Are PCs cheaper than Macs?

I like to be able to buy the components that I prefer, and then still be able to update some as I need, such as a bigger screen,(now have an LG HD LCD TV 80 cm). With Apple it is an all in one job, which is a neat little bundle, but is not what I prefer. Want something bigger and better, sorry, buy the next best Apple, cause there is no more room in the case. I have been adding SATA drives, and just purchased a new MOBO and processor. The upgrade before last I kept the box, but this time went for a box with 2 case fans and an air tube for the processor fan.

PCs individually cost less then Macs in a comparison of a single PC versus a single equivalent Mac, only taking into account the money you may to initially buy the computers.

But if you compare the lifespan of a PC and the lifespan of a Mac the Mac will last much longer.

Almost ten years ago I got an iMac G4 running 10.2 which I am still using, and it works fine. About four years ago I got a PC with windows xp. The disk drive of that PC is now stuck closed, and it has had several other problems in the past including the hard disk crashing twice. I have now stopped using that computer and a few weeks I get a MacBookPro running 10.6.

The MacBookPro is working just fine, as is my old iMac G4, which I have upgraded to 10.4. I am soon going to give the G4 to my brother.

He is not particularly good with computers, and I expect the G4 to last for decades more.

In short, at first glance a PC costs less then a Mac. But once you are familiar with both machines, you will see just how much longer the average Mac lasts then the average PC. The elementary school I went to still has Macs running OS 9