Why Should the MacBook be more expensive than Windows Laptops?

[SXR]

as much as I use to be a hard core PC user, I have to admit that Apple has their stuff down pat. I've been using their Mac OS since August and I've had not one issue when it comes to OS stability.

I love the fact that when I install new hardware like a printer, a mouse or even a Bluetooth device, the Mac OS doesn't flinch. unlike Winhoze that brings up the whole "found new hardware" bs screen which then sometimes installs the device on its own, and sometimes it doesn't. my Mac OS does what it needs to do (in the back ground) without bothering me.

^ that's the main reason why I like my Macs so much. of course looks comes in second place along with Apple's great reputation. too bad Billy Gates can't say the same thing about his stuff. lol

Im totally with you there.
lol - vista cost 5 B? Why? People are now advising microsoft to run away from vista.

 

[kylep6190]

Those of you that say it is for the "quality" and "looks" are jsut stupid. You can get a comparably specced sony vaio which is a high quality product and looks great, and is only .4" thicker and .7 lbs heavier. You are paying for the OS. And in my opinion, the OS does not make a $300 difference.

 

[SXR]

Those of you that say it is for the "quality" and "looks" are jsut stupid. You can get a comparably specced sony vaio which is a high quality product and looks great, and is only .4" thicker and .7 lbs heavier. You are paying for the OS. And in my opinion, the OS does not make a $300 difference.

I think the OS is very much ahead of windows.

 

[Bern]

Actually, I am quite surprised to see that kind of mistake (expansive instead of expensive) made by a non-native English speaker. "Cheap" vs. "Expensive" would be among the words that a beginner learns within the first one or two years of learning English, but "Expansive" definitely isn't. On the other hand, for example "expansiv" is a German word of Latin origin that is very close in meaning to the English "expansive". Very unlikely to get this particular word wrong.

And yet my Gran Mama use to always say "duff" instead of "dough" because she said "when you eat to much bread you had enough (as in enuff") so therefore that it how the word is pronounced" She was very insistent of that and would not listen to "english speaking" reason.

English isn't always the first language for a lot of other countries in this big world of ours

 

[JimmyDThing]

What kind of a question is that? It's more expensive because it's just better... integrated system, an OS that works consistently, and incredible support for software AND hardware. You pay for what you get, and that's all there is to it.

Same reason why a Big Mac is cheaper than Filet Mignon.

 

[Pressure]

Mac's aren't using the Santa Rosa platform either... Not using the Intel Wireless chipset.

You are right in the sense that Apple is not using the entire package that make the Centrino Pro platform.

Perhaps people should say Crestline and Core 2 Duo with an 200Mhz Quad Pumped Front Side Bus instead to indicate they are only using some parts of the marketing named Centrino Pro platform.

 

[saltyzoo]

I don't think they are more expansive at all.

Quite the contrary. Windows laptops have a lot more USB devices available to them and most have PCMCIA ports as well. Clearly more expansive.










/satire

 

[Schtumple]

I don't think they are more expansive at all.

Quite the contrary. Windows laptops have a lot more USB devices available to them and most have PCMCIA ports as well. Clearly more expansive.

/satire

Agreed

I do think bottom barrel macbooks are very expensive for their feature set (or lack of) though...

 

[smooth]

A UK Dell XPS M1330 is actually cheaper than a MacBook.
A Dell XPS M1330 with a 2.2, CCFL screen, 160,2GB 8400GS graphics card,HDMI port and express card slot costs £869. The MB with the same specs but without some of the features of the Dell XPS M1330 costs £969.
You can also get a better deal if you call into order a laptop with Dell. They also do students discounts as well. The entry model MB also does not have a DVD drive but the entry model XPS M1330 does.QUOTE]

I just priced out an XPS 1330 that would, specs-speaking, match my Blackbook: 2.2Ghz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD and it came out to only $100 less to the base price of my Blackbook, and the prices were the same with my education discount. I could be wrong, but I did not see any education discounts for Dell. Also, there was no entertainment software included that I could tell.

Factor in an upgrade to the virus protection, $25 more for a red or white one and any upgrade to the battery (I do not know how the base Dell battery stacks to the Macbook's) and the price will exceed the Blackbook's price.

I do agree that we pay more for Apple because it's Apple and there is never a true comparison with other models, but I thought I'd throw this out there...

 

[tMac85]

guys,.... its the same as saying why is a BMW more than a Honda...

you get what you pay for!

