Mac vs. PC: Which is Better for You?
Everyone by now is familiar with the Get a Mac television ads involving actor Justin Long and author and humorist John Hodgman playing the roles of a Mac and PC amidst a stark white background (Hello, I’m a Mac. And I’m a PC.). The 30 second ads involve the Mac pwning the PC by emphasizing how inferior it is (IE problems with software and perceived weaknesses to spyware and circulated viruses), convincing viewers at home that they are better off buying a Mac to save themselves from the aforementioned complications. But even with Mac’s Mac OS X operating system, if a user has no knowledge of his or her computer, they are left equally vulnerable to the growing number of threats that target social networks and other online venues. Which is why the Mac vs. PC debate is more than just which computer is less likely to catch computer threats, and more of a which computer will do you best. So the next time you are out debating over which computer to buy, ask yourself the following questions:
1) What are you planning on using the computer for?
Windows runs different programs than Mac because of how they’re built internally (Windows is NT-based whereas Mac is UNIX-based). But if all you need out of a computer is the basics—e-mail, word processing, web browsing, editing and sharing of pictures, and music management—than both the Mac and PC will have you covered. For those who enjoy gaming, movies and TV shows, or checking out the latest web applications and online services, a PC is much preferred. With its wide range of manufacturers, prices, sizes, and styles, along with built-in technology like mobile broadband and Blu-ray, and the option for customization, users will be more than delighted with a PC. However, not all of us are as tech-savvy as some, nor do we need computers with excessive amounts of software programs, web applications, online services, and latest computer games (most of which, just sits on our hard drives taking up valuable space). If you’re looking for simplicity, an easy-to-use interface, consistent quality and an overall well designed computer, a Mac is for you. With its exclusive computers and built-in tutorials, as well as its limited but stable programs, those who are first-time users or artistically inclined will enjoy the multimedia software provided as well as its conveniently straightforward presentation.
2) Can your programs run on it?
Speed, stability, and multi-tasking on a computer, all come down to the RAM, Processor, Hard Drive, and GPU. The RAM (AKA Memory) of your computer, depending on how many GB it holds, is the component that allows your computer to have multiple files, tabs, browsers, etc. active at once. The more GB you have the better, and if possible, don’t go any lower than 3GB. Although Quad Core is good for a Processor, and you can get Intel Core 2 Quads for cheap now since iSeries came out, AMD is a much better value. The amount of cores you have is how much multi-tasking you can do, and the clock speed is how fast each of the cores can do their job. Core times clock speed is approximately how quick the processor is when comparing Dual Core to Quad Core and such. The Hard Drive is the integral that stores your data. Depending on what you’ll be storing, you need to make sure that your Hard Drive will be able to store it and not accidentally erase your files because of file overload. A TB-sized drive will store most everything and they won’t cost you an arm and leg. Lastly, the GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is what allows for good (or bad) 3D and 2D graphics. The two leading GPU companies are nVidia and ATI, with the former being much more stable and easier to understand than the latter. Furthermore, make sure to check the Vram in the card. 1GB is great, but don’t get the low end cards as they do you no good.
3) Are you secured from computer threats?
Main PC manufacturers like Dell, HP, Acer, and Sony offer one-year parts and labor warranties which include phone support (Apple also offers a one-year warranty, unfortunately, phone support dies a quick death after 90 days), and usually when it comes time to choosing whether or not to buy extended warranty, most of us opt not to. Whether you are aware of it or not, it’s the right choice. When buying a computer you are already covered for one year, so if you were to buy an extended warranty and your computer starts to act up by the second or third year and you take it in to get fixed, they won’t use new parts. And what would’ve costed you say $50 for a new hard drive, in actuality, is costing you $250 because of the extended warranty. Also keep in mind that if a Mac needed to have a part replaced, the only place users can go to fix it is Apple Inc. which is why they’ll pump you out of every last cent you have, because they know that you can’t get what you need from any other manufacturer but themselves , whereas a PC is better because you can control what you put into it, and if something starts to spazz out, then you can easily switch it out and get a new part without having to sacrifice your piggy bank in the process. If you had to get an extended warranty though, you would be better off getting one for a laptop than a desktop because there is no universal fit for laptops which make them more expensive to fix, especially because laptops are more mobile and thus exposed to more abuse. Now yes, PCs are indeed more susceptible to malware, computer viruses, Trojan horses, and computer worms, because of the fact that there are much more of them for virus creators to get a hold of, but again, if you are not knowledgeable in how a computer works, doesn’t matter whether you have a Mac or a PC, viruses don’t discriminate, they infect all computers equally. You have to remember that your computer is basically an extension of yourself, by clicking on something, you are enabling your computer to allow whatever may be lurking on the other side, your antivirus program (which FYI you should never buy!) rendered useless.
4) Are other users satisfied with the product?
As unreliable as this question may be, it can come in handy if you use sound judgement. When it comes to buying a computer, or any product really, it is good idea to check out customer reviews being that they will be the first to tell you if the product is something you’d still be interested in purchasing or checking out, or if you’re just wasting your time and are better off with something else.
5) Is the price reasonable for what it’s offering
There is no comparison when it comes down to the prices between a Mac and a PC. Macs cost a pretty penny or two (the cheapest being the Mac mini at $699), while PCs have price ranges suited to about every customer on the market (the cheapest being an ASUS Eee PC T91 at $360 new, or $280 used). The fact of the matter is, the prices reflect the quality of your computer. And no, I am not saying that all PCs are absolute rubbish just because they are more affordable, but keep in mind that Mac’s sole manufacturer is Apple Inc., which means that their quality of computers will be more solid than that of its PC counterparts. Nevertheless, you don’t need a Mac to be happy or vice versa, it all depends on which option will best suit your needs.
6) Are you experienced with the specific computer (or computers in general)? If not, can you learn the interface quickly?
A friend of a friend who had been a religious Mac user had switched to a PC seemingly overnight, all because he preferred the interface of the PC rather than that of Mac’s. As odd as it was, it just goes to show you how different a Mac and PC are. The point simply is this: if you invest the time to learn your computer thoroughly, you will be rewarded in kind.
September 29th, 2010 at 9:05 am
Thanks for writing this useful comparison! To expand on point #1, I’d say certain occupations favor one or the other:
–PCs are good for businesspeople, who will be doing a lot of work on Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations.
–Macs are pretty much the standard for creative work. Graphic design, video editing, music production, etc.
–A third option is that people into programming and coding should check out Linux. The various distros of Linux are fully customizable, make it easy to set up a web server on your machine for development testing, and offer access to loads of free software.
October 25th, 2010 at 11:17 am
A fourth option (though not strictly legal) is a “hackintosh” build – great for creative types who need more hardware functionality than Apple currently has to offer, but need the stability of OS X (CS 5 can be pretty flaky on windows).