Everybody is talking about different things here. I don't really want to interject, as it's been a lot of fun following this derailed train of a thread, but I feel I should point a couple of things out.
FanIn80's point that it is not possible to find or put together a PC with the same or better specs as the new iMac w/ 27" IPS display at this very moment in time is valid. If this is the computer you want right now, buy Apple. FanIn80 goes on to make several other points about putting together very high-end systems and prices being very similar between Apple and PC. He makes some fair points with some valid examples, but I don't think he proved the point that "any available Apple system will be at least as inexpensive as any comparable PC system, across the board". A couple of examples of cheaper PC builds than the comparable Apple system were presented. Notably, it seems as though the cheaper you go with a PC build, the less likely it is that a comparable Apple system will be able to compete dollars-wise. Which leads to the next point...
The point that has been made more than once about PCs in the ~$900 or less range being a good buy for a budget-minded person (not willing to spend a grand on a computer) is also valid. There are no new Apple computers available in this price range; the only choice is PC (this discussion is about new computers... used/refurbished is a whole 'nother can o' worms).
The point about Apple computers being generally easier to maintain/get warranty work done on is generally valid. Their systems are proprietary, and thus consistent, and their focus on customer service is as good as any PC brand, by most reports. It is also easier to get repair work done on the entire system as a whole, opposed to the individual parts of a custom PC build, for example.
The point about PCs being more customizable is also valid. Even though Apple has now added moduled builds into their repertoire, making upgradability a legitimate possibility, Apple users' choices are limited to a single manufacturer's offerings, and without competition on pricing, these upgrades aren't necessarily going to be a bargain. PC users have much more flexibility to interchange towers, mobos, memory, storage, peripherals, etc, etc, though that flexibility does require some caution, as compatibility can be confusing if you don't know what you're doing.
In summation, if you want to physically build your own computer, you're going to go with PC no matter what. There are many advantages to those people who know how to do this and have the time to get their system exactly how they want it. One of the inherent advantages of going this route is cost savings, as every individual part can be sourced at the lowest price, and no cost of labour, installation is going into the purchase of a prebuilt system. Because of these reasons and others, a prebuilt Apple system will not compete price-wise with a comparable custombuilt PC.
Comparing prebuilt Apples with prebuilt PCs brings the prices closer together. I still happen to think that if you wait for the right sale PCs can be had at lower costs than comparable Apples, but the difference in price is much lower now than it used to be, for sure.
If you're looking for brand new, top-of-the-line technology and are willing to pay for it, then Apple is a compelling choice in many circumstances. In the case of their exclusive 27" monitor, you have no other choice in the market; in other similar cases, Apple systems are nearly identical in terms of price, sometimes cheaper than comparable high-end prebuilt PCs.
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