What really annoys me...

[isiolia]

Only to those with a vested financial and emotional interest in commoditized Windows PCs.

Not really. Objectively speaking, they sell hardware at a large markup, as the same specs/performance level are usually available for less via other sources. Not that they're the only brand that does, of course.

[8bit]

Only to those with a vested financial and emotional interest in commoditized Windows PCs.

Not really. Objectively speaking, they sell hardware at a large markup, as the same specs/performance level are usually available for less via other sources. Not that they're the only brand that does, of course.

If you consider only the internals of the computer you may be right. But if you consider the other features and values a Mac has its becomes quite clear they really are not overpriced. Take the following list for what you will.

1) Higher build quality than most other computers. Aluminum unibody constuction is the best in its class.

2) Exceptional screen quality and resolution (and just wait until they release retina display macs!)

3) Backlit keyboards standard on the laptops. (dont know what you are missing until you own it)

4) The best trackpad on a laptop. (and the standalone magic trackpad)

5) OS that is smart, reliable, and frequently upgraded. ($29 upgrades for 2 generations now)

6) Can run OSX, Windows, and Linux beautifully. (I run all three frequently on my Macbook Pro.)

7) Exceptional phone and in store customer service.


However I will concede that they are not the best gaming computers or most upgradable desktops in the world.

[isiolia]

If you consider only the internals of the computer you may be right. But if you consider the other features and values a Mac has its becomes quite clear they really are not overpriced.

Not necessarily, because what each particular user finds value in may vary, and it may not contribute towards better suitability for whatever task the computer is being used for.

Personally, I've had different experiences than you with some points, or a different take on them perhaps.

1.) Aesthetically, yes, the aluminum cases are very nice. They also have little to no reparability and are very expensive to replace. See enough of them, and you'll find that pretty much every line of Macs has their quirks and issues, no different from any other vendor. Most recently, for example, I brought in a 15" MBP that had the HDD cable flake out. Not dropped, taken apart, whatever, just stopped working. According to the local Apple service center, it's a common issue for the model (and like a $30-40 part because Apple fused it with the IR sensor ).

2.) Depends on the model, and depends on what you're comparing to. The screen in my 2007 Macbook is pretty terrible. Laptop LCDs in general are something I could rant about...long and short, I think Apple could do better, and I really hope they do put Retina displays in the next revision. It's high time the bar was raised in that area. On the desktop, their display is overpriced. There are more options, and better options.

3.) Backlit keyboards aren't that uncommon.

4.) No argument. There are likely some comparable ones out there, but I've yet to use them.

5.) $29 for a nearly-yearly update to an OS that's often terribly behind on patching security holes and has quickly abandoned both older machines and software. Every OS has its pros and cons, of course, and there is plenty to like in OS X, but it's not without annoyances.

6.) True, though it's a fairly moot point if you don't actually need OS X for more than shits n' giggles. Personally, appreciate this angle too, but it's not meaningful to all users.

7.) Varies. I had this discussion with a friend of mine that works at an Apple store (at least, last I saw him). Applecare gives you a lot if you can walk in and take advantage of the services they offer in-store with it (and are of the type of person that can't/won't fix it on your own). Not everyone lives close to one though. Their forums have been known to remove threads regarding product defects/etc.
They also don't offer accidental damage plans on Macs (iPads, yes, but not Macs). If it just so happens they decide it was your fault, you're SOL, or paying out the nose for repairs.