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Think you missed the point - supply and demand, but with each new version of Windows it costs more, not less. Then we have to listen to M$ misinformation about how the new OS is more secure. Of course it is, it incorporates all the security hole fixes that the previous version had, BUT it still needs numerous patches to fix newly discovered security holes that also apply to previous versions.
As for the cost of a laptop - a top of the line Lenovo or Dell laptop with an i7 CPU will cost the same or more than the $1300 US you mention AND an Apple laptop with an i7 can cost as much as $1600 also.