quote:While it is often pointed out that Macs are more expensive than PCs, one needs to examine the total cost of ownership. The availability of free UNIX software on the iBook is a boon for engineers, software developers and IT personnel. Effectively, MacOS X allows the iBook to have the cost advantages of Linux.
Another point to consider is that the iBook is likely to outlive a PC counterpart bought today. This is partly due to its good build quality and partly due to the slower rise in "minimum requirements" of Mac software. For many people, the iBook would be less expensive in the long run.