Troy makes a valid point and one which has in fact delayed my purchase. In my current circumstances connection is dire and expensive but temporary until we move, hopefully soon(ish).

Connectivity, like practically everything in this country, is seldom as good as advertised,and unreliable. A beat up 15 year old taxi will move at the same speed of a Porsche in downtown Bkk so what's the point of getting anything inherently better than something else when it can't achieve its potential.

I am seduced by the allure of an OS that will function reliably. Windows is unreliable and fraught with daily angst. Waiting an age for a cheap laptop to power up and actually be available within 3 minutes was a challenge. And the way Windows intrudes into everything you do with its reminders, updates etc. Despite having anti virus systems I still got periods when Windows would bombard me with false security risks and all sorts of incomprehensible alerts.

I yearn for the simplicity and efficiency Apple seems to offer.

In terms of value, I discovered that other manufacturers offering their equivalent of the Macbook demand similar prices, if not even more, for roughly the same spec so I doubt the reputation Apple has for price gouging is that merited.

And, it looks and feels better with a lovely keyboard action and super screen.