Why can they not make Mac as cheap as PC?
I really want a Mac but Pc are cheap? Why?
Why do you want one?
The reason is that people don’t understand specs and go on labels.. . You easily get a much higher/faster spec PC machine over a Mac. There are a higher percentage of Mac fanatics since fanatics are the last to leave a market and when the market (MAC OS X is still 10% vs Window 90%). People also focus in on what is "cool" at the moment and want that. Apple is very good at marketing. If you are told a bunch of lies over and over, you start believing it and it becomes hard to convince you otherwise. Some lies are "Mac has no viruses", "Macs are better quality" http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg , "Macs are better for Video/Sound production", "Macs run faster" . Since Apple produced OS X they don’t want to share it, thus it would "No competition" IF you don’t want windows. Most people are scared or don’t know Linux is a free alternative and only see OS X as the only alternative to Widnows. People also like the "looks" of the Mac and it’s OS and get hooked into ILife (IMovie, IDVD, IPhoto, etc..) when they can get a PC much cheaper and get ILife equivalent software.
PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support
Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..
Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn’t as secure as you think..
Here are more facts, with links
Don’t believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.
ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :
Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.
1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don’t have a legitimate copy of Windows.
2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).
3) More business software/games
4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.
5) Used by businesses.
ADVANTAGES LINUX :
1) FREE (most versions are)
2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)
2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)
3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE
4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet
5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)
Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm
Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?
I say: NO… for the following reasons…
QUALITY/PROBLEMS
Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.
Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/
http://www.appledefects.com/
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html
http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg
Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.
With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.
IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.
VIRUSES
Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".
http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/
SECURITY
Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.
Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.
Please Note: All OS’s have vulnerabilities.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html
http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml
Equivalents to ILife
http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html
http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518
FREE Windows Stuff
http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html
http://www.iobit.com/
http://www.ccleaner.com/
ANTI-VIRUS
Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.
http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/
ANTI-MALWARE
Windows Defender (FREE)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation – No Realtime protection on free version.
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol
Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)
http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol
LINUX INFO:
http://distrowatch.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.desktoplinux.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.kubuntu.org/
http://www.freespire.org/
http://www.pclinuxos.com/
http://xwinman.org/gnome.php
http://xwinman.org/kde.php
http://www.linuxalt.com/
http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows
http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/
No competition.
The reason that IBM-compatible microcomputer hardware is so inexpensive is because of competition.
Due to some cruel twists of fate, as well as some very stupid decisions on the part of some industry leaders (or perhaps, some very smart decisions — depending on one’s point of view), many vendors can make hardware components that are compatible with the IBM/Intel x86 computer platform/architecture.
Lots of competition causes low prices.
= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =
Only Apple is legally allowed to manufacture (or to authorize the manufacturing of) Macs/Mac OS compatible hardware. («— This may not be phrased with technically correct wording.)
References :
Because PCs are cheap. And Macs are higher quality. You get what you pay for.
References :
Because PC’s don’t last as long.
Mac’s don’t get viruses either which saves you a lot of money.
References :
for the same reason they don’t make a Mercedes as cheap as a KIA.
References :
Apple has a lot more control over hardware and software used to build a Mac. They can be more selective in the hardware components and buy higher quality parts (some may argue this of course), adding to the cost. Apple also doesn’t command the market share so their base cost (development, research, etc…) can’t be spread across as many sale units compared to Microsoft (for the OS) or the PC vendors (IBM, Dell, HP, Gateway, etc…). PCs on the other hand are a commodity item. There are numerous suppliers and the competition is a bit higher. This can lead to better consumer pricing, but it also has the negative effect of suppliers cutting corners.
Oh, and to ":(", Macs can be exploited by viruses. They are a lot more rare than a Windows virus, but don’t be naive and think they don’t exist.
References :
Because they don’t have to, or more to the point, there is no competition to drive prices lower.
Microsoft makes an operating system, which it chose to license to any computer system builder. The price for the operating system is pretty much the same from system builder to system builder. The hardware they choose to use in building the system is what makes the price difference, and the normal effects of competition. Profits on these systems tend to be low, maybe less than $100 per system.
Apple, of the other hand does not license the operating system to any other machine builders, and the few that have tried to do it unauthorized have been sued by Apple. Apple makes the OS and the systems and controls the entire process. Supposedly, this is what results in the higher "quality" of Apples systems. It also means they can realize higher profits per machine (like over $100, maybe as much a $200 or $300). Which is why they cost more – better parts (supposedly) and higher profit margins means more expensive for the owner.
