Study: Apple computers cost twice as much as PCs
Wed Aug 6, 2008 7:15PM EDT
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Interested in purchasing a shiny new Apple computer? Expect to pay twice as much as you would for a PC, according to NPD Group's vice president of industry analysis Stephen Baker.
According to the blog Apple Watch, the average price for a comparably-equipped Windows PC laptop is $700, down $177 since June of 2006. The average price for an Apple laptop? More than double the PC price at $1,515, down only $59 in the same time frame. The price gap for desktops is even more extreme, with a Mac desktop averaging at $1,543, almost triple the cost of a comparably-equipped Windows PC's at $550. Ouch.
So what gives with Apple's pricing scheme? Apple Watch's Joe Wilcox outlines several explanations, with this one offering the most validity in my opinion.
Apple chooses to sell its computers at premium prices, meaning above $1,000. The lowest-priced Mac notebook starts at $1,099 (MacBook) and the lowest-priced desktop (iMac) for $1,199; granted the Mac Mini starts at $599, but its sales volume is negligible.
This statement is striking: Since Apple's computer manufacturing process moved to Intel-based hardware, many of the hardware components on the inside are identical to those found in Windows notebooks. In fact, many of the MacBooks created today are manufactured by companies that also manufacture lower priced PCs (Asustek is the first that comes to mind). So why does Apple choose to release products at higher prices? Because they can. Apple has positioned itself as a premium product. When you purchase a Mac, you're letting others know that you're willing to plunk down more money for several tangible (OSX, aesthetic design) and intangible (hip, different, and cool variable) factors.
Of course, there are other big reasons why Apple has had so much success with their Mac lineups. Check out the rest of the list over at Apple Watch. And here's a question for the readers: What's your reason for getting an Apple? In today's economy, is it worth it to pay twice as much to get a Mac when most of us are just checking email, blogging, downloading music, and chatting away online?
Links:
Apple Watch - Should You Pay Twice as Much for a Mac?
Electronista - Average Mac price now 2X Windows PCs (Via Gizmodo)
Comments on Study: Apple computers cost twice as much as PCs
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2 Posted by magpagbst on Thu Sep 3, 2009 7:03PM EDT Report Abuse
i have a pc (hp) and a macbook . . . the macbook smokes my pc as far as general performance goes . . . interface/ease of use isn't even close (mac wins) . . . my mac was about 1900 dollars; my pc was about 1000 dollars . . . but after using both . . . i'm not sure that the overall performance of my mac is worth the almost double price differential . . . at least as far as my everyday use goes . . .
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3 Posted by alan_r_cam on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:49PM EDT Report Abuse
As with Linux (and to some extent, Vista) have discovered, the latest hardware ain't so great IF you don't have the Software Drivers to go with it. Mac OSX is the difference: good drivers on older tech WILL beat mediocre drivers on new tech- and be more stable too! It's also the reason why you can't just buy a copy of OSX for your Intel PC / laptop: chances are it wouldn't support your hardware configuration.
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4 Posted by coolkyle4@snet.net on Thu Sep 3, 2009 3:29PM EDT Report Abuse
i hate apple computers, idc bout any specs, i would never put down 2x the amount for a regular comp. i got my desktop for 580$ and its actually well equipped. if some1 wants to go buy a mac, thats there choice, imo pc's r better.
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5 Posted by aquia33 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 2:57PM EDT Report Abuse
Yep, I'll pay it in a heartbeat. OSX is one of those things that helps keep my blood pressure down, no stress, no anxiety, no fiddling. No fooling!
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6 Posted by jnr828 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 4:37PM EDT Report Abuse
I've used both types and my mac gets way fewer viruses, has fewer problems and is more user friendly. I would love to pay less, but saving up for a mac was worth it.
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7 Posted by ltaroli on Thu Sep 3, 2009 6:58PM EDT Report Abuse
Compare the mac price and the pc price after 5 years. More specifically compare the number of times an IT person has to come out to fix a pc compared to a mac. Guaranteed at that time you have made you money and then some by purchasing a mac.
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8 Posted by wolverinemarky on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:49PM EDT Report Abuse
i want to switch over to a mac but I am a notebook kinda guy i like to be on the go and take my computer with me, the low end mac notebooks are my cup of tea i would need minimum the mid level priced one to compare with my windows pc notebook i have now and that would cost more then 2 times what my new windows pc notebook cost. word to apple lower the price some and u could cripple the pc market
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9 Posted by unknownstuntbmxer on Thu Sep 3, 2009 10:28PM EDT Report Abuse
i did the math, my mac actually saves me $6300.00s a year in frustration. the equation is this: *hours saved per week X 52 weeks X hourly wage (minus) the difference in cost* believe me, i was generous to Microsoft too! actually, i may go buy another one now that i think about it...
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10 Posted by skwishykitty on Thu Sep 3, 2009 9:26PM EDT Report Abuse
Sorry can't use junk, willing to pay for something that doesn't have problems. I won't go back to a PC ever.
1 Posted by ptm109_2008 on Thu Sep 3, 2009 8:21PM EDT Report Abuse
I gladly paid 2k for my MacBook Pro so I could get ride of Vista! Vista ranks (stinks) right up there with window me as one of windows biggest flops.I still have an xp desktop that hasn't given me any problems. Probably because I hardly ever use it.