[threeseed]

Seriously this again.

A product is worth more than just the sum of its physical components. The quality of the apps, consistency of end user experience, integration with my other devices, multi-year support and yes commitment to privacy and security are worth $500 to me. And to hundreds of millions of other people.

Otherwise is a Rolex really worth that much more than a Seiko. Or how about a Ferrari versus the new Corvette.

[ineedasername]

Rolex, Ferrari, and even Corvette probably all have high prices in part because they're niche items that don't really leverage economies of scale, not as much as lower priced mainstream cars. But I take your point. Though in terms of cars, I probably point to Volvo, their excellent safety features etc., that increase price as a good comparison to the Apple Tax.

[ayrx]

I don't disagree with your overall point but in the world of high-end watches Rolex watches _are_ mass produced and leverage economies of scale. I think the latest estimates are around 800,000 watches produced per year by Rolex.