Okay, I'll follow your instructions. First hit, About.com article. First article, "Common Myths About the Mac." Fourth item, "Myth: Macs are expensive. Fact: Apple hardware and software offer tremendous value." Then we have several old comparisons (not a good idea to compare over a year ago in the computer business).
Your Google idea wasn't too useful. So show me, similar form factor, speed, features and software load.
I recently built a “frankenstein” with the following components for under $500.
. ASUS M2N-MV/DVI Motherboard
. AMD 4800+ X2 Dual Core CPU
. 2GB DDR-533 Memory
. 256 MB NVidia Graphics 16-lane PCI express graphics
. Sony Dual-Layer 18x DVD-RW
. Front-Panel Multi Flash Card Reader
. Seagate 500 GB SATA-2 (3Gb/s) Hard Drive
. Two NIC ports (one built-in, one PCI)
. 6 USB 2.0 ports
. Case with 300W PS and quiet fans
Now tell me what a similarly endowed Mac would cost.
You know, dual-core, high-speed CPU, 2 GB memory, 500 GB SATA drive, high-speed PCI express graphics, etc.
I venture it would be at least $1000.
We have 11 children, 9 still at home.
We have 5 PCs in this house, all of them “frankensteins”.
No way I could afford that many Macs.