Apple makes quality hardware, which contributes to the computer’s long lifespan, but they also make the operating system, which adds an additional boost to the computer’s life. The Mac OS doesn’t slow down over time like Windows is known to do (at least up through XP — I haven’t heard that from Vista). Topping it all off, they tend to have good judgment concerning which technologies will be useful in the future and get them into their products very early (DVD burners, USB, Firewire,
and built-in wireless were available in Mac laptops before they were in most low-cost PC laptops). Thanks to that foresight, I have access to most of those features (except for DVD burning) in a laptop I bought more than 5 years ago.

My point is that over the course of 5 years, I’ve probably SAVED money by buying a Mac instead of two PC laptops. Every time someone buys a new computer there is a potential that they will switch to another brand. If people are buying computers less often but at a higher price point from Apple, that’s a sound strategy for two reasons:
1.) Customers are happy with Apple because their computers behave well for a long time
2.) They aren’t considering a switch to Dell every 2 years when their old computer finally poops out on them.

Low-cost, entry-level laptops become obsolete quickly. Early obsolescence is a quality that Apple is unlikely to want associated with their products. Is there a market for them? Absolutely. Is it Apple’s market? Probably not.

That strategy has worked pretty well thus far.

but such pretty laptops

I’ve had a couple of Macs (graphic designer) but once Adobe hit the PC market it was hard to justify buying a Mac when I could get two PCs, one for me and one for a freelancer.

I still check them out every now and then (can’t help it, they’re beautiful) but I can’t see myself buying one anytime soon.

There are comparable and even better products out their.

Having said that, clearly they do what they do and they know their customers. They’ve mastered their brand and are getting every penny they can for selling “cool” products.

Apple Product + Me = Cool

FYI: Apple Reports Record Third Quarter Results — Revenue Up 38 Percent Year-Over-Year Mac Sales Reach All-Time High

http://www.apple.com/pr/library/2008/07/21results.html

“The Steve” knows what he’s doing.

I am eying some used Apples on craigs list. I just can’t bring myself to pay retail. But no, Apple will never be a $498 computer you can pick up in the electronics section at Wal-mart, but last time I checked, they weren’t hocking BMW’s at Walmart either.

@richS- I agree with you & I’m victim of the mindset, but we can’t keep supporting this out if touch mentality – for example orig iPhone was extremely overpriced, look at how they dropped iPhone gen2 – go figure

@Mann – stop drinking the Koolaid, look I luv my MacBookPro but bottom line u can compare other computers to a Mac. Dropping the price a bit more doesnt kill a brand, bottom li e computer parts are essentially the same just like car engines they just wanna be the Mercedes of computers. I’ll agree that their
design is flawless but that doesn’t make a great computer in & of itself. Bottom line Steve J & crew can afford to drop the entry level (1GB only LOL) down to a more reasonable $800

So the better question is the quality of the brand worth tarnishing to turn out a cheaper product? I personally hope they never risk the quality over mass appeal.

I own a G4, Mac Pro, iPhone, ipod, Time Capsule… all kinds of stuff. Been a Apple user since i was about 6, with my first Apple purchase in 2000. I’ve been professionally working on Macs since 1998, and I wouldn’t switch to any other system at this time.

I am sure I will be more than happy with it. I can’t even operate a pc anymore – its been so long. I have been an apple head since 1999 (multiple mac owner) and once you got mac you dont go back.