Macbook Pro is not overpriced. Here is why.

[Thornblom]

A Macintosh computer has always (since Intel days) been more expensive then a PC with the equivalent hardware. That is fact, and I will not argue about that.
However, lately this community has been ranting more then ever about the pricing of the MacBook Pro models. This is, in my opinion, unfair.
The price difference between a Macbook Pro and an equivalent PC is in fact less then it used to be, what you really should be ranting about is the pricing of pro level machines in general.

Let me show you some examples.

This is the base 15 inch model of the MacBook Pro:

Lets take a look at the PC equivalent that satisfies me in every aspect like a Macbook Pro does, except for MacOS.
Lenovo X1:

This Lenovo PC has the same CPU, same amount of DDR4 RAM, a sweet high res screen and an excellent all aluminium, slim build.
The SSD is not quite as good as the one in the MacBook Pro and it does not run MacOS. Is it worth savings of 200 bucks? Not to me. 200 bucks difference is less then 10% of the total price of the machine. That is NOT a higher Apple tax then 10 years ago.

Now, lets take a look at what many of you guys see as another equivalent PC.
Dell XPS 15:

Now we can see that the price point drops. The CPU, RAM and display is all the equivalent of what you get in the Macbook Pro 15 inch base model. The same drawbacks is present as with the Lenovo X1: Not quite as good SSD and not running MacOS. However, this machine has some serious drawbacks, which makes it cheap.
See, many colleagues of mine is using this exact machine. The build quality is nowhere near the build of a Macbook Pro or a Lenovo X1. It's basically a pro machine in a plastic piece of garbage chassis. The coilwine issues is more common then uncommon, and the keyboard is even worse then the one in the Macbook Pro's (this is kind of personal, so don't rant about this statement). The build quality and overall feel is just not there. For me, this is not an alternative to the Macbook Pro or the Lenovo X1. These machines is just in another league.

The point is of this thread is, the Macbook Pro (specifically 15 inch base), is not overpriced compared to the equivalent PC computer. If you guys can accept the drawbacks of an XPS like computer, sure, that would probably be a good deal for you. But that computer is not equivalent, so stating that the Macbook Pro is overpriced is not a true statement.

The whole pro level entry market has gone really expensive, that is the real issue.

 

[Kraizelburg]

Well, I'm not against apple but you haven't mentioned that Lenovo's graphic card is way better than any mac at the moment apart from Vega, also worth noting that both XPS and Lenovo are upgradeable.

 

[Phil A.]

Here in the UK, the difference seems more marked: I've just had a look on Lenovo's site and you can get an X1 Gen2 with the hi res screen, 512GB SSD (the smallest they do) and 16GB Ram for £2090.65
The i7 15" MBP with 512GB SSD and 16GB Ram is £2579 so nearly 25% more

Where Apple really up the prices though IMO is with upgrades. For example, an i9 (2.3Ghz) with 4TB storage and 32GB ram is £4,419 whereas the same spec on the Lenovo is £3,310.23 so over 33% more for the MBP

 

[Kraizelburg]

Here in the UK, the difference seems more marked: I've just had a look on Lenovo's site and you can get an X1 Gen2 with the hi res screen, 512GB SSD (the smallest they do) and 16GB Ram for £2090.65
The i7 15" MBP with 512GB SSD and 16GB Ram is £2579 so nearly 25% more

Where Apple really up the prices though IMO is with upgrades. For example, an i9 (2.3Ghz) with 4TB storage and 32GB ram is £4,419 whereas the same spec on the Lenovo is £3,310.23 so over 33% more for the MBP

I agree, here in Europe sites have to show full price including taxes whereas in US tax are added at the end.
VAT here is usually 21%

 

[mufflon]

The only aspect where Apple is truly expensive is the $/GB - memory as well as disk. I don't really mind/notice anything else.

