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Apple is not overpriced
- Thread starter Forkjulle
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I think some apple products, like the 13" macbook pro, are overpriced when comparing the specs to another brand. You can deffinately get WAY more bang for the buck when buying a windows machine, especially when they go on sale. On the other hand, the design and quality of the macbook costs money too. Most of the time when you compare a windows machine to a macbook, the build quality is like night and day. Overall, I think that apple prices their offerings maybe a little higher than they should be but are not as overpriced as some like to believe they are.
Thanks for taking the time to click on this thread and go through the effort to make your contribution.
Well lets compare a few products. I'll go with the basic models of iMac and Macbook pro.
Macbook pro $1199
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
4GB 1600MHz memory
500GB 5400-rpm hard drive
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Built-in battery (7 hours)
13 inch screen.
HP Pavilion m6-1045dx $729.99
3rd Gen Intel® Core i5-3210M processor
Features a 2.5GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.
Intel® Core i5 processor
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
15.6" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
With BrightView technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
750GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Feature up to 1696MB total video memory for lush images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
The HP has better overall specs and is roughly $470 cheaper.
Now lets look at a desktop.
Base iMac $1199
21.5-inch: 2.5GHz
2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
500GB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB
Alienware AX51-6153BK desktop $999
Acer 21.5 inch 1920x1080 montior $130
3rd Gen Intel® Core i7-3770 processor
Features an 8MB cache and 3.4GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz.
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
Intel® Core i7 processor
6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB
1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics
Feature 1GB GDDR5 video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
Cost of PC+Monitor is $1129. Roughly the same price and clearly the Alienware is better and IMO overpriced. A custom PC can be built even better for cheaper.
You can't deny it. There is a premium when you buy an Apple product. Maybe its the OS? The cool looks? The Apple logo? Who knows.
Macbook pro $1199
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
4GB 1600MHz memory
500GB 5400-rpm hard drive
Intel HD Graphics 4000
Built-in battery (7 hours)
13 inch screen.
HP Pavilion m6-1045dx $729.99
3rd Gen Intel® Core i5-3210M processor
Features a 2.5GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz.
Intel® Core i5 processor
8GB DDR3 SDRAM
Multiformat DVD±RW/CD-RW drive
15.6" LED-backlit high-definition widescreen display
With BrightView technology and 1366 x 768 resolution showcases movies and games in stunning clarity.
750GB hard drive (5400 rpm)
Intel® HD Graphics 4000
Feature up to 1696MB total video memory for lush images. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
The HP has better overall specs and is roughly $470 cheaper.
Now lets look at a desktop.
Base iMac $1199
21.5-inch: 2.5GHz
2.5GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5
1920 x 1080 resolution
4GB (two 2GB) memory
500GB hard drive1
AMD Radeon HD 6750M with 512MB
Alienware AX51-6153BK desktop $999
Acer 21.5 inch 1920x1080 montior $130
3rd Gen Intel® Core i7-3770 processor
Features an 8MB cache and 3.4GHz processor speed with Turbo Boost up to 3.9GHz.
Features 8-way processing for ultimate smart performance. Intel® Turbo Boost Technology automatically speeds up your processor when your PC needs extra performance.
Intel® Core i7 processor
6GB DDR3 memory
For multitasking power, expandable to 8GB
1TB Serial ATA hard drive (7200 rpm)
NVIDIA GeForce GT 545 graphics
Feature 1GB GDDR5 video memory for lush images with intricate detail. HDMI output for connection to an HDTV.
Cost of PC+Monitor is $1129. Roughly the same price and clearly the Alienware is better and IMO overpriced. A custom PC can be built even better for cheaper.
You can't deny it. There is a premium when you buy an Apple product. Maybe its the OS? The cool looks? The Apple logo? Who knows.
They are overpriced when someone asks you why is that MBP 800-100 more than this PC laptop, do you really have $1000 reasons?
that said I like my mbp and the price is worth me being happy but I cant make up $1000 worth of reasons its "better" than anything you can by for half the price
that said I like my mbp and the price is worth me being happy but I cant make up $1000 worth of reasons its "better" than anything you can by for half the price
Overpriced and underpriced are highly subjective. If you've arguing over and over then you're wasting your time. Your opinion is your opinion. You're not going to force anyone to change theirs. Why does it matter what others think anyway? If you don't think they're overpriced then use their products and enjoy them.