That’s economics for you….
References :
bobwyzguy.com
Put simply, a mac is more expensive because it is more marketable.
Today macs are a fashion statement, if you want one you’re likely wanting it because it’s "hip" and no doubt they do look very nice.
Macs however: don’t last longer than any pc (when properly cared for), can be compromised by a virus (they are just more rare), in regard to quality aren’t necessarily manufactured to a "higher standard"; they are however engineered and marketed a lot more than your standard pc, which is where the price increase comes from.
To be honest I’ve looked for credible information proving macs are cheaper in the long run, unfortunately everything I found was extremely biased and misleading/deluded and narrow minded.
In my opinion macs and high end pcs (alien-ware) are more expensive because people may be willing to pay more for a system they don’t have to build themselves (laziness), and like the marketable features (extra crap they sell to you) included therein.
References :
http://finance.yahoo.com/family-home/article/107263/consumer-electronics-teardowns.html
http://www.macblogz.com/2008/11/22/apples-entire-ad-budget-486m-compared-to-vistas-300m/
Why do you want one?
The reason is that people don’t understand specs and go on labels.. . You easily get a much higher/faster spec PC machine over a Mac. There are a higher percentage of Mac fanatics since fanatics are the last to leave a market and when the market (MAC OS X is still 10% vs Window 90%). People also focus in on what is "cool" at the moment and want that. Apple is very good at marketing. If you are told a bunch of lies over and over, you start believing it and it becomes hard to convince you otherwise. Some lies are "Mac has no viruses", "Macs are better quality" http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg , "Macs are better for Video/Sound production", "Macs run faster" . Since Apple produced OS X they don’t want to share it, thus it would "No competition" IF you don’t want windows. Most people are scared or don’t know Linux is a free alternative and only see OS X as the only alternative to Widnows. People also like the "looks" of the Mac and it’s OS and get hooked into ILife (IMovie, IDVD, IPhoto, etc..) when they can get a PC much cheaper and get ILife equivalent software.
PC=Variety of specs, options, quality, prices, vendors, support
Mac=One vendor, limited options, still more expensive. Look below for more information..
Today, Macs use a subset of PC hardware. Why spend extra to get the same CPU chips, graphics cards and OS X isn’t as secure as you think..
Here are more facts, with links
Don’t believe the lies that Macs are better than PCs at graphics/animation.. Dreamworks Animation http://www.dreamworksanimation.com/ under studio click on Technology of Animation, an independent film maker I know uses PCs, a graphic artist I used to know uses PCs also.
ADVANTAGES WINDOWS :
Aprox 90% of the market is Windows and most PCs have windows already pre-installed.
1) Some websites require Internet Explorer, to run IE on Mac you really get ies4osx which is the Windows version of IE running really buggy and illegal if you don’t have a legitimate copy of Windows.
2) Supports more devices (printers and other things you hook into the computer).
3) More business software/games
4) Want the dock on OS X (Mac)? google/yahoo rocketdock, objectdoc.
5) Used by businesses.
ADVANTAGES LINUX :
1) FREE (most versions are)
2) Install software by either 1) Synaptic Package Manager, 2) Add/Remove 3) Opening a .deb or .rpm file (depending on distribution)
2) Like the Mac OS X effects? go yahoo/google COMPIZ FUSION which can do any cool effect a Mac can do and many ore….
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E4Fbk52Mk1w
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3gkX9HDfEE (there is no flickering when you use it like on the video, not sure why the person has the flicker)
3) Mac OS X Doc? google/yahoo Avant Window Navigator.Cairo Dock, http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x3rf5q_cairo-dock-mac-os-x-leopard-dock-on_tech
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p0hzi22g2DE
4) It is FASTER/MORE SECURE to surf on the internet
5) Some Windows programs work with Wnehq/Crossover (also avail on Mac, but why pay $$$)
Instructions how to download, burn and boot http://www.howtogeek.com/howto/windows-vista/use-ubuntu-live-cd-to-backup-files-from-your-dead-windows-computer/
Dual Boot Instructions http://apcmag.com/how_to_dual_boot_windows_xp_and_linux_xp_installed_first.htm
Now is a Mac worth buying for OS X?
