When it comes to computers, the Mac vs. PC debate has been a controversial topic for decades.
The lines are so blurred in 2018, we pose the question:
Who would win in a back alley fight? Mac or PC?
Windows and Apple have been the major innovating OS developers for decades. Today they have seen some competition in the mobile market from Google Android and others, but they remain industry leaders. For computer buyers today, we at Internet Ideators ask the question: Is one better? Does it matter anymore?
Here’s the deal.
When deciding who is better, it comes down to specific features and uses. Depending on what you want to use their technology for, experts may favor one over the other.
In this post, we will cover how Mac and PC are different,in hopes of helping you buy a computer, or change to the brand that best suits your needs. We’re going to review several important features and technical specifications, in both Macs and PCs, to help you decide for yourself which is better. We think this is a better way to look at systems, instead of focusing on which one is “the best”.
Battle of the Brands
IBM Personal Computers (PCs)
The PC market originated with International Business Machines Corporation (IBM).
Their two critical decisions were an alliance with Microsoft to run Windows Operating System (OS) on PCs, and licensing other manufacturers to build PCs.
These decisions made PCs the most popular computer sold every year since the 1980s.
Last year, there were around 260 million PCs sold worldwide, and IBM was not even in the top five manufacturers. (Lenovo, HP and Dell lead the pack.) Additionally, they make most of their earnings from chip manufacturing today.
Apple Computers
With only around 7 percent of the global computer market, Apple is considered by many a high-end boutique product. Their higher price is justified by many due to their cutting edge technology, beautiful aesthetics and artistic designs. However, drawbacks include less software availability, especially for games. They can also be more expensive to repair, with long lines at the Apple Store.
It’s no surprise that the controversial debate between Mac and PC users has been going on for decades. Some Mac users HATE PCs, and vice-versa. Why such passion about computers? Are Macs not worth their price? Are Windows PCs really that awful?
Mac vs. PC Comparison (Features & Tech Specs Reviewed)
Security Features Compared
Without a doubt, Macs have historically had fewer security vulnerabilities. In addition to that, Macs are also targeted by fewer viruses than PCs running Windows. Obviously, that data can be a bit misleading, since Apple’s computers account for less than 10% of the market share.
In comparison, PCs not only have more vulnerabilities, but a large number of viruses, errors, and glitches. They are an easy target for anyone looking to infect or illegally access them.
Bottom line
Mac wins in security, because they have less security risk. Not to mention, most malware is created for PCs. Therefore, you’re less likely to run into security issues with a Mac.
Prices Compared
Apple believes their customers are willing to pay more for the higher quality of Macs, so their higher cost isn’t that much of a surprise. Many people may argue that “you get what you pay for,” and with Mac you really do. Apple computers are built well, with great aesthetics and high-quality components, whereas not all PCs are.
Looking at similarly powered computers, the PC is slightly cheaper than Mac.
Bottom line
Without a doubt, PC wins in cost comparisons, because they are generally less expensive than a Mac.
Operating Systems Compared
Mac – Apple users can use Boot Camp to run Windows on their computer. PC users can also install Linux OS on their computer, and use it to run Windows programs, as an alternative to Windows.
PC – Windows is put onto PCs by multiple manufacturers, most of which add some form of bloatware. That being said, bloatware is removable. Either way, that doesn’t mean that Windows 10 is an inferior operating system.
Here’s the kicker
When it comes to operating systems, we have to declare this section a tie. All thing considered it’s like comparing apples and oranges.
Both Mac OS X and Windows 10 are clean, fast, highly capable operating systems.
The choice is yours.
It comes down to personal preference and the user’s specific needs.
Software Compared
The number of software titles for Mac has grown over the years.
Windows dominates the computer software market, and developers are more likely to create software for PCs, because of the greater potential earning a return on their investment.
Bottom line
PC wins the software category,because there are tons of free programs that are designed for PCs that are not available to Mac users.
Build Quality Compared
Mac -Unquestionably, Macintosh computers are famous for their build quality across the board. Mac laptops and desktops offer a very compact profile, regardless of form, and are some of the most aesthetically pleasing consumer electronic products on the market right now.
PC – PCs have always had diverse designs that are easy to customize to your style, from cases, to internal components, to monitors. Compared to Macs build quality, PCs have a large variety that ranges from very high-quality components to those that use more inexpensive parts.
Bottom line
Even though the quality of PC components range to fit any style, when it comes to quality across the board, Mac wins build quality because they only build high quality products.
Customization and Upgrades Compared
Mac can be upgraded, however their customizations are fairly limited to those selected by the company, since all of their computers are manufactured only by Apple.
