Geekbench can be a benchmark for comparable performance. You can look up benchmarks for Mac models and then find comparable performance PC parts under benchmark charts.
The pre built laptop should come with an operating system that supper sets the hardware well to be comparable, I would say.
Performance isn’t everything in a laptop. Screen quality, weight, and battery life also matters. To be comparable, an alternative laptop should be at least in the same class in these aspects.
Give me a model to compare to? Are all apple models the same? Or do you mean just pick any of them?
Geekbench can be a benchmark for comparable performance. You can look up benchmarks for Mac models and then find comparable performance PC parts under benchmark charts.
Does it count if I find a cheaper laptop that has better numbers than a macbook air that is more expensive?
I do think you might be right that building your own is more expensive now, not sure when that changed.
If I can find a comparable performing non apple device pre built for less, then the only sticking point is proprietary software?
The pre built laptop should come with an operating system that supper sets the hardware well to be comparable, I would say.
Performance isn’t everything in a laptop. Screen quality, weight, and battery life also matters. To be comparable, an alternative laptop should be at least in the same class in these aspects.
Pick one and find a comparable PC.
The MacBook Air is the best selling model, so take that if you don’t want to choose yourself.