Why are apple macs so expensive compared to PCs?

Answer 1

Quality. Macs are very nice computers. Though, from my own experience/knowledge, businesses and programs use PC compatible software. I was thinking the other day how nice it would be to run Windows software on a Mac.

Answer 2

Why are Apple Macs more expensive than similarly-equipped mass-market PC's?

I believe it's due to the fact that Apple has much more behind the Mac than a budget-minded PC manufacturer. For instance, Apple developed the operating system (Mac OS) that ships on a Mac. The PC vendor does not have to worry about this. Also, Apple most likely spends much more than the budget-minded PC manufacturer on the design of their products, as well as the marketing. The technology inside both machines is similar.

Answer 3

Single source. When a manufacture has full control of their propriety hardware and software, they can charge what they want. They can also limit the third party by keeping secrets about the architecture. Don't expect Apple to go Open at any time soon. They have a limited 5% market share, and they are not getting rich.

But Macs are less trouble because of the closed architecture. Smaller market share, means fewer hackers. Limited architecture, means few BUGS, and lower technical support issues and volume.

I have not reviewed the DEAD OUT OF THE BOX ratings on the MAC, but I would bet with good tight controls on their manufacturing, they enjoy a lower rate of return from DEAD OUT OF THE BOX products.

Let's see. I have been involed in the direct sales of about 20 Dell computers. I am only guessing, but 3 of these were BORN DEAD, and required the complete re-installation of software, and/or replacement of hardware before my client could use it. That is about a 7% DEAD rate, which is probably good for the national standard for PCs. Some computer companies are much worse. Yes, I have experienced a similar failure rate on HPs and other computers, so I am not picking on DELL.

I have very few MAC customers. Part of that reason is MARKET SHARE. But my MAC clients do not experience a high failure rate, or have very many techinical support issues. A Mac simply works great for MAC people.

So if you want a MAC, PAY the price. Qualtity is not a free ride. You can get this FREE RIDE by using Linux, and building your own.

Answer 4

Are they?

You have to add on to the PC the cost of XP Professional, antivirus, antispyware and the time you spend configuring and supporting them, Then add the cost of buying equivalents to the bundled iLife apps like iMovie, iDVD, Garageband and iPhoto. Keynote is equivalent (some would say better than) Powerpoint, Pages is waaaay better than the Works wordprocessor.

On the downside Apple don't bundle a spreadsheet (why?) so if you need one you'll have to look around. Microsoft do make Office for the Mac but Access is Windows only. Filemaker is available for both platforms if you need a database, but I've heard that NeoOffice is a free office suite that has most of the power and compatibility of MS Office.

Answer 5

Macs are more compact and usually come with more specs, if you will, RAM, video memory, faster processors, anything that would improve a computer. PCs are usually cheaper because they have less ram, smaller screens, not as big a hard drive... macs are usually more combined, like the computer is the size of a 20" monitor. pcs, you have the monitor, the actual computer, the speakers, all separate. that's my point. Then again, I use and Like PCs a lot more than macs... what do i know...

Answer 6

I am told that they are meant to be much better than PCs although I have no idea why, given that apparently the Microsoft software is not particularly compatible with it. Mind you, I have also heard that if you want to do lots of graphic design and artwork with a computer that Apple Macs have more of this kind of features

Answer 7

Quality and reliability. The Mac was a better product over all, but now they are changing to a new Windows compatible OS so all bets are off.

Answer 8

PCs are produced on a much larger scale, therefore all the costs of designing and producing is divided between a larger number of units resulting in a lower cost. Pure and simple.

Answer 9

I've heard that they're better (I'm a PC girl myself); supposedly most viruses don't affect macs because they're programmed for windows, and because people will pay that much for macs.

Answer 10

Hi, Macs are so much more expensive because they are so small and compact and there is also alot of demand for them.
There are also quite power full and very portable.