Michael Linehan's Profile

Over and over and over, it has been clearly demonstrated Macs are NOT more expensive, when comparing the same thing. But that's not what you are saying. You are asserting that Macs are more expensive than the lowest level of Windows econo-rubbish. Yes. But so what? To say a Lexus is more expensive than a Ford Colt is true, and it is also just an empty and valueless assertion - with no concretely relevant or actionable implication. What is the "therefore" of such an assertion? In this article, the only "therefore" is "Macs are more expensive. Apple accepts it, so should Mac fans." Well, it's still an empty statement. To be really valid, this should read, "Macs are more expensive than the lowest level cheapo Windows crap computers. Apple accepts it, so should Mac fans." Well, yeh. I accept Macs are more expensive than bargain basement rubbish. But so what? Somewhat similar to saying, "Cars are faster than bicycles." To respond to some other points in the comments... Total cost of ownership, time spent battling viruses and crashes, and greatly increased efficiency are NOT intangibles. They are easily (and extensively) studied concrete factors. Whether a particular purchaser takes them into account or not is a separate question. To call it "intangible" because you or someone else doesn't pay attention to it, or because it is not written on a card, is specious. The whole price question is just foolish. Whether with computers, websites, shirts or cars, the question of "How much does it cost?" is just about the worst question you can ask (unless you are living on welfare or are one of the "working poor"). The vital question is, "What am I getting?" If you want to buy a smoke-trailing, 1980s Lada, by all means, buy one. But never yourself it's better than a Lexus, or that Lexus should make similar cars, or that total cost of ownership doesn't matter, or that such a purchase is automatically wise. ".... it’s the upfront cost that matters most." Yes. Unfortunately, to many people, that's the primary question --- and, I would assert, a horribly mistaken distortion of sensible purchasing. To have a knee-jerk response of automatic purchase of the lowest-priced product shouts, "I have no clue." So if that's all you're saying - that many people will by low-level econo goods for the lowest price (a la WalMart) - yes, you're absolutely right. But.... uhhhh.... soooo? What's that got to do with Apple?