When it comes to laptops, there is one major war fought between two giants. While some users prefer to stay neutral, there are those who would rather take sides. So in the competition where you are given the choice to pick a Mac or PC – which is better? Let us take a look at the features, highlights and limitations:
Which type of computer is right for you? Mac or PC?
Customizability
When buying a computer, some users take a look at the specs of a particular brand and model, make their decision and take that unit home. Others, however, are not always satisfied with what they see and prefer to customize their computers based on certain specifications. Maybe they want a bigger memory capacity or a faster processor or want a basic unit on which they can build and expand later. This is an exciting capability for many computer users since they can actually create a very personal PC – the PC of their dreams. With a Mac, this is virtually impossible. You get the specs but the hardware is pretty much what you will have to work with for as long as the unit functions. If you need more memory, for example, you will find that an external hard drive is a very useful device in this matter for the Mac. With a PC, it is often a matter of putting in more hardware to enhance your experience.
Compatibility
It is generally easier to look for compatible software, tools and accessories for PCs than for Macs. Many software and hardware manufacturers provide a range of solutions that are specifically designed to work with a PC. For users with older machines or software versions, PCs are also backward compatible. Windows 7, for example, can be installed and used on a PC that was manufactured several years before the operating system was released. A Mac will not be so accommodating. A Power Mac G5, for example, will not run Snow Leopard. For users who do not find this comfortable, the PC is the better choice. For those who prefer to use new systems with new hardware, then the Mac trumps all.
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Advanced software
Apple, Inc. is known for its innovative approach to computing, so Mac users naturally have the bragging rights when it comes to getting to use the newest, coolest app or gadgets such as the iPod, the iPhone and the iPad. PC users, however, have better access to numerous freeware and open source programs.
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Security
Mac users often boast that they have a safer way to surf the Internet than PC users. To a large extent, this is true. Macs are rarely the target of malware attacks and no notable virus has been written specifically to attack the brand. The reduced number of its users also allows the company to focus much of their strategy on excellent technical support and security measures.
Looks
Thankfully, the days of the chunky computer is long gone and designs of new models take aesthetics into consideration. In this aspect, the Mac is easily ahead of the race. Macs are known for their elegant designs and stunning lines. If impressive features are a must, then a Mac is the better choice over a PC.
So which one is better – a Mac or PC? That really depends on what the user wants to do and is comfortable with. Weigh the pros and cons based on your work needs and personal requirements to get the best out of the brand and model of your choice.
So, which is better? Are you Team Mac or Team PC? Let us know in the comments.
Apple Inc. tries to build something unique but highly efficient application rather than Windows, which focuesess more on simplicity. Windows is & will be the best choice among normal PC user.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Abhayjeet!
Don’t forget the Linux is in the desktop PC competition as well. I think the Ubuntu OS can fit in and compete with the Mac and Windows
Alan Tay recently posted..Summary of tips to migrate from Windows to Ubuntu – Linux
Not as popular as Mac and Windows but Linux is gaining popularity lately. Since it’s free and open source, you could be right that it will be able to give Mac and Windows a good fight. Thanks for the comment, Alan.
According to me Mac is better than PC. I can show you plenty of reasons behind my statement. Lets start with security. Research says a PC with protection is less secure than unprotected Mac. Compatibility is another factor which you have mentioned. Mac can also run Windows. But anyways, it is really a debatable topic and choices may vary. i will definitely choose Mac over PC
Amit Shaw recently posted..5 Best Android Phones Under Rs.15000
Another vote in favor of Mac. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Amit!
Want to work on Mac and working on Windows Platform is a different thing..!!!
Dhruv Bhagat recently posted..Internet Speed In South Korea Fastest In Whole World
Yea there’re both different platforms, but which one do you prefer or you think is better, Dhruv?
Price is huge factor when choosing anything. Where I live in there is a big price margin on these two platforms. PC is cheaper and easy to get support if needed. On the other hand Mac’s are expensive and need specially trained people to get support which is bit difficult to find. For personal use Mac would be a ideal expensive tool but for general work and to office use you can’t beat much more cheaper PC.
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Yea I think one of the reasons that some computer users prefer PC is that it’s a lot cheaper than Mac.
Pc still rocks but Yea I too want to use Mac.
You should give Mac a try, Puneet. At least give it a chance
I have actually not very familiar with MAC, but I have used Linus n Solaris, & I found that Windows is just awesome… Although I am desperate to use MAC !
Zainil recently posted..4 Best Must-Have Awesome Gadgets for 2012
I’m not taking any sides, but I’m using Windows
Thanks for reading and commenting, Zainil.
I’ll go for Mac
Why, Tarun?
I agree completely that there isn’t a “right answer” to this. It really is up to what the end user is going to be focusing on. If you already have a bunch of apple devices, then Mac is probably the way to go so that you can stay within that ecosystem. They’re designed to work well together. I will argue though that there has definitely been an indisputable rise in Mac usage in the enterprise world. Since they’re becoming easier and easier to manage on windows networks, people are starting to flock to them.
