Hey guys, I thought OzBargain would be the best place to ask this question.
I was thinking of buying the cheapest iPad Mini mainly for reading ebooks. I know Apple products have a premium price, but just because it's more expensive doesn't mean they aren't more valuable than comparable products from HP, Dell and so on.
Are Apple products better value despite the highest cost for Apple products?
Thanks!
Sometimes it's worth paying a premium for an Apple product. My example is Wifi access points.
There are several different chipsets available with varying levels of software quality. It can lead to some odd incompatibilities and frustrations. For example at home I have a modern Billion wifi router. My Dell laptop and iPhone 4 can always access wifi, but my MacBook and Fuji Xerox colour laser printer cannot access wifi after the router has been on for 2 or 3 days. Restart the router and everything is good… for another 2 or 3 days. Annoying.
I purchased a DLink wifi access point but it's even worse. My devices can see it but about half cannot log on despite being 802.11g/WPA2 compatible.
The solution was to buy an Apple Airport Express. $99. Plug in and it works. All devices can see it and none drop offline. No need to keep restarting the access point. Costs slightly more than other devices but for an extra $30 it saves a lot of frustration.
You can always pay to buy a branded router from ASUS or Netgear which make much better routers in terms of speed, features, reliability and penetration compared their Apple counterparts.
Not going to offer any insight to Apples vs Oranges but I would like to point out OzBargain might not be the best place to ask about Apple products. Everyone knows Apple products are not the most bang for buck products, not by a long shot. A site where saving cash and bargains are at the forefront, suggestions and your audience might be…weighted.
Also I'm assuming you have actually gone to a few stores and asked to try out the products you could be purchasing yes? Got a feel for it, seen the screens, the different ways of use between platforms? For example, I'm not a huge Samsung guy, had a S3 for a long while and did not enjoy the experience (came from a 4s, it was better but by no means great). I went to a store recently to look at tablets for the missus. Tried the Samsung Tab S, that screen my god. Knew the wife uses the tablet for mainly movies and just couldn't go past that screen.
TL:DR A site about bargains probably isn't the best place to ask about a product that is definitely not a bargain. Also try the devices for your self, would help you a lot more than randoms on the internet in terms of personal taste.
I believe Apple computers are good value for money . I bought my macbook air in 2012, never had any issues except for overheating. But that's easily fixed with a cooling fan. It's still running strong, looks brand new and hopefully last for another 3 years. For me, I just do work on the computer and watch videos, no games. So an upgrade isn't needed.
iPhones are a bit too overpriced for my liking. Gotta spend $800-$1000 every two years to change a phone? Hmmmm.. that being said, I still have my iPhone 5 (when it first came out) and will be using it until the iPhone 7 comes out.
Agreed, Apple laptops are generally good and not overly expensive compared to their iphones. It is even better when the prices drops on the old model when a new one comes out even though there are minimal differences (i.e. MBA 2013 and MBA 2014).
The iMac retina 5K is good value for what you get. The mac minis have been neutered and I would advising against buying the current 2014 edition.
Hate to say it but their tablets are still leading the market. Would recommended the ipad Air 2 or the ipad mini 2 for best bang for buck.
Apple products are slighrly over priced for what they are but the service you get is still tops in regards to service /warranty.
I personally owned an iphone 3g 16gb 3 years then used as ipod for 1.5 years and as the 4s was due to be released I sold it for $350 on ebay within 2 days of posting ad.
Wife has an iphone 4, upgraded to 5s and an ipad 2. All fantastics products and still used today.
I have moved to android after the 3g and am happy but thw only issue os the warranty service is poor with samsung….. I have made claims in the past which have been repaired and returned in working order but the hassle was there.
Haha.
Got both.
And heavily invested in both of them too.
But sometimes the IOS girl is better suited in most occasions.
People still cares more about appearance, even though they say they keep saying they don't.
So you have an ugly girlfriend with bad personality?