I figured as much, but I couldn't find some of the articles I remembered citing such things, so I went a little softer. The post by the other person about ipods signifying quality hardware and longevity was absolute garbage. I've actually been looking for something to replace a dead nano for use while jogging. The other ipod was a gift. Both were terrible, with battery failures, which is why I haven't replaced them. Apple released a quirky/iconic form factor, brilliant marketing, and itunes from a series of buyouts of other businesses, and it paid off big time. It's just that people are deluding themselves when they claim that things cost so much because they're the best.
Gotta say I've considered Apple to be overpriced (especialy when European prices are compared to the US ones) back when I was a Windows user and I haven't changed my mind even though I got a white Macbook (for my girlfriend), 13" MBP and 15" MBP since. Still can't shake off the feeling that Apple's just skimping on the USB ports, HDD space... but maybe that's just me
Anyways. Apple as a brand is considered premium, but their computers are seen that way even more so - at least in Poland, because due to iPads and iPhones that may not be true in the western Europe or the US. Either way I don't fool myself thinking: "cool, I have a premium computer now!"
When one's working in marketing it's a bit harder to fool him into taglines and imaginery, although I like to be fooled sometimes, it's just plain human vanity But I wasn't going for premium when I was going Mac.
I'd been simply "convinced" to Mac by working on OSX at my work. Simply found it to be more pleasant and smooth working on my business Mac Pro (then a Macbook Pro) than on my home PC. Plus there was the case of OS habits.
At first it was transitioning from Windows at home to OSX at work, but after a while I'd found myself searching for OSX ways of doing things when at home on Windows PC. Then I've came to a conclusion that I simply prefer the OSX way. Be it the visual appeal, the smoothness, the multi touch gestures - simply found it more productive and more pleasant.
But since I didn't want to spend the big bucks on Macbook just yet I'd hackintoshed my PC - it was due for a replacement soon anyway, so I didnt have much to lose. It worked and still works nicely (as a backup now), but I've decided to go for the real thing and start with 13" MBP. Surely the hackintosh would've been enough for a while longer and then I could've easily gone with a cheaper Windows laptop(s) instead of the MBP(s).
But at least then I knew (and knew why) I wanted to get Macbooks and pay more for it. I was okay with their price tag (though I got the 1st one from the US and the second one I bought was used to cut costs anyway. Saved up some $ and went along with it. And I don't have any regrets - now I have the setup that I'd wanted, that works perfectly for me. Could've gone with cheaper HP, Samsung, Acer, Asus... but just chose not to. I've looked at the laptops extensively - visiting stores, testing and playing with a number of computers, but none of them offered what I've been looking for. The materials felt cheap(er), the trakcpads were laughable (in some cases they were just too small for me to get anything done quickly enough), the battery life horrible (experienced that with Toshiba and Asus before), but mainly I just couldn't work with Windows anymore - after OSX it felt counterintuitive for me. So here I am now - my bank account couple of grand lighter, but couldn't have been more content with my computer setup.
Anyways. Apple as a brand is considered premium, but their computers are seen that way even more so - at least in Poland, because due to iPads and iPhones that may not be true in the western Europe or the US. Either way I don't fool myself thinking: "cool, I have a premium computer now!"
When one's working in marketing it's a bit harder to fool him into taglines and imaginery
, although I like to be fooled sometimes, it's just plain human vanity But I wasn't going for premium when I was going Mac.I'd been simply "convinced" to Mac by working on OSX at my work. Simply found it to be more pleasant and smooth working on my business Mac Pro (then a Macbook Pro) than on my home PC. Plus there was the case of OS habits.
At first it was transitioning from Windows at home to OSX at work, but after a while I'd found myself searching for OSX ways of doing things when at home on Windows PC. Then I've came to a conclusion that I simply prefer the OSX way. Be it the visual appeal, the smoothness, the multi touch gestures - simply found it more productive and more pleasant.
But since I didn't want to spend the big bucks on Macbook just yet I'd hackintoshed my PC - it was due for a replacement soon anyway, so I didnt have much to lose. It worked and still works nicely (as a backup now), but I've decided to go for the real thing and start with 13" MBP. Surely the hackintosh would've been enough for a while longer and then I could've easily gone with a cheaper Windows laptop(s) instead of the MBP(s).
