<p>You do get a lot, but the question is what are you going to do with it? You can't run a lot of PC programs, and if you're total computer use is just going to be in word and itunes then why not just get some PC at half the cost?</p>
<p>As for DIY you can't even open up a Mac and repair it, but you could build your own PC laptop if you wanted, so it's not really even close to the same.</p>
<p>Bloomster,</p>
<p>You can build your own Windows notebook with a few very small companies, but you can't really hope to get good service with small companies online. If something breaks, you think you'll be able to do much?</p>
<p>As for what you get, Macs are not really bargain computers (an argument can be made for the Macbooks, maybe...) Why buy a Lenovo if you just want a cheap computer, as well? Not everyone wants a computer just for iTunes and Word. I wanted a computer that would last me 3+ years and offer me good performance for the duration of those years. </p>
<p>Think about it, is a $600 computer really a bargain if it offers poor performance and you have to buy a new one every year? Maybe not! </p>
<p>Oh, and what PC programs can you not run if you use Parallels?</p>
<p>You keep mentioning performance, what do you mean? Stability? Processor speed? Longevity of parts?</p>
<p>Also what exactly are you running that requires this "performance"?</p>
<p>As for Parallels, it's limited to 32bit OSes, can't use the multi-core chips effectively, and has problems with 3-d support. Also using a virtual machine just increases stability issues, which might be one of the things you're talking about under "performance".</p>
<p>Macs are just less bang for your buck because they have less competition.</p>
<p>So if you want to do something more intensive, you use Boot Camp! It's free!</p>
<p>I mean performance as in the speed at which programs run, how long it takes to boot and shut down, how well it handles running many programs, etc. My Mac doesn't sweat when I run Stata and big spreadsheets. My old Wintel chugs. That's what I mean. </p>
<p>And how is it less bang for the buck when the hardware is pretty comparable to other machines for the price? Factor in the Windows option... and I don't see what you mean.</p>