Damn
OP, I'd recommend getting a Kindle if reading is your sole use for it. They're much cheaper, far more pleasurable to read on than an LCD, and last for weeks between charge. Get an iPad if you want iPad apps, that's all there is to it.
Every time I read a post like this, I look at my Lumia. Sigh
You sigh when you look at your Lumia?
Posts like this always remind me that Lumia runs on Windows Phone OS.
Look at all our apps, we now even have Candy Crush Saga :D
We might even get supports for bluetooth keyboard for Windows Phone… when Windows 10 comes out.
Get our new apps at your Google Play and App Store to get 10% off…
Though, the phone itself is fine.
Well… yeah, but years after it appeared on Android/iOS, and the sequel (Candy Crush Soda Saga) is still AWOL. Ditto with Snapchat, VSCO, QuizUp, etc. I got a 530, but the app selection on WP is terrible.
I hear you brother, had to leave the wp for dead last year. Enough was enough, I could not cope with an app ecosystem as baren as the Sahara desert.
@horsome: It might get better when Windows 10 comes out. I am having Dejavu… I think I said this when 8.1 came out.
@AznMitch: would help if they priced their flagships accordingly too, you know as if they actually wanted their lions share of the market.
@horsome: Biggest problem that they have, imo, is that they are trying to do what Android did with Apple's strategy. They are trying to minimise the fragmentation caused with the hardware by limiting hardware specs while releasing range of phones.
Result? No one needs to buy a flagship unless they want a better camera/better battery. WP runs at relatively same speed no matter what phone you buy because most of them are on Snapdragon 400 (I think, or was it 200? Not sure). They have realised their mistakes. On 8.1 they've loosened the hardware limit a little bit, but so what? You still cannot try to differentiate with hardware/software like in Android, so that pretty much stops manufacturers from going into WP. No decent manufacturers other than Nokia makes Windows Phone, so no one buys Windows Phone flagships which ends in a spiral that drags Windows Phone down further and further.
lol. That is because Nokia had its day last century.
Having said that, I am in the market for a 2nd hand nokia phone. As a second phone to keep in a drawer (for credit transfer, scumtree and competitions, etc)
My budget is $20. ☺
Reading this on my Lumia 930.
I am a proud user of windows ecosystem.
But also invited in the other two.
Windows phone is really good.
People really should try them out before lighting it on fire.
I sold my iPhone 5 for $500 LOL. I didn't know it was worth that much because my Sony Z2 was $670 when I got it. Apple products do have a high resale value whether you like it or not, they are the Corollas of the smartphone market.
That is if you plan to resell. Old Pensioner here probably is going to use the product until it dies or until the battery no longer holds a charge (since it's purpose is eBook reading, it's going to meet his demands for a very, very long time). In other words, the cost of the device is not going to be recovered through resale.
To him, it's going to be a purchase of any of the following
an iPad Mini ($299)
a Kindle Paperwhite ($150)
or a high end Android tablet (say, Nexus 7) $200 ish or low end Galaxy Tab Lite for $120 ish
and if he's looking to save money the Kindle would be the most appropriate choice, although technically it can only be used to read eBooks and not much else.
Old Pensioner here probably is going to use the product until it dies or …
I thought you were about to say "…he dies."
I love my ipad and imac and mac book. but go in apple store and have a play i know mate that love his ipad but cannot used it for reading he has Kindle.
Tax dodgers in the extreme.
Please, no more opinions about Apple vs. Android.
If you want to read books, and do not feel the need to spend 4-5X for an iPad or equivalent to watch movies, play games, productivity apps, then get an e-reader with e-Ink technology.
Any brand like Sony (discontinued unfortunately), Kobo, Kindle.. These are your best options. I own all Apple products, and have Android equivalents in my household, but I will not read a novel/book on anything other than my Sony eReader T1.
Pick one with touchscreen capability so you can flick the pages like a real book. Newer models are faster, and therefore better to use.
