Are Macs more expensive than comparable PCs?

A big difference between Apple and most PC makers is that Apple carries a relatively limited product line. At any given point, Apple offers only around five computer models. If you walked into a store that sells PCs, on the other hand, you'd have a much wider selection. And Apple's cheapest computer is still several hundred dollars more than the least expensive PC you can find.

For example, if you are in the market for a new laptop, the lowest-priced Mac starts at around $1,000, but you can get a small, base-model PC laptop for less than $500 or a desktop for around $300. But the two computers aren't the same: The $1,000 Apple is a higher quality computer with more bells and whistles than the least-expensive PC on the market. In other words, Mac doesn't really offer an economy-priced option.

With its smaller selection of computers, Apple also offers very few mid-range models, so the price jump between models can seem substantial [source: Finnie]. With PCs, however, you can customize your computer with as many or as few options as you want, which allows you to adjust the features to meet your price point. Plus, there are simply more PC manufacturers and only one Apple, meaning the PC market is more competitive, which leads to both cost savings and a wider selection for the consumer.

Another difference between the two computers' hardware is PCs are designed to be upgraded. If you buy a base model PC today, you can add more memory, a better graphics card and a whole host of hardware options at a later date. Macs, on the other hand, aren't meant to be modified, although you can add RAM when necessary. For most people, the need to expand and modify their computer isn't a concern, but for serious gamers and techies, not being able to tweak their computer can be a big drawback.

There are some advantages to Apple's limited product line. The fact that there is only one maker of Macs and that they're designed so they can't be modified in any major way ensures a high-quality, efficient operating system. As a result, the Mac operating system is typically more stable than Windows; it runs faster and crashes less often [source: Stein]. Computer repairs are typically easier, as well, since Apple has to work on just a handful of models.

Today, most software you can buy for a computer is available in Mac-compatible and PC-compatible versions. So if you're planning to buy a computer, software availability isn't really a factor. What is a factor, however, is the software that comes standard on most Macs. Even base model Macs come loaded with great, high-quality programs -- iTunes, iMovie, iLife, Safari, iCalendar, Garage Band -- whereas a base model PC can either be pretty bare or overloaded with a bunch of programs you don't need or want [source: Finnie].

But you can't buy a Mac that's bare minimum like you can for a PC, because what comes standard on a Mac is essentially non-negotiable. In other words, you can't pick and choose the software your Mac comes with. There's no lowering the price by saying, for instance, "I don't want Garage Band." And with premium software by default, it's easy to see why the base model Mac sports a higher price tag than a basic PC.

PC software, however, is totally customizable and you can pick and choose what you want in order to get to a price you're happy with. But adding and expanding software can be expensive, too. If you add the same high-quality software and multimedia tools to a base-model PC that comes standard on a Mac, the cost of that PC would jump [source: Hesseldahl]. Plus, you'll need to invest in good antivirus software if you purchase a PC, which is another factor that can ratchet up the price [source: Hesseldahl].

A final software advantage Macs have is that everything they run is automatically compatible with other Apple products -- so you can sync your iPod or iPhone with your computer hassle-free thanks to the standard software on the Mac computer and your other Apple devices. For some, this cross-device compatibility is an incentive to pay a little more for a Mac.

Part of the appeal of, and the reason people will pay more for a Mac is the reputation. The design is sleek, the product is trendy and Macs have a reputation for being the go-to computers of artists, musicians and designers. Apple has managed to develop a product that people see as stylish, and as a result its market share has grown steadily year after year.

But it's not just about the look and the trends, though both have helped Apple carve out its niche in the computer market. Apple is also known for excellent customer service, with retail stores staffed by knowledgeable employees and tech support that's efficient and effective [source: Apple]. Year after year Apple beats PC makers in consumer satisfaction ratings -- and a lot of factors go into that rating beyond just quality of product, including its excellent customer service and a great buying experience [source: Ogg]. And for some, having the assurance of good support makes it worth shelling out the extra cash to own a Mac.

Some people also think Macs are easier to use than PCs. While that sentiment can vary from person to person, there's no doubt the user interface between the two operating systems is very different. In reality it all comes down to personal preference; there's no hard evidence to say one interface is easier to use than the other.

And let's not forget the role that advertising plays in our perceptions of Macs and PCs. Apple has focused much of its advertising dollars on portraying Mac users as young, creative trend-setters. PC makers, on the other hand, have tended to focus on competitive pricing and flexibility of options [source: Hesseldahl]. Apple hasn't made pricing its focus, so it's not surprising many people have the impression that, when matched head-to-head, a Mac costs more than a PC.

There's certainly a lot that goes into deciding what computer to buy, and a lot of information available to help you make your decision. To learn more about PCs, Macs and computers in general, take a look at the links on the next page.