[Richard Kimball]

Affordable is relative. I think what Westbrook is doing, because of the large number of computers is going uber-cheap, in the areas where Mac doesn't compete. You can get some super low end systems or close outs for $300 or so. If you go Linux instead of Windows, you can have a computer for a very low price. About the lowest you get out on a Mac is maybe $700 for a Mini with a low end monitor. Even the Mini has bluetooth, wireless, a remote, and all the software.

At the iMac level, where Apple does compete, it's a different ball game. Dell's all in one is almost exactly the same price, and there's no quality comparison at all. For example the Dell uses integrated graphics that run off the main CPU, while the Apple uses a separate video card with a 128 meg cache.

In the areas where Macs compete, I think the Mac is dollar for dollar equivalent and the quality is much better, but I just don't think they make a computer in the category where Westbrook is shopping.

Westbrook, if I misread your comments, apologies.

[Westbrook]

> Westbrook, if I misread your comments, apologies

No offense taken at all.

I wish I could afford the high-end Macs, I really do. They can NOT be outclassed.

But I can get similar power at almost half the cost, though without the classy and seamless interface at the level of Leopard.

Linux is catching up, though.
:)

And I do enjoy the “tinker appeal” of my home-grown “frankensteins”.