Newer models have a nice backlight (Kindle Paperwhite).
Do this, and get Calibre on your Mac/PC. It's wonderful.
Cant help but laugh at this posting, as if the OP is going to read all these above rants and raves
Find out what some friends have and start with that rather than from some anonymous nerds like me and all the rest….
I don't think there's much purpose getting an iPad compared to other tablets unless you're invested in the Apple ecosystem. If you also possess an iPhone and a Macbook, I reckon getting an iPad wouldn't be too bad because iTunes would be synced on all devices etc… Also, if you're planning to let your old folks use it, iPads are arguably easier to use then Android tablets because their GUI is just way more user friendly*. Less features, but that's what makes it easier to pick up and learn
But if you're using an Android/Windows phone, a normal PC, and you genuinely just want to read ebooks and not much else, I would say a Kindle is much more worth it just because it's a hell lot cheaper than the price you're going to have to cough up for an iPad. So it all boils down to what you really want.
*My mom has no trouble using an iPad but struggles so badly with her Windows phone and other Android tablets. So, speaking from experience here.
I've got an iPad mini retina & i love it! Tried changing to a Nexus 7 '13 & did not love it. Changed back to iPad mini & loved it more!
I originally tried Kindles for reading, and have had three different devices over the years.. All three have died the same way (stop being able to charge them), and two of them did it within three months of purchase. Perhaps the newer models are better, but I find it hard to recommend them.
In comparison, I have had three iPads since they came out, and they're all still working perfectly. I actually prefer them for reading on, and would not go back to a kindle. The kindle app works well on the iDevices, so either way you're not locked into Apple.
If you just want to read e-books, I'd agree with the other posters that suggested Kindle. I have the normal Kindle (the one without backlight) and it's great. I'd suggest a Paperwhite though if you plan to bring it for travel because I had instances when I forgot my portable light and couldn't read. They're cheaper than iPads too and the screens are definitely better for the eyes for long hours of reading.
Get an iPad if you want to do more stuff, like watching movies, browsing and reading news.
I'd say Apple has better quality products than the rest and the service is pretty fantastic, I had countless trips to Apple store, whether to just replace a screw or getting my phone repaired, and I left the place satisfied. My Apple laptop is three years old and I think I'll keep it for another 1-2 years before replacing it, with Windows laptop I usually only get 2-3 years before getting a replacement.
Apple are the worst company in the world IMO
So how does IMO add any value to any discussion??
I dislike many things but it doesn't mean anything but to me.
Valuable and awesome opinion. Thanks for the contribution. Do you base that on the market capitalisation or the popularity.
Really? Not Blackwater? Halliburton? Monsanto?
get iPhone 6+.. everything u need in one device. best phone ever.
i use an android phone and an ipad for tablet
i think apple products are generally good value for money, it really depends whether you like the software though
it doesn't matter what the specs/cost is, what matters is utility-to-you/depreciation
apple products have high resell value compared to competitors
certain products in apple's line are good value for money i reckon.when the first retina ipad came out it was cheaper and better then its competitors and to this day is still capable.
atm, the retina macbook pro is also pretty good. there might be one or two laptops at that price thats more powerful but the screen and build hits it out of the park.
Value for money, it depends more on when you bought it, how much you paid, and when you sold the item. My old iPhone 4 costed me more than $1000 and I sold it for ~$230 nearly 18 months ago. I also sold a Acer Liquid Metal 2-3 years back for $100 (bought it initially for $128). Not every Apple product was a good buy. For example, iPad 3, the first iPad with retina display, was replaced by iPad 4 quicker than usual.
iPad Mini 2 is considered a good buy because iPad Mini 3 basically is a fingerprint reader upgrade. iPad Air 2 is pretty good - basically the fastest i-Device at the moment.