 

[PDE]

We pay more because, generally speaking, the user experience on a mac is way ahead of windows any version. We pay so that we don't have to deal with all the glitches and stupidity many PC owners deal with daily. And we pay for the design and support. I don't think macbooks/pros are better quality than other PC laptops, but I do think that Apple provides better support than most PC manufacturers when something is wrong - and customers surveys seem to show that as well.

So, to sum up:

we pay in order to have less trouble and more enjoyment with our computers. Is it worth it? I certainly think it is, but I understand that those who have not used macs may not understand why they should pay more for what appears to be the same or less than the competition. Macs are more than the sum of their parts.

 

[Roba]

Dell's student discount is like about 12% of.
Check here for more information.
http://www.delluniversity.com/
I have also read that they also sometimes deal directly with college campuses.
You can also pretty much get that deal if you call up and tell them that you are a student.
Like i wrote in my first post people often get much better deals by ringing in and placing an order with them.

The media software is there. Vista Home Premium and Vista Ultimate come in built with media software. Also Dell Media direct comes pre installed on these notebooks as well. My computer also came with Roxio software but i don't use it. I just use Windows software to burn DVD's if i ever need to.

does not have a DVD drive but the entry model XPS M1330 does.QUOTE]

I just priced out an XPS 1330 that would, specs-speaking, match my Blackbook: 2.2Ghz, 2GB RAM, 160GB HD and it came out to only $100 less to the base price of my Blackbook, and the prices were the same with my education discount. I could be wrong, but I did not see any education discounts for Dell. Also, there was no entertainment software included that I could tell.

Factor in an upgrade to the virus protection, $25 more for a red or white one and any upgrade to the battery (I do not know how the base Dell battery stacks to the Macbook's) and the price will exceed the Blackbook's price.

I do agree that we pay more for Apple because it's Apple and there is never a true comparison with other models, but I thought I'd throw this out there...

 

[Jim82]

Apple products, especially their laptops hold their value. It's the Lexus of computers!

 

[skyrider007]

What kind of a question is that? It's more expensive because it's just better... integrated system, an OS that works consistently, and incredible support for software AND hardware. You pay for what you get, and that's all there is to it.

Same reason why a Big Mac is cheaper than Filet Mignon.

mmmm i love filet mignon!!! well i love my MBP as well

 

[JimmyDThing]

mmmm i love filet mignon!!! well i love my MBP as well

ahhahah.. me too... but, personally, I'm partial to Prime Rib!

I'm hungry...

 

[noodle654]

Easy to answer:

Windows PC: Piece of *****
Mac: Well crafted and just overall better

 

[SXR]

Easy to answer:

Windows PC: Piece of *****
Mac: Well crafted and just overall better

Done. Agreed. Totally. They are not very very bad, but MAc's are better yep.

 

[smooth]

My biggest complaint about PCs are quickly their performance starts to deteriorate. For as little as my wife and I used our desktop, it shouldn't have started running so slowly so quickly. It's been that way with every PC I've owned or used. My work computer, an IBM with only the bare essentials, is a year old and already showing signs of slowing down.

However, an older iBook that I use for my church starts right up and there is no lag time for any applications. The only thing that gives its age away is it's appearance - quite dingy and dirty.

My wife got a Dell the same time I got my MacBook. Both perform beautifully and look slick. All the programs run smoothly and both machines seem lightning fast. I am very curious to see how they perform next to each other 2 years from now. I have a feeling one of them is still going to work like new...and it ain't the Dell ;-)

For me, this is why the a few hundred extra bucks is well worth it...

 

[SXR]

My biggest complaint about PCs are quickly their performance starts to deteriorate. For as little as my wife and I used our desktop, it shouldn't have started running so slowly so quickly. It's been that way with every PC I've owned or used. My work computer, an IBM with only the bare essentials, is a year old and already showing signs of slowing down.

However, an older iBook that I use for my church starts right up and there is no lag time for any applications. The only thing that gives its age away is it's appearance - quite dingy and dirty.

My wife got a Dell the same time I got my MacBook. Both perform beautifully and look slick. All the programs run smoothly and both machines seem lightning fast. I am very curious to see how they perform next to each other 2 years from now. I have a feeling one of them is still going to work like new...and it ain't the Dell ;-)

For me, this is why the a few hundred extra bucks is well worth it...

Good point , my PC was also slowing down alot. Reinstalling the damn OS seems to help ( for a short period of time )

I have a question , should I get an iMac or a MacBook? Will an iMac last longer than a MacBook?

 

[smooth]

Good point , my PC was also slowing down alot. Reinstalling the damn OS seems to help ( for a short period of time )

I have a question , should I get an iMac or a MacBook? Will an iMac last longer than a MacBook?

