Many people incorrectly perceive Apple computers to be more expensive than PCs. Once you truly compare apples to apples (and yes, pun intended!) and look at the whole picture, or total cost of ownership, you'll see that in reality, this isn't actually the case.

First of all, what you might not realize is that a new Mac will come loaded with the world's most advanced operating system and enough pre-installed software to access the internet, manage your email, organize and perform simple editing of your pictures and videos, create music, purchase and organize your music library and much more, thereby minimizing the need to purchase additional software. Apple also offers iWork - which is Apple's business application suite for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation software and more - available through the Apple App store currently for only $60.00 (versus up to $450 for Microsoft Office).

However, if you need or want MS Office, there is also a version from Microsoft made specifically for the Apple operating system. Mac computers also feature better quality materials, more comfortable keyboards, a superior touchpad and amazing displays - unparalleled in any budget PC. Macs will have faster i5 and i7 Intel processors and dedicated hybrid graphics cards, which are all popular requests not offered in a budget PC.

In other words, if you buy a basic PC and realize that you do want some additional software or a faster version of your operating system, you'll very likely still be spending the same or close to the same as what you spend on an Apple MacBook Air or other Mac product. For more information on choosing the right computer for you, it might be a good idea contact a local computer repair service like PortableOne for some advice.