Just ordered a Mac Mini and have a couple questions

[stateofmind]

The specs on the 599$ model are lower than PC's running at $550 so I pose this question.

Is the price higher because OSX takes up less resources so 1gb ram is favorable to 1.5-2gb on a windows machine.

OR

am I paying a premium because it is a Mac?

 

[MAW]

both.

 

[gkarris]

Minis are made from laptop parts. Laptop parts cost more than desktop ones.

Compared to the REAL PC "nano" computers, Minis are pretty cheap:

http://www.enanocomputers.com/products/desktops/index.aspx

 

[MrT8064]

Apple makes its smallest computer profit margins on Minis, so technically, its best value.

...me and a friend have lengthy arguments about which is better value Mac or PC, it usually ends in me saying that the mac comes with better software so you don't need to go and spend a fortune on it, and him saying 'i don't care, i can steal it off the internet anyway' and me feeling annoyed!

/Rant (ok that wasn't really a rant, i just always wanted to write /rant)

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

Along with the use of costlier notebook components, don't forget the Mini offers Firewire 400, which most computers in that price range don't.

Because of Apple OSX and iLife, that Mini compes equiped as a "content creation" machine, which similarly spec'd and priced PC's won't be. To get the functionality of iMovie, iDVD, iPhoto, Garage Band etc., you'd have to add a couple of hundred dollars to your PC price tag for software.

Dunno how valuable those features are to you, but the Mini is definitely a good value for the functionality you get. Plus, the Mini will retain it's value for longer than a comparably spec'd PC. It's win win with Macs

The specs on the 599$ model are lower than PC's running at $550 so I pose this question.

Is the price higher because OSX takes up less resources so 1gb ram is favorable to 1.5-2gb on a windows machine.

OR

am I paying a premium because it is a Mac?