Mac vs. PC - the age old question

by Greg Frank
posted March, 2006

This article is a direct response to a recent question from a friend about my feelings on Macs vs. PCs, because she was in the market for a new computer. This is not intended to be exhaustive and is targeted more toward consumers rather than experts.

Generally speaking, I tend to recommend that people work with what they are comfortable with unless they are interested in and willing to learn a new system. That said, switching from Mac to PC or vice versa is no longer as difficult as it used to be, because even though certain things may have different names, the capabilities offered by both systems are quite similar.

Macs

Macs have the advantage of solid hardware and a reputation for reliability: the current generation of Mac hardware rarely breaks down. Additionally, Apple is consistently rated as having the best customer service of any of the major computer manufacturers. However, this is not to say the operating system will never freeze or run into trouble. Macs have gotten much better about this over the past couple years, but the frequency with which they freeze up is now basically equivalent to the frequency for PCs. A mark in their favor is that most Macs come with a good selection of additional software - including office software, photo editing and organizing, music, movie editing, DVD authoring, email, web browsing, contact organization, Quicken, and more. For 100% compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, you will still most likely need to buy a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac (but you will probably have to buy a new copy of it if you go with a PC, too). And of course, the kicker for many people is that Macs are infrequently targeted by viruses and spyware (malware) - the stats I've heard most recently put the ratio of PC malware to Mac malware at approximately 1000 to 1.

PCs

PCs have the advantage of customizability and repairability. What I mean by this is that because PCs tend to have very standardized parts, you can take your pick of innumerable computer technicians who can upgrade or fix your PC. If you have a Mac, you almost always have to go back to Apple to have it fixed, and upgradability is somewhat limited. PC reliability is very dependent on manufacturer (which I'll discuss more below). You are likely to be able to use much of your existing software on a new PC without problems, although the software included with most PCs these days is extremely limited. In particular, most of the new PCs I've worked with recently have a great deal of trial and demo software that require you to purchase them or subscribe to them after the first 30 or 60 days. So once this time is up, you will typically be left with just the Windows operating system and whatever software you already own. With regard to Windows, the current version (XP) is immeasurably better than Windows ME and anything earlier. Freezes have become quite rare. Windows XP provides only the most basic software out of the box, like the same basic Paint program you're probably familiar with and Windows Media Player; however, there are many useful programs available for free on the internet, as long as you are careful about where you download them (about 35 of the programs I have currently installed are free downloads).

Things to consider

The final choice probably comes down to what you are most interested in doing with your computer. If the only thing you want to do is go on the internet and send emails, you're probably safe buying whatever looks good in your computer room - Macs and PCs are essentially equally capable for internet use, and both are exceedingly easy to use for this purpose. If you've ever been at all interested in trying to make DVDs or edit home movies, you might want to consider a Mac as its built-in capabilities lend it to this. The same goes for using your computer as the "hub" for your digital toys (e.g. connecting a digital camera, iPod, and other items to it), again due to the included software and capabilities. On the other hand, if you're quite comfortable with Windows and have many Windows-specific programs that you want to continue using, a PC is likely to be the right choice.

Thoughts on specific models/manufacturers:

Mac

(Please note that this article was originally written before the official release of the Intel Macs, and it may need to be revised slightly as time permits). If you decide to try a Mac, you might be interested in the Mac mini. It is far less expensive than other Macs (starting at $499), and it comes without a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This allows you to use the Mac mini with your existing monitor and any USB-capable keyboard and mouse. It actually is quite small (6.5 inch square and 2 inches high), so it doesn't need to dominate your desk. It includes all the software I mentioned above.

HP/Compaq

I know some people who have nice things to say about HP's customer service. I do not.

Dell

Overall, they have reasonably good customer service (particularly if you opt to purchase an extended service plan), and generally solid hardware. I don't have much bad to say about Dell, but be sure to back up your data from time to time if you get one - I have had to replace the hard drives of two clients' Dell computers recently. Check their website a few times to get a sense of what sorts of deals are available - they change almost weekly.

Sony

Nice, but generally a little overpriced. Also, Sony is quite interested in getting its customers to use their proprietary formats for things, like Sony Memory Sticks. This is fine as long as you use Sony products, but it gets to be a problem if you try to leave them. Just be aware. And Sony can be a major offender when it comes to trial and demo software on your new computer.

Gateway

Decent tech support, but the Gateways I've worked with often had inexplicable minor problems even after clean system reinstalls.

Toshiba and IBM

Both make reputedly reliable laptops, in case you decide to get a laptop, and although I don't have too much recent experience with either, the few newer models I've worked with have been pretty solid hardware.

With any PC, make sure that a Windows XP reinstall CD is included, and if it's not then I suggest springing for the CD (usually $5 or $10). Also, if you want to replace your existing monitor with a new LCD monitor, package deals are available that can save you some serious money.

Final Thoughts

And what am I using these days? I use a Dell laptop with Windows, primarily because most of my clients are on Windows. That, and I have an eMac that I loaned to my mom. (I also have a desktop PC running Linux, but that's a whole other issue).

If you are interested in making a comment or getting more personalized suggestions, feel free to drop me a line.

