When it comes to low prices, cheap Apple laptops are not as competitive as the typical Windows-based laptop computers we see today. While some new Windows-based laptop systems go for under $500, you can't buy a new Apple laptop for under $1000. That's not a knock on either Apple or Windows-based laptop brands. It just means that the cheapest Apple laptops in general provide more features and functionality than the cheapest Windows-based laptops, and therefore Apple laptop computers start at higher prices. If you just need a laptop for basic computing needs like surfing the internet wirelessly, checking and sending email, listening to and burning CDs, watching DVDs and videos, and downloading or saving a reasonable amount of files, then you can save $500 or more by purchasing a cheaper laptop brand. The cheapest new Apple laptops are comparable to mid-range models of most other laptop brands in terms of functionality and technical specifications.