purchased after date X. here’s a coupon good for x% off” thing..I realize that is completely un-realistic, and un-reasonable. But, certain groups in Apple should have the ability to offer these ‘deals’ to customers that they feel deserve it.

However, I think the whole discount on your Mac86 purchase is a good idea.. and here’s why:

1 – Fewer returned PPC units for Apple to have to deal with. Simple inventory control, they don’t have to return it, processs it, refurb it (if necessary), and deal with refunding customer’s money. Apple then ends up with fewer PPC Mac in inventory, and doesn’t have to worry about what to do with them.

2 – Faster adoption of Mac86(s). If there is a financial “reward” for upgrading sooner, people are more likely to make the upgrade. And depending on the amount of the discount, people may purchase “more” machine then they normally would have (ie, PowerMac + display, instead of iMac)

Umm..ok..I guess there is only those two reasons..I thought I had more, but I’m drawing a blank now.

So, if anyone at Apple is reading… give me a coupon good for like 20% of my order when I buy my Mac86, and I’ll stop pestering you to let me return my iMac.

=)