They are overpriced, but not by as much as people often state. I spec'd out a few different laptops, and while I could find cheaper alternatives, there was always "something" about the quality of the machine, or some other issue that would give me reason to pause. The MBP I ended up getting is definitely more expensive than a similarly outfitted Windows machine, but that Macbook is solid and has not let me down yet. I used Bootcamp to install Windows 8, and it's like having the best of both worlds.
They are overpriced, but not by as much as people often state. I spec'd out a few different laptops, and while I could find cheaper alternatives, there was always "something" about the quality of the machine, or some other issue that would give me reason to pause. The MBP I ended up getting is definitely more expensive than a similarly outfitted Windows machine, but that Macbook is solid and has not let me down yet. I used Bootcamp to install Windows 8, and it's like having the best of both worlds.