I say: NO… for the following reasons…
QUALITY/PROBLEMS
Contrary to belief, Macs are not better quality. Apple also has been changing suppliers to try to "lower the price" and thus lowering quality. Even with the lower prices, Macs still cost more, they spend a higher percent of budget trying to make it look pretty, and marketing.
Sample of problems: Overheating Macbooks, OS X- not responding to keyboard, some units with 16bit screens, etc. Apple statistics are misleading since Mac users with problem machines are more likely to go out and buy a new computer than PC users. Apple is lowering prices which means you can expect lower quality than in the past. Apple had switched the manufacturers producing parts. OS X also has problems slowing down.
http://news.cnet.com/8301-13506_3-10020263-17.html
http://www.tuaw.com/2008/08/01/apples-quality-dwindling-my-macbook-pro-sob-story/
http://www.appledefects.com/
http://www.mac-forums.com/forums/os-x-operating-system/107748-mac-os-leopard-running-slow.html
http://cybernetnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/05/reliable-laptops.jpg
Repairs are more expensive than PCs since the IMac, Mac Mini are compact units, and Apple charges a premium for their services. Some repairs can be done by another repair service but the compact design of the computer causes problems.
With an IMac, if the problem is with the monitor, the whole computer would have to be brought in.
IMac and Mac mini lack expansion.
VIRUSES
Mac OS X has viruses (and significantly on the rise), a friend of mine has a virused Mac. As more users use Macs, more viruses will come out for it. Especially when users think "they are safe".
http://infosecurity.us/?p=4005
http://blogs.chron.com/techblog/archives/2008/07/malware_authors_take_aim_at_growing_number_of_1.html
http://www.macsimumnews.com/index.php/archive/poll_have_you_noticed_an_increase_in_malware_viruses_etc_on_your_mac/
SECURITY
Mac OS X was hacked in 2006 less than 30 minutes, and within 2 minutes in a contest in 2008, and within 10 seconds in 2009. In 2008, Linux and Vista were not hacked until another day when restrictions were lowered. Vista was next, and then Linux. In 2009 Windows 7 fell shortly after the Mac but Linux was unscathed.
Macs are standardized with Cameras, if your Mac gets hacked, the hacker can turn on your camera with more ease.
Please Note: All OS’s have vulnerabilities.
http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/security/soa/Mac-OS-X-hacked-under-30-minutes/0,130061744,139241748,00.htm
http://www.infoworld.com/article/08/03/27/Gone-in-2-minutes-Mac-gets-hacked-first-in-contest_1.html
http://www.infoworld.com/article/09/03/19/Researcher_cracks_Mac_in_10_seconds_1.html
http://news.softpedia.com/news/Microsoft-Finds-Irony-in-Mac-OS-X-Getting-Hacked-Before-Vista-SP1-82135.shtml
Equivalents to ILife
http://www.jakeludington.com/ask_jake/20070830_ilife_for_windows.html
http://www.xsellize.com/showthread.php?t=20518
FREE Windows Stuff
http://www.comodo.com/products/free_products.html
http://www.iobit.com/
http://www.ccleaner.com/
ANTI-VIRUS
Avira Antivir (FREE) for 2009 personal edition is free (there is a paid version) the free version was rated the best by consumer reports 2009.
http://www.free-av.com/ Avast (Free- Click under Free Software and download Avast Home Edition) http://www.avast.com/
ANTI-MALWARE
Windows Defender (FREE)
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/products/winfamily/defender/default.mspx
Malware Bytes (FREE) Limitation – No Realtime protection on free version.
http://download.cnet.com/Malwarebytes-Anti-Malware/3000-8022_4-10804572.html?tag=mncol
Super Anti-Spyware (FREE)
http://download.cnet.com/SuperAntiSpyware-Free-Edition/3000-8022_4-10523889.html?tag=mncol
LINUX INFO:
http://distrowatch.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.desktoplinux.com/
http://polishlinux.org/
http://www.ubuntu.com/
http://www.kubuntu.org/
http://www.freespire.org/
http://www.pclinuxos.com/
http://xwinman.org/gnome.php
http://xwinman.org/kde.php
http://www.linuxalt.com/
http://screencasts.ubuntu.com/
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromMacOSX
https://help.ubuntu.com/community/SwitchingToUbuntu/FromWindows
http://www.linuxfoundation.org/en/OpenPrinting/
References :