Mac Laptops Earn 20% of US Market, 35% of revenue.

[Bitmap Frogs]

Macs aren't expensive compared to other manufacturers as long as you buy at the right time.

Let me explain: apple doesn't change their prices, instead every X months revises the specs. Which means in the interval between revisions while other manufacturers slowly trickle down prices apple builds up a price difference. If you buy within 30-45 days of a revision, apple computers are competitively priced - several sites like Tom's Hardware have done the comparisons (mac pro vs cheapest newegg components, the "apple premium" was below 100$). For example: apple is about to release a new batch of laptops - so right now, comparing prices and specs will result in a huge difference. For that reason, foretelling apple's revision cycles is kind of a fetish amongst the apple community - that's when you upgrade; check this link: http://buyersguide.macrumors.com/

You must also remember that RAM is easily serviceable on all their products (besides the mini) - if you buy a RAM upgrade directly from apple expect to pay through the nose.