Evil Mad Technophile Laboratories

According to market-research firm NPD Group, the gap in average selling prices between Macs and PCs has widened over the last couple of years. This June, Mac desktops cost an average of $1,543, up from $1,432 two years ago; meanwhile, PCs were essentially stable at $550. On the laptop front, the difference is smaller: $1,515 for Macs ($60 less than in June 2006) versus $700 for PCs (down from $877). Of course, it’s important to remember that we’re talking price here, and not value for the money.

Ever wonder why a lot of iPod and iPhone accessories seem kind of, well, overpriced? Popular Mechanics reports that Apple uses a proprietary authentication chip in its portables that makes it impossible for third-party companies to create iPod- and iPhone compatible accessories without signing an often-costly agreement with Apple. For instance, I could go on eBay and buy a generic $2 video cable that would work just fine with my iPod video. New iPhones and iPods, however, require the “officially licensed” Apple cables, and these can run up to $50. Needless to say, the chip not only increases prices, but forces accessory companies to cut corners and cheapen production to pay for the Apple license while maintaining a consumer-friendly price point. Of course, it’s understandable that Apple would want to have some control over the quality of accessories designed for its products, but most of the manufacturers interviewed estimated that up to $20 of the retail cost of iPod and iPhone speake...