Mac sales are booming in Asia

The headline should read Mac sales are booming in Asia despite Apples limited investment in the market. Hong Kong doesn't have an Apple store yet (it is under construction), the iTunes store is really limited missing many things you can get in other markets, AppleTV is not available here, and iPhone and iPad releases are way behind the primary markets (US, UK, Australia, etc) with very limited stock i.e. the iPad has only just become a regular stock item in the Apple on-line store.

Given the size of the market, number of early adopters and amount of disposable income Apples behaviour is perplexing.

Totally agree on Apple quality. Comes with a ton of good software, too. Customer support is legendary. But people often were not raised to recognize the value of a quality item over a longer lifespan. Like buying a $99 mattress that collapses in a year and gives no good sleep. Don't skimp when it's something important.

This is not surprising. People everywhere are likely doing the cost-benefit analysis and coming to the same final conclusion: by the time I spec out a PC from a major MFG, I end up just shy of what a Mac would cost.

Just did it yesterday. Why would I buy a i5 based computer with moderate accessories from Dell or HP for 1100, when I can buy an iMac with similar accessories and less fuss for 1150? XYZ Droid tablet for 399-599, or iPad2 for 499? And believe it or not, spec'cing out an ultra-portable actually ends up cheaper at Apple! Really the only advantage I can give PC these days is for custom-build or enterprise/business.

The whole ecosystem is en vogue right now, plus it works really, really well, plus the stuff is extremely minimal and very aesthetically pleasing (both from a hardware and software standpoint). It's all win for most home users.