But at least then I knew (and knew why) I wanted to get Macbooks and pay more for it. I was okay with their price tag (though I got the 1st one from the US and the second one I bought was used to cut costs anyway
. Saved up some $ and went along with it. And I don't have any regrets - now I have the setup that I'd wanted, that works perfectly for me. Could've gone with cheaper HP, Samsung, Acer, Asus... but just chose not to. I've looked at the laptops extensively - visiting stores, testing and playing with a number of computers, but none of them offered what I've been looking for. The materials felt cheap(er), the trakcpads were laughable (in some cases they were just too small for me to get anything done quickly enough), the battery life horrible (experienced that with Toshiba and Asus before), but mainly I just couldn't work with Windows anymore - after OSX it felt counterintuitive for me. So here I am now - my bank account couple of grand lighter, but couldn't have been more content with my computer setup.
Not true. Look here.
Please find me a brand-name PC notebook equivalent to the 13" MacBook Pro, with the same features and build quality, and then we can talk. Until then, you are just painting with a broad stroke without citing any specifics.
^^ this is why Apple also sells the regular MacBook Pro which can handle 1 TB drives and/or a combination of HD and SSD.
again, can you please provide an apples-to-apples comparison?
That's the thing. They are expensive, but not everyone needs $1300+ worth of computer. Some only want to spend $500, so a core i3 processor, 4 gb of ram, and a 320 gb hd in a plastic enclosure with 1366x768 res screen is enough for them.
Your analysis could not be more misleading, you left out some very important details:
- MacBook Pro HAS a CD/DVD drive, which you omitted
- HP weighs 20% more than MacBook Pro
- MacBook Pro has NVIDIA GeForce GT 650M graphics, HP only has Intel integrated graphics
- MacBook Pro has Thunderbolt, HP does not
I think Apple offers a great value for mid to high end machines. You can't just look at specs, even though Apple generally has very well-equipped machines. You have to take into account build quality and support as well. Apple machines are generally built better than other computers...many computer manufacturers don't take as much care with heat dissipation, ergonomics, etc. Apple's support is also great from my experience; ever try to use Dell or HP support?
Heck, just the trackpad on MacBooks vs. the competitors make it worth the money.
Heck, just the trackpad on MacBooks vs. the competitors make it worth the money.
I think Apple is a little overpriced compared to similar models, but so is a BMW compared to a similar Hyundai, but the BMW is always nicer. You pay for the nicer machine.
It is funny to see how you read what you want to read sometimes.
The comparison is vs a 13" Pro, not a 15" (What 650M?).
I don't even think this would have been in Apple's best interest. Thunderbolt adoption would have its inclusion into even more of a selling point. If you have a bunch of cool peripherals that will work on it, you can market that. Excluding it from other brands would mean limited adoption and fewer available peripherals to plug in. In fact the mini displayport connection doesn't even have an associated licensing fee, as Apple wants to push it. This is not charity. It is encouraging adoption.
You looked at the 15" display on the HP and equated it with the macbook. These are both integrated gpu models. The macbook pro doesn't have a 650m on anything below $1800.
13" Pro is not a very good example as it's in quite an embarrasing position during the transition of Apple to SSD-quipped thin machines like the MacBook Air and Retina MacBook Pro.
The 13" Pro, while having the name "Pro", "feels" much slower than a MacBook Air due to the spinning hard disk drive. It also does not have any discrete graphics, and a dual-core CPU. The screen resolution is also worse than the 13" Air. The only "up side" is that it has a DVD drive, and you can add RAM yourself, or adding quite an amount of money to swap in an SSD drive.
I can see that the 13" Pro (as it is today) will be discontinued, or changed to a more rMBP-like internal configuration like SSD and discrete graphics (in exchange for the DVD drive), hopefully.
Overpriced? It depends on how long you plan (or are able) to keep your computer. My frustration with Windows laptops is how quickly they fall apart. I spent around USD 800 for my last Dell, and I got about 2.5 good years from it. This means that I spent USD 320 per year on that laptop.
I spent USD 1350 on my refurbished MBP. (Buying refurbished does bring the price down.) If it lasts me 4.25 years (which isn't unreasonable considering some of feedback I've gotten about Macs), it will have a lower price per year than the Dell.
I also wasted money on the Dell with the time it spent in repair. Even if the repair is covered under warranty, it's still wasted money because this is time I can't use the computer I bought. I had to send the Dell to repair twice. For one repair, I didn't have it for three weeks, which including shipping time.
In short, if a computer does what you need it to do and does it for a long time, it is not overpriced.
I spent USD 1350 on my refurbished MBP. (Buying refurbished does bring the price down.) If it lasts me 4.25 years (which isn't unreasonable considering some of feedback I've gotten about Macs), it will have a lower price per year than the Dell.
