Why consumers will still buy Macs during the recession

Stan Beer
Wednesday, 04 March 2009 05:31

Opinion and Analysis

Mac Pro users want something with a giant high resolution screen, lots of grunt and they don't skimp on their purchases. If the latest Mac Pro can help them to do their job better they'll get it.

Similarly, the iMac, with its big glossy screen, elegant design and easy to use features, is a high-end product that home (and some case office) users are not going to swap for a notebook. While many PC users are happy to downsize to a notebook or even a netbook as long as it can do the job, the iMac is a different kettle of fish altogether.

The Mac mini, admittedly, has me a little stumped. A couple of years ago rumours abounded that this little compact device would be discontinued. However, there are Mac mini owners I know personally that swear by it. One runs his whole home media centre off it.

The point of all this is that Mac users are probably the most loyal consumers of a brand in the world. They hate the alternative to a Mac, and in many cases money is not an issue when making their purchasing decision.

And for existing users who want to upgrade, if money is an issue, the Mac they already own probably has good resale value on Ebay.

We'll know more when details of February sales are released but while the PC market tanks this year and the Mac market will undoubtedly dip a bit, people will still keep buying Macs.