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Dell has just introduced a new all-in-one desktop computer that is surely inspired and built to compete with the Apple iMac. Besides being pretty ugly (in my opinion) it really shows what a bargain Apple’s new iMacs really are. Don’t get me wrong, the Dell XPS ONE looks nicely equipped and I was glad to see that Dell finally realizes that consumers may not want a large old fashioned tower on their desk, even if it is years late and not as good as the iMac design (again in my opinion).
But checking out the prices and the design really shows that OLD, WORN OUT – Macs are more expensive argument is a joke. The Dell XPS ONE is actually more expensive that an Apple iMac. Plus Apple offers the iMac in 20 and 24 inch versions and the Dell offers only a 20 inch right now. Like Gateway, Dell must be feeling the pressure on Apple market share ticking up and sees the need to finally design something.
Gateway’s “One” as they call it is a more blatant “knock-off” of the Apple iMac. But both Dell and Gateway are showing that they are following Apple and are surely not leading. Apple is showing that the iMac is a bargain. Check out the prices for yourself. Then look at the value and “cost of ownership.”
Dell’s XPS ONE is a 20 inch all-in-one running 2.2GHz Core 2 Duo along with 2GB RAM starting at $1,499 and up to$2,399 depending on options.
Apple’s iMac comes in 20 and 24 inch models (I own the 24 inch) starting at $1199 running a 2.0GHz Core 2 Duo and is only $2299 for the huge 24 inch machine running a 2.8GHz Intel Core 2 Extreme. The 24 inch iMac is faster, cheaper, and has a far bigger screen.
The Dell XPS ONE offers no Firewire 800 port and runs the Home version of Windows Vista, but has a hybrid Analog/Digital TV Tuner with remote and 8-in-1 Media Reader. The Apple iMac comes standard with a Firewire 800 and 400 port also has a remote. Of course the iMac comes loaded with OS X Leopard with includes Front Row and the iLife 08.
Gateway’s “One” is only available with a 19″ LCD screen featuring only a Core 2 Duo 1.5GHz, 400GB HD, 2GB RAM, Windows Vista® Home Premium Edition, DVD burner, webcam, and Microsoft Works at $1,499.99. No bargain here, and more expensive than an iMac.
HP has made an all-in-one for awhile called the HP TouchSmart IQ775 Desktop PC. It too is no bargain compared to the Apple iMac besides being bulky and quite ugly compared to even the Dell or Gateway all-in-ones.
I am not here to start the Windows vs. OS X comparison. I am just pointing out that the iMac, a consumer computer is NOT more expensive that a similar Dell (Gateway or HP), it is actually cheaper! Just as the Mac Pro high-end workstation was cheaper than a similar Dell when introduced last year.
I am so tired of the Mac are more expensive non-sense. This has not been true for a long time, when comparing Apples and Oranges, or Lemons in some cases. Apple’s iMac is quite a bargain these days.
Oh yeah, did I mention that you can run Windows (or Linux) on the iMac as well? Leopard includes the ability to run Windows as well as OS X right out of the box. So where is the bargain with Dell or Gateway? It certainly is not customer service. Apple retail stores offer tech help, free training with some of the best customers service in the industry.
