Q: Which is better, a Mac or a PC?
A: Depends on your needs. And taste.
The Mac is not so popular just because of some great, crazy marketing. It is loved because it is a beautiful machine doing the same job as a PC, much more beautifully, besides the crazy, brilliant marketing.Cost is a big difference when you compare the two categories so it really depends on what you want.
If you just want the job done, without having to give time to learning new things (despite the 'there's nothing new to learn' mantra, there are a few things a Windows user would take time getting used to when starting to work on a Mac), at a lower cost, go for PC, case closed. Given the market share of windows vs. mac, it is more likely that you have worked on a PC (unless it's your first computer) and thus you would be better off with another, better performing PC if you are short on time & money. You would get standard software (more easy), more standard connectivity options on a PC.
So what is so great about this Mac that people keep raving about?
[Ok, I have been using a Mac (book Pro) for little over a year now and have had to use PC for somethings that I do not want to use the Mac for]
The Mac, as you must have heard from fans, is a quality computer, performing consistently, reliably and does whatever it does, in style.
Reason: it is made & controlled by a single company in the world - both the hardware & software. So the software is designed for the hardware and vice-versa. No confusion, no compromise on performance of either and standard, specific functions for each component - hardware or software.
I'm a fan. I'd be lying if I said otherwise. More so, if you are using a Mac, you can really not be a not-fan!
But I do agree that it is not the best choice for everybody. For eg: I want to end the problems my dad has with the PC - virus, windows threats, crashing etc. and I know Mac wouldn't have as many problems as the PC, but I do not think a Mac would be good choice for him - there is a learning curve that I do not want my dad to go through - plus the problems (Mac too has some issues, sometimes) would be better solved by the 'local engineers' if it is a PC.
I say that cause I remember the faces of my office tech staff when I asked them to help me with printer set-up on the Mac.
PC is inexpensive - it is everywhere (read standard plugs/jacks/software & most importantly help from people around) - so for a computer that does your tasks and does not cost too much, PC is the thing.
ok, enough backdrop, now about the Mac & what I really like about it. Some things great about a Mac are:
- Great quality of hardware: High quality materials used, premium quality components make a Mac. Look at the machine underneath - it is nothing like I have ever seen on a laptop. The battery life - it's amazing. You know the stuff is great when you see the machine - no compromise.
- Clean, no jazzy stuff: No lights/LEDs for wi-fi, battery, blue-tooth - nothing! it makes a great difference to me, now that I observe it. No stickers of 'intel inside' or 'high capability wi-fi antenna' etc.
- The software: the animation, is beautiful. The way the desktop is displayed, the way screens change.
- The no-mouse usage: is great. I just can't work without a mouse on a PC. On the Mac, I rarely have found a need for one. The track-pad is another awesome part of the MBP.
- The service: If under warranty, there is no comparison of the level of service Apple provides. It is again, marvelous.
- Plus many small things which, if I mention here, would feel little crazy. To me.
I still haven't fully harnessed the Mac - the graphics, the video rendering capabilities of it - and do feel that a lower powerful machine could suffice (heh, never felt that the machine was powerful enough, whenever, whichever PC I have ever had)
What's bad with a Mac?
- Games: there are hardly any. Or hardly any that I enjoyed playing earlier on a PC
- Price: you have to think before buying. Are you sure, a Mac? Why not PC?
- Emotional: You tend to get emotionally attached to the machine. Not good.
All in all, go as per your suitability but be forewarned, once it is a Mac, it's very difficult to get back.
Wonderfully done Steve & Apple. It shows.
