Isn't this the same argument that the Apple bashers use against pretty much every Apple desktop? That you can spec your own, better machine for less money? I think a lot of pros and non-pros alike enjoy physically well-designed machines in addition to raw computing power. If they choose to pay a premium for that, then I'm sure not going to challenge their credentials just because I don't share their tastes.
I don't believe it's exactly the same. Anyways, most that say something like that are too ignorant to know the exact specs of a Mac to know what comparable part they would need to compare it to. Most of them simply compare the GPU, CPU, ram size, and call it a day when they can build something for 1/2 the price.
For the longest time, and this isn't my opinion(it's been stated many times by professional PC builders and computer journalists), if you actually took the time to individually piece together your computer to be as close to an Apple computer as possible, the cost of your custom computer would come out to be very close. And whatever little difference there was you could then roll over into additional design costs, which to me are 100% worth it. I don not believe that to be the case with the new 2019 Mac Pro.
There's a ~$3000 gap between the costs of the base Mac Pro parts, and what it takes to build one with identical specs.
The two main factors that PC journalists credit to the high base price are the frame, and motherboard.
And when it comes to building a comparable 'workstation' tower, there are a LOT of options!
IMO, for $6k, the base GPU, CPU, RAM, and flash storage size, are useless and a complete slap in the face for a "Pro grade" machine.
The reason why this annoying me so much is because I knew I wanted to buy the next gen Mac Pro, but it's now nowhere near worth the cost compared to what I already have...unfortunately.
I have to agree with IGGY, the price of the new "basic" Mac Pro is higher than any previous Mac Pro or for that matter, any Mac. And then, they want to charge another $1K for a stand. What is going on at Apple? I realize that whole setup is for professional use, but it's likely going to take corporate purchases if sales of the new Mac Pro are going to be successful.
And it's hard to say it'smeant for professional use when the lower tier CPUs and GPU get beat by components that are designed for your average personal computer. I kind of wish Apple made a 'bare-bones' version of the Mac Pro and let you add the components as you want them on your own