The two leading computing platform currently are Microsoft’s Windows and Apple’s Mac. These two platform run the desktop computing space, though there are other operating systems such as the Chrome OS and Linux Distribution that are trying to take a crack at it, but it’s safe to say for now it is only macOS and Windows worth writing home about.
So you are out shopping for a new laptop, then you ask yourself, ‘should I buy a Mac or a PC?’ well, this article is going to dive into the pros and cons of each platform to help you make an informed decision.
Mac v/s PC
I understand there was a time when things were pretty clear. A MacBook was for folks who had the money, and Windows PC was for users on a budget. However, this imaginary line is today too blurry and fast fading given the fact there are some Windows PCs that easily outpace a MacBook in the pricing department. Needless to say, these PCs comes with top-notch design and features.
One might rightfully argue that Apple has consistently won over users (with premium pockets) with their stylish designed products. Well these days, there are some Windows PCs that give the MacBook a run for its money in the design department.
So back to the question, ‘should you buy a Mac or a PC?’ Well, let us do the Pros and Cons for each platform.
Mac Pros
Sleek Design: Like mentioned earlier, the Cupertino Company has won users over the years because of the sleek and visually appealing design it gives its devices. That is something Apple maintains across all its devices, MacBook, iMac, iPads, iPhones, and iPods. Traditionally Windows PC could not match with Macs in the design department, though these days there are some sleek designed PCs as well.
Pre-loaded Software: You will never hear of a Mac users troubled with OS licenses since Apple ships its computers complete with the OS and some additional productivity software relevant to most people. A Mac typically comes with Pages (for documents preparations), Numbers (for spreadsheets), Keynote (for presentations) and software for some basic Photo Editing and Video Production. A stack difference with PC, which can come with nothing else other than the BIOS. The user then will have to purchase the Windows license alongside other productivity software like Office Suite.
User Friendly: Most people who have used a Mac before moving on to use a Windows PC swear that the former is less complicated, easy to use, and can be troubleshoot much easily compared to Windows Computers.
Less Headache on Software Updates: If you have ever had to wait over half an hour for Windows Updates to install, then you would appreciate the seamless nature updates rolls into the macOS. Software updates on Macs are usually consistent, effortless, and less troublesome.
Less likely to get Viruses and Malware: It may be due to the fact that macOS has less user base compared to Windows, so there is a less hacker community creating bad software targeting the macOS.
Great Customer Services and higher Customer Satisfaction levels: Compared to Windows, Apple products rank much higher with regards to quality and customer satisfaction.
Better sync with Apple products: If you own an iPhone, iPad, or iPod. You can never find a computer that syncs better with your iDevices than a MacBook.
The Cons of a Mac
Expensive: Macs are perhaps too expensive than their worth. Though some Windows PC are increasingly outdoing Mac in the price departments.
Most productivity software on Mac are primarily designed for Windows: Most of the software you will need to get some work done like Microsoft Office Suite, Timberline, Accounting software, Primavera, and AutoCAD were designed first for Windows then platforms like macOS came afterwards.
They simply are not gaming computers: Even the most advanced Mac simply don’t have the processing power, Graphics, and RAM to play most high-end games.
Using a Mac seems complicated at first: Users coming from history of using Windows computer will struggle navigating their way around the macOS. They will need some patience to get familiar with how to use a Mac.
Pro of Windows PC
Available at various price ranges: Perhaps the best thing about Windows PCs is that they come in all shapes and sizes; more importantly at various prince ranges. That is because they come from various manufacturers meaning there is competition. And with competition, the end consumers will be spoilt for choice in terms of functionality and different price points. Unlike a Mac which comes in limited models and at fixed price points.
Gaming Rigs: If you like to play video games, no Mac will give you the processing power, RAM space, storage, ports, and displays among other things to meet the demand of high-end gaming.
They come in different shapes and sizes: Windows PC are available in various configurations; processors, RAM, storage, displays, and ports among other things.
Superior Hardware at Competitive Price points: When you critically think about it, Mac users are paying way higher cost for a comparatively lower specs hardware. Windows PCs often come with superior hardware at very competitive prices.
Accessories easier to find: If your Windows PC gets spoiled, you can walk into your nearest computer repair shop and have all the accessories being sold under one roof. If it is a Mac, you might only have the option of taking your spoiled computer to an Apple Store.
Easy to Upgrade, Reconfigure, and Refurbish: To the tech savvy users who like tinkering with their equipment, the option of upgrading, reconfiguring, and refurbishing your own computer makes Windows PC much more appealing than a Mac.
More Software options compared to Mac: There are more software programs being produced for Windows PCs compared to Macs.
Better backwards compatibility: It is not uncommon to get a 10 year old, or 15 year old PC running the latest version of Windows without significant problems.
Cons of Windows PCs
They’re becoming expensive: These days there are Windows PC with price tags that easily out runs those of high-end Macs. Some consumers now decide to go for Mac Mini or MacBook Air instead of the costly Windows PCs.
Preinstalled Bloatware: Since Windows come from numerous OEMs, each manufacturer wants to squeeze out as much money as they can from the sale of one PC. They do so via bloatware, which they preinstall before the PC makes it to the retail shelves. These bloatware have the tendency of eating into the machine’s resources, making it run slower, and could pose security risk to personal data.
Primary Candidates for Attacks: Any would-be hacker targets Windows users, because there are so many of them out there. Unlike macOS users or any other operating system users. So when they develop computer viruses, Trojan, malware, adware, and all sorts of harmful hardware, Windows is almost always the first casualty. For that reason, Windows are often more susceptible to attacks.
So should you buy a Mac or a Windows PC?
That question remains a personal choice and cannot have a blanket answer since different people have different needs. You would be wise to take into consideration the above pros and cons for each platform before making your decision.