Is Apple a More Expensive Computer

It always seems that there is a debate between those who like Apple computers and those who do not as to whether or not an Apple is more expensive that competitors Windows-based machines.

This week the debate was enraged again when an on-line report (blog) claimed that Apple has 66% of the "premium" computer market, which is supposed to mean $1000+ priced machines.

Today I decided to do some research and try to settle this, at least in my mind. In the interest of time, I limited myself to two Mac models, a Macbook and a Macbook Pro.

The data I present below is based upon what I was able to find on-line. I have referenced enough information that I think you could duplicate this research also.

The Macbook Data:

Brand	Apple	Gateway	HP	HP
Model	Macbook	_	dv2845e	dv2890nr
Processor	2.1 GHz (Intel)	2.0 GHz (AMD)	2.1 GHz (AMD)	1.83 GHz (Intel)
RAM	2 GB	3 GB	4 GB	3 GB
HD	120 GB	250 GB	250 GB	250 GB
Optical Drive	DVD-R/CD-RW	DVD-RW	DVD-RW	DVD-RW
Screen	13.3"	14.1"	14.1"	14.1"
USB Ports	2	3	3	2
Firewire	1	0	1	1
Price	$1099	$699	$899	$999
Source	Apple Store	Best Buy	Best Buy	Best Buy

To summarize, the Macbook has a better process and Bluetooth, but a smaller screen. Every other specification looks to be as good or better in the competition, including the availability of a memory card reader. The one exception may be the video card, as that data is a little harder to determine with what is quickly available on-line.

The Macbook Pro Data (step 1):

Brand	Apple	Dell	HP	Dell
Model	Macbook Pro	X1730B8124	HDX9010NR	XPS 1730
Processor	2.5 GHz (Intel)	2.2 GHz (AMD)	2.2 GHz (AMD)	2.4 GHz (Intel)
RAM	2 GB	2 GB	2 GB	4 GB
HD	250 GB	250 GB	240 GB	320 GB
Optical Drive	DVD-RW	DVD-RW	DVD-RW	DVD-RW
Screen	17"	17"	20.1"	17"
USB Ports	3	4	4	4
Firewire	1	1	1	1
Price	$2799	$2499	$2349	$2399
Source	Apple Store	Best Buy	Best Buy	Dell

This is the data from readily available "stock" systems. Still the Mac is the most expensive, but it also had the fastest processor (but not necessarily the biggest screen!). Again, I think that the Macbook Pro has the best video card from what I could tell.

To get closer, I went a step further.

The Macbook Pro Data (step 2):

Brand	Apple	Dell
Model	Macbook Pro	XPS 1730
Processor	2.5 GHz (Intel)	2.5 GHz (Intel)
RAM	2 GB	2 GB
HD	250 GB	250 GB
Optical Drive	DVD-RW	DVD-RW
Screen	17"	17"
USB Ports	3	4
Firewire	1	1
Price	$2799	$2674
Source	Apple Store	Dell

These are essentially identical machines except for three factors. First, the Dell has the higher screen resolution. Secondly, they have difference NVidia graphics cards, but the same memory on each. The Dell has the higher NVidia model number, for what it is worth. The third difference is that the Dell has a higher RPM hard drive (the only way to get 250 GB).

So, is the Mac more expensive? Looks that way to me!