Well $395 isn't that bad. If it had a fruit logo on it, it'd be $700+.
This really isn't true at all. First, because Apple doesn't sell low quality junk. I'm not saying the product in this thread is low quality, but it is without question an underpowered machine which is priced low for a REASON. Additionally, let's talk about Apple's prices: If you compare BOM across various products, and using similar quality materials, Apple doesn't really charge more than anyone else. With educational discounts the MBA starts at around 800$. That is right in line with Ultrabooks with SSDs. The only ultrabooks that are cheaper are using lower quality materials with platter HDDs.
Of course, the entire issue with the Windows ecosystem is that the likes of Dell, HP, etc are all trying to shove low quality garbage down your throat. Ultrabooks with HDMI that don't support higher than 1080p. Low quality keyboards. Trackpads that barely work (unlike the excellent trackpad on the MBA/MBP). 5400 RPM platter HDDs are the norm with Windows ultrabooks, not the exception. Would much rather have a smaller PCIE SSD - which, BTW, only Apple is offering PCIE SSDs in the MBA with read/write speeds over 800MBPs. I have searched high and low for a Windows ultrabook that doesn't, frankly, SUCK. I have not found one yet. The only one that comes close - don't laugh - is Acer Aspire R7. It's pretty sad that Acer is doing better than Dell and HP. Lenovo high end ultrabooks are decent but their trackpads leave a lot to be desired, and only their business ultrabooks are good - and they're expensive. More expensive than Apple products.
Let's take the example one step further with phones. Unsubsidized premium phones are all roughly the same price - the iphone 5 is actually cheaper than the HTC One (or very close) and is definitely cheaper than the Samsung Galaxy S4. Of course subsidized prices vary, though - i'm not a fan of subsidized phones because contract prices through carriers (for data) are absurd in the states.
It's easy to hate on Apple. I admit, I used to be the same way - the prevalent thought among Windows users is that they're obligated to despise Apple. I fell into the same trap for the long time. However, my opinion complete changed once I spent a lot of hands on with their macbooks - their products really do sell well for a reason: they're all very exceptionally high quality products. Apple does not throw low quality junk on the market such as Dell, HP, and other Windows manufacturers. It's quite sad because I would *much* prefer staying on the Windows side without having to use bootcamp, but Apple products are just better in terms of portable computers - the Retina Macbook Pro in particular is *yet* to be matched by anyone in terms of quality.
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