Should you buy a Mac when cheaper Wintel alternatives abound?

In his most recent Chicago Tribune article (9/22), columnist James Coates writes, “I have to say, friends and neighbors, that Apple Computer’s new hardware offerings stand out from the competition like a sleek silver Mercedes convertible parked in a lot filled with beige Ford Escorts.” Coates then states, “In fact, the core question is whether one can justify buying a Mercedes when totally adequate alternatives abound in the Windows world,” and goes on to explore the answers to this basic perception problem. Free registration is required, but it’s worth it here.