Buzz
You could walk into a store and pick up a new PC for about $300, but shopping for a Mac means you're looking at a starting price of $1,000 or more.
Image courtesy of AppleWhen shopping for a new computer, the options can be overwhelming. You’ll need to decide on the processor, hard drive size, RAM, screen resolution, and more. With so many factors to consider, it’s easy to get lost—especially when this will likely become your go-to device for tasks like checking email, browsing photos, or scrolling through Facebook.
One of the first choices most people face when buying a new computer is whether to choose a Mac or a PC. The two systems can feel worlds apart, with dedicated fans on each side. But have you ever wondered why Macs seem so much more expensive than PCs? While you can easily pick up a new PC for around $300, finding a Mac for under $1,000 is nearly impossible.
What's the real story behind Mac pricing? Are they genuinely more expensive than PCs?
In reality, the price gap between comparable Macs and PCs is minimal. If you were to assemble a PC with the same specs as a basic Mac -- featuring similar hardware, software, and all the standard features that come with a Mac -- the price would be almost identical. Tom's Hardware did this test with a base model Mac Pro, and the price difference turned out to be under $6 [source: McCracken].
If Macs aren't priced much higher than PCs, why is it so difficult to find a Mac for just a few hundred bucks? A big part of the price difference boils down to the available options and the way they're perceived in the market.
The Hardware
One major distinction between a Mac and a PC is that PC hardware is built to be upgraded over time.
Image courtesy of DellA key difference between Apple and most PC manufacturers is that Apple offers a more streamlined product line, typically only around five models at any given time. Meanwhile, when you walk into a store selling PCs, the variety is vast. Moreover, Apple's entry-level computer still costs several hundred dollars more than the least expensive PCs available.
For example, if you’re looking for a new laptop, the most affordable Mac starts at about $1,000, while a basic PC laptop can be found for under $500, and a desktop for around $300. However, the two aren’t identical: The $1,000 Mac provides higher quality and additional features compared to the cheapest PC. In other words, Apple doesn’t offer an economy version.
Because of its smaller product range, Apple has fewer mid-tier models, making the price jump between different Mac models feel more significant [source: Finnie]. On the other hand, PCs offer a higher degree of customization, allowing you to adjust features according to your budget. Additionally, with numerous PC manufacturers and only one Apple, the PC market tends to be more competitive, which results in a broader selection and lower prices for consumers.
Another key difference in hardware is that PCs are built to be upgraded. If you buy a base model PC today, you can later add more memory, a better graphics card, and other upgrades. Macs, however, are not designed for modification, although you can add RAM if necessary. For most users, the ability to expand isn’t critical, but for gamers and tech enthusiasts, the inability to tweak the machine can be a major drawback.
Apple's limited product range does come with some advantages. With only one manufacturer of Macs, and the fact that they're designed to prevent major modifications, it ensures a highly efficient and quality operating system. As a result, the Mac OS tends to be more stable than Windows, running faster and with fewer crashes [source: Stein]. Additionally, repairs are simpler, as Apple only needs to service a few models.
The Software
Today, most software is available in both Mac-compatible and PC-compatible versions. So when choosing a computer, software compatibility is usually not an issue. What does matter, however, is the software that comes pre-installed on Macs. Even the most basic Mac models come with high-quality programs like iTunes, iMovie, iLife, Safari, iCalendar, and Garage Band, while base-model PCs often come with either minimal software or a lot of bloatware that you might not need or want [source: Finnie].
However, unlike a PC, you can't buy a Mac with just the bare minimum of software. The software that comes with a Mac is essentially fixed, meaning you can't opt out of certain programs. For instance, you can't remove Garage Band to lower the price. With premium software included by default, it’s easy to see why the base model Mac comes with a higher price tag compared to a basic PC.
On the other hand, PC software is fully customizable, allowing you to pick and choose what you want, so you can adjust the price accordingly. However, adding premium software and multimedia tools to a base-model PC, which are standard on a Mac, can quickly increase the price of the PC [source: Hesseldahl]. Additionally, if you purchase a PC, you'll also need to invest in reliable antivirus software, which adds another cost to the overall price [source: Hesseldahl].
One key advantage Macs have is their seamless compatibility with other Apple products. With the built-in software on Mac computers, syncing devices like your iPod or iPhone is effortless. For many users, this smooth integration is a major selling point, justifying the higher price tag of a Mac.
You've likely heard Apple enthusiasts claim that Macs are immune to viruses, unlike PCs. While it’s largely true—there are about 100 malware programs for Macs compared to around 20 million for PCs—the reason lies in the numbers. Virus creators aim to target the most widely used systems, and since there are fewer Macs than PCs, they focus more on the latter. Additionally, Macs are built with robust security features that make them more resistant to viruses [source: Stein].
The Perception
A significant reason people are willing to pay a premium for a Mac is its reputation. With its sleek design, fashionable appeal, and status as the preferred device for artists, musicians, and designers, Macs have built a strong image. Apple has cultivated a product that is seen as stylish, and this has contributed to their consistent growth in market share year after year.
But it’s not just about looks and trends, though both have certainly helped Apple create a niche in the computer world. Apple is also famous for its exceptional customer service. The retail stores are staffed with knowledgeable employees, and tech support is efficient and responsive [source: Apple]. Year after year, Apple surpasses PC manufacturers in consumer satisfaction ratings, thanks to factors beyond just product quality, including their stellar customer service and enjoyable shopping experience [source: Ogg]. For some people, the peace of mind that comes with excellent support makes the extra cost of owning a Mac worthwhile.
Some believe that Macs are easier to use than PCs. While this varies from person to person, there's no denying that the user interface of each operating system is quite distinct. Ultimately, it all comes down to personal preference—there’s no definitive proof that one interface is inherently easier to navigate than the other.
Let’s not overlook the influence of advertising on our perceptions of Macs and PCs. Apple has spent heavily marketing Macs as the choice for young, creative trend-setters, while PC manufacturers have emphasized competitive pricing and customization options [source: Hesseldahl]. Since Apple doesn’t prioritize pricing in its campaigns, it’s easy to see why many people assume that a Mac is more expensive than a PC when compared directly.
The Mac vs. PC debate is about more than just hardware specs and customer service—it’s also a matter of identity. According to a survey, Mac users tend to be younger, more liberal, more likely to live in cities, and 80% more likely to be vegetarians compared to PC users [source: Suarez]. Who knew your computer choice might reflect your dietary preferences?
