Is it possible that in a tight economy buyers are more careful about good sized purchases such as a new computer, and that Macs are being seen as a better long term investment?

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Guest wrote:
Is it possible that in a tight economy buyers are more careful about good sized purchases such as a new computer, and that Macs are being seen as a better long term investment?

That could be the case, but there may be a number of factors. Gas, food, and variable rate mortgages not withstanding, not everyone is dire financial straits, not yet. Perhaps the people who buy the inexpensive PCs are hanging on to them whereas the those who still have discretionary cash are continuing to buy Macs. As for me I am waiting for the next MacBook model to be announced and I will snap one up.

I will tell you one thing, when I drop into the local Apple retail store it is usually very busy and the people are buying more than just iPods.

In a bad economy wouldn't that mean more people are buying inexpensive computers?

Can you say "sweet spot" of the market.

Let the competition keep on selling the low-margin "cheap" computers for all those who buy on "price".

Apple is dominating the high-margin more expensive computers for those who buy on quality, service, performance, etc.

All in all, the best part of the market to have.

I think this article may miss an important point. While apples are growing in the above 1000 price point that is a complete non-upgradeable system. Or at least with great difficulty. With a PC a user could well spend below 1000 to purchase a stock system, with upgrades in video cards, hard drive, second monitor, and ram pushing the price well above 1000 , but through multiple sources. As well the majority of the mac computer business is above 1000, betraying a distinct price disadvantage for the price conscious consumer. I think the mac clones that have come about in recent days will be interesting to watch in terms of who is buying them

I just had to add this comment - Macs are upgradeable. The iMac is more limited yes, and if that's what you're talking about then be specific. However, via FireWire and USB you can upgrade quite a bit on an iMac. Also, RAM and HDD can be upgraded.

However, if you're someone who is into computers, and wants to be able to upgrade, you surely have enough sense to get a Mac Pro! Then everything is upgradeable. And from that point of view, your comment is completely false. I've got a Quicksilver, that I have upgraded everything - the only thing left original is the MoBo and Case - I even have a standard PC 650Watt PSU in it, just to prove it can be done! So please, stop spreading this crap that a Mac can't be upgraded!!!

The argument frequently arises about the "upgradability" of standard PCs, but misses the larger point - few people actually do that. Most PC users are like the general population, and they have enough trouble with email attachments and lost photos. Replacing video cards and RAM are simply out of the equation for the great majority of people, regardless of platform.

So I will wager that for all those PC users who buy $800 junk boxes at Best Buy, over 90% will just remain $800 junk boxes. The aftermarket parts industry survives on professionals and a dedicated 10%, tops.