Apple or PC?

by Michael Mustradi

As Apple builds its empire and continues to overshadow the PC world, one question still remains.  Which is better, Mac or PC?  An excellent breakdown of this unanswered question is located here and provides interesting pros and cons to both machines. 

The pros/cons of owning a Mac

One of the most desirable benefits that come with a Mac is the security system.  PCs are much more vulnerable to viruses and identity theft and need an antivirus system for protection, while Macs come protected right out of the box.  Macs are also built to last.  Most Apple products have aluminum cases rather than cheaper plastic cases that come with PCs.  The higher-end Macs can handle a heavy workload much more efficiently than a PC, too.  Most design offices will rely on Macs to assist them in completing their best work due to the smoother, more durable operating system.  However, with these perks that Apple offers, comes a high price.  Macs are much more expensive than PCs, with less options and customizations.  Even though this issue is improving, many Apple products are not fully compatible with Windows products, making it difficult to share and work on projects between a Mac and a PC.

The pros/cons of owning a PC

The nicest perk about owning a PC is that you can go out and purchase a decent, well-rounded machine for less than $600.  With Apple, you would be lucky to buy one for around $1,000.  Not only is the price attractive, the selection is too.  Windows offers many different brands to choose from with each one having unique designs, specs, and power.  Not only is the machine itself cheaper, the numerous accessories that you can buy for a PC are much less pricey compared to the few accessories that Apple offers.  When it comes to troubleshooting, PCs are usually cheaper to repair, even though many users believe that PCs are more vulnerable to break down. 

In the end, I would say that one’s budget really comes into play when deciding on a Mac or PC.  A college student short on cash will most likely buy a PC to get them through college, while someone with a higher spending limit may want to spend a little more on a Mac.