I’m thinking it’s a psychological thing: when one buys software, they tend to feel entitled to do what they want with that software, such as installing it wherever they want. But when one buys hardware, they tend to feel entitled to do what they want with that hardware, such as installing whatever they want. I’m reminded of open source software where criticisms of said software are usually met with, “Well, it’s open source. Just fix it yourself.”
Besides, why shouldn’t they charge for a RAM upgrade? It costs them money to add more (RAM chips aren’t cheap), so they pass that cost on to the customer with a markup that the customer is willing to pay.
Just out of respect for the customer. Of course this is a common pricing tactic in a lot of markets (cheap printer, expensive ink), but it always feels disrespectful.
I'd be fine with just an "Apple tax" added on top of the bill. The average consumer might not have the same reaction, so maybe this is the only way of adding the tax.
> I'd be fine with just an "Apple tax" added on top of the bill.
I can't understand this point of view - why do you care how the person you're buying from is breaking down their charges?
If you're a rational person all that should matter to you is are you getting the value that you want from the transaction. If you are and you can't get better value elsewhere then go for it. How the price came to be determined is completely irrelevant. Either it works for you or it doesn't.
Besides, why shouldn’t they charge for a RAM upgrade? It costs them money to add more (RAM chips aren’t cheap), so they pass that cost on to the customer with a markup that the customer is willing to pay.