 

[Ma2k5]

XPS 15 is not a plastic garbage mess, you don't know what you are talking about at all. Did you just complain about an XPS 15 keyboard, in light of the issue with MacBook keyboards? How can anyone take you seriously.

Back in 2018, I was able to save £1,000 on an equally spec'd MBP and XPS 15 (you can easily get 10% off listed Dell prices, while you can only do that on a Mac as a student).

MacBook's literally are selling due to MacOS.

 

[Queen6]

XPS 15 is not a plastic garbage mess, you don't know what you are talking about at all. Did you just complain about an XPS 15 keyboard, in light of the issue with MacBook keyboards? How can anyone take you seriously.

Back in 2018, I was able to save £1,000 on an equally spec'd MBP and XPS 15 (you can easily get 10% off listed Dell prices, while you can only do that on a Mac as a student).

MacBook's literally are selling due to MacOS.

Exactly as realistically there's no other alternative for the majority of Mac users...

Q-6

 

[Thornblom]

You guys are making legit points here. Apple has always been expensive in terms of upgrades, the real bummer is that we can't upgrade them our-self anymore. However, MOST consumers won't do that to a Lenovo or an XPS anyway. But then, most consumers won't write on this forum either.
Comparing the base spec 15 inch model (which is good enough for me, and I guess for a lot of you) with what in my opinion is a equivalent PC shows a price difference which isn't any difference then 10 years ago. I just wanted to make a point that everything in the Macbook Pro segment has become more expensive, not just the Macs.

XPS 15 is not a plastic garbage mess, you don't know what you are talking about at all. Did you just complain about an XPS 15 keyboard, in light of the issue with MacBook keyboards? How can anyone take you seriously.

I'm sorry I made you upset. But it is very obvious that the lack of build quality is a big reason the Dell XPS computers is lower priced then the Lenovo X1 and the MacBook Pro. I've tried to use a XPS 15 for work (I'm a programmer), but I can't stand it. It just feels cheap man. The keyboard is mushy and unpleasant to use 8 hours a day. In my opinion, the MacBook keyboards is the best ones available in terms of usage, it's a bummer that it is failure prone tho. The materials used (plastic and some kind of carbon-ish mat?) doesn't please me at all.
I accept your opinion as I know everybody has different taste, and I hope you accept mine as well.

 

[Thornblom]

One thing I forgot to mention is the touch pad. The MacBook Pro touch pad is light years better then its competitors. This is something that is worth pretty much if you use it 8 hours a day.

 

[Shaggymax]

Lenovo is almost always pushing generous coupons, in some cases 45% Off.
[automerge]1568894297[/automerge]

One thing I forgot to mention is the touch pad. The MacBook Pro touch pad is light years better then its competitors. This is something that is worth pretty much if you use it 8 hours a day.

100% Agree, also Use Magic Trackpad on iMac and nothing comes close....light years ahead!

 

[Ma2k5]

You guys are making legit points here. Apple has always been expensive in terms of upgrades, the real bummer is that we can't upgrade them our-self anymore. However, MOST consumers won't do that to a Lenovo or an XPS anyway. But then, most consumers won't write on this forum either.
Comparing the base spec 15 inch model (which is good enough for me, and I guess for a lot of you) with what in my opinion is a equivalent PC shows a price difference which isn't any difference then 10 years ago. I just wanted to make a point that everything in the Macbook Pro segment has become more expensive, not just the Macs.



I'm sorry I made you upset. But it is very obvious that the lack of build quality is a big reason the Dell XPS computers is lower priced then the Lenovo X1 and the MacBook Pro. I've tried to use a XPS 15 for work (I'm a programmer), but I can't stand it. It just feels cheap man. The keyboard is mushy and unpleasant to use 8 hours a day. In my opinion, the MacBook keyboards is the best ones available in terms of usage, it's a bummer that it is failure prone tho. The materials used (plastic and some kind of carbon-ish mat?) doesn't please me at all.
I accept your opinion as I know everybody has different taste, and I hope you accept mine as well.

