The tech world is known for its heated debates and few have been as fierce or long-lasting as PCs vs. Even with many users abandoning computers for tablets
and joining the Android vs. iOS debate, plenty of hardcore Mac and PC
users still hotly defend their chosen platform while attacking the
other.Macs.
PC fans claim Macs are too expensive and won't run a lot of important programs, and that Mac users have been brainwashed by Apple. Mac fans like to bring up Windows' history of security problems and crashes, and claim that PC users aren't very discerning.
Some of these criticisms have some truth to them and some are stereotypes that won't go away. Still, none of that helps the average computer shopper decide what to buy.
That's why I'm going to take a fresh look at the PC vs. Mac debate based on where things stand right now. That will help you decide which one you should buy.
Hardware
Since 2005, when Apple moved from IBM's PowerPC processors to Intel processors, Mac and PC hardware has been largely the same inside. There are still some differences - for example, Macs offer Thunderbolt and USB connections where most PCs stick with just USB - but the basic technology is the same. In fact, Macs can run Windows no problem, and PCs can run OS X with some semi-illegal hardware tweaking.At the extreme high-end, Macs do have some fancy extras like 5K displays and 512GB solid-state drives that pre-made PCs don't have yet. However, those models out of the price range of most shoppers.
One of the remaining differences is customization. Apple makes a handful of computers and offers a very limited number of options for processors, RAM, storage and graphics cards. The upside is that the parts are chosen to work well together while being as stable as possible. However, it also means that upgrading computer parts yourself isn't recommended.
On the PC side, you have millions of hardware configurations and multiple manufacturers to choose from. And if you want to build your own custom computer or upgrade the one you have, it's no problem. Of course, you have fewer guarantees that the hardware is going to be as stable. PCs also work with a wider variety of third-party accessories - printers, scanners, etc.
The other big hardware difference is design. With its sleek, clean styling and aluminum chassis, Macs have long had the edge in the style department. However, PC makers are working harder to match it.
Dell's high-end XPS line of laptops uses aluminum, carbon fiber and magnesium to get a look that rivals its MacBook competitor. Lenovo's U series laptops, Acer's Aspire S7, Samsung's Ativ Book 9 Plus and Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon are just a few more of the PC laptops geared toward form as well as function.
Software
With the hardware being very similar, the biggest difference between Mac and PC is the software. Let's start with the operating system.PCs typically run Microsoft Windows and Macs run OS X. They're both solid operating systems that work well if you're used to them.
If you're switching between them, there is a learning curve. In OS X for example, you have to learn that closing a program window doesn't actually close the program like it does in Windows. For Windows, the taskbar isn't as intuitive as OS X's Dock for launching programs.
As time goes on, however, both OSes are becoming more and more alike. The next version of Windows is adding virtual desktops and an OS X-like program switcher. OS X has added a button to maximize program windows and better supports right-click menus. Both are moving toward running "apps" instead of programs.
When it comes to working with other gadgets, OS X does have the edge with Continuity. Continuity makes it simple to seamlessly move work and conversations between OS X Yosemite and iOS 8 gadgets like the iPhone or iPad. Very little setup is required.
On a PC, you have to use third-party programs like Picasa or LightWorks and do quite a bit of fiddling to get the same thing, but unlike OS X you can do it with Android and Windows Phone. With Windows 10, there might be a similar built-in system for Windows 10 computers and Windows Phone gadgets.
At the moment, OS X has the edge over Windows on upgrading to new versions. Not only are upgrades free, you can download them right from the Mac app store with little hassle. However, Windows 10 is bringing easier updating and rumors have it that Windows 10 could be free for Windows 8.1 users.
Aside from the operating system, there are some other software differences. Macs, for example, can't run nearly as many programs as Windows.
Mac does have most of the major ones - Photoshop, Firefox, Chrome, etc. - but you might have a favorite Windows program that doesn't work, or doesn't work as well, like Microsoft Office or Quicken. Many popular video games don't have Mac versions either.
On the other hand, Macs have more software installed by default, such as the excellent iPhoto and iMovie. With Windows, you have to go hunt down a third-party programs to do the same thing.
Security
For a long time, Macs did enjoy a reputation for not having security problems. Part of that is how the OS is designed and part of it is that so few Macs were in use hackers didn't bother attacking them.
Now that Macs are gaining in popularity, hackers are taking notice and have discovered several worrying security flaws over the last two years. OSX.XSLCmd, rootpipe and iWorm are just three recent ones.
True, Macs aren't approaching PC levels of danger and Apple fixes problems fairly fast, but you can't just assume that you're 100% safe. You still need security software. And don't forget that many threats, like phishing emails taking you to a fake banking websites, work regardless of PC or Mac.
With a PC, you do have to take more care. Most viruses are written to attack it, so running without security software is a no-no. Still, with security software installed, common sense and keeping Windows updated, you can stay just as safe as your Mac friends.
Stability
As a rule, Macs are generally more stable than PCs. Apple tightly controls its hardware and makes sure it works with OS X and the built-in software before it goes on sale.That isn't to say PCs are always unstable. However, there are way more hardware configurations Windows has to support, plus dozens of manufacturers, some of whom don't always use quality hardware. Manufacturers also like to pre-install bloatware on new machines, which tend to slow things down.
Still, over the years I've run into very stable PCs and very unstable Macs. It depends on the software, settings and how they're being used.
Price
It is true that if you're looking for a low-cost computer, Macs are more expensive than PCs. The least expensive Mac, the Mac mini, starts at $500, while the least expensive laptop, the MacBook Air, starts at $900. On the PC side, you can get a desktop or laptop for as low as $350.That being said, when you compare Mac and PC computers with similar hardware, they cost about the same. For example, a Dell XPS 13 ultrabook with only slightly better specs to the 13-inch MacBook Air costs $1,199 to the MacBook's $1,099.
Most of the laptops I listed earlier that match the MacBook's design and specs - Acer's Aspire S7, Samsung's Ativ Book 9 Plus and Lenovo's ThinkPad X1 Carbon - are also priced in that $1,000 to $1,100 range.
So if you're after something very cheap, a PC is your best bet. If you're planning to spend north of $900, then Macs are competitive with PCs.
What should you buy?
What you should buy really depends on what you need. If you want a stable, secure computer with good pre-installed software and don't mind spending the money, then get a Mac.If you want something inexpensive, customizable, able to handle a wide range of games and other software, along with third-party hardware, then a PC is your best bet.
If you're on the fence as either a long-time PC or Mac user, head to the store and give the other platform a test drive. You might find something about it you like better, or you might find out it's just too different.
For situations where you are changing over, also be sure to check your software to see if there's a version for the other platform and how well it works. You don't want to make the switch only to find your accounting files or other important documents won't open.
