The trouble with line extension. HP/Dell etc have way too many laptop iterations. Each having it's own complications/supply chain constraints etc... That's where the challenge is. They need to stop trying to please everyone and simplify their laptop offerings, which will actually drive down cost (simpler form factor added to increased mass will ensure better negotiation with suppliers, reducing prices further). Apple basically has 5 laptop variants, and they are slowly outselling the rest (MacBook Air 11, 13, MBP, 13,15,17). The basic form factor of the MacBook pro is largely unchanged over the last two years!