The problem is they're paying the Apple Tax, like others are pointing out. More specifically, paying it three times: 1) For the base system. Ok, this is unavoi

The problem is they're paying the Apple Tax, like others are pointing out. More specifically, paying it three times: 1) For the base system. Ok, this is unavoidable if you're buying Apple. 2) For the upgrades. The problem is that Apple machines used to be easy to upgrade yourself, like 8 years ago with the iMac. You could buy the base memory model and max it out yourself with sticks in a few minutes for a fraction of the cost. If you cared about money, you'd do this; people with money to burn could presumably pay Apple and not worry about it. Unfortunately I don't think this can be done anymore. 3) For the trade in. Yeah, you will do much better selling it yourself.