I also wasted money on the Dell with the time it spent in repair. Even if the repair is covered under warranty, it's still wasted money because this is time I can't use the computer I bought. I had to send the Dell to repair twice. For one repair, I didn't have it for three weeks, which including shipping time.
In short, if a computer does what you need it to do and does it for a long time, it is not overpriced.
your post is not validated other countries. it is only applied to the US. do you have any idea how much expensive macbook pro in Korea? do you know how many Koreans buy it? for example, the highest macbook pro with retina display is about 3,800,000 won (about $3500). are you willing to pay it for such a crap? NO. nowadays, there are many good quality laptops you can get cheaper. even some models equip with aluminum body. it's not just macbook pro but all iphone, ipad line as well. you have no idea. if you live in other countries, you can't afford to buy apple products. it's a big burden. I don't even mention that UK throws you 20% tax as well. in brazil, macbook pro price is outrageous. 13 inch macbook pro is $3000. can you buy it? I don't think so. now, you's better shut up.
Yes, they are
My Macbook Pro 13" i5 Dual-Core 2.4Ghz / 8GB / 512MB Intel HD / 500GB@5400RPM / Aluminium Unibody was 1,400 Euros and my father's Asus 15" i5 Dual-Core 2.5Ghz / 8GB / 2GB Nvidia GDDR5 / 750GB@7200RPM / Aluminium Case was 800 Euros.
Now, the "little" things :
USB Ports : MBP 2 / Asus 3
Battery life : MBP 7 hours / Asus 5 hours
Backlit Keyboard : MBP yes / Asus no
Multitouch trackpad : MBP yes / Asus yes
Numpad : MBP no / Asus yes
HDMI : MBP no / Asus yes
Thunderbolt : MBP yes / Asus no
Blu Ray : MBP no / Asus yes
HD Speakers : MBP no / Asus yes
Sexy : MBP yes / Asus no
Thing is, you can't get a non-apple machine that actually feels as nice to use (i've used PC ultrabook trackpads, and they are universally CRAP), that includes OS X legally, so its all a moot point.
If I could legally run OS X on PC hardware, I'd value it at about 300 dollars, which is the price for a pro/enterprise version of Windows 7 last I checked from memory.
So, take 300 dollars off the price of a mac and compare price again and its pretty close. Factor in the much better trackpad and enclosure quality and its pretty much lineball.
Apple IS overpriced, but i am ok with that. I pay premium, i get premium.
Same with cars for example. Compare Mercedes and Skoda.
If you are getting value for your money, then it's not overpriced.
True, I did leave out CD/DVD drive but I just assumed everyone knows it has it. Every computer does (excluding airs and ultrabooks). The HP does weigh more, the Macbook pro version I used used intergrated graphics. Macbook has Thunderbolt yes. Is the 20% less weight and Thunderbolt worth $470 to you? It isn't to me.
I have a Macbook so I am not hating on Apple, but I do think I over payed for my computer.
How much are comparable Windows laptops in those countries? Do Apple and Windows laptops come with a localized OS, keyboard, documentation, and power cords (which could explain the higher price)? Are Apple products subject to import taxes that wouldn't be applied to locally produced computers? Just need a few points of comparison. Thanks.
1) The standard Retina MacBook Pro is US$2,199. It looks like that you quote the highest priced rMBP just to show that it's "expensive"
2) MBP IS NOT "EXPENSIVE" BECAUSE IT HAS AN ALUMINIUM BODY. Aluminium is cheap! Having the same look and feel (Samsung?) doesn't mean that the overall quality is the same.
3) Do those Windows PC laptops (I think you mean Samsung) have such a high resolution screen? SSD? So Thin? A rather light package in a 15-inch body?
Oh my god.. I wasted a few minutes of my life to reply to you...
Hmm.. Overpriced?? I think I got what I payed for.. I DJ with my MBP with Traktor and Ableton Live and well it just works... I connect my soundcard and controllers and open my MacBook in the DJ booth and everthing works... Tried it with a Windows machine but I could not rely on it enough.
So... I payed for the functionality and I think it is worth every euro I spend on it!
Maybe if you use your computer just for emailing, internet and office stuff ... well 299 euro for a simple windows laptop will be just fine.
It's all about what you want to do with it and what it's worth for your situation.
So... I payed for the functionality and I think it is worth every euro I spend on it!
Maybe if you use your computer just for emailing, internet and office stuff ... well 299 euro for a simple windows laptop will be just fine.
It's all about what you want to do with it and what it's worth for your situation.