Do you compare the included software, warranties, shipping costs (if any), technical support and so on?
Sure did. Both have 1 year warranties.
Amazon shipping was $11 for 2 day air, Mac was free for ground, but charges a $212 tax fee, that amazon does not, bringing the Difference to $1600. The mac has no additional software installed. Also the hp has a free vista upgrade, a $250 value...Which brings the difference to a measly $1800.
Also the hp has 1 year tech support, the mac has 90 days.
Does it need to be ruled out right away because of the price?
Yes. I cant see any legit reason to throw away $2000.
Or does it need to be ruled out because a person replying to the question "doesn't like it" - without giving any reason for the dislike?
Let me give you my reason then. Why pay an extra $1000 so you can do what? Play with widgets? Macs software is no longer exclusive..and if it is you can get something just as good for xp. Hmm.. another reason is those stupid mac commercials saying how xp glitches. Not once have i had a problem with xp, On the other hand im always having problems with macs freezing up ect. What else? Well i guess most pc's aren't shiny. YEH i get to pay $1000 more to get a glossy white or gray computer. What else are good reasons to buy a mac? Well you get to deal with incompatibility issues. I hope you don't like using usb flash drives, tectonics's boards, or overhead projectors
Does the mac have a built in webcam, and mic? Does it have two 100 gig hardrives? No it has 1 160 gig. The hp also has a better video card, a 7600. We could sit here all day and pick out small differences, but in the end the hp is always going to be a $1000+ advantage.
With the amount of money you would save, you could get that laptop, and a c2d desktop with a e6700, 2 gigs of ddr2, a x1950xt vid card system, and it would still be less then the mac. I'll take that anyday.