Apple is not overpriced

[Alameda]

Apple computers used to be hideously overpriced, but now I think they charge a reasonable premium for what they offer. You expect to pay more for a sleek, aluminum computer with local in-store support, versus a plastic laptop with mail-in support. Apple offers great value in laptops.

The biggest change is that technology has simply gotten cheaper, so most consumers can easily shell out 40% to 50% more without blinking. Compounding this, performance has gotten so insane, and Intel's marketing so confusing, that consumers can't sort out or care whether one CPU is faster than another.

That said, I would really like to see Apple revamp their desktop strategy. I love the Mac Mini, but it's slower and more expensive because it's based on laptop technology. I would really like to see Apple re-release the Macintosh IIcx, with its three add-in slots and easy assembly/disassembly. I'm not a fan of buying all-in-one computers like the iMacs. My computer displays always outlive the computers.

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

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.

The problem is that you presented your cost analysis as an apples-to-apples comparison. Now you are saying that you excluded certain things because they aren't important to you. Well then that's not a fair comparison because it includes your personal bias.

Whether or not you will actually use the features, feature-for-feature Apple's products are less expensive than name brand PCs that contain all of the same features. Once you add to the PCs what the Macs have, the price difference quickly evaporates. Again, you have to compare like models, not take something that is "acceptable" to you and compare it to a MacBook Pro. If that were the only standard, I should hold up my business partner's 10 lb Dell brick and call it superior to the MacBook Pro in terms of cost.

 

[mzjin]

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.

You think you overpaid but have you tried finding a competitive alternative? There ARE none. None have the combination of acceptable screens, touchpads, battery lives, performance etc.

 

[AZREOSpecialist]

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.

Yes, you are correct. I apologize for my error, I misread Apple's specifications page.

 

[calderone]

Thanks for taking the time to click on this thread and go through the effort to make your contribution.

And thank you, for taking the time to create a thread on a meaningless topic. The world is truly better off now that you have brought up this deep and troubling issue.

 

[naeS1Sean]

I don't think there overpriced either. You get what you pay for!