Apple prices now twice that of comparable PC systems by Stevie Smith - Aug 8 2008, 08:04
When it comes to Apple’s trendy and technically desirable range of desktop and laptop computers, Mac fans have always seemed willing to pay more for their hardware than the PC crowd. But is such an inflated investment wise given the growing price disparity between Apple computers and equally well-muscled PC systems on offer from various leading manufacturers?
For many, the adage that ‘you get what you pay for’ is a clearly defined yardstick that means liberally splashing the cash near-guarantees a top-tier purchase; yet, while Apple computers are certainly known for their quality, the emergence of prices around double those attributed to comparable PCs is casting a shadow over Apple’s continuing worth.
More pointedly, the number crunchers at NPD have recently revealed year-on-year pricing data that shows the average price for an Apple laptop in 2008 is around $1,515 USD, while the average price for an Apple desktop system is $1,543 USD.
Running those prices beside comparably-equipped Windows laptop and desktop computers for 2008 returns price points of around $700 USD and $550 USD respectively, which are massive reductions that leave Apple’s offerings looking a little too hot to handle.
According to Apple Watch, today's comparisons between similar Apple and PC hardware further impact on Apple's justification for slapping such huge prices on its computers. For example, it took the following pricing and specification listings directly from Apple and Dell to illustrate how mainstream PC systems are far more consumer accessible -- and even offer more for less in some areas:
iMac ($1,199 USD): 2.4GHz Intel Core Duo processor, 20-inch widescreen display (integrated), 1GB DDR memory, 128MB ATI Radeon HD 2400 XT graphics, 250GB hard drive, 8x double-layer DVD burner, Bluetooth 2.1, 802.11 g Wi-Fi, Webcam and Mac OS X 10.5.
Inspiron 518 ($739 USD -- after $150 USD instant savings): 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Quad processor, 19-inch widescreen monitor, 3GB DDR memory, Intel GMA X3100 graphics, 500GB hard drive, 8x DVD burner and Windows Vista Home Premium Service Pack 1.
Bringing that price gap into slightly clearer perspective, Apple sells its lowest-priced Mac notebook at $1,099 USD (the MacBook), while its lowest-priced genuine desktop sells for $1,199 USD (the iMac), which, although slightly reduced against the average, still adds considerably to the cheapest prices of today’s PC alternatives.
The core contributing factor that calls Apple’s pricing structure into question, according to a related Yahoo!Tech blog post, is that the Cupertino-based company now utilises Intel-branded hardware in its computer lines, much of which is attributed to much more pocket-friendly PC systems.
Similarly, in terms of mainstream manufacturing, many of Apple’s MacBook laptops now roll off hardware production lines that also produce lower price PC systems -- so why the huge price jump?
Taiwan-based hardware giant ASUSTeK is one such manufacturer put forth as known for handling Apple devices. In 2007, one in every three of the world’s desktop PCs was reportedly powered by an ASUSTeK motherboard.
Does this mean, therefore, that Apple is arbitrarily lumping hundreds of extra dollars onto the retail price of its Mac-branded computers because of exclusives such as the Mac OS X operating system, trend-leading aesthetics, and much-vaunted security stability, or is it something else?
And, ultimately, can Apple really justify maintaining its “premium” price structure (namely, above the $1,000 USD threshold) around computer systems that don’t appear to convincingly stand out from equally impressive PC alternatives for any other reason than they have an Apple logo? |