Good post!
Gabe M.
Most people choose PC over Mac due to price. A Mac is a bit expensive compared to a PC. Not everyone could afford a Mac that’s for sure. Businesses usually have the budget to purchase the more expensive things and maybe that’s why there’s a rise in Mac usage in the enterprise world? Just my thoughts
I’d like to try Mac however I’m worried about the cost and availability of materials if ever I need to get it repaired or buy any parts of it for an instance. So for now, I’d stick with my PC.
I think that’s exactly what most computer users are thinking too. The Mac is kinda expensive and the difficulty in finding the spare parts are likely causes that made most users stick with their PCs. Thanks for the comment, Pamela.
I tried a Mac a few years back and it was just confusing to me. I guess I have been using PC’s so long that it’s hard to teach an old dog new tricks maybe. Last time I looked I could get more computer for the price, and I figure why spend too much when we will want a new one in a few years anyway.
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I guess most Windows users would agree with you that the Mac is kinda confusing and complicated to use. I felt the same too when I first came to get in touch with a Mac a few years ago.
I prefer Windows, but it depends on what you intend to use your laptop for. Designers swear by Apple, I am a trader and I will stick with Windows.
Appreciate the comment, Apollo!
As you said in the last paragraph: it depends on what the user would like to use for. I know many people working on PC but using MAC for entertainment and free time activities. I use PC and I’m satisfied! I think a good PC with a great anti-virus software could be as safe as a MAC!!
Sandy recently posted..Drinking sugar in great amount? No way, thanks…
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Sandy.
Actually, Linux has always been very popular, the problem is the Linux cannot be marketed as it if open source and anyone may distribute it. I am a Mac, you can run All OS’s on it, better than an normal PC, it’s not the specs in an custom PC that make it better than a Mac, Mac has always been winning, I would reccomend Mac’s for everyone, It’s better than the Alienware, a high-end AlienWare M18X would run Portal less frames per a second than a Mac running the same version of Windows, against the Baseline Mac’s
I agree with you, Losh. In the end, it all comes down to personal preferences I guess. Thanks for commenting.
For me, MAC is the best when it comes to multimedia, espcially if you are in non-linear editing. I do other tasks with a PC, since it offers compatibility.
So what’s your advice for those who could only afford to buy either one of them, Dominique?
I would say that PC is definitely the preferred machine for forex trader (I am too) just because the most well known software Meta Trader 4 doesn’t run on Mac Os. I don’t know what is the reason for that. Some traders use virtual windows on their mac to run it. Otherwise everything else is good and professional on mac.
I think Mac is more confusing and specialised to use, and I think useful for specifi jobs, graphics, video eidting. For general PC use Windows would be best.
Here’s my problem. I’ve been a PC user (buying Dells) forever. I can no longer rely on Dell’s customer support and standing behind its PCs and laptops. Also, the cost of a PC to do graphics is more expensive than a Mac Pro. I know that Apple has good customer support and I also know that their hardware is well made. I’m pretty much done with PCs. I have no gripe with Windows , but I am fed up with trying to figure out who I’ll buy my next computer from.
Cheryl recently posted..Stellar Jay
Anyway, the choice depends on the user, for Which purposes he/she wants to use a computer…Although, Windows is simple and have large support on most encountered problems.
Thanks.
Gurjit SIngh Khehra recently posted..How to Hide Files or Folders in Windows 7
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Gurjit.
I agree with you!
The Mac has to all extents and purposes always had an edge over the Windows PC (early 1990′s). The only difference being that the consumer has only just realised this. Although some of your readers point to it being more confusing to use, I’ve seen more people switch to Macintosh than from Macintosh to PC.
Innovation is one key factor in their attraction. The other is integration. Whether it’s the software integrating seamlessly, the design integrating seamlessly into your lifestyle or just the fact you never have to hunt for drivers. That’s why I use a Mac and leave the PC to test run websites I’ve designed on my Mac
Another point: If you use a Windows PC, all your programs will get uninstalled while reinstalling the OS if they share same partition. But in Mac, all your programs remain unaffected and the OS can be easily rolled back with the recovery CD. Thumbs up for Mac!!
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Praveen Bhardwaj recently posted..Rihanna, Chris Brown Planning for a Wedding?
Well! My vote will always go with the Windows PC, its still good and easy to use! Though many of my friends use the Mac, its also fantastic!
i do not own a mac so i would say windows is best, you have mentioned that max is more secure it is much more advanced and i too believe that this is true and yes apple customers brag to their friends that they have an iDevice and it feels really great
I prefer PC because when ever I go on a Mac it always freezes. Also, PC has more features than Mac and more customizable. Windows 8 says it all