On Orbitz, Mac Users Offered Pricier Hotels First

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On Orbitz, Mac Users Offered Pricier Hotels First

Posted by timothy on Tuesday June 26, 2012 @02:11AM from the attached-illustration-says-they-love-it dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Travel site Orbitz found out that Mac users tend to select pricier rooms and swanky hotels. So, from now on, they will show more expensive hotel options to Mac users than to PC users. This is why, although I am a Mac user, my Firefox agent string says 'Windows XP' :)" The (paywalled) WSJ report on which Reuter's summary is based carries Orbitz' s softer explanation, which is that the results by platform are an experiment based mostly on presentation and search-result ordering rather than actually naming higher prices based on OS: "[T]he company isn't showing the same room to different users at different prices. They also pointed out that users can opt to rank results by price."

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Well, duh by crazyjj · 2012-06-26 02:11 · Score: 5, Insightful

A smug sense of superiority requires constant maintenance.

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1. Re:Well, duh by Anonymous Coward · 2012-06-26 02:16 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  Thus, slashdot.
2. Re:Well, duh by Anonymous Coward · 2012-06-26 02:22 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  Mac or PC users?
  Yes
3. Re:Well, duh by jellomizer · 2012-06-26 02:23 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  Well not kool aid, but fine wines.
  As the company stated they are not offering the same room at different rates, however it is showing the nicer hotels first. If there were enough Linux users to make a difference I would expect that they would give them, the roach motels first.
  These systems will try to correlate as much information as possible to give its views the most relevant results. if a Mac User is shown on average to buy a hotel that is 10% more then the cheapest, then orbits to offer the best results will give the 10% above the cheapest as its first options so its customers are not hunting down the list.
  
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  If something is so important that you feel the need to post it on the internet... It probably isn't that important.
4. Re:Well, duh by Tr3vin · 2012-06-26 02:28 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  You mac users keep on drinking the kool aid.
  It is actually Flavor Aid. It is a bit cheaper (so that we can still afford macs) and is also the trusted drink mix of cults since 1978.
5. Re:Well, duh by Dupple · 2012-06-26 02:29 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  I assume Linux users will sleep in a dumpster. After all, it's FOSS
  Free Open Sleeping Space!
  -----------
  I hope everyone has their sense of humour switched on today
  
  --
  Watch those corners
6. Re:Well, duh by buglista · 2012-06-26 02:33 · Score: 4, Informative
  
  It's not doing the same damn thing - read the fine summary at least. It's showing different more expensive hotels, not adding a 30% Mac mark up!
7. Re:Well, duh by boristdog · 2012-06-26 02:37 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I assume Linux users will sleep in a dumpster. After all, it's FOSS
  Free Open Sleeping Space!
  Don't be silly, Dumpsters are proprietary. They have connectors to fit only certain types of garbage trucks for emptying.
  Now cardboard boxes, THOSE are universal.
8. Re:Well, duh by Pope · 2012-06-26 02:55 · Score: 2
  
  A dumpster? Man, I wish! Dumpster-brand trash bins are top-of-the-line. This is just a Trash-Co waste disposal unit.
  
  --
  It doesn't mean much now, it's built for the future.
9. Re:Well, duh by DrXym · 2012-06-26 03:08 · Score: 3, Insightful
  
  Well not kool aid, but fine wines.
  Or rather, normal wine with a fancy label and sold at a large markup.
10. Re:Well, duh by wealthychef · 2012-06-26 03:14 · Score: 3
  
  A foolish preoccupation with "getting a bargain" is not the way to get what you want in life. Personally I think it's worth spending more when you see value in doing so for yourself. That's what Mac users like myself are doing -- I appreciate and value the design and usability of Macs, so I buy them. Maintenance hassle seems far lower to me. If you think Windows is just as good as Mac, or better, or you prefer that gritty and down to the metal Linux experience, or you just like Linux better, etc., then definitely it makes sense to go Windows or Linux I think and put your financial priorities elsewhere. Enjoy!
  
  --
  Currently hooked on AMP
11. Re:Well, duh by wealthychef · 2012-06-26 03:47 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  I think you'd have to explain your own motivation, but I think those come under the banner of "enjoying the technical exploration." I think that's a motivator for many Linux lovers. Personally going through all that work to get Mac OS working on a PC defeats the primary points of Mac OS X -- easy integration, low maintenance and quick startup times, for example. But knock yourself out! I use Linux and Mac at work. I avoid Windows if I can as I feel it has both a second class GUI and a second class command line. Windows 7 is definitely a decent offering though compared to earlier efforts. Each have their place, clearly. There is no "best answer for everyone."
  
