Are Macs still overpriced?
Let’s take a look at a comparison between the 13-inch 2.0GHz black MacBook — the one I have been seriously considering getting — and a similar offering from HP. How about the $1543.99 Pavilion dv2000t?
Apple: 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo. HP: Same.
Apple: 1280×800 resolution 13.3-inch display. HP: 1280×800 14.1″ display. 0.8″ larger (not necessarily a good thing).
Apple: 512MB memory. HP: 2 GB RAM. 1.5 GB more (a good thing).
Apple: 80 GB HDD. HP: 100 GB HDD. 20 GB larger.
Apple: SuperDrive. HP: LightScribe SuperMulti. Essentially equal, though you could argue the LightScribe is better.
Apple: 802.11b/g and Bluetooth. HP: 802.11a/b/g and Bluetooth. The difference is a, if you care.
And yes, the dv2000t has a built-in 1.3 megapixel webcam and microphone, just like the iSight. So it’s about the same, but the prices weren’t exactly equal, so let’s customize a system.
The dv2000t starts at $799.99. Upgrade to a T2500 (2 GHz) for $225, an 80 GB drive for $25, the LightScribe SuperMulti for $75, and Bluetooth for $10. Total: $1133.99. The similar MacBook is $365.01 more, or about 32.19% more. By Apple’s math, the MacBook costs 132% more (or 1.3X). That’s using Apple’s method for calculating “5X Faster”, etc. Getting the HP would save me $365 to get more RAM, software, and/or a case. Of course, that would mean giving up Apple’s amazing design, OS X, and that stuff. But there are free Windows apps that do the same thing, yet I don’t use them. Hmm… I still like the Mac, but HP is compelling.
Hi,
I just randomly stumbled across your website. I read you poste comparing an HP laptop to the Macbooks.
If you compare the white 1.83 Ghz duo core macbook with a 1.83 ghz hp dv2000t I think you will find the price comparison closer.
You pay quite a bit for the black color.
Also you should consider getting the laptops with no upgrades and upgraded it yourself using newegg.com. It general it cheaper that way.
Additionally the construction quality of Apple notebooks are way better than hp notebooks. (Just play around with a friend’s hp and a friend’s apple.) Although apple notebook have problems with their construction as well. (Google macbook logic replacement). Thinkpad’s seem to have the best construction in my opinion.
-William
Mac books are way over priced everyone knows that. Their OS are not as stable as everyone says they are I know from personal experience I would never go back to mac. I don’t know what chang is saying either HP’s are the most reliable computer on the market I own one never had a problem everyone I know that owns one has never had a problem. If you don’t believe me just do some research HP has the “most reliable computer of 2007” award.. But if you have the money than it obviously depends on what you like. One thing I don’t like about macs which also keeps me away is their advertiseing, they should just let their stats stand for themseleves instead of bad mouthing all the other companies out there.