and would that computer also be a simultaneous dual band 802.11n router and gigabit switch? And would it only draw like 6 watts?

Not a good comparison.

Zak, it's not just a 802.11n, it's a simultaneous dual band router. That's a lot better than just draft n. most other routers of this type sell for over $150, for example: http://reviews.cnet.com/routers/linksys-wrt610n-simultaneous-dual/4505-3319_7-33132573.html

So comparing Apples to apples, to cobble something similar together would cost $170 for the linksys (lowest price I could find quickly), plus a decent quality 1 TB external drive (about $125 for a good quality one), I'm up to about $295. External 2TB drives are about $225 from what I can tell, so for a 2TB solution you're looking at about $395, so Apple is charging a premium for the 2TB version, but it's not "hugely overpriced"

And that solution is not as easy to configure or set up as the TC, and it takes up more space and you have the extra cables to deal with. (none of which is a problem for me, I'm getting a 4 bay Synology box) but for most people the TC is a much better solution for the money.

"Are you really that stupid?"

Yes, they are.

I have repeatedly compared Apple's pricing to others like Dell and Lenovo on comparable machines (same software features, same bus, same processor (exactly the same), same memory type and size, same connectivity options, same screen res and backlight, and other features)

By the time you configure the system and add in all the stuff to get to parity, the Apple product is a little more expensive. Not a lot more, a little, generally about 10% or so. On the con side the Macs generally have fewer USB ports, and don't have an eSATA option, or a docking station option (used by a tiny percentage of people) On the pro side the MacBooks have tough machined aluminum cases and firewire 800. I won't get into OS X vs Vista...

Apples just aren't *that much* more expensive than PCs when you compare apples to apples. And for desktops, if you want to build your own, knock yourself out but you can't compare a home built to a Mac or Dell, etc... (well you can but it doesn't mean a whole lot) I've built lots of machines in my time, and I just don't care anymore. I need my computer to perform work, I don't have time order all the components and build that damn thing.

then this isn't for you, and I don't want one either. I'm going for the Synology 4-bay.

But, for a large number of people that just want something to work, without hooking stuff up, dealing with the cables, etc. this makes a lot of sense, especially if you happen to have a couple of laptops in your house.

Right, because for $299 you get an extremely capable 802.11ns dual band router with an integrated 1TB drive. I suppose you could purchase a cheaper 802.11ns dual band router and get an external 1TB drive in a USB enclosure for probably $220 or so, but there is something to be said for having everything integrated into one box, and the Airport software makes setting up access to the drive very easy, and for those with Macs and Time Machine this is a far better buy than spending a couple of hours getting another solution set up.

I've reported that particular bug on more than on occasion. It's pretty clear that AOL doesn't give a shit as long as we keep coming back and they get their ad revenue.

@me: "think about it."

I've thought about it some more and come to the conclusion that you are a liberal hippy douche bag. It's times like this when I wish Cartman was a real person and I could give him your address.

@me

whatever. Speaking for myself, I do my part. I recycle, I try not to waste electricity, I try not to waste fuel.

But when I get an e-mail that says "please consider the environment when printing this e-mail" I print it and promptly shred it, and during earth hour I turned on every light in my house, cranked up the AC and opened the windows.

I'm all for being environmentally conscious, but you people and your smug, self righteous messaging, your stupid symbolic acts that don't do shit, and your pseudo-eco-terror like the above, can kiss my fat white ass.

I'm just guessing, but I'll bet you used an internal combustion engine or 2 to get to HP's headquarters?

If you got there by horse, the banner is made from hemp, then maybe I'll cut you some slack

If only the next version of windows was like this...

This is stupid. I mean, it's already illegal to "drive distracted" in most states. Why a specific law? If I was running things any one of the following you'd ear a big ticket (stuff I see on a weekly basis):

Reading a book/newspaper while driving 50MPH on surface streets
Holding your child/dog on your lap while driving
Eating a cheeseburger
Putting on makeup, especially while the visor is down blocking half the view of the road

But the reality is, it's more difficult (read, more work) for the cops to enforce this stuff. It's a whole lot easier to sit on the side of the road with a radar gun...

We've had a no texting law (Proenix) here since January, and they've written like 5 tickets.