I have to laugh when I hear poor Steve Ballmer at Microsoft that selling a premium computer in this current economic crisis is a far stretch.  According to Ballmer, people won't pay an extra $200 for a premium computer.  Mr. Ballmer is renown to be pretty clueless, and can do a mean monkey dance on stage.  To each's own.

Apple Of My Eye.  I'm not loaded with cash at this moment, like most people BUT I do know what I look for in a new product.  Quality of the machine and good technical support.  If I can get a computer from Apple for an extra $200 and get the extra quality and tech support, Mr. Ballmer, I will.  And guess what?  I am.

Why?  My PowerBook G4 is 4 years old and hasn't stopped running since I bought it new.  The only reason why I want another one is that after 4 years, it is becoming a little slow for my growing needs.  I will retire it to become my external workhorse from the everyday workhorse. I will only use it when I need to go to a cafe or traveling.  All I need at home is an iMac with a 24" screen so that I can watch a movie when I want and work with enough ooomph!

So no, Mr. Ballmer from Microsoft that has always favored shoddy quality, many people like me have shied away from your countless expensive upgrades and continuous virus to a platforms that costs the same years down the line, minus the frustration you made us endure.  It's a question of paying upfront or later.