No doubt the Apple OSX looks amazing and comparatively is better than any available options. But, Hardware issues, lack of proper service centers in India make a big dent to the idea of buying Apple products.
Before you buy any apple product evaluate:
(1). Published problems being faced by users
(2). Availability of service
While Apple is known to create a market hype and create wonderful products. It's also true that they too have serious issues in the hardware and support. Just search in the google for any apple product problems and there are plenty of problems being faced by Apple unlike it advertises "It Just Works"!:
(1). https://appledefects.com/wiki/index.php?title=MacBook#Dead_Macbook
(2). https://discussions.apple.com/forum.jspa?forumID=1169
(3). https://discussions.apple.com/category.jspa?categoryID=218
Read the blogs / discussions and you would be amazed how many people mention they got struck with one or the other Hardware issue within a year of purchase! I got serious problems after 10 months of purchase and had to replace the logic board.
So, look for the potential dangers that can hit you and evaluate the service available in your area. Do not depend on the sale person's word that you would get world class service from Apple service center. Try to visit some service center and see for your self what that could mean. The reality can significantly be different from the Apple perception and sales person's assurance(as had been in my case).
My specific ordeal is logged at Apple Discussion forum, please refer: https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=8226308. The problem I started facing is still to be resolved. In last one month I had given the MacBook 3 times to Apple Service Center & the problem is still there.
My MacBook first stopped starting up, after a week of Apple service center repair it now does not shutdown!
(1) The MacBook has been with Apple Service center for about 3 weeks in 3 back-to-back services in last 30 days.
(2) Yes, they take at least a week to repair, replace for the reason as per the technician that there are many MacBooks in queue for repair and they do not have parts available. It takes a week for them to request and get the part for replacement from Apple!
(3) After almost a month one or the other problem is still there in the MacBook.
(4) I have not been able to use it since I got into this issue,
(5) Another windows laptop(1 year older than MacBook) that I have is working fine.
> Windows crash, but you can restart and get going in couple of hours.
> The windows laptop has onsite service; their personnel come and repair at my home. While AppleCare to MacBook costs more and does not give you onsite service. I have to carry & collect the MacBook each time from the Apple service center. Regardless whether the problem is solved or not!
Service for Apple is important as not many people know about Mac OS troubleshooting unless you are techy yourself( I am a techy & solve most of the software problems myself; but am helpless for Hardware issues!) and are ready to search web. Unlike windows which have plenty of sources for help. I would be happy to buy apple if I am staying in developed countries where they have good service standards established. In countries like India it's a very different story. No wonder I am not the only one frustrated with the Apple service, there are many others including few on MouthShut.com - refer other reviews and you can find similar ordeals with Apple Service.
I am really impressed with the Software products from Apple. but hardware disappoints me in a big way for following reasons:
(1) The sophistication makes it very delicate piece, it needs lot of gentle handling
(2) The MacBook runs very hot. There are many reports acknowledged at apple discussion forum itself
> https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7821885
> https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7639047
> https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7928612
> https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=7910381
(3) There are many reports on the cracks that develop on the MacBook
> https://appledefects.com/wiki/index.php?title=MacBook#Cracking_Cases
(4) The Palm Rest gets stained and is acknowledged by Apple
> https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1472
> https://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=516645&tstart=0
>> So many people reported the problem that Apple had to lock this topic on it's forum!
(5) The DVD drive does not have emergency eject mechanism. You can not eject drive manually if it's stuck. Like my case when it was not booting up.
(6) Very few HW connectors; you would have to purchase all sort of connectors separately like external monitor, extra USB ports, Cam coders etc.
(7) Automatic Shutdown, restart, sleep & wake up are very common problems in MacBooks(search discussions.apple.com - my review page is getting overly filled with such links now)
(8) The monitor rainbow color is another problem that haunts macbook(again search yourself the forums).
(9) RAM slots are prone to get loose and cause many secondary problems including startup / restart issue, screen flickering, OS hangs etc. This is so common that Apple has mentioned it as a common troubleshooting step for many problems.
(10) The MacBook does not have a dedicated graphics card even at this heavy price, which other manufacturers provide at much lower cost models. This means the graphic intensive apps like games, simulations does not run well on it. You have to by MacBook Pro to get graphics module which costs double.
(11) Black MacBook costs$150 t0$200 more than White MacBook! Can you believe just a color of MacBook cost you that much!
Not to mention, any apple HW & service is damn over priced and is expensive. All these problems can potentially hit you as these have many many people around the world.
BOTTOM LINE: The product is wonderful in functionality and looks, but has serious issues as well. You would need to be ready for those.
After all this, I would never buy over priced Apple hardware. Other alternatives have better durability, service, return on investment. Oh yes, now a days they too look good enough if you are lured by looks of Apple products!
TAKE YOUR OWN DECISION Wisely.
