Leasing Rates for Apple Computers... how much and where?

[Jem]

I've been asked by my town's budget committee about "leasing" vs. "buying" options for the Mac Pro I'm planning on getting to set up as a server for the town FD.

A quick search of the Apple site (and Google of web) turns up very little on the specifics... such that I can compare the costs and benefits over several years.

I'm in favor of an outright purchase, but they (the committee) feel every avenue must be explored before they make a decision.

Has anyone recently LEASED a Mac computer of about $2000 value? And if so, do you recall the pricing structure (length of term and monthly payments) and what the buyout options where at the end of the term?

Thanks!

~Jem

EDIT: I had found this very broad description of the leasing program on the Apple site:

http://www.apple.com/financing/leases/commercial/

[Mr645]

The only positive part I can find about leasing is that you can do 2 yr leases and upgrade to the newest hardware every 2 years. But overall it does not make sense since computers loose so much value so quickly.

Jon

[C(-)ris]

I leased out an iMac to a client once. I took my cost of the iMac and divided it by 24 to get his lease cost per month. At the end of 2 years I had an iMac back and paid for, the value of which more than made up for the lost interest on the money I spent. I still don't know why they wanted to lease one.

[BigGuynRusty]

Why a Mac as a server?

BGnR

[Silencio]

The useful lifespan of a typical Mac is much longer than the usual two or three year lease term. I think it makes a lot more sense to buy Macs outright.

[Jem]

Thanks for the feedback folks. It pretty much follows what what I had been thinking. I hadn't considered the idea of leasing the computer to the town myself, but that's an idea.

The main reason for keeping the server a Mac is for maximum consistency (all workstations are Macs), ease of maintenance, resistance to viruses and other PC nasties, and flexibility should it later be needed to be pressed in to service as a regular workstation.

A slightly cheaper system is probably possible with a PC, but since I volunteer to support it, I'd rather minimize the time I need to manage it... leaving me more time to respond to the Fire and Rescue calls which are the real reason I volunteer with our local FD.