New computer...for my son

[jobberone]

I don't buy new Apple stuff except for iPhones. My iMac was ordered 'slightly used' and I ended up getting it for free (long story with eBay). My second iMac was from my son who didn't want the non-working iMac anymore. I put a new HD in it and gave it to my wife.

I use an old Apple G4 laptop on occasion because its aluminum and the feel of it beats my new Toshibas running Windows. All the Apples are much more stable than the Toshibas. Some of that may be because they are used differently in that the Apples are never loaned out to young adults or kids.

[theogt]

Originally Posted by Future

I can't stand Apple, so I might be a bit biased here...

but I think that a $1600 custom PC would outperform any mac lap top. The reality is that MacBooks might perform slightly better than other products, but are priced WAY higher. Unless you are a doing a ton of video and music editing, there is really no reason to ever get one.

Well, I'm not sure why you would compare a PC and a lap top. One issue about laptops is weight/size. Getting power into a small space costs more. But, yes, you can get "comparable" Windows-based laptops for a fair amount cheaper. They'll be lacking in some ways, but they're comparable still. I've said before that MBPs really aren't worth what you pay for them (for most people). But they sure as hell are nice. And to me, the retina display is what convinced me to shell out the extra money.

[Future]

Originally Posted by theogt

Well, I'm not sure why you would compare a PC and a lap top. One issue about laptops is weight/size. Getting power into a small space costs more. But, yes, you can get "comparable" Windows-based laptops for a fair amount cheaper. They'll be lacking in some ways, but they're comparable still. I've said before that MBPs really aren't worth what you pay for them (for most people). But they sure as hell are nice. And to me, the retina display is what convinced me to shell out the extra money.

I know for general day to day use you woulnd't want to compare a pc and lap top.

My point was more geared towards individuals who are going to need that kind of power generally are not going to do that type of work on the go, but rather, at a desk or in an office. So whether they have a PC or lap top is irrelevant.

[Kilyin]

Originally Posted by TheCount

So basically, you think a Mac Pro is too expensive based on a dated chart whose entire argument is "Why is this so expensive"? Noted.

Anyway, moving on!

The simple answer to your question is "Don't."

Chart isn't that dated and is still very applicable.

Show me any kind of apple computer - be it a laptop, desktop, or motherboard/CPU stuffed into a monitor... and I guarantee you I can price an equivalent system out for at least 500 dollars less, and that's a conservative estimate.