It appears XPS 15 pricing has made you upset so. you started accusing it of things that are just factually false.

No laptop is perfect, not the XPS 15 any more than the MacBook Pro. I am also a programmer so I am struggling to understand how you enjoy coding on the MacBook without an external keyboard.

Ignoring the fact that it fails, it still isn't a great keyboard to use.

I personally own MacBooks and XPS devices and both have their pros and cons.

 

[TechRunner]

I would never buy a "pro" machine with Windows 10 Home Edition installed, so if you add the cost of the upgrade (it varies by machine/current sale) it actually brings the price of the X1 Extreme closer to the base MacBook Pro you have listed...

 

[Queen6]

I would never buy a "pro" machine with Windows 10 Home Edition installed, so if you add the cost of the upgrade (it varies by machine/current sale) it actually brings the price of the X1 Extreme closer to the base MacBook Pro you have listed...

I would definitely pick up a system with the Home Edition, then purchase an OEM license for W10 Pro online for a fraction of the price

Q-6

 

[TechRunner]

I would definitely pick up a system with the Home Edition, then purchase an OEM license for W10 Pro online for a fraction of the price

Q-6

That's a good option, but I've also seen the ability to upgrade at time of purchase cost as little as $49...unless you've found it even cheaper, which would then make it a real bargain!

 

[raqball]

One thing I forgot to mention is the touch pad. The MacBook Pro touch pad is light years better then its competitors. This is something that is worth pretty much if you use it 8 hours a day.

In my opinion NO... Is it better than many of the bargain Windows machines? No doubt! Is it better than the Microsoft Precision touch pads? Nah.... The Surface Laptop, Surface Book, Lenovo X1's, higher end Dell's ect all have very good track pads and are about on par with the MBP.

Where many price comparable Win machines demolish the MBP is on keyboard and screen resolution along with touch (if that matters to you) and convertibles (if that matters to you)

MBP excels on battery life and SSD speed. Nothing else.. They are getting to the point of being fashion pieces for the Starbucks crowd and not much else.

I sold my 2018 MBP TB dirt cheap a few months ago to get rid of it. Done with them for now but I do miss and dig macOS. Win 10 is not bad but I prefer macOS...

My .02

 

[Queen6]

That's a good option, but I've also seen the ability to upgrade at time of purchase cost as little as $49...unless you've found it even cheaper, which would then make it a real bargain!

Seen OEM W10 Pro keys for as little as $10, last time I bought a key think it was around $20 and that was a good few years back. I don't belive it's within the rules to post direct links however if you watch Andrew Marc David on YouTube he offers some decent reviews and one of his sponsors provides discounted OEM SW keys which are often linked with additional discount.

Note: I have no personal affiliation to Andrew Marc David or linked offers, they just present good value. I've always bought OEM keys, especially for MS Office as the saving are significant and never had any issue. Just do a little research to check the source is legit and your good to go.

Q-6

 

[azpekt]

Yeah, but:
1) you can get Thinkpads with up to 30% discounts (I got my X1C6 top tier not for 2500$ but for 1600$);
2) you can upgrade SSD, RAM, repaste your CPU. Good luck doing that on current MacBooks;
3) you can rely on Thinkpad keyboard to last a while. Current MBP are weelll knoown fo keeeybrd problms

 

[mmomega]

Nothing is overpriced if the purchaser values it.

I don't care what another person spends their money on. It isn't mine nor does it have an affect on me. I have way more things to put energy in to than telling someone else their purchase was wrong for them.

I also have way too many relatives that believe it is their duty to complain about what I purchase myself.

Strangest thing ever.

 

[redheeler]

The CPU, RAM and display is all the equivalent of what you get in the Macbook Pro 15 inch base model.

Not really; one has a 3840x2160 16:9 display, while the other has a 2880x1800 16:10 display. I prefer the 16:10 aspect ratio but the MacBook Pro's display is falling behind otherwise.