Just because it has an Apple logo on it, does not necessary translate it into a good buy. Obviously, if you can get it at super duper bargain price, that might be a different matter. iPad Mini (1) basically had its last major iOS upgrade (probably be better to have it running iOS 7 if possible). iPad Mini 2 is a much better buy.
Get a Nexus 7 2013 or spend more get iPad Mini 2 or even iPad Air 2
Don't bother with the rest. They are slow on updates and not great on battery life.
Since iPhone 6 plus came out iPad mini sales has gone down, the mini 3 not worth it at all. With Apple you don't buy the lower end, if you want one you buy the mid range and up that's including storage size. More value for money. Specs don't mean everything. It's the experience that counts
I buy last year's model iphone secondhand off gumtree every three years. After tax deduction I break even. It's no problem tax deducting a secondhand phone.
The trap is buying the latest model brand new every couple of years.
Boy has this thread strayed, lots of discussion on phones computers tax deductions resale value.
Old pensioner asked if the Ipad was better value the answer would have to be no on the basis of what he wants to you use it for.
There are cheaper options for book reading without all the bells and whistles which won't be used and saving himself some money.
Good point re ThePensioner.
If it's just for reading, then yes, a Kindle.
A pensioner may prefer to get more function out of a device. Eg. Skype or FaceTime with grandkids, read the paper, YouTube. In which case, a cheap iPad mini would be better value.
But you're right, my bit about tax deductions is very off topic.
If reading is the main purpose then get a proper e-reader.
75 million iPhone buyers in the last 3 months can't be wrong.
I thought this was a thread on Old pensioner buying a tablet for reading.
Not a phone war of Apple versus Android!
Apple is decent but both overrated and overpriced. There are many better and cheaper options.
Not a good place to get this type of opinion. There's too much division, you will have the apple campers that love apple and the non-apple campers that hate apple. All I can say is I have had both and I find the Apple products more refined and reliable and their service and support is second to none. Yes its true that you pay more for a similar specification device with Apple but its up to you what you value.
Me I value seamless integration, ease of use, refined products, style, service and support which Apple has in bucket loads, and I'm happy to pay a bit more for it.
Just don't get something that's already old and nearly outdated.
I prefer a ipad for book reading, didn't like the Paperwhite screen flickering, only advantage is in sunlight, plus the iPad has 100 other uses. I find re sale is about 2/3rds with all Apple products if kept in good condition after a year or so.
I sold a 4 year old iMac 27" for 1/2 of what i paid for it, try doing that with a PC.
Ops, depends how long you intend to keep that device and what's that for.
ebook only - then no doubt Kindle. it is the best ebook device around for your eyes. you read and you need your eyes to be comfortable.
if you want to do all sort of tablet stuffs, iPad has an advantage over Android and Windows. It is their support. My iPad2 is already 4-5 years old since new and still receiving the latest iOS update from Apple. (Despite the slower performance vs newer functionalities).
My Samsung tablet that I bought one year after my iPad2 has not been receiving update for the past 3 years.
So if you are intending to keep the device for long and care about OS upgrade, then Apple is the way to go.
Okay, my unbiased opinion.
Apple creates beautiful computers that have great design and function. The OS is superior to Windows for work and ease of use, so are getting what you pay for.
However, they are by no means the best value, which is an OzBargainer's nightmare. You can purchase a similarly specced non-apple laptop (or build your own custom PC) for literally less the half the price of a Macbook. If you're capable and want a desktop, build a nice Hackintosh.
As for iPhones, they are overpriced and terrible compared to their competitors.
I don't understand why people are saying the iPhone is expensive when compared to other flagship devices. Let's put this into perspective:
iPhone 6 (64GB) : $999
iPhone 6+ (64GB) : $1129
Samsung S5 (32GB) : $929 (On release day)
Note 4 (32GB) : $949 (On release day)
Note Edge (32GB) : $1249 (On release day)
So from this, the differences are very very similar even though the iPhone is based on the 64gb version.
