Will do a quick comparison for you ![Smilie](https://forums.hexus.net/images/smilies/smile.gif)
Apple Macbook, basic spec: £749
Code:
CPU:1.83GHz Intel Core Duo
RAM:512meg DDR2
Screen:13.3-inch widescreen display
Hard Drive: 60GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Optical: Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW)
GFX: Intel GMA 950
Networking: 802.11a/b/g, 10/100/1000 ethernet
Video camera: Built in
Bluetooth: Built in
Remote: Included
Similarly configured Dell notebook: £860.43
Code:
CPU:1.73GHz Intel Core Duo
RAM:512meg DDR2
Screen:14.4-inch widescreen display
Hard Drive: 80GB 5400-rpm Serial ATA hard drive
Optical: Combo drive (DVD-ROM, CD-RW, 8X DVD+/-RW)
GFX: Intel GMA 950
Networking: 802.11a/b/g, 10/100 ethernet
Video camera: Extra (included in price)
Bluetooth: Extra (included in price)
Remote: Extra (included in price)
I think that shows the important specs.
So for a dell with a slightly bigger screen (about the same when you get to actual viewing area), a dvd write (that you will never use on the move) a slower CPU, no gigabit ethernet, no OSX you pay an extra £110
I've set the warranties the same, and removed any dell special offers - and have done the same for apple (so no edu discount or promotion included).
Granted if you include teh current dell offers you get 1gig of ram and an extra 70 quid off- but this only brings it down to teh same price as the macbook (if you upgrade the macbook to 1gig) and your buying a dell, not an apple.
Of course it all comes down to local pricing in the end - you may well find a sony or asus laptop similarly specced to a macbook for a lower price, but not by much, and even if you are you don't get the integrated webcam, front row remote, apple stylings, magsafe, OSX (and windows with bootcamp) etc etc.