Why is a 17" MBP more expensive than an iMac 27"

[covertsurfer]

Can someone explain why a larger screen, greater HDD capacity, higher resolution from an iMac is cheaper than a MBP?

Is it because it takes more to cram it into a laptop?

I don't get it, is it just because they are charging for the experience of taking your PC with you so its available on the go?

 

[Umbongo]

Is it because it takes more to cram it into a laptop?

Yes. Notebooks are always more than desktops due to engineering issues. Although the iMac is different in that it is an all-in-one system, it's not on the same level as a notebook

 

[wordoflife]

^^ He's right.

The only thing that confuses me is, well, Apple has to cram quite a bit into their iMacs too. Its not like a PC box where there is plenty of space. With that being said, Apple has to use some laptop components to get it to fit in the iMac.

 

[covertsurfer]

It is confusing.

As you say the iMac is very thin and laptop-like so they still need engineering processes to cram it all in.

 

[covertsurfer]

From online live chat at apple.com/uk

The MacBook Pros are made of precision aluminum and made of course for the best in portability. That may be one of the reaons they are higher than the desktops.

 

[BornAgainMac]

The 17' MBP makes sense for people that believe that having 1 computer is all they need. It is a general purpose design. Cheaper than purchasing an 27 inch iMac and a Macbook Air combination.

 

[Vantage Point]

Also consider that Apple Care for a MBP (15" & 17") costs 2x the price of an iMac and about $100 more than a MacPro

 

[covertsurfer]

Why is that. Because they think they will get more people using it as they have dropped their laptops?

All in all a 17"MBP with Applecare and upgraded RAM even 3rd party is blooming expensive

 

[OllyW]

Why is that.

Because laptops are much more unreliable.

 

[covertsurfer]

Why?

 

[eawmp1]

Why?

Really???

You've been a member since 2007 and can't grasp the differences in engineering a desktop with laptop parts and a true laptop?
Compare volume, the MacBook Pro is what, 1/2 the volume of a similar iMac. Costs alot to miniturize, and allow for heat issues, vibration/shock issues. Have to hinge the screen. Etc.

Compare the iPhone specs/size versus a MacBook Pro. Why doesn't the iPhone cost $19.99 plus shipping and handling?

 

[covertsurfer]

Take a deep breath

Exhale

Count to 10

Have a great day!

 

[Bhupesh]

Really???

Compare volume, the MacBook Pro is what, 1/2 the volume of a similar iMac. Costs alot to miniturize, and allow for heat issues, vibration/shock issues

Then what you have to say about mac mini. Why is it so cheap. Isn't good engineering required to miniturize a cpu in a small box?

 

[old-wiz]

Why?

Because laptops get carried around in backpacks and are more prone to being bumped or dropped or exposed to rain and dust.

Very few people have iMacs in their house and have it rain in there.
an iMac sitting on a desktop is unlikely to be dropped over the normal course of use.

 

[brendu]

Then what you have to say about mac mini. Why is it so cheap. Isn't good engineering required to miniturize a cpu in a small box?

Nice recovery of a two year old thread...

To your question, the Mac mini has about half the components of a MacBook. That is why it's cheaper.