Apple Leaves the Low End, and the Bad Financials, to Microsoft Apple said again in its earnings call last week that it has no intention of entering the low-end netbook market—and why should it? Market researcher NPD Group says Apple commands 91 percent of the U.S. retail market for personal computers that cost more than $1,000. That’s not just a lion’s share.Apple’s dominance in the high-end isn’t because there’s little competition. Windows-based PC makers all sell computers costing well more than $1,000. In fact, four of the six Laptop Hunters in the Microsoft ads had budgets up to $2,000. So if these four PC shoppers in the high-end bought Windows PCs, as NPD Group suggests, some 130 people bought Macs.Apple continues to make strides in the high-end PC market even in a recession. Apple sold 2.6 million Macs this last quarter, up 4 percent from a year ago. Microsoft, meanwhile, announced its financials a few days ago and they were less than pretty. Of course, the vast majority of personal computers sell for under $1,000. And Apple hardly plays in this end of the market with only a few Macs, the most significant being the 13-inch MacBook for $999.Then again, why buy a MacBook after Apple came out with a 13-inch MacBook Pro starting at $1199? Only a few months ago, you’d have to spend $1999 for a MacBook Pro. The $1199 MacBook Pro is a compelling offering for those in the upper low-end to keep up with the Joneses. Apple’s success with the MacBook Pro price cuts prompted Mike Abramsky of RBC Capital Markets to ask Apple about the opportunity for lower-priced, entry-level PCs.Apple COO Tim Cook responded: “At this point, we don’t see a way to build a great product for this $399, $499, this kind of price point … the Mac has outrun the market a staggering 18 of the last 19 quarters, and I think that really says that we do have the right approach.”Got a different take? Send me an email at tkaneshige@cio.com. Or follow me on Twitter @kaneshige. Follow everything from CIO.com on Twitter @CIOonline. Related content Opinion Google Bigwig Eric Schmidt Posts Bizarre Guide for 'Converting to Android from iPhone' Google's Executive Chairman wants you to switch from iPhone to Android, and he posted a strange guide to help make the transition as smooth as possible. By Al Sacco Dec 09, 2013 2 mins Smartphones Android Operating Systems Opinion Apple's 'Spaceship' Campus Evokes Jobs-Era Perfectionism Some facts have emerged about Apple's planned "spaceship" campus. Delayed and over-budget but painstakingly detailed, it's already part of Apple history, and makes CIO.com's Tom Kaneshige nostalgic for Steve Jobs' maniac By Tom Kaneshige Apr 05, 2013 3 mins Financial Services Industry Innovation IT Leadership Opinion Apple, Where Art Thou? Apple is under siege and uncharacteristically running for cover amidst mounting competition and research reports favoring Android. By Tom Kaneshige Mar 12, 2013 2 mins Smartphones Tablets IT Leadership Opinion Is Computer's Future a Glass House? According to Google and Corning, glass surfaces and eyeglasses are where we'll do our computing in the future. By Tom Kaneshige Mar 06, 2013 1 min Small and Medium Business Innovation Mobile Podcasts Videos Resources Events SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTER From our editors straight to your inbox Get started by entering your email address below. Please enter a valid email address Subscribe