Because the base memory requirements of Windows Vista are more than some enterprise servers. That is a symptom of piss poor development methodology... optimize code? why do that memory is cheap? I see it with developers day in and day out and its nothing but a headache because memory use seldom goes up in a linear fashion.
“powerful computers are cheap-if you don't buy them from Apple.”
Actually the thread is you need a powerful computer to run Vista but most apples get by fine on 1G memory for the OS and apps.
“My computers have been over 2 gigabytes for over 7 years now.”
Chances are you do more than check your mail and browse the web.. if not that kind of memory means you're the last person to complain about wasting money.
As to expensive apple memory?
Apple:
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http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=FF1F93F9A5CA7304
4 GB 55$
Dell
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http://www.crucial.com/store/mpartspecs.aspx?mtbpoid=73F155B2A5CA7304
2 GB 35$
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Contrary to popular belief you can change your own memory under a MAC warranty so long as its a supported brand (see above). Same is true with hard drives, CPU's and any other hardware.