  --
  Currently hooked on AMP
12. Re:Well, duh by hairyfeet · 2012-06-26 03:51 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  That is why I don't see why this is shocking, anymore than that study we saw awhile back that said those that are heavily Mac buyers on average make $100k a year.
  Look folks, its a fashion brand. there is NOTHING wrong with that, anymore than there is something wrong with you if you buy Gucci or Prada, and if you want it? Please do buy it. You don't have to jump through logic hoops or try to "sell" us that Apple is somehow "better" or everyone else is "worse" because we've seen Apple has just as many defects and repairs as the other big name brands. I mean you don't see Ferrari owners trying to give us bullet points on why Ferrari is a "better value" than the Mustang do you? of course not.
  So please, if you like Apple fashion? Just accept you like it and be happy. there is NOTHING wrong with liking a look, a design aesthetic, or a style and to be willing to pay more for that. TFA is simply acknowledging what we already know, that Apple users have no problem paying more for things. Is that REALLY so surprising?
  
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13. Re:Well, duh by _0x783czar · 2012-06-26 03:57 · Score: 2, Insightful
  
  If buying a superior product is what passes for drinking "kook-aid" these days then all I can say is "OH YEAH!"
  
  --
  ~theCzar
14. Re:Well, duh by MightyYar · 2012-06-26 04:14 · Score: 2
  
  Heh - you got me. As I grow older, I tend to buy things that aren't bottom-of-the-barrel anymore. If I build a PC from scratch, I buy a high-quality case and power supply and reputable motherboard. I get a nice non-TN monitor. I buy a good keyboard. If I'm buying a pre-built PC I tend to get a Mac or Lenovo or HP workstation. If I buy beer, it is always some fun craft beer, or at least one of the wannabe craft beers from the big brewers. I don't go to "Bottom Dollar" for my steaks, I go to a butcher and buy a nice steak.
  And yes, for hotels I no longer get the lowest room-rate... I look for location and high reviews as a primary concern and I might even pay an extra $10 for valet parking :)
  As long as they don't charge me more for browsing with a Mac, I'm cool with trying to profile me. I'll probably still sort by price :)
  
  --
  W..w..W - Willy Waterloo washes Warren Wiggins who is washing Waldo Woo.
15. Re:Well, duh by LDAPMAN · 2012-06-26 05:06 · Score: 3, Interesting
  
  Citation please. All the published data says the opposite.
  "The average household income for adult owners of Mac computers is $98,560, compared with $74,452 for a PC owner, according to technology market data firm Forrester."
  http://blogs.wsj.com/digits/2012/06/26/why-the-apple-demographic-is-so-important-to-orbitz-and-retailers/
16. Re:Well, duh by shutdown+-p+now · 2012-06-26 05:52 · Score: 2
  
  A more expensive product is not necessarily superior. Furthermore, there are many cases where the product is superior, but it doesn't matter for the purpose at hand. If you're stopping in the town for one night on your way somewhere else, do you really need a five star hotel? It's a strictly superior product, but is it worth the money that could be spent elsewhere instead?
17. Re:Well, duh by PoolOfThought · 2012-06-26 06:06 · Score: 5, Insightful
  
  TFA is simply acknowledging what we already know, that Apple users have no problem paying more for things. Is that REALLY so surprising?
  Except that's not what is being acknowledged. They're not paying more for the same thing.
  
  They're paying more for things that they consider to be nicer or in some way more advantageous to them. In the hotel case maybe they are getting one that is closer to their destination or where they're more likely to meet someone famous. Maybe they just prefer the pillows at one vs the other. But they're not simply willing to pay more for the same thing - they're willing to part with more money if they feel like they're getting something better in return.
  
  --
  My present is the activity I am currently engaged in with the purpose of turning the future into a better past.
18. Re:Well, duh by Spectre · 2012-06-26 07:05 · Score: 2
  
  A more expensive product is not necessarily superior. Furthermore, there are many cases where the product is superior, but it doesn't matter for the purpose at hand. If you're stopping in the town for one night on your way somewhere else, do you really need a five star hotel? It's a strictly superior product, but is it worth the money that could be spent elsewhere instead?
  If you are looking for a bed to crash on with clean linens, then "No, it doesn't matter."
  If, on the other hand, you are tired from sitting in a car all day, and want to relax naked for a while with your significant other in the in-room spa while enjoying a snifter of brandy ... then "Yes, it matters."
  
  --
  "Flame away, I wear asbestos underwear"
Ah it makes sense now. by grub · 2012-06-26 02:12 · Score: 5, Funny

This makes sense.

When I was looking for accommodations in San Francisco from my MacBook Air, I was offered the executive suite at the 'Beef Chunks in Gravy Bath House'. I could never figure that one out.

