Apple prices now twice that of comparable PC systems
by Stevie Smith - Aug 8 2008, 08:04
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Adding Wi-Fi to Dell's package would totally be an optional extra at the purchase stage, and certainly wouldn't take the total price anywhere near that of Apple's hardware.
The Dell offer would still be superior with Wi-Fi added -- and probably other upgrades.
I personally think when you factor in Apple's clear edge in hardware quality and equally clear edge in hardware design, software ease of usability, and virtually no malware threat, which attributes to usability and design as well, I think the price difference is more equalized. Factor in that the $700 Dell is going to need a $100+ per year anti-malware package and you are going to have to deal with Vista, which I am sorry, even Microsoft is quietly apologizing for it's blunder, again I say Apple has a clear edge here. It's about more than merely aesthetics and logos or bragging rights. It's also about the ability to not want to put your foot through the screen every time you use the equipment. Once you know, you use Apple and you never want to go back, unless maybe you are a hard core gamer. I have been saying for a long time though that Apple is the PC for most of the computer users out there, if they know it or not. I hate that price has to be a factor for these people, but if they really sat down and thought it through, it would be worth spending a few extra dollars up front for a product you can actually use with a minimum of frustration and hassles. Consider a MacMini. $599, a cheap USB keyboard and mouse and throw in an LCD and you've got a Mac for under $1000.
I have to agree with uri here. Yes, Apple's cost more, but a lot of people aren't that technically savy to deal with PCs-my parents are a good example. If they didn't have a Mac, I don't think they would even use the Internet. Another thing to point out is Apples have a longer shelf life. I had a Dell that after only three years was so infected with bad stuff-malware etc., I had to buy a new one,and pay $100 for their spyware removal support. Consumer Reports just wrote about this: 'Consumer Reports estimates that American consumers have replaced about 2.1 million computers over the past two years because of online threats.' My parents are still using the same Mac they bought at the time I got my first Dell. Used Macs will also sell on eBay and Craigslist for a lot more than a comparable used PC. Love em or hate em, you do get what you pay for.
Why the fudge would anyone want a mac? I thought the whole metrosexual/queereyeguy stuff was over and done with? you can buy a cheaper and more powerful x86/x64 machine with Linux, and you can get support. you can include the M$ tax, and it still will be 1/2 the price of the mac. you want style? how about your own style, not what Jobs tells you is cool. there are hundreds of quality cases (minus the 1984 style of the apple core) . If the core is important, buy a sticker. Almost every application is web integrated or will be in the next couple of years(platform independent). The way Canonical is putting out new distros of Ubuntu Linux every 6 months, it wont be long until it is on par or better than crapple or M$. it already supports more hardware than Apple, including the apple hardware! Open Source is the future. you thing apple has a sexy interface, or vista's glossy crap is decent? well there have been projects on linux for years (such as Beryl) that make leopard and vista look like windows 98. Owning a mac is like own a members only jacket. The bloat of OSX is getting to the same point as Windows. the age of running a mac a few generations old is coming to an end. 'Woz' would never let apple rip you off like jobs has. Apple should release a smug powered Hybrid, they would make a killing off their gullible base.
technology critics forget to consider that after you take the Mac out of the box and plug it in, you basically have to start work. With a PC its usually a few hours or days later before you actually are able to work. now how much is that worth?
My macbook pro has been functioning and performing without error for two years now, my dad is currently looking at upgrading his windows machine.
I'd say thats worth a few more bucks than the 6 or 700 you are questioning here.
I'm not a techie, a geek or a nerd. Just a regular person. I need--really need-- my computer to work. I get frustrated easily. Oh, and I'm an old lady and I don't have the slightest interest in being cool, fashionable or showing off. It's always interesting to see comments from hard-core computer people who think consumers ought to be building and servicing their own systems. I have no knowledge or interest in doing that, any more than I want to rebuild my car engine or even change the oil. I switched to Mac after a few friends and people I respect said if I did, I'd be really happy. And I am! I'm on my 3rd Mac in 12 years. No crying or pain. No having to know computer stuff --commands, etc. No 'housekeeping.' I don't have spyware, malware and viruses. No freezes. No crashes. Apple makes both hardware and software, so they support the whole shooting match. I just moved to Leopard and it is a delight. Apple has my loyalty because it deserves my loyalty, not because I give a fig for what someone in Starbucks might think. I've never put a sticker on anything. Oh, and price? Well,iWorks is $79. Microsoft Office is nearly $400, for a start. And I don't see the 'bloat' on my new MacBook. Maybe a few extra languages and fonts. But certainly nothing like a new PC full of trial garbage.
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EmilyAug 8th, 2008 - 14:10:04
Does the Inspiron notebook have WiFi? It's not listed, and if not, this comparison is practically useless. The majority of laptop users today rely heavily on wireless connection for their internet access.
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