I'm surprised no one has mentioned Apple's giant iPhone
. It's a shame because the iPad could have been a great product if it cost half as much was actually x86 instead of ARM based. I love PC's but I'll give Apple credit where due for inventing the GUI a decade or so ago. I love and still use dos, command prompt, and terminal from time to time, but GUI's are so much easier to use for the average person.
However, I do not think the prices Apple charges are justified for a nice screen and a solid chassis. I'm more interested in how a computer run's than what it runs because an OS is just a piece of software that allows hardware to interface with other software.
Honestly I don't believe you can argue OS X is a better OS than Windows. Both have their ups and downs. For example, windows is a rather bulky OS but it is also robust. Driver support for hardware is paramount in windows. OS X does run fast for the hardware it has but if Microsoft spent the same amount of time optimizing just 3 sets of hardware like Apple does I'm convinced Windows would win. Secondly, any speed you gain from a less bulky OS you lose in lack of hardware.
I'm sure many of you may notice that your unibody Macbooks don't have external fans and before you get all high and mighty on me about how Macbook's don't need fans because they are intrinsically better do realize I am not an idiot and have University level education in Engineering which includes Thermodynamics.
Yes Aluminum does have a higher heat capacity than plastics which is what your low end PC is made of; FYI: PC's do come in better chassis if you know where to look and spend more than $700, but that doesn't change the fact that heating is a problem which is why Apple underclocks and undervolts their components which means you get even less for what you pay for than you know.
I personally use PC's because they are faster, cheaper, and honestly more aesthetically pleasing to me. Sorry the fruit just doesn't do it for me. Also I'm not afraid to carry something big around for the extra power. If you want to look all dainty with your Mac go for it. PC users can do it too. I'll just chill with a carbon fiber based sony vaio z series or Alienware (business vs. gaming). Which I recommend to anyone looking for a nice laptop (See: Vaio Z series below
Sony Vaio Z Series (Customized at $1949.99; (default ($1899.99) + $50 for Carbon Fiber))
Chassis: Carbon Fiber
Screen:13.1'' LED screen (1600 x 900) - N.B. The dpi on this sucker makes me drool.
CPU: Core i5 540 2.53 Ghz (Turbo boost to 3.06 Ghz)
HDD: 128 GB SSD (default; upgradeable to two 256 GB SSD in RAID 0 for +$1000; N.B. if you you want speed you can't beat this)
RAM: 4 GB DDR3 1066 (default, up to 8 GB for +$300)
ODD: CD/DVD Burner (default, up to Blu-Ray burner +$500)
GPU: NVIDIA GT 330 (default)
By the way the reason it is so expensive is that it is in a 13 in chassis (more power in smaller space = $$$) and it is still cheaper than a macbook of similar specs. Actually apple doesn't offer a 13 in laptop with comparable specs. If you want a powerhouse, but aren't concerned about appearance you can get an Alienware, Sager, MSI, ASUS, or Clevo for comparable price. In other words luxury PC's are still cheaper, more powerful, and look better.
If you want to destroy at gaming you can get an Alienware laptop with a decent dual core, dual 5870's in crossfire, 4 GB DDR3 RAM, Dual 320 GB 7200 rpm HDD running in RAID 0, and a 17 in RGB screen at 1920 x 1080p. And if you have the coin. You can add even higher end specs (quad cores etc, RAID 0 SSD's etc). All this at $2474.00 USD. You can cut a few hundred dollars more if you use your student discount.
Furthermore for those of you buying Macbooks for the iPod touch. Don't kid yourself. I'm sure people here at head-fi of all people should know how poor iPod are for sound quality especially at the price. Save yourself the trouble and get a separate mp3 player. I personally like the Zune HD, Tegra + OLED screen >>> iPod.
Anyway, just my two cents. Hope I didn't just start a flame war. Mac's are good at what they do, but PC's are good at everything.
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