iphone 4s v base spec 2011 Mac Mini almost same cost

[xxmarkc]

£499 for an unlocked iphone 4s, £520 for the Mac mini entry model - at least in the UK.

Which one represents better bang for buck?

I have not made a decision about the iphone 4s. Currently have an android phone, and made a decision a while ago I would eventually switch but I am happy to wait for the right moment - and not sure which model I would want anyway.

An iphone is all said and done a phone. Its primary use is to make calls, secondary use is other forms of communication e.g. texts, email. Third use a connection to the web whilst away from your desk. Everything else is pretty much fluff.

A Mac Mini is pretty decent computer. Granted without a keyboard or screen.

Is it rational for the two very different bits of kit to be the same price?
For me it is a no brainer the Mac Mini has far more intrinsic value.

Does the cost in anyway bear any relation to how much is actually costs to build an iphone or a Mac Mini?

Or is pricing just dictated by what the market will bear?

I think the latter.

 

[barebackbadger8]

no offence mate but an absolutely stupid comparison!
you can buy a car for £500!
so whats better a car or an iPhone?

the mac mini is only about £20 dearer than an iPad aswell

the iPhone is a phone,
the mac mini is a computer,
the iPad is a tablet computer,
a ford fiesta is a car,
a mars bar is a chocolate...... etc

i know that for the money a mac mini is probably better value, but i need a phone!

 

[xxmarkc]

slightly unfair. Any car you buy for £500 is going to be well past its sell by date!

Having said that my first car cost £50 in in 1978 ish a Blue Triumph Herald.

I am comparing brand new with brand new.

Your are right the ipad is also essentially the same cost.

I can't believe in a coincidence that say all these 3 when you add cost of research+development+manufacturing+marketing all come up at nearly the same.

I think Apple must work back from what they think they can sell a product for in the market and then work out how to minimise the actual cost of each item to maximise profit.

 

[mikethebigo]

I think Apple must work back from what they think they can sell a product for in the market and then work out how to minimise the actual cost of each item to maximise profit.

Apple's CEO is Tim Cook. Get used to it.