 

[ReanimationLP]

XPS15 is made of carbon fiber and aluminum?

Also the keyboard works, so there's that.

You're also overlooking that the GTX1650 stomps all over the Radeon card.

I'd consider a MBP again if they went back to a better keyboard and nVidia.

 

[TechRunner]

Seen OEM W10 Pro keys for as little as $10, last time I bought a key think it was around $20 and that was a good few years back. I don't belive it's within the rules to post direct links however if you watch Andrew Marc David on YouTube he offers some decent reviews and one of his sponsors provides discounted OEM SW keys which are often linked with additional discount.

Note: I have no personal affiliation to Andrew Marc David or linked offers, they just present good value. I've always bought OEM keys, especially for MS Office as the saving are significant and never had any issue. Just do a little research to check the source is legit and your good to go.

Q-6

Thanks for the advice. That's amazing pricing...I will definitely check this guy out!

 

[Thornblom]

Ok guys, I didn't know about all those coupons and stuff. If for example the Lenovo is priced differently in reality compared to what I saw on their site, then this becomes another deal.

I'm a guy who really values build quality and feel, and I'm willing to pay for that. I understand that other people have different priorities. In my opinion the MBP build and finish of the unibody chassis is superior, but I guess that is personal as well.

Nothing is overpriced if the purchaser values it.

I don't care what another person spends their money on. It isn't mine nor does it have an affect on me. I have way more things to put energy in to than telling someone else their purchase was wrong for them.

I also have way too many relatives that believe it is their duty to complain about what I purchase myself.

Strangest thing ever.

I totaly agree, I just thought that the MacBook Pro has got a little bit to much hate lately.

XPS15 is made of carbon fiber and aluminum?

You are probably right, but it really doesn't change anything for me as I have tried to use one and don't like it at all. The Lenovo on the other hand, I do really like.

Thanks for the advice. That's amazing pricing...I will definitely check this guy out!

I actually bought a Windows 10 key on G2A for my gaming rig a week ago, 15 bucks, works like a charm.

 

[grmlin]

There is a difference to the MacBooks of the past though: these were special and worth the price. There was no real competition on the windows side of things.

These days? They are not that special anymore, beside the fact that they run MacOS of course, and the much better trackpad. I personally don't care too much about the price for the machine I work with. I do care for a bad tier keyboard, terrible thermals and non-optional gimmicks like the touchbar though.

 

[MacGizmo]

Build quality is a matter of opinion. Value (as it relates to the total price of a product) is a matter of opinion. The need for "more powerful (insert widget name here)" is a matter of opinion.

I fail to see even a loose point in talking about this because nobody is going to convince anyone to switch their opinion based on anything they say or show here.

People choose to use or not use a computer based on personal opinions, taste, and use history. Price is of little to no consequence once a personal choice is made. In other words, you may choose to use product A based on price alone... but once you decide you really like product A, product B can come along and be even cheaper—but you aren't likely to switch to product B because your opinion of product A is already set in stone.

 

[ZeuSGoKiL]

Build quality is a matter of opinion. Value (as it relates to the total price of a product) is a matter of opinion. The need for "more powerful (insert widget name here)" is a matter of opinion.

I fail to see even a loose point in talking about this because nobody is going to convince anyone to switch their opinion based on anything they say or show here.

People choose to use or not use a computer based on personal opinions, taste, and use history. Price is of little to no consequence once a personal choice is made. In other words, you may choose to use product A based on price alone... but once you decide you really like product A, product B can come along and be even cheaper—but you aren't likely to switch to product B because your opinion of product A is already set in stone.

So bottom line it goes back to one preference.
No offence on windows machine though Windows 10 getting better and less freezingI mean frequent BOD but in my working machine of Windows 10 still have Blue Screen of Death when it really want to acting up.

Not to say that Mac OS never crash but in my 10 years of using it not even once that I am force to rebuild my machine and it is what it is.