I think most of us understand that the parts market (RAM and SSD at least but also GPU) is so volatile that, for a machine they don’t expect great numbers on and they aren’t selling as a loss leader (like game consoles are), they can’t name a price because they don’t know. Committing to one price now almost certainly means a “price rise” at launch or selling at a loss, neither of which they want.

Personally I’m expecting $999. I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m a little off, by $200 — in either direction. This will not be “affordable,” but they’re expecting their fans to come out and support them.