I'm a Mac newbie so I'm sure others will have better answers, but I think the answer will depend on how long you will want to have your computer. If you plan on upgrading again in 5 years or less, I think you're safe with either choice. Longer than that, I would suggest an iMac simply because notebooks are subjected to more wear and tear due to their portability. I've been unintentionally upgrading every 4 years, though I would like to keep my MacBook for at least that long, if not longer...

 

[SXR]

I'm a Mac newbie so I'm sure others will have better answers, but I think the answer will depend on how long you will want to have your computer. If you plan on upgrading again in 5 years or less, I think you're safe with either choice. Longer than that, I would suggest an iMac simply because notebooks are subjected to more wear and tear due to their portability. I've been unintentionally upgrading every 4 years, though I would like to keep my MacBook for at least that long, if not longer...

4 years will be enough , a MacBook will be able to last that long? Im not going to take it anywhere really, just in the house.

 

[GoodWatch]

I'm from Europe, the Netherlands. And actually the Macbook IS cheaper then most 12.1-13.3" notebooks. I've checked alot of online retailers and stores to find a 13.3 notebook with roughly the same specs as a Macbook (basic model) for the same price and I hardly couldnt find one.

Go ahead and try to configure a Dell M1330 with a c2d t7300 2.0ghz processor + windows for example. It will cost way more then a macbook configured with the same processor and roughly the same harddrive, ram.

EUR 1070.91 in black, the Macbook comes with a 80 GB harddrive vs. the Dell's 120 GB plus DVD writer. Way more?

 

[koshper]

Many reasons: The Operating System, the style, the included software and accessories (isisght, etc), some of the other cool features only macs have, the quality.

I chose my MBP mostly for the OS, i love os x.

And you cant compare it to a low end piece of crap dell or something. if you include all the features, software, etc, in a laptop just as good, itll be almost the same price.

Let's be honest here.

The operating system? Nope, not when Apple are prepared to sell it for less than Vista.

The included software? No, again not when you consider the included software costs less than you'd find compared to bundled software on many PCs.

It's the fact that Apple can and will. And lets face it we all bought one so we're proof of this.

I bought mine because - brand, OS, design, functionality. That's why I spent more.

and it's been money well spent because I've had it for 4 days and already I'm starting to love it, not enjoy it but love it, apple products invoke an emotion that you don't get with (most) other brands and that's why they have some of the most loyal customers.

I'm even forgiving the poor viewing angle when i try to show my friends some cool things it can do and the terribly designed touchpad button which only seems to wanna respond towards the right side of it not the left

but I love it.

I may need a transfusion in a minute tho with the amount of blood i'm losing from these cut wrists while i lean on the edges.

but yes, I'm happy I didn't go with a windows laptop.

 

[SXR]

Let's be honest here.

The operating system? Nope, not when Apple are prepared to sell it for less than Vista.

The included software? No, again not when you consider the included software costs less than you'd find compared to bundled software on many PCs.

It's the fact that Apple can and will. And lets face it we all bought one so we're proof of this.

I bought mine because - brand, OS, design, functionality. That's why I spent more.

and it's been money well spent because I've had it for 4 days and already I'm starting to love it, not enjoy it but love it, apple products invoke an emotion that you don't get with (most) other brands and that's why they have some of the most loyal customers.

I'm even forgiving the poor viewing angle when i try to show my friends some cool things it can do and the terribly designed touchpad button which only seems to wanna respond towards the right side of it not the left

but I love it.

I may need a transfusion in a minute tho with the amount of blood i'm losing from these cut wrists while i lean on the edges.

but yes, I'm happy I didn't go with a windows laptop.

ive geared about the edges is it so bad? i cant imagine myself being cut by it.

 

[madmaxmedia]

1. Resale value makes up for a lot of the price difference.

2. The difference is often not as great as it appears to be, if you really spec out machines to be equivalent.

3. Apple actually makes a profit on all its Macs. I don't think those $599 after rebate notebooks you see in the Best Buy ads are making anyone any money (although low rebate redemption % helps).

With all the above, many people willingly choose to pay a certain markup to use a Mac OS X computer over Windows for various reasons- ease of use, productivity, etc. Apple may never have 80-90% of the market like Windows, but Apple is doing great with the solid market share it does have.

I don't include cost of developing the operating system, because honestly none of us have any idea what the R&D costs are at Microsoft or Apple, how the costs is spread out over user base, etc. Suffice to say that the computer makers probably have a small cost advantage because OEM pricing for Windows licenses are relatively small.