By comparison, PC has more pre-built options, which allows for more customizations and upgrades, since they have more manufacturers than Apple.
Bottom line
Of course, PC wins this category. If you’re the type who likes to build and customize their own computers, PCs are your best option.
Boot Time Compared
One thing is certain, that Macs are proven to boot up faster than PCs
In recent years, with the advent of Window 10, PC’s boot times have decreased dramatically, and in many cases, Windows 10 is faster than Mac OS X.
But the truth?
These differences are minor when compared to hardware. The determining factor in reducing boot time is the computer’s type of hard drive.
Bottom line
When compared, both computers today have SSDs and boot up in under a minute, however PCs have more speed options for those who build their own PCs. Mac wins this category because it doesn’t need customizations to boot faster.
Drivers Compared
Mac – In the past, Apple was the exclusive producer of their computer technology, so Mac has the advantage here. In addition, they only had to create one set of drivers.
PC – PC used to have many different manufacturers, with many interchangeable components, which required numerous drivers. That is no longer the case.
Bottom line
Surprisingly, in recent years all devices are plug-and-play in Windows, and no longer require the user to install drivers. As a result, this category is a tie.
Gaming Compared
Mac – Over the years, computer game companies have increased their support for Macs. As a result, there are scores of Mac compatible games today.
PC – However, Windows dominates 90% of the PC gaming market, so developers are far more likely to create PC games first. PCs ability to run computer gamer are better because that have been customized to handle a gamer’s demands.
Bottom line
Other than the Mac Pro, there aren’t any Macs that can keep up with a PC running a mid-range graphics card. Overall, PC wins this category.
Repair Costs Compared
Mac – Apple strives to make their Mac product line as sleek and compact as possible. To do so, they continue to further integrate their parts. As a result, Macs require more work and expensive parts to repair them.
PC – Most PCs, on the other hand, offer easy access to any part of the computer by removing a side panel.
Bottom line
Although laptop repair costs between the two platforms would be more similar, Mac is still more expensive. PC wins this category.
Touch Capability Compared
Let’s get the the point here.
Bottom line
Mac doesn’t offer any touchscreen capability for the laptops and computers today. Hands down, PC wins in touch capability.
Performance Compared
Mac – When it comes to performance, Macs have the reputation for being much faster and more reliable. Mac has twice the downloads speeds of PCs.
PC – While in the past, Windows machines were slower and had more “blue screen” fatal errors, today that is not the case.
Bottom Line
Although Windows systems have made great strides in recent years, Apple wins this category.
Screen resolution Compared
Mac has state of the art retina display and PC has an average 1920 x 1080 display.
Bottom Line
Without a doubt, Apple wins this category.
Entertainment Compared
Mac allows you to handle all of your entertainment needs through iTunes. You’re able to listen to music and watch movies, all in one place. PC of course doesn’t have iTunes, which give Mac the advantage here.
Bottom Line
Apple wins in Entertainment.
Let’s Recap our Findings
- Security – Advantage Apple
- Cost – Advantage PC
- Operating system – No Advantage
- Software – Advantage PC
- Build Quality – Advantage Apple
- Customization and upgrades – Advantage PC
- Boot Time – Advantage Apple
- Drivers – No Advantage
- Gaming – Advantage PC
- Repair Cost – Advantage PC
- Touch capability – Advantage PC
- Performance – Advantage Apple
- Screen resolution – Advantage Apple
- Entertainment – Advantage Apple
The Verdict: Mac vs. PC or Does it Matter?
In the final analysis, (Mac vs. PC) your decision of whether to buy Apple or PC products will come down to two questions:
- How much to you want to spend?
- What do you want to use your new computer for?
Your answers to these two questions will decide which device is best for you.
The good news is that the technology has arrived at a place where it is hard to find a bad computer on the market. Just keep away from Windows XP. It’s over 15 years old, so stick to windows 10 for the best experience.
Just keep in mind that not all PC’s are the same. So, the reviews we provided may not apply to the computer that you want to purchase. Unless the work you do requires a lot of computing power and speed like with video or music editing, you don’t need a complex computer. Buying a PC Chromebook from Amazon will probably be your best choice. They’re excellent, affordable devices that can handle just about any task for around $200.
The best part?
Apple computers can run Windows software using Boot Camp. This is useful if you’re a gamer, as you’ll be able to play “most” PC games on your mac.
Let us know what you think in the comments below.
Do you prefer Mac to PC, or vice versa?
Are you going to buy a Chromebook after reading this? Have we made you want to change brands and buy a Mac?
Does it really matter? Can we end this age old debate?
Either way, leave a quick comment in the section below.