Do Macs really cost more?

No; they don’t. As an example of this, because I was curious, I just went to Dell’s website and configured a Dell laptop to be a close as possible to my model of MacBook — the midrange one, which costs $1299 U.S. I configured the Dell (an Inspiron E1405 with a 14.1″ screen, because they didn’t have anything smaller) as follows:

  • Core 2 Duo 2GHz
  • Vista Home Premium
  • 1GB DDR2 SDRAM (2 DIMMs)
  • 8x CD/DVD Burner (with double-layer; yes, I know this is 8x compared to the MacBook’s 6x)
  • Intel GMA950 graphics
  • Integrated 10/100 Ethernet and dialup modem (the MacBook doesn’t have a dialup mode, but it does have gigabit Ethernet)
  • 53 watt-hour battery (I wasn’t sure about this one…)
  • “Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N”
  • “Dell Wireless 355 Bluetooth Internal” (2.0 + EDR)
  • “Media Center Remote Control” (in place of the Apple Remote)
  • No productivity software; no security subscription (other than the McAfee trial)
  • “Premium Pack - Advanced Photo+Music: Deluxe Pack + Paint Shop Pro XI” and “Roxio Creator 9 Premier” in an attempt to take the place of iLife
  • 1-year warranty
  • “Free recycling kit”
  • And surprise, surprise… it actually ended up costing a little more… $1329 U.S. That’s not counting all of the money not yet spent on anti-spyware software, antivirus subscriptions, etc.

    But enough with this procrastination. Back to my paper.

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