WHY is it that prices for Macintosh Apple computers have not dropped as much in Hongkong relative to other countries, particularly in the United States? Do you expect Macintosh prices to fall in Hongkong and, if so, when? JAMES LEESE Mid-Levels According to the people at Macintosh in Hongkong, prices for Apple computers are ''usually equal'' to the suggested retail prices in the United States.
They suggest the reason for the dramatic drop in prices for personal computers (PCs), as well as Apple, is mainly due to the big discount outlets and mail order companies getting in on the act and offering all sorts of computers and peripherals.
Huge bulk sales among large areas of population have enabled these vendors to cut their costs substantially.
As Hongkong has nowhere near that degree of competition, the possibility of prices of Macintosh products dipping as low as those in the US are slim.
But, according to a Macintosh spokesman, these bargain-basement prices can carry a cost much higher in the long run.
Buying direct from mail order and discount houses has inherent problems, although this is true for all vendors, just not Apple. Among the uncertainties facing buyers is the fact that some discounters may be cutting costs by installing non-vendor approved memories, hard drives and the like.
In addition, the risk involved in transit is largely borne by the purchaser. There can be no after-sales or personalised service and support via mail order.