Advantages of a Mac vs PC: What's Better About Macs?
What are the Advantages of Owning a Mac Over a PC?
It is true that PCs have some advantages over Macs. But for this article, the focus will be on advantages of a Mac vs PC. On to the list of advantages that Apple computers have over Windows-based computers.
OS X
The main difference between Macs and PCs, the operating system, can be seen as an advantage of Macs vs PCs. OS X is a great operating system. It’s easy to use, efficient, and features a very friendly user interface. OS X is a completely different animal than Windows or Linux. Windows and Linux are both very good operating systems, but neither of them have the simplicity of OS X. I’m not going to tell you that Macs don’t get viruses, because they can. But, there are far less OS X exploit viruses out there than Windows viruses. If you run a lot of programs that are Mac specific, and very few Windows apps, obviously having a Mac is your best bet.
Operating System Flexibility
If you should ever need Windows/Linux for anything, you can install Windows or Linux on a Mac computer, legally. You cannot however, install OS X on a PC, legally. This is a big advantage of Mac vs PC. Many computer users like to use different operating systems for different things. With Macs, you have the flexibility of OS X+Windows operating systems on one machine. You also have the option of running Windows via Bootcamp, or via a virtual machine, such as VMware Fusion.
Design
Cosmetically, Macs are extremely well designed computers. They are visually appealing with a “high-end” feel. They have the backlit Apple logo, backlit keyboard, Chiclets-style keys, etc…
Many PCs are well designed as well. Some are visually appealing and have a “high-end” feel… and some have backlit keyboards. But, did the new Sony Vaios and HP Envys get some design inspiration from Apple? Just saying.
Apple’s Innovation
Okay, I know that not everything Apple claims to be innovating actually is… But, they did bring Multi-touch, iTunes, MagSafe, etc… Do you get Dell Tunes and a Dell App Store with a Dell computer?
Apple also gives you the Apple Store - a place where you can take your Mac if anything goes wrong, and there’s a good chance it will get fixed.
The Geek Squad is not the best support out there, considering they charge a hefty fee to “optimize” your computer.
Awesome Compatibility with Other Mac Products
Apple products just work well with each other. Often times, PCs will have compatibility issues with iPhones, iPods, etc… Mac computers don’t have that. If you are a big iPhone fan, or the type of person that owns multiple iPods, chances are, you will enjoy owning a Mac computer just as much.
Good Default Software
Macs come with iLife, which is iPhoto, iMovie, Garage Band, iWeb, and iDVD. All of these are pretty decent programs. Windows does have Windows Media Player, Windows Movie Maker, etc… but, many Windows computers also come with a lot of “junk” software as well. Most of the time, you are lucky if you get more than a 30-day trial with most software.
This post is part of the series: Understanding Macs - Mac vs PC
This four part series details the simple differences between Macs and PCs, the advantages of Mac vs PC, and concludes with which is better, Mac or PC.
