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:
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.
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!!
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 🙂
I always prefer PC over Mac since I have been using it for so long and switching from PC to a Mac is quite difficult for me since I am used use to Windows..:)
Hmm for me, I am a strong supporter of Windows. Used mac once and wasn’t that happy with it. Felt constrain.
However the new OSX really attracted me and I always been wondering if that is worth it. Still cobsidering and thanks for sharing your thoughts!
I’m an all time PC guy too. Not that I don’t like Mac, I found it not as user-friendly as PC. Maybe Mac doesn’t like me? 🙂 Thanks for stopping by, Reginald!
Mac doesn’t like you :D..Tried it for just 3 days and I feel that Mac doesn’t like me either… 😛
Who are we to judge, is a game of choice, you can only choose based on ones opinion and choice
It seems to me the question isn’t Mac vs PC. Mac is a brand of computer with the same components as a PC with less options. You buy what Mac has to offer and thats it. I don’t understand why its Mac vs PC instead of Mac vs Dell, HP, MSI ect… Both are stable operating systems and that is the debate. If you are completely computer illiterate or just care about the Jones then Mac is a great option. I personally own both. I paid 2000 for a Mac Book wih less power than my PC that I custom built for gaming. My overclocked PC with 4 ssd in raid-0 and windows 8.1 will run circles around my Mac and is just as stable. I have yet to get a virus on both computers. My humble opinion on PCs is anyone who wants to build computers can throw windows on whatever crap they pump out. This gives the reputable PC companies a bad name. I guess my point is the debate should be Windows vs Mac. Not Mac vs PC
I have an iPhone and an iPad and now I need a new laptop. I currently have a PC, but I was thinking of trying a Mac. Both of my other Apple products work well, but I didn’t really have an issue with PC either. Would it be more convenient to just get a Mac considering my other devices?
Hey Justine, I think that if you are using a PC that you’re planning on hanging onto for awhile, then you’d probably be better off with going with a Windows laptop so that you can easily share files between the 2.
If not, like if you’re thinking of replacing your PC within the year, I’d go with Apple.
I’m totally sold on Macs now. I paid much less money for my 27″ iMac a couple of years ago, completely maxed out with CPU, memory and graphics, than I would have spent on anything comparable for Windows. And then I’m looking at gaming PCs… not interested. And it’s nice how all of my devices work together now.
Just my 2 cents.