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Home Articles Contact	Mac vs. PC - the age old question by Greg Frank posted March, 2006 This article is a direct response to a recent question from a friend about my feelings on Macs vs. PCs, because she was in the market for a new computer. This is not intended to be exhaustive and is targeted more toward consumers rather than experts. Generally speaking, I tend to recommend that people work with what they are comfortable with unless they are interested in and willing to learn a new system. That said, switching from Mac to PC or vice versa is no longer as difficult as it used to be, because even though certain things may have different names, the capabilities offered by both systems are quite similar. Macs Macs have the advantage of solid hardware and a reputation for reliability: the current generation of Mac hardware rarely breaks down. Additionally, Apple is consistently rated as having the best customer service of any of the major computer manufacturers. However, this is not to say the operating system will never freeze or run into trouble. Macs have gotten much better about this over the past couple years, but the frequency with which they freeze up is now basically equivalent to the frequency for PCs. A mark in their favor is that most Macs come with a good selection of additional software - including office software, photo editing and organizing, music, movie editing, DVD authoring, email, web browsing, contact organization, Quicken, and more. For 100% compatibility with Microsoft Office documents, you will still most likely need to buy a copy of Microsoft Office for Mac (but you will probably have to buy a new copy of it if you go with a PC, too). And of course, the kicker for many people is that Macs are infrequently targeted by viruses and spyware (malware) - the stats I've heard most recently put the ratio of PC malware to Mac malware at approximately 1000 to 1. PCs PCs have the advantage of customizability and repairability. What I mean by this is that because PCs tend to have very standardized parts, you can take your pick of innumerable computer technicians who can upgrade or fix your PC. If you have a Mac, you almost always have to go back to Apple to have it fixed, and upgradability is somewhat limited. PC reliability is very dependent on manufacturer (which I'll discuss more below). You are likely to be able to use much of your existing software on a new PC without problems, although the software included with most PCs these days is extremely limited. In particular, most of the new PCs I've worked with recently have a great deal of trial and demo software that require you to purchase them or subscribe to them after the first 30 or 60 days. So once this time is up, you will typically be left with just the Windows operating system and whatever software you already own. With regard to Windows, the current version (XP) is immeasurably better than Windows ME and anything earlier. Freezes have become quite rare. Windows XP provides only the most basic software out of the box, like the same basic Paint program you're probably familiar with and Windows Media Player; however, there are many useful programs available for free on the internet, as long as you are careful about where you download them (about 35 of the programs I have currently installed are free downloads). Things to consider The final choice probably comes down to what you are most interested in doing with your computer. If the only thing you want to do is go on the internet and send emails, you're probably safe buying whatever looks good in your computer room - Macs and PCs are essentially equally capable for internet use, and both are exceedingly easy to use for this purpose. If you've ever been at all interested in trying to make DVDs or edit home movies, you might want to consider a Mac as its built-in capabilities lend it to this. The same goes for using your computer as the "hub" for your digital toys (e.g. connecting a digital camera, iPod, and other items to it), again due to the included software and capabilities. On the other hand, if you're quite comfortable with Windows and have many Windows-specific programs that you want to continue using, a PC is likely to be the right choice. Thoughts on specific models/manufacturers: Mac (Please note that this article was originally written before the official release of the Intel Macs, and it may need to be revised slightly as time permits). If you decide to try a Mac, you might be interested in the Mac mini. It is far less expensive than other Macs (starting at $499), and it comes without a monitor, keyboard, and mouse. This allows you to use the Mac mini with your existing monitor and any USB-capable keyboard and mouse. It actually is quite small (6.5 inch square and 2 inches high), so it doesn't need to dominate your desk. It includes all the software I mentioned above. HP/Compaq I know some people who have nice things to say about HP's customer service. I do not. Dell Overall, they have reasonably good customer service (particularly if you opt to purchase an extended service plan), and generally solid hardware. I don't have much bad to say about Dell, but be sure to back up your data from time to time if you get one - I have had to replace the hard drives of two clients' Dell computers recently. Check their website a few times to get a sense of what sorts of deals are available - they change almost weekly. Sony Nice, but generally a little overpriced. Also, Sony is quite interested in getting its customers to use their proprietary formats for things, like Sony Memory Sticks. This is fine as long as you use Sony products, but it gets to be a problem if you try to leave them. Just be aware. And Sony can be a major offender when it comes to trial and demo software on your new computer. Gateway Decent tech support, but the Gateways I've worked with often had inexplicable minor problems even after clean system reinstalls. Toshiba and IBM Both make reputedly reliable laptops, in case you decide to get a laptop, and although I don't have too much recent experience with either, the few newer models I've worked with have been pretty solid hardware. With any PC, make sure that a Windows XP reinstall CD is included, and if it's not then I suggest springing for the CD (usually $5 or $10). Also, if you want to replace your existing monitor with a new LCD monitor, package deals are available that can save you some serious money. Final Thoughts And what am I using these days? I use a Dell laptop with Windows, primarily because most of my clients are on Windows. That, and I have an eMac that I loaned to my mom. (I also have a desktop PC running Linux, but that's a whole other issue). If you are interested in making a comment or getting more personalized suggestions, feel free to drop me a line. If you would like to include this article on your website, please instead link directly to the article at this location: http://www.techanchor.com/article-macvspc.shtml.
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