That's not true.
I remember when I bought my 12" PowerBook G4, it came with not only the charger, but adaptor dongles for VGA output AND for DVI output. Possibly even one for video output (composite/S-video), though perhaps I had to buy that one separately.
My first iPod was the 3rd generation 15 gig. It was $549 Cdn but it included a black belt clip sleeve, the charging adaptor, a dock, the headphones, and an inline remote control. Here's a review with some
pictures of all that stuff.
Apple likes to charge premium prices for their gear -- that has never changed. What they did was realize that instead of charging $549 for all of that kit they could charge $49 for the dock, $49 for the remote, $49 for the case, and sell the basic iPod kit for $399 instead. Tada! Instant perceived price drop.
They've done the same for their computers.