Still, Z420 is a very different machine. Unlike nMP, Z420 is a universal computer which can be expanded in many ways. Sure, nMP may provide enough for many users but that's not my point. My point is that to produce a universal workstation HP had to use a bigger chassis (cost), more ports (cost), bigger power supply (600W) to accommodate various graphic cards etc. And it comes with 3 year warranty (which include on site service). AppleCare costs extra ($250) and no on-site service.
That is the most delusional thing I have ever heard. Do you have any idea how insanely expensive it is to miniaturize a computer to 1/12th it's previous size and create an enclosure using titanium?
The additional crappy steel, dollar store power supply and dollar store ports, cost $10 per computer, including R&D for HP.
The miniaturization of the Mac Pro cost $150,000,000, and it easily adds hundreds to the cost of each unit over the first year.
As for the warranty I don't think you understand what HP means by "on site support".
Here is what will happen:
- You call up HP and tell them your video card has an intermittent issue and needs to be replaced, they will spend 4 hours on the phone asking you to turn the machine on and off and telling you that they detect no issue.
- They tell you that they will send a technician out so you can show them the issue, in 3 days.
- The technician comes, he's as motivated as a cable guy and constantly complains about being sent on site. You have to walk him through the issue personally and tell him how to fix your computer. He decides to replace the motherboard, even though it's clearly a video card issue, the parts will take 7 days to arrive, and wasted 2 hours of your time.
- Motherboard installed, realizes video card needs replacing. 2 hours on the phone and 2 days to get an on site tech back.
- 7 more days for the parts to arrive, and 3 more hours of wasted time while you walk him through how to fix the issue.
That's 17 days of wasted productivity and 11 hours of wasted time, and very unprofessional.
Here's what happens with Apple:
- I walk across the street, give them my broken computer, and pick up a loaner (2 week return policy). If they can't fix it there they air mail it to where they can and guarantee it fixed in 7 days.
That's 20 minutes of wasted productivity, and 20 minutes of wasted time.
I would pay $2000 to HP if they offered this kind of warranty on my $6,000 workstation, but Apple only charges $249.
In any case the Mac Pro is very aggressively priced. Anyone trying to argue otherwise has no idea what they are talking about. Apple basically designed the product to be an extremely attractive value. I've done the math and it's even competitive with building an equivalent desktop yourself.
