PC stands
for personal computer, but when people reference PC, the Microsoft Windows
operating system is the one that most often comes to mind. Windows is one of
the most popular and most commonly installed OS for PCs. In fact, it holds the
largest market share worldwide for OS. Linux is also another well-known OS for
PCs. On the other hand, Macintosh runs macOS and is solely developed and
marketed by Apple Inc. Although PCs and Macs are both computers that can be mostly
used for similar purposes, they differ in function, build, and power. In this
month’s blog, we will discuss the unique strengths and weaknesses between the
two competitive computers.
Price
In general,
the majority of PCs are much more budget-friendly than Macs and are available in
different price points from a variety of manufacturers such as Dell, HP, ASUS,
Acer, and much more. Most PC towers for office and work use can be found for
the half the price of Macs and that’s not including the monitor and other
accessories. However, pre-built and custom PCs for gaming tend to lean towards
higher price points due to the components that allow it to run high performance
games and programs. It’s no secret that Apple products can be more expensive
than other brands and manufacturers. However, Macs are very high quality and
known for their sleek and modern designs.
Hardware
The hardware
in a PC can easily be upgraded by simply switching out the parts in your PC
tower when you want something better. For example, you can swap out an old
graphics card for the latest one and instantly upgrade your visual experience
and performance. The ability to customize your PC is what makes it so popular
and enticing and if you’re knowledgeable about the parts, you can build your PC
yourself right at home. Overall, PCs have a wide array of hardware choices to
choose from in different price ranges. You can choose the hardware based on
what best fits your needs.
On the other
hand, Macs are very limited in the customization of their hardware and are not
really designed to be upgraded by the user. What you buy is what you get.
However, Macs come with high-end, expensive components that can run programs
very smoothly and seamlessly. In addition, since Apple is the sole manufacturer
of all Mac hardware, it offers greater stability and performance. Custom-built
PCs can run into issues such as incompatible drivers that can affect its
performance.
Software and Gaming
Mac
computers are part of what is called the Apple Ecosystem. This ecosystem
encompasses all Apple products and devices and creates a seamless network where
you can be connected to all of your Apple devices. For example, you can leave
your iPhone somewhere else and still easily answer text messages from your Mac.
You can even share documents and files through AirDrop or iCloud and easily
open it from any device. This integrated ecosystem offers convenience and if
you already own an iPhone or iPad, choosing a Mac over a PC can be a very
tempting choice. The software and optimization of Macs are also a popular
choice among professional creatives, including apps such as Sketch and Final
Cut Pro. For the majority, Macs are considered an industry standard for
designers but now with more creative software being available for Windows, it
makes it a competitive match.
As for
gaming, PC wins by a landslide in this category. As mentioned before, a PC has
the capability of swapping out its parts and allows users to build their own
tower. This allows dedicated gamers to have the best performing system that
guarantees a smooth running and high graphics game. Macs have a very limited
selection when it comes to gaming software and its components are not very
compatible with running the majority of games available for PC.
Which One Do I Choose?
As discussed,
PC and Mac have their own unique traits. It’s important to think about your
expectations and what kind of capabilities you want your chosen device to
handle. Here are a few questions to ask yourself:
- Do
you often multitask during work and utilize a wide variety of office programs
and video conference apps?
- Are
you a programmer or designer that requires a device that can run intensive
applications?
- Do
you often travel and need a system that is connected to other devices?
- Are
you a gamer and require a computer that can run high performance games on high
quality graphics?
- Do
you need a computer that can be used for both casual entertainment (streaming,
gaming, etc.) and work?
The bottom
line is that, if you’re going to be using your computer for entertainment or a
mix between gaming and work, the flexibility of a PC is the best choice for
you. If you’re going to be using it strictly for professional work, PCs are
still a great option but Apple products and Macs may be a more convenient
option due to its ecosystem that keeps you seamlessly connected. Some consider
PC best for business and office use while Macs are best for professional
creative use.
Conclusion
The PC vs
Mac debate has been going on for a long time, just like how people often
compare Android and iOS devices. Ultimately, it comes down to personal
preference and what you plan to use it for, whether it be for casual gaming or
for work. Regardless of what type of computer you own, you need a reliable
repair service in case you ever experience any difficult virus issues or
damaged hardware. National Computer Repair is here to help and provide all of
your repair and upgrade needs. We also offer PC parts, cases, accessories, and
more. Learn more about our services and products by visiting our website or contacting us at (615) 826-7550.
