Apple decides what to do with $100 billion

[iborg]

However, the best arguments I can make are that OS X allows previewing of a lot of audio-visual file types in the GUI without having to open a third-party app (something that was actually in Win2k, but didn't make the transition to XP for some odd reason), better usage of screen real-estate.

Out of curiosity, like what? I'm genuinely curious.

The idea that Apple computers are underpowered spec-wise for their price is a myth, and an irritating one at that. Yes, I'm sure if you custom build your own tower, you can beat an iMac's specifications for price. But if you compare what Apple offers compared to other leading manufacturer's, the price differences are about even.

*yawn* Yeah, even if we count 20 to 80% price difference as 'even'. Or if we compare them to vanity Sony laptops, which are equally overpriced. But, you know, one example from a few years back. In real life, friend using Macbook asked me to change his RAM to 4 GB. You know what Apple offers when you want that? Some sort of brand-less (seriously, I looked at it for 5 min and couldn't find producer) crappy RAM for full 20% more than PC store next door demanded for very fast, tested, matched gaming RAM chips with error correction. Wunderbar!

Oh, and you know why I was asked for that? Because Apple store demanded 100$ for RAM change, a task that took me 6 minutes, trying to scare my friend into paying by claiming me changing would void her warranty (but it was already void, so...). Yeah, that's truly wonderful customer support, especially compared to what high-end PC users get (door to door pickup with NBD repair, replacement laptop handed in meantime...). Seriously? Having to carry laptop to shop is somehow 'good' when we discuss that price level laptops?

In the end, what is deal killer for me for Mac isn't being overpriced, crappy, locked-in computers. I could live with these. It's their 'one size fits all' policy. On PC market, there is competition, you can pick something tailored to your demands. Processors, ram, battery, graphic card, someone makes the combination that fits you. With Apple? You better hope that shiny white soapbox skin is worth all shortcomings. I'm literally having flashbacks to soviet-era brandless 'we produce only one variety and what you will do about it?' products we had to buy before '89 when I look at Apple offerings sometimes. Their logo-less minimalist boxes even resemble these sold in Apple stores

Mac Buyer First Rule : Don't buy your RAM from Apple.
Seriously, this has been known (and joked about) for... ages. Same for the SSDs, too.
Of course, this supposes you're computer-savvy enough to open up the case and do the install yourself, but then it's not hard to do and Apple even explicitly allows it (and provides instructions to). If you're too afraid, well, just pick the Apple-option and save yourself the stress in exchange for money.

[phongn]

*yawn* Yeah, even if we count 20 to 80% price difference as 'even'. Or if we compare them to vanity Sony laptops, which are equally overpriced. But, you know, one example from a few years back. In real life, friend using Macbook asked me to change his RAM to 4 GB. You know what Apple offers when you want that? Some sort of brand-less (seriously, I looked at it for 5 min and couldn't find producer) crappy RAM for full 20% more than PC store next door demanded for very fast, tested, matched gaming RAM chips with error correction. Wunderbar!

It's not "crappy RAM". It meets the specifications required by JEDEC and Apple. And yes, Apple rips you off on it (in exchange for them doing the work, and also to pad their profits. Pretty much everyone does this, and if you think this is bad, you should see servers).

Yeah, that's truly wonderful customer support, especially compared to what high-end PC users get (door to door pickup with NBD repair, replacement laptop handed in meantime...). Seriously? Having to carry laptop to shop is somehow 'good' when we discuss that price level laptops?

It's better than average consumer machine support, and it turns out people like going face-to-face to talk to someone and get help. Don't make the same mistake Ryan Thunder does in assuming your desires and needs are indicative of everyone else. (And yes, I do appreciate NBD on-site support - I've plenty of experience with ThinkPads. Apple has no response in the enterprise for this kind of support)

In the end, what is deal killer for me for Mac isn't being overpriced, crappy, locked-in computers. I could live with these. It's their 'one size fits all' policy. On PC market, there is competition, you can pick something tailored to your demands. Processors, ram, battery, graphic card, someone makes the combination that fits you. With Apple? You better hope that shiny white soapbox skin is worth all shortcomings. I'm literally having flashbacks to soviet-era brandless 'we produce only one variety and what you will do about it?' products we had to buy before '89 when I look at Apple offerings sometimes. Their logo-less minimalist boxes even resemble these sold in Apple stores

It's exactly their minimalist approach to production that gives them tremendous economy of scale and component pricing control. The "only do a few things well" approach is also a direct reaction to Apple in the 1990s which did have a huge variety of models and lots of customization. As a result, consumers were utterly confused about Apple's product line.

Also, more choice is not necessarily good (and in the case of their laptop line, there's plenty of reasonable choices for you to make!)