Editor’s note: I genuinely thought this was a joke from Apple and sat on this story for few days. But…it’s not a joke. This is real.
As much as we can claim that the PC is the master race just out of the sheer power and usability upgrade options available, the truth is that the maintenance of computers is not always so much fun. While you could argue that fixing and upgrading different parts is cheaper than forking out money for a whole new console, it is a constant maintenance cycle that costs time and money, something which can be frustrating when all you want to do is sit down and play some games.
To ease those burdens and holes that your wallet has burnt into your backside by now, think of how the process could be worse. After all, imagine needing to fix a Mac PC. One does not simply customise a Mac, as the parts are pretty exclusive, and you need to often work via an Apple store if there is a need to fix or upgrade something on that device. What if all you needed to do was fix the feet that it came with or get some wheels for it to make moving it around even easier?
Well then, even seemingly minor upgrades like that are bound to make even the richest Apple fan take a step back and contemplate how they get suckered into this money pit. Exactly how much will a pair of Mac Pro Wheels Kit and Mac Pro Feet Kit set you back? Believe it or not, $699 and $299 respectively. Yes, now that you’ve recovered from almost choking on your coffee, Apple is expecting you to pay the price of a decently powered PC just so that you can put wheels on your Mac. To be fair, the Mac Pro wheels are slightly cheaper when you buy them as part of a Mac Pro configuration, but they’ll still cost a ridiculous $400 when you buy them that way.
And that’s not all, because Apple also says that while both kits come with a quarter-inch to 4mm hex, that “additional tools are necessary” for installation. Probably tools that you may need to fork out another fortune for. It seems ridiculous that something as innocent as small wheels for your PC or new feet should ever cost so much money. And now you know why Apple is the richest company in the world.
So the next time you need to fork out a wad of cash to upgrade your graphics card, be grateful that at least you don’t need to buy Apple-branded wheels as well.
Last Updated: April 20, 2020
D@rCF0g
April 20, 2020 at 08:36
That’s always been the argument. With Apple, you are paying for a brand! Name one thing that is imperative to have an Apple for that you can’t do on any other “cheaper” platform? I battle to answer that myself, but I’m sure there may be one thing at least! Right! RIGHT!
The D
April 20, 2020 at 09:02
Just like Gucci, nobody would buy Apple if it wasn’t expensive.
Gavin Mannion
April 20, 2020 at 09:31
Apple iPhones are better than 95% of Androids , I’ve tried Android a few times and it’s a disaster.
I see no reason for the apple computers though
Pariah
April 20, 2020 at 09:47
To be fair here, the high-end Androids are no cheaper than iPhones. In the phone space, price is hardly a factor in the range Apple are competing in.
Computers on the other hand? Yeah, they can take those wheels and wheel themselves off a cliff.
Mark Treloar
April 20, 2020 at 12:45
Had one iPhone and never again
Jose
April 21, 2020 at 14:19
Perhaps this is a matter of opinion. I’ve used iPhones since the iPhone 3 and I recently upgraded to an iPhone 8 (can’t afford the ones above that). Many of my co-workers have new Samsung phones that I’ve used extensively and if I wasn’t so invested in the Apple ecosystem I’d definitely have switched to a S9 or S10 (depending on pricing).
Problem is that I have a Macbook and an iPad, it’s tough to leave the ecosystem when you’ve been in it this long and have all these devices synced in. If it was based purely on phones though I feel that the last three Samsung Galaxy S devices have definitely been better than the last 3 iPhones.
So your stat may be correct with the 95% of Android phones if those Samsung ones make up the other 5%. I can’t comment on other brands of Android as I’ve never used them before.
Kenn Gibson
April 20, 2020 at 10:05
Apple has its place whether we like it or not. In the fields of Audio and video editing it is considered by industry as the standard, And it does work exceptionally well for that. Generally speaking they are pretty reliable and ‘just work’. That and a brilliant PR and marketing department? Equals good sales.
Can you build an infinitely better Windows or Linux PC for less money, yes you can. Can you make it more user friendly or stable? yes you can, but you don’t have the marketing machine behind to make everyone buy into it.
Their phones and tabs are fantastic though tbh.
Pariah
April 20, 2020 at 10:41
You know, before they went with Intel, they were in fact better than PCs for video and audio. Their proprietary tech was more powerful and reliable than what was available on PC at that time. But it’s been well over a decade since that was the case. All that remains is that brilliant PR and marketing you speak of. And that’s all Apple is outside of their phones, PR and brand.
Original Heretic
April 20, 2020 at 09:36
Jeez, talk about a cheap circumcision…