Microsoft Blasts “Apple Tax” Again?

Posted on January 9, 2009 
Filed Under Apple, Rants, Windows

microsoft_logoOnce again, Microsoft has made an official statement to criticize Apple for its alleged “Apple tax,” a higher retail cost for computers which otherwise have the same specifications as a Windows system. In an e-mail sent to journalists this week, Microsoft argues that a low-end Mac mini is approximately 16 percent ($100) more costly than an equivalent PC, while a low-end iMac is 25 percent ($300) more expensive.

Though this statement might have some truth to it when comparing physical hardware specifications, there are a few more things that buyers should take into consideration before believing this propaganda.

I don’t hate, or even dislike Microsoft. What I do not like is this type of corporate marketing. Companies should spend their time and money marketing the strengths of their own products rather than doing nothing more than pointing out “false negatives” about their competition. All of this reminds me of several recent political campaigns.

Now, back to the point…

Comparing an Apple computer to a machine that is purchased from another manufacturer such as HP, Dell, or Lenovo is not an “apples to apples” comparison (pun intended). Though the hardware specifications of the machines may be similar, what comes under the hood is quite different. A few that come to mind:

The Operating System: A Mac comes preloaded with Apple’s OS X operating system, while other manufactures include either Windows XP or Windows Vista. Only you (the user) can determine which best suits your needs and meets your lifestyle.

Included Applications: Windows-based machines are notorious for coming with a lot of software… called Bloatware. Bloatware is pre-installed software bundles that mostly consist of demos and trial software that you can purchase at a later time. Some PC manufactures actually justify charging an additional fee to uninstall bloatware from their machines, so many users opt to do it themselves by either reloading the operating system or manually removing the programs by hand. Not fun. On the other hand, Macs come preloaded with software as well. The one difference is that Macs come preloaded with useful software applications that enable users to manage their music, movies and pictures at no extra charge.

Design, Quality, and Style: Many people believe that Apple computers are designed better than their PC counterparts. For example, Apple laptops are built with lightweight metal instead of cheap flimsy plastic. For road warriors (like myself) that spend the majority of their time dragging a laptop through airports and from hotel to hotel, a more durable laptop is worth spending a little extra money on. At the same time, Apple has done an amazing job making their equipment not only functional, but also stylish. Take a look at any Apple computer or device and you will see a work of art that others manufactures strive to imitate.

What’s the bottom line? Only the purchaser can decide what meets their needs and what they are willing to pay for. Who is Microsoft to criticize me for paying $100 more for a laptop because I use the additional software and prefer the more appealing style over Windows-based PCs? I’ve been an Apple fan for many years and without a doubt, have paid my fair share of this so-called “Apple Tax”, but I don’t see me changing my ways any time soon. Until PC manufactures can step up to the plate and offer comparable solutions, my mind won’t be changed.

Microsoft, stop criticizing others and concentrate on your own problems.

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