The Mac versus PC debate has been going on for a long time. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference; what you like and what you want to do with your system.
Operating systems
Some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two main computer systems come from the operating systems. OS X® and Microsoft® Windows® work differently. Depending on what you want to do, one might be better than the other, but it comes down to what you are comfortable with.
Ecosystem
When trying to decide between a Mac and a PC, one thing to consider is the other devices you have, such as; mobile phones, tablets, gaming consoles, Apple TV®, and other computers. Although it is possible to have a mix of operating systems, Apple® products are designed to work together, and Windows and Android™ products are designed to work together, along with PlayStation® and Xbox®. Some people dislike the extra work to get the different devices to talk to each other.
With Boot Camp®, it is possible to install Windows on a Mac, then switch between the operating systems according to what you need to do.
Mac Advantages
Macs have been associated with high-powered graphic design for some time. This is due to the design of the products themselves. Apple products are visually appealing, and are sometimes purchased for how they look. There are tools and apps for graphic design that are also Mac-only. Most of the big names in design software are now made for Windows, but the perception remains that Macs are what you need for graphic design. Read more here about Mac products and graphic design.
Because there are fewer Apple products compared to PCs, there are fewer viruses created for OS X. In addition, because Apple tightly controls the software on its devices, there is much less bloatware installed on new systems.
Apple’s customer service is well known for being better. Because there are so many possible PC makers, it’s hard to do a direct comparison, but in general, Apple does a great job of backing up their products.
Macs tend to have new innovations incorporated into their design faster than PCs. Because there is just one manufacturer of Apple products, they can move more quickly when there is a hardware innovation like USB-C.
Because Mac users are a minority, Apple has been careful to make sure that their products can work with Windows software. As a result, Macs can read drives that are formatted for Windows and can often convert Windows software to something that is compatible with OS X.
PC Advantages
The biggest PC advantage is cost. Because there are so many PC makers, it is possible to find a wide range of devices at different price points. Only the most high-powered and expensive PCs approach Apple products’ price point.
Although Apple is trying to catch up, PCs have more opportunities for touch screens. With Windows 8 and Windows 10 created with touch screens in mind; laptops can convert to tablets, desktops can use touch screen monitors, and tablets can be used like computers.
Windows PCs have far more software created for them. While many major software makers produce multiple versions of their software, some don’t, expecting Apple to fill any holes in the market with proprietary software.
PCs are more easily upgraded and have more options for different components.A Mac, if it’s upgradeable, can upgrade only memory and the storage drive. A PC user can select from many motherboards, processors, storage drives, video cards, graphics cards, audio cards, and memory. This enables PC users to build a custom machine, or upgrade an existing machine quickly and easily. Find out more about upgrading memory and storage drives.
In the hardware area, PCs also have an advantage of offering more connection ports and types of ports on any one system and the ability to select a system based on the number and type connections. If a particular kind of port is important to you, you can find just the right system with that port.
With the number of different systems and the number of users, PCs have better backwards compatibility, that is, you can run older versions of software or operating systems on new hardware.
It’s certainly possible to run games on a Mac, but PCs are generally considered better for hard-core gaming. Read more about Mac computers and gaming.
The Mac vs PC debate will continue as long as they are the two major choices for hardware and operating systems. Each system does some things better; it’s really a matter of what features are important to you and what you’re going to use the computer for. Whatever you choose, enjoy it!
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FAQs
PCs are more easily upgraded and have more options for different components. A Mac, if it's upgradeable, can upgrade only memory and the storage drive. A PC user can select from many motherboards, processors, storage drives, video cards, graphics cards, audio cards, and memory.
What are the disadvantages of Mac over Windows? ›
Here are some potential disadvantages associated with using a MacBook:
- Price: MacBooks are often more expensive than many Windows-based laptops with similar specifications. ...
- Limited Hardware Options: ...
- Software Compatibility: ...
- Gaming Performance: ...
- Limited Ports: ...
- Upgradability: ...
- Repair Costs: ...
- Closed Ecosystem:
Advantages of Mac:
- Mac is known for its high quality and durability. ...
