Mac vs. PC Pros and Cons List

Previously, we posted about some of the differences between Apple and Microsoft in terms of OS X and Windows, but also some of the programs and applications that each company develops. In today’s post, we will continue with our guide to Mac vs. PC by listing some pros and cons of each operating system.

Mac Pros (Reasons why you should buy a Mac)

• Macs are more efficient for running multiple operating systems, or creating a Mac + PC environment. With a Mac, you can run OS X obviously, but Windows, Linux, and other operating systems can also be installed simply, using Apple’s own Bootcamp software, or virtualization software.
• Macs work great with other Apple products.
• Macs are simple. OS X is a very straightforward operating system with little maintenance required.
• Macs can get viruses, but there are not as many Mac viruses circulating, compared to PC.
• In the way that Apple has established themselves as a company, they choose not to bundle third party apps and additional software with their computers, vs. many PC manufacturers that often load up new PCs with all kinds of 3rd party apps that you don’t want.
• Apple has excellent customer support, AppleCare warranty programs, and exclusive Apple Stores where you can take your Mac or other Apple product for repairs or other problems.
• Macs are visually appealing and excellently designed, for the most part. No product is perfect, but many consider Macs to be the best looking computers on the market.
• Macs are more expensive than PCs, but they also hold their resale value much better than PCs.
• Apple computers have one of the highest customer satisfaction rates in the industry. When you buy a Mac, you know you are getting a quality computer, vs. PC where there are so many different manufacturers and configurations, that choosing a quality PC is a bit more difficult.
• Macs tend to be a bit more innovative in design and features. Things like the multi touch trackpad on Mac laptops is something that few PC manufacturers have an answer for.

PC Pros (Reasons why you should buy a PC)

• PCs are generally cheaper to buy, and you have a much wider selection to choose from when purchasing a PC. You can choose a manufacturer (Dell, Lenovo, HP, etc…), vs. Apple, where you’re getting, Apple.
• PCs are more upgradable. This mostly deals with Desktop computers, but many PCs are simply easier to upgrade because they use more “standard” components. With Apple, there is usually not much you can upgrade, with the exception of RAM and hard drive.
• You can custom build a PC to your exact liking, choosing the case, motherboard, etc… From there, you simply install Windows, vs. Apple computers where there is not much customization. You choose a computer from the Mac lineup, and those are the specs for your computer.
• There is generally more software available for PCs, almost every software developer makes products that are Windows compatible, vs. Macs where software selection is a bit more limited. Although, Apple is gaining momentum with 3rd party developers and companies.
• Windows based PCs may have greater backwards compatibility. That 5 year old PC that you have laying around your home is probably compatible with Windows 7. A 5 year old Mac is probably not compatible with OS X 10.7 Lion.
• PCs are highly considered to be better for gaming, as you can build a truly custom gaming machine and install Windows.
• The majority of actively used computers are PCs, and Windows is the most widely used operating system. Thus, PCs have a larger support community behind them with more supporters.
• PCs have more compatible accessories, vs. Macs, which have fewer 3rd party accessories to choose from.
• PCs are more powerful and Windows can be considered to be a more powerful OS than OS X. Where OS X is simple, Windows is powerful and more complex.
• PCs work great with other Microsoft products, the Xbox for example.

Those are just a few of the pros of both Macs and PCs. Overall, the best way to decide on which to buy is to simply try both operating systems and find your own preference. Many consider Macs to be overpriced, which I completely agree with. However, