Why are apple products so expensive? Just thinking laptops now. - Hardware & Software

[QUOTE=ADT;36300824]It is possible to plug an Apple keyboard on a Windows PC ? (by messing around with some drivers) I've never been a huge fan of Apple products except for their slim keyboards.[/QUOTE] As far as I know they do have Windows drivers for bootcamp, but there's plenty of info on the internet about it

[QUOTE='[EG] Pepper;36308483']They were only better at video editing back when they were using the POWER architecture. Now they are just over glorified PCs.[/QUOTE] PowerPC =/= POWER. PPC was an offshoot to create more affordable products. They are completely different now.

[QUOTE=benjgvps;36306556]Thinkpads are also expensive for the specs they have, though they're durable, have a great keyboard and the insides are accessible. The MacBook Pro has a great screen, a great trackpad, a well made case, a good battery and are fairly compact for the innards they have. That said, there's likely a lot of profit attached to the price. That extra profit goes toward research and development. Apple probably didn't waltz up to their LCD supplier and say "I'll have one of those 15.4" 2880x1800 panels", since they didn't exist. If they didn't have all of this money laying around, the amount of new things to try would be held back. Dell could have made a laptop with a high-density LCD, though that's risky for them. The regular user is fine with 1336x768 for the most part, so why bother? Apple says "fuck that, we could do better" and releases the thing. Dell, HP, ect are probably seeing the demand for high density LCDs now, and will probably release something in the coming months in response. They did the same thing with MP3 players, phones, tablets and ultrabooks. Competition is awesome.[/QUOTE] Apple aren't the first to do this. Sony Z series has always been one step ahead of them - they've had 1080p at 13" for ages. And this is intended as actual working area, rather than just increased fidelity and 1440x900 work area as apple seem to be doing, unless I'm mistaken. High resolution laptop displays outside of macbooks will likely continue to be a niche market, as windows dpi scaling is simply shit and most people don't have the eyesight for much more than 1336x768. It's true though, competition has lead to some great things. Can't wait to get my hands on a Zenbook UX32VD (13.3" 1080p IPS and better contrast than the new retina)

Yeah but people said the screen on that laptop was terrible.

[QUOTE=Darkimmortal;36312201] most people don't have the eyesight for much more than 1336x768. [/QUOTE] You're pulling that from your ass. Don't make up claims, it just detracts from valid things that you're saying. [editline]13th June 2012[/editline] [quote]It's true though, competition has lead to some great things. Can't wait to get my hands on a Zenbook UX32VD (13.3" 1080p IPS and better contrast than the new retina)[/QUOTE] Anyone who really cares about contrast probably won't go with an IPS panel. They've never been known for their outstanding contrast and black levels. In fact, according to Anandtech the contrast on the Zenbook is higher but the black levels are actually inferior. [url]http://www.anandtech.com/show/5998/macbook-pro-retina-display-analysis[/url]

[QUOTE=Darkimmortal;36312201]Apple aren't the first to do this. Sony Z series has always been one step ahead of them - they've had 1080p at 13" for ages. And this is intended as actual working area, rather than just increased fidelity and 1440x900 work area as apple seem to be doing, unless I'm mistaken. High resolution laptop displays outside of macbooks will likely continue to be a niche market, as windows dpi scaling is simply shit and most people don't have the eyesight for much more than 1336x768. It's true though, competition has lead to some great things. Can't wait to get my hands on a Zenbook UX32VD (13.3" 1080p IPS and better contrast than the new retina)[/QUOTE] Windows DPI scaling is [I]really[/I] bad compared to OSX currently I can't play anything fullscreen without the application taking over half of my other screens for no apparent reason, and some apps don't scale in certain aspects And honestly, if you're looking for true blacks and colours, you should probably head in the CRT direction if you have a high-end budget.

Primarily the design and brand is what it makes more expensive. The cheaper macs are somewhat less in performance than other laptops around that price, but the hardware in general is made of better solid quality. Most Apple hardware is genuine Intel manufactured. Intel is quite expensive if it comes to their genuine products. Add the brand, 'design' and status symbol and you got the price. If you have some general hardware knowledge and look at the hardware in the Mac Pro PC's, you might notice that most components are of professional quality: Intel server motherboards, Intel Xeon CPU's, ECC RAM etc.

It's a fact that Apple makes expensive but very high quality hardware. Most people can't afford a Mac so they bash apple. Think about this: If you had 2 thousand dollars (2000$), would you buy a bulky non-portable laptop with 2 hours battery and 1920x1080 screen or a sleek and thin aluminium laptop with 2800x1880 retina display that has 7 hours of battery? Yes you trade off a tiny tiny bit o power but you have a really good computer. Also any non-apple laptop loses more than half of it's price in value after about 1 year, while you can still sell a mac for quite a bit

[QUOTE=maxolina;36323889]It's a fact that Apple makes expensive but very high quality hardware. Most people can't afford a Mac so they bash apple. Think about this: If you had 2 thousand dollars (2000$), would you buy a bulky non-portable laptop with 2 hours battery and 1920x1080 screen or a sleek and thin aluminium laptop with 2800x1880 retina display that has 7 hours of battery? Yes you trade off a tiny tiny bit o power but you have a really good computer. Also any non-apple laptop loses more than half of it's price in value after about 1 year, while you can still sell a mac for quite a bit[/QUOTE] I could afford a Mac, so why am I still giving Apple some slack? And the Vaio Z would like to have a word with you, your view of the PC market is completely skewed.

To everyone bringing up how awesome the Vaio Z, you don't know how stupid you are by mentioning it.

[QUOTE=Dr Egg;36324263]To everyone bringing up how awesome the Vaio Z, you don't know how stupid you are by mentioning it.[/QUOTE] Why is it stupid? It's as overpriced as the Macbooks, and fullfills the same purpose (though it's a lot smaller, and some coin more expensive last time I checked). And I'm not talking about comparing it to the "Retina" display.

I believe you can install Windows on a macbook aswel by the way. I know you can on the Mac Pro's anyhow.

[QUOTE=Drumdevil;36325596]I believe you can install Windows on a macbook aswel by the way. I know you can on the Mac Pro's anyhow.[/QUOTE] Bootcamp on most modern installations allow you to, but what is the point in getting a mac then?

[QUOTE=FlubberNugget;36326129]Bootcamp on most modern installations allow you to, but what is the point in getting a mac then?[/QUOTE] Both OS X and Windows supported on the same machine. Perhaps one would like a Mac but like Windows better than OS X.

[QUOTE=Keegs;36295819]I hate the phrase but Apples products "Just work". Of course they control their markets strictly and therefore know exactly what hardware will be using their software, this allows them to develop an extremely easy to use device even while being under powered compared to cheaper alternatives.[/QUOTE] This "just work" slogan was taken in for a ride by an ardent apple fan when he told that his macbook automatically acquired internet connection without him putting the ip address, gateway and dns manually. [sp]Of course, that's what DHCP is there working out for you. Though, it was difficult to explain him the concept of DHCP.[/sp]

[QUOTE=FlubberNugget;36326129]Bootcamp on most modern installations allow you to, but what is the point in getting a mac then?[/QUOTE] You may be a windows fan but like the high-quality hardware of a Mac?

The build quality on all of Apple's hardware is generally superior to their Windows-based competitors and are designed to last a long time. So instead of buying a $1300 Windows laptop every 3 or three years, a $2200 Macbook Pro will last you closer to six. Because of their superior build quality Macs are generally cheaper over time compared to their oem counterparts because you don't have to spend as much money upgrading, repairing, and replacing them.

[QUOTE=DamagePoint;36331766]The build quality on all of Apple's hardware is generally superior to their Windows-based competitors and are designed to last a long time. So instead of buying a $1300 Windows laptop every 3 or three years, a $2200 Macbook Pro will last you closer to six. Because of their superior build quality Macs are generally cheaper over time compared to their oem counterparts because you don't have to spend as much money upgrading, repairing, and replacing them.[/QUOTE] My dad's got a 2009 MBP and it still runs like a dream.

My opinion is that it is a bit over the top to price it at $2200. But I think they're both great, because they're computers. Computers Rock.

Apple does things really well. You can buy an Apple product with warranty and expect really great service when it comes down to it. They also have alot of really neat features they try and implement to change the way we use technology, all while making the product cosmetically beautiful. And this is coming from someone who actually prefers Windows based computers. But you can't deny that Apple knows how to make mobile devices better than their competitors for the most part. Just the built quality alone feels alot more solid.

i wish people stop saying the cost is from the build quality ipads are made in the same building as the xbox 360(the PCB on both products are designed by foxconn)! apple things that i have owned that have broken on their own or had defective software issues: 2007 mac mini (Ethernet port died) ipod touch 2nd gen (the chrome back panel is EXTREMELY delicate and got heavy scuffing only after a week of owning it (i was gentle with it)) ipad 1(kept forgetting wifi passwords, even after doing full restores etc...) iphone 4 (antenna, self explanatory) iphone 4 bumper case (scuffed up the metal on the iphone really bad) 2010 macbook pro 13in(magsafe doesn't always make a solid connection, have to wiggle it around in the socket until the orange light comes on) macs feel great to the touch and they create an exceptional illusion of superb build quality, but don't be fooled!

I'll try and cover some things here as unbiasedly as possible (Although for full disclosure, I have previously worked at AppleCare for two years and have owned a MacBook Pro for just as long) 1. Brand name and reputation. Apple is generally considered a premium brand known to create "high quality products" so therefore they can put a markup of a couple of hundred dollars (at least) per each portable sold. Although I'm speculating with this:, I'm sure quite a lot of it goes into R&D so we can see beautiful technology like the magnetic MagSafe adaptor or the Retina display screens seen with the latest refresh. 2. Build Quality. Apple will generally test something one generation and if it works well, stick with it for many generations of machine as seen with the Aluminium Unibody models. Sure, issues are occasionally to be had such as the chipping of the palm-rest with older plastic-based Macbook models, but that's where warranty comes in. You have things like the MagSafe adaptor and the slot loading drive, as well as user serviceable hard drives and RAM (with portable models prior to 2012 anyway). 3. Mac OSX. It's a very streamlined operating system that not only looks pretty, but is very functional without being overly confusing for novice users, or people making the switch from a PC. Since it's streamlined, there's not much one needs to do to optimise the operating system to their liking. Not only that, the OS also comes with a lot of software you're likely to make use of such as Mail, iPhoto, Calendars, iTunes and iMovie and not a ton of stuff you're not going to use. -- I remember back when I was trying to get all the performance I could out of my computer, I'd have to create a "Lite" version of Windows, disable a ton of useless services, make a handful of registry tweaks and run other 3rd party applications to make the Windows experience a good one, with less powerful hardware. Mac OSX on the other hand, [i]pretty much[/i] just works (for a computer anyway). Occasionally, certain cache folders need to be cleaned out, or that the hard drive may need to be repaired by Disk Utility, but you certainly don't need to run disk defragmentation software or anything of the likes. 4. Warranty and Extended Coverage. The limited hardware warranty and extended coverage covers practically everything except accidental damage and cosmetic issues. There are repair centres dotted all over the globe, meaning you really do have a world-wide coverage with properly trained technicians to carry out your warranty claim. 5. Service and Support. The service at AppleCare as well as the Apple Retail Stores are practically second to none. The guys on the phone are willing to sit there and fix pretty much any issue you come across with your Mac, as are the people at the Genius Bar. On top of that, Apple's support site comes loaded with a ton of articles to assist a person with being able to resolve their own issue or questions, without having to A. Rely on someone else or B. Pay for extra support. That's my viewpoints, in any case!

[QUOTE=WaLLy3K;36334490]I'll try and cover some things here as unbiasedly as possible (Although for full disclosure, I have previously worked at AppleCare for two years and have owned a MacBook Pro for just as long) 1. Brand name and reputation. Apple is generally considered a premium brand known to create "high quality products" so therefore they can put a markup of a couple of hundred dollars (at least) per each portable sold. Although I'm speculating with this:, I'm sure quite a lot of it goes into R&D so we can see beautiful technology like the magnetic MagSafe adaptor or the Retina display screens seen with the latest refresh. 2. Build Quality. Apple will generally test something one generation and if it works well, stick with it for many generations of machine as seen with the Aluminium Unibody models. Sure, issues are occasionally to be had such as the chipping of the palm-rest with older plastic-based Macbook models, but that's where warranty comes in. You have things like the MagSafe adaptor and the slot loading drive, as well as user serviceable hard drives and RAM (with portable models prior to 2012 anyway). 3. Mac OSX. It's a very streamlined operating system that not only looks pretty, but is very functional without being overly confusing for novice users, or people making the switch from a PC. Since it's streamlined, there's not much one needs to do to optimise the operating system to their liking. Not only that, the OS also comes with a lot of software you're likely to make use of such as Mail, iPhoto, Calendars, iTunes and iMovie and not a ton of stuff you're not going to use. -- I remember back when I was trying to get all the performance I could out of my computer, I'd have to create a "Lite" version of Windows, disable a ton of useless services, make a handful of registry tweaks and run other 3rd party applications to make the Windows experience a good one, with less powerful hardware. Mac OSX on the other hand, [i]pretty much[/i] just works (for a computer anyway). Occasionally, certain cache folders need to be cleaned out, or that the hard drive may need to be repaired by Disk Utility, but you certainly don't need to run disk defragmentation software or anything of the likes. 4. Warranty and Extended Coverage. The limited hardware warranty and extended coverage covers practically everything except accidental damage and cosmetic issues. There are repair centres dotted all over the globe, meaning you really do have a world-wide coverage with properly trained technicians to carry out your warranty claim. 5. Service and Support. The service at AppleCare as well as the Apple Retail Stores are practically second to none. The guys on the phone are willing to sit there and fix pretty much any issue you come across with your Mac, as are the people at the Genius Bar. On top of that, Apple's support site comes loaded with a ton of articles to assist a person with being able to resolve their own issue or questions, without having to A. Rely on someone else or B. Pay for extra support. That's my viewpoints, in any case![/QUOTE] This right here, is precisely why you are paying more. This whole quote and add consistency.