- Mac has a simpler design and interface, which makes it easier to use for many users.
- Mac is less vulnerable to viruses and malware, which increases security.
- Mac has better integration with other Apple products, such as iPhones and iPads.
9 Things Macs Can Do That Windows PCs Can't
- Run iPhone and iPad Apps. ...
- Edit Currently Open Files. ...
- Type to Speak in Video Calls. ...
- Use iMessage on a Computer. ...
- Use AirDrop. ...
- MacBooks Don't Throttle When Unplugged.
MacBooks are superior in terms of consistent build quality and the UNIX-based macOS operating system. They also offer the highest performance mated with the best battery life. Windows laptops take everything else, including the ecosystem.
Does a MacBook last longer than a PC? ›
Both PCs and Macs (Apple) can last for a long time, depending on various factors such as the quality of the hardware, how well it's maintained, and how it's used. However, it's difficult to say definitively which machine will last longer, as it can vary greatly depending on the specific models and usage patterns.
Is it hard to switch to Mac from PC? ›
Transferring data from a PC to a Mac isn't complicated, but it does require Windows Migration Assistant. These step-by-step instructions make it simple to move all your files. Once you've transferred all your basics, you can get to work downloading the software for your business's needs.
Can you use Excel on a Mac? ›
Create, view, edit, and share your spreadsheets using Excel for Mac. Now it's easier than ever to work with spreadsheets across your devices and with others. Share your files and collaborate in real time within a document or edit Office docs attached to emails.
Can you use Microsoft Office on a Mac? ›
Fun fact: There's a version of Microsoft Office written just for Mac. So you can use Word, Excel and PowerPoint on a Mac just like on a PC. macOS also provides built-in support for the latest version of Microsoft Exchange Server.
Why do people prefer Mac? ›
The reason for this is simple – they're easier to use than PCs and offer a smoother, more stable experience. Mac users are also less likely to encounter viruses and spyware, so they worry less while surfing the web. But it's important to remember that not all Macs are created equal.
Their ease of use, focus on privacy, and robust security are not only appreciated by end-users but also by IT teams, particularly in environments where both Mac and Windows systems are utilized and supported.
Why are Macs more reliable than PCs? ›
Macs have shown time and time again to be much less vulnerable to viruses and hacking than PCs. The gap is closing, however, as many attacks are based online and hackers are more sophisticated in their techniques. You'll still need to be cautious online, but for now Mac is the safest platform.
Is coding on Mac better? ›
Is a Mac or Windows better for learning to code? Both have excellent software development environments provided by Apple and Microsoft. The system that will be best for you is one that is similar to others who are willing to help you. And the great thing is that Apple and Microsoft provide development tools at no cost.
Can you use a Mac computer without a mouse? ›
You can use your keyboard to perform many of the same actions you perform using the mouse, such as navigating to or selecting menus, icons, text boxes, lists, and items in windows and dialogs.
Do programmers prefer PC or Mac? ›
MacBooks Are Ideal for Developers
Of course, other factors come into play, like the amount of memory and storage. 8GB of RAM and 256GB of storage would be just enough for basic coding; however, more memory often means better performance for heavy-duty tasks.
Is MacBook better than any laptop? ›
MacBooks are generally considered premium laptops and tend to be a bit pricier compared to many Windows laptops with similar specifications. Software ecosystem. MacBooks are part of the Apple ecosystem, featuring software like iCloud and iMessage while also easily integrating with iPhones and iPads.
Do people use Windows or Mac more? ›
For desktop computers and laptops, Microsoft Windows is the most used at 72.99%, followed by Apple's macOS at 16.13%, and Google's ChromeOS at 1.76%, and desktop Linux at 3.77%. Since ChromeOS is a Linux based OS, it can be added to the total desktop Linux share bringing it to 5.53%.
Which is better for coding, Mac or Windows? ›
MacOS is a Unix-based system, similar to Linux, and this imparts certain advantages for programming over Windows. The Unix-style terminal and shell, which are more advanced and have better scripting capabilities, give a smoother experience doing version control, running scripts, and performing other programming tasks.
