So the reason the replacement is so expensive is because you've coupled yourself to a particular OS and so your replacing a macbook with another macbook. Even though there being other cheaper and more powerful options.
I assumed that when the poster said replace the macbook, they were specifically talking about replacing it with the same thing. Obviously one can get a windows laptop with those specs for MUCH cheaper. Replacement in this context = replace with the same thing.
To wit:
"It would cost $150,000 to replace my Porsche!" You don't argue that one can buy a Nissan Leaf to replace it for $9k.
To wit:
"It would cost $150,000 to replace my Porsche!" You don't argue that one can buy a Nissan Leaf to replace it for $9k.