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Trolling is a art,
1. Re:Ah it makes sense now. by Shrike82 · 2012-06-26 02:21 · Score: 4, Insightful
  
  This makes sense.
  Indeed. Most travel sites, and general shopping sites, initially organise things by what they call "Relevance", and in many cases this is a totally ambiguous term! Relevance for them can surely mean which supplier paid them the most for advertising. Organising results based on someone's hardware, if a correlation can be shown between the hardware and end choices for accommodation in this case, actually seems pretty sensible and less sinister than what I'd usually expect.
  
  Looking forward to reading all the paranoid and rage filled comments though...
  
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2. Re:Ah it makes sense now. by mcgrew · 2012-06-26 03:11 · Score: 2
  
  As the first poster said, "well duh". Apple owners pay more for their gear, they want superior gear, and it stands to reason that someone who wants a top of the line computer (whether "top of the line" is real or percieved, many people always think the more expensive item must be better, even though Alieve and the generic naproxin sodium are identical but the prices are way apart) is going to want a top of the line room.
  I don't see this as ripping off Apple users, I see it as catering to them.
  
  --
  Free Martian Whores!
Linux users by GameboyRMH · 2012-06-26 02:16 · Score: 5, Funny

...will see offers for "escort services"
Users browsing with IE will be offered a helmet and padded walls.
Users logged into Facebook will be given the option to reduce their costs by selling video from hidden cameras inside the hotel room.

--
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel
1. Re:Linux users by American+AC+in+Paris · 2012-06-26 02:23 · Score: 2
  
  Nah, Linux users'll see a listing of the closest people with nailguns and lumber on loan. (I kid! I kid!)
  
  --
  Obliteracy: Words with explosions
2. Re:Linux users by Baloroth · 2012-06-26 02:46 · Score: 2
  
  Users logged into Facebook will be given the option to reduce their costs by selling video from hidden cameras inside the hotel room.
  "Option"?
  
  --
  "None can love freedom heartily, but good men; the rest love not freedom, but license." --John Milton
3. Re:Linux users by Golddess · 2012-06-26 02:59 · Score: 4, Funny
  
  Even nerds living in their mother's basement go to conventions that are too far to drive to / be driven to.
  
  --
  "I'm not sure I like the fugnutish tone you used in your post!" -RogL (608926)-
4. Re:Linux users by Samantha+Wright · 2012-06-26 03:02 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  The solution to that is clearly a mesh network of mothers' basements, not any of the above.
  
  --
  Bio questions? Ask me to start a Q&A journal. Computer analogies available for most topics!
5. Re:Linux users by An+ominous+Cow+art · 2012-06-26 03:12 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  I'm imagining a Beowulf Cluster of mothers' basements...
6. Re:Linux users by cultiv8 · 2012-06-26 03:20 · Score: 2
  
  networked through a single WOW Realm.
  
  --
  sysadmins and parents of newborns get the same amount of sleep.
7. Re:Linux users by hippo · 2012-06-26 03:31 · Score: 5, Funny
  
  It's called slashdot.org
8. Re:Linux users by RabidReindeer · 2012-06-26 03:32 · Score: 2
  
  Linux users would be given the address of a home depot, a list of vacant lot sites, and a "makefile" for building a hotel. Unfortunately, there would be library dependencies with links to unmaintained building codes.
  Only the gentoo users.
  The rest of us will settle for Motel 6 and the Yellow Pages. Bookmarked at "Pizza Delivery".
9. Re:Linux users by mjwx · 2012-06-26 03:56 · Score: 2
  
  Linux users would be given the address of a home depot, a list of vacant lot sites, and a "makefile" for building a hotel. Unfortunately, there would be library dependencies with links to unmaintained building codes.
  Unless they choose a ready made chain like Staybuntu or Hotel Mint. But if they do that, things like power points, TV's or air conditioners may not always work correctly and the owners may randomly re-arrange things regardless of how much you complain.
  
  --
  Calling someone a "hater" only means you can not rationally rebut their argument.
10. Re:Linux users by Dishevel · 2012-06-26 04:03 · Score: 2, Interesting
  
  You do deserve the funny you have.
  The truth now though is quite a bit different.
  For most users and equipment Linux does 'just work' now. There are many choices for almost any type of software that most people would use that is just a click or a single 'sudo apt-get install [new thing I want]' away. Linux mint for example is good looking. Comes with codecs and flash. Works well, Easy to use and install.
  Seems to me that for most use cases that for non computer people that Linux would be a better and easier choice.
  
  --
  Why is it so hard to only have politicians for a few years, then have them go away?
11. Re:Linux users by tunapez · 2012-06-26 05:37 · Score: 2
  
  Done...http://www.couchsurfing.org/
  
  --
  Imagination drew in bold strokes, instantly serving hopes and fears, while knowledge advanced by slow increments...
12. Re:Linux users by jedidiah · 2012-06-26 07:26 · Score: 2
  
  You mean organized networks of couch surfing?
  It's been done already.
  
