[dennisw]

Not quite true anymore. If you compare like for like - the Apple computers are very competitive with anyone. Compare a specific Mac Book Air, then compare an industrial case (not a cheap plastic case) with identical specs from Dell, HP, Leveno or anyone else - you will find that Apple is usually cheaper.

Only problem is only 10% of laptop buyers need the very high specs you like.
90% of laptop buyers will be happy with a 15" $350--$400 HP laptop that has 4gb memory.....They don't need to spend $1700 on Apples least expensive 15" laptop

$399 at Best Buy this week HP Pavilion g7-1338dx laptop 

1. 4-way processing, 
2. 17.3" screen, 
3. 4GB DDR3,
4. 500GB hard drive 
5. and Windows® 7 Home Premium.
6. Laptop screens are measured diagonally. Limited quantities. No rainchecks.
7. Browse the Web with this HP Pavilion g7-1338dx laptop that features a wireless LAN for an easy Internet connection. 
8. The built-in webcam and microphone make it easy to video chat with friends. 
   Information provided by Intel.

[kevkrom]

Only problem is only 10% of laptop buyers need the very high specs you like. 90% of laptop buyers will be happy with a 15" $350--$400 HP laptop that has 4gb memory

And Apple chooses not to compete in the low-end, low-margin market. People who want a disposable computer are welcome to buy one, and get what they pay for -- for many, it will be good enough.

[PreciousLiberty]

“$399 at Best Buy this week HP Pavilion g7-1338dx laptop

4-way processing, “

According to the reviews, it is only a dual core CPU. Best Buy should include the number of cores in the specs. I believe that all the i3 models are dual core though.

It also only has the integrated HD3000 graphics, which are OK for light use, but not for most modern games or GPU computing. I think the latest AMD based laptops in the lower price bracket are a better buy for most folks.

It’s also worth noting that BB is blowing those out because of the new Ivy Bridge based systems that are coming soon.