Should I Buy a Mac or a PC?
The PC vs. Mac debate can become quickly heated with devotees on both sides arguing their preferred system is superior. So who is right? Both of them, actually. Both systems offer a great computing experience that has, in recent years, become more similar than dissimilar. Nevertheless, there are certain advantages and disadvantages to each that can play into a person’s personal preference. Here are some points to help you choose between a PC and a Mac.
When it comes to speed benchmarks, both computers now use Intel® central processing units (CPUs), putting them on rather equal ground. If you are an AMD® fan, the PC can also come with an AMD processor.
Benchmark geeks who want the faster machine regardless of real-world difference will have to research specific Mac and PC models against one another in the targeted price range. A plethora of system configurations is possible in the PC, with everything from the CPU to its cache, bus speed, hardware components, operating system and installed software contributing to overall performance.
That said, faster boot-up and shut-down speeds are generally attributed to current Macs, and some operating system (OS) processes might also be faster, particularly when showcased against a slower PC OS like 32-bit Windows® Vista™. Mac’s Safari™ browser might also be faster than Internet Explorer™, but PC-savvy geeks commonly use faster software, like Firefox™ over Internet Explorer, and 64-bit Vista or XP™ over 32-bit Vista. Windows® 7 should also be more competitive.
When it comes to gaming, a PC is the clear winner for a variety of reasons. More games are available for the PC than for the Mac, and video card technology is constantly evolving to support the latest standards. Upgrading a PC’s graphic card is easy with plenty of choices available from low-end cards to extremely expensive cards, including dual graphics capability (using two cards). Upgrading a Mac is not always possible, and when it is, there is limited hardware available that is typically more expensive than its equal PC counterpart.
The PC is also the clear winner for overclockers and modders. If you like swapping out hardware to keep your system cutting edge, a PC is the way to go. There is also more software available for the PC, including a vast and ever-growing library of freeware applications. However, you can install a Windows® operating system on a Mac along with PC applications, thanks to a built-in utility called “Boot Camp.” Optional third-party software is also available, including Vmware™ and Parallels™, which allows Mac and PC software to run at the same time without rebooting. Some Linux™ distros will also run on a Mac.
The Mac also comes with some incredible Apple® applications that many computer users would say blows default PC apps out of the water. For example, GarageBand™ is a very impressive sound studio application that not only provides all the bells and whistles of a standard digital recording studio, but also includes video music lessons. Mac is also considered to be the hands-down winner for any type of professional editing or graphic production software, establishing itself as the standard computer of the entertainment industry.
Another big advantage of owning a Mac is that far fewer malicious programs are written to attack the Mac. In April 2009, however, reports surfaced that some Mac users who had uploaded pirated Apple software became infected with a botnet virus (iBotnet), and experts believe the Mac won’t remain as trouble-free in the future as they have been in the past, particularly as the Apple market-share grows. Yet, it is still far safer than the PC and likely will remain so for the foreseeable future.
People whose primary need is to be productive, who see the computer as a means to an end will probably be happiest with a Mac because of its quality default software coupled with its lower risk of infection. People who might be happier with a PC include those who require a budget system; those who see the computer as a source of interest in and of itself, such as overclockers, modders and gamers; and those who like to upgrade hardware and software on a regular basis to keep the machine cutting edge. Ultimately, it is up to the consumer to decide what his or her priorities are and choose the best system for the job.
Written by Diana Bocco