  --
  A Pirate and a Puritan look the same on a balance sheet.
13. Re:Linux users by lister+king+of+smeg · 2012-06-26 08:13 · Score: 2
  
  and no netflix which is a must for many people. i use a vm for this but most average joes would have no idea what they are doing trying to build one
  
  --
  ---Saying gnome 3 is better than windows 8 not so much a compliment as it is damning with light praise.
14. Re:Linux users by RabidReindeer · 2012-06-26 08:41 · Score: 2
  
  To be fair... gentoo comes with the construction crew too.
  Yeah, but they go on strike!
Re:So wait ... by CanHasDIY · 2012-06-26 02:22 · Score: 2

Directions to the nearest soup kitchen.

--
An enigma, wrapped in a riddle, shrouded in bacon and cheese
Suprised This Doesn't Happen More Often by rsmith-mac · 2012-06-26 02:24 · Score: 4, Interesting

To be honest I'm surprised we don't see this kind of thing more often. Not just on travel sites, but on any kind of site that doesn't have strict MSRP pricing such as Amazon. Certain platforms absolutely attract certain demographics, and unlike tracking/profiling you don't have to spend time building as profile as all of this data is conveniently offered up by the browser with page requests.
XP? Why stop there? by davidbrit2 · 2012-06-26 02:25 · Score: 5, Funny

Change it to Windows ME, and you can get the senior discounts.
In other news by DarkOx · 2012-06-26 02:36 · Score: 4, Insightful

Study shows people driving luxury cars tended to park them outside nicer restaurants

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1. Re:In other news by Anomalyst · 2012-06-26 03:12 · Score: 2
  
  If you can call straddling 3 spaces at the perimeter parking.
  captcha="DEPENDS"
  
  --
  There is no right to feel safe thru security vaudeville at the expense of everyone's freedom, privacy and tax money.
But of course by inode_buddha · 2012-06-26 02:36 · Score: 2

All those interior designers have to get paid, and show off each other's work!

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C|N>K
Is anyone really surprised? by onyxruby · 2012-06-26 02:38 · Score: 4, Insightful

Really, is anyone seriously surprised by this? People who value convenience and having someone provide a service for them instead of doing something themselves might hold those same values for other things like paying for hotels. In other words people who are willing to pay 30% more for hardware might be willing to pay 30% more for other things too!!!
Marketers have figured this out. Next big surprise, organic shopping markets are full of Lexus and Mercedes cars? I think this really advanced concept might have been taught in the second week of marketing 101, maybe?
Linux users by goombah99 · 2012-06-26 02:45 · Score: 5, Funny

Linux users would be given the address of a home depot, a list of vacant lot sites, and a "makefile" for building a hotel. Unfortunately, there would be library dependencies with links to unmaintained building codes.

--
Some drink at the fountain of knowledge. Others just gargle.
Re:Confirms what a lot of us know already. by tmosley · 2012-06-26 02:54 · Score: 2

Does it make you feel better about yourself to place people into a box based on a single characteristic, and apply numerous negative characteristics to those people?

It feels so good to be superior to someone else, doesn't it? Especially when that superiority comes from being in line with the majority.
But ... by PPH · 2012-06-26 02:57 · Score: 3, Funny

... Windows users' rooms are crawling with bugs.

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Have gnu, will travel.
Re:Orbitz deserves praise by Moheeheeko · 2012-06-26 02:57 · Score: 2

Actually im thinking is more along the lines of "hmm, this dumb schmuck bought THAT overpriced thing, lets see if we can pawn off another."
Re:Orbitz deserves praise by DogDude · 2012-06-26 03:36 · Score: 2

What you're describing is tacky conspicuous consumption. Really wealthy people who are secure with themselves don't need to show off in the ways you're describing.

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Non-Paywalled Article by JustAnotherIdiot · 2012-06-26 03:42 · Score: 2

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-18595347

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What do I know, I'm just an idiot, right?
Re:If that's the case... by m.ducharme · 2012-06-26 03:57 · Score: 2

No no, that's "free as in beer". They get "free/libre" rooms, with no locks on the doors. The room itself is free, but you have to pay for a support package for as long as you use the room.

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Rule of Slashdot #0: You and people like you are not representative of the larger population. - A.C.
Re:Brilliant by toriver · 2012-06-26 08:31 · Score: 2

What "premium for the logo"? We pay "premium" for the aluminum body, the Magsafe power connector, that excellent screen and an OS that is not total shit. Quality is not cheap, and we do not expect it to be.
Envious Dell and HP users should instead try and find out why Dell and HP have been unable to muster the same brand loyalty.