And this does not take into account depreciation. I could get a used Samsung S4 for $200 on Gumtree, whilst the iPhone 5 would be $450 even though they are both around 2 years old.
I think it is far to conclude the iPhone's price is on par with its competitors.
I think it's unfair to compare them life that, since:
Though, that being said, Apple does create their own OS so we should take that into account as well. Also, hardware usually don't equate to user experience when we compare hardwares of iPhone and Android, so that is something to consider. That being said, I still get that feeling that we are paying Apple premiums on iPhones. Both are great though, from my perspective. My mum uses iPhone 6 16GB, she's happy with it. My dad uses Note 3, 32 GB, he's happy with it.
I personally prefer Android because they are cheaper in general and I feel like they are sturdier than iPhones, i.e. I will probably go for S4 4G with Snapdragon 800, if my Lumia breaks down.
Isn't it possible to say the iPhone is better value because the iOS App Store has so many great apps that aren't available on the Android App Store?
Sorry, but how are they better? I own both an iPad and Nexus 6P and 99% of the time, the application is on both platforms.
It's now been over 2 years:
Has anything changed in regard to the "value vs price" of Apple products?
Yes, it's gotten worse. Apple products are more expensive than ever, and the quality of low-cost alternatives has increased markedly. There are only a couple of reasons to buy Apple products these days:
a) You need a very specific function that only Apple products provide. Access to iMessage, or the ability to code iOS apps are good examples
b) You're already way too deep into Apple's ecosystem, and would lose your significant investment in software, apps, data etc if you were to leave.
c) You already have a large number of Apple products, and they work well together. You can work around much of this, but there's no denying that iOS, MacOS and Apple TV work integrate really well.
d) You care more about being trendy and fashionable than spending less money, or you're too closed-minded to look at other options.
BTW if you're still looking for a device that's solely for reading books, an e-reader like the Kindle is still the best option. It's much cheaper, easier on your eyes, and has much better battery life. If you want a multi-purpose device, then a tablet is a better option.
I'm definitely noticing that Apple products are much more expensive whether I'm looking at an iPad, iPhone or Mac computer. Even the accessories are much more expensive.
How can people justify spending so much more on a product with similar hardware?
Apple make good quality hardware and quite good software.
For people that aren't very technical, they like being able to take it into a shop for help. And the way Apple regulates software makes incompatibilities much less frequent than on Windows or Linux.
If these are your priorities, it costs something like an extra $2 a day to get a Macbook versus a Dell or Lenovo, assuming you keep it a few years.
That isn't that much to pay for a preference.
Similarly with iPhones. My China droid was $230. My wife's iPhone 7 was $900. They are just about equivalent in performance etc. But she will keep it a couple of years, so spending an extra $1 per day for the phone she wants, that she will use a dozen times a day, doesn't seem like a very big price premium.
It is a bit like comparing a new BMW or a 10yro Corolla. How does somebody justify buying the BMW? Because it is what they want, and they have enough money to pay for it. Not because it objectively better value.
"That isn't that much to pay for a preference"
I would say that's quite a lot to pay for a preference - $700/year extra is a fair bit of wasted money in my opinion.
I guess it comes back to the amount of disposable income you have, and what you value in a device. If you think that having Apple devices gives you extra cred in your social circle, then feel free to spend extra and enjoy it. I don't have a problem with that - it's the smug and superior attitude of certain Apple users that I dislike.
As it's been pointed out above, people buy luxury cars for the same reason…but I would argue that BMW does actually offer significant, measurable performance and comfort benefits over a Corolla, which is not the case with Apple devices.
Get an Asus x205. You want a Windows tablet for Calibre - it can store and organize your ebooks (in full colour) and you can use it to strip DRM from ebooks you buy. As a bonus you now have a fully functional Windows tablet with a keyboard to boot with 12hr battery life for reading not a crippled joke of an Apple product that is the definition of overpriced. A Kindle is laughably small and just laughable actually.