As a positive, Apple has good customer service. Mac OSX is very user-friendly, but I guess this would vary from person to person.

Oh yeah, one thing I always forget because I'm so used to building Windows machines and reinstall Windows on any new laptop as a matter of course: [B][I][U]BLOATWARE[/U][/I][/B] Pretty much every program OSX comes with is useful in some way, and a couple that aren't, like, maybe, Garage Band, if you don't care about music at all, are easy to get out of the way. Whereas if you didn't have an extra copy of Windows and you do have the moral resolve not to pirate it, then you are stuck trying to get rid of all the crap from the Add/Remove Programs menu, which sometimes fails to remove all the program data and just gets rid of the executables, and takes several hours on modern laptops due to the shere amount of bloatware.

[QUOTE=djjkxbox360;36293253]The build quality on Apple laptops is very high, albeit that's what you're paying for, not for a powerful computer. The keyboard, trackpad, and the whole feel of the laptop and operating system is said to be a much nicer experience than any other laptop on the market. But like I said, they're not generally as powerful, and also for that reason they are not very good for gaming. If you want a desktop computer that's a Mac, it's still much more worth it to build it yourself, but use parts compatible for a hackintosh so that you can install Mac OS X. You can optionally choose stuff like an Apple keyboard or mouse then etc[/QUOTE] I guess it depends which model. I have a MacBook and although it feels very nice and looks pretty, peaces keep breaking off it. It lasted a lot shorter then my other laptops and a lot shorter then I'd initially thought in that it felt more solid and less plastic-y, and I treated it nicer too. Never got a feel for the OS either. I guess that's just because I'm used to Windows and stuff. But at least it looks pretty. Don't think I'll buy a Mac again though, haven't had the greatest experience with 'em. Unless they change it up in the future of course. I've dubbed my machine "the pretty Facebook machine" since it can't really handle After Effects very well, or even Photoshop when working on canvases larger then 6000 px x 8000 px and multiple layers so all the work intended for my Mac goes on my cheaper PC. [editline]15th June 2012[/editline] But I won't lie, if you have a lot of money, want a simple, intuitive UI and don't want to deal with the problems PCs typically have and mostly just use your computer for browsing then Mac is your top shot.

Apply make the best product boxes ever.

[QUOTE=wingless;36296439]We don't need people like you shitting up the thread with no evidence and personal bias. How come every time we get a thread like this someone will always come in and spout stupid shit like this? Next time, can you not just spout generic bullshit and actually add to the discussion? Thanks.[/QUOTE] I wish we had an active moderator in this section to crack down on people like that. None of us go into the Android threads and such and spout shit like that and get away with it

That would be rather nice actually. It usually takes days for a troll in this subforum to get banned

[QUOTE=Dr Egg;36324263]To everyone bringing up how awesome the Vaio Z, you don't know how stupid you are by mentioning it.[/QUOTE] Why not? The Vaio Z is basically the "all out, no compromise, money is not really a concern" option. Just like a smaller version of the the Retina MacBook Pro . It is awesome because it has specs of a typical desktop ( core i7, 8gb ram, 1920 x 1080 screen, 512gb ssd, intel graphics 4000 ). Except that the AMD Radeon[SUP]™[/SUP] HD 6650M (1GB) graphics is in an external dock. Not to mention it is very light and carbon fibre. Which makes it aweome And of course, the premium price. So tell me again why is bringing the Vaio Z up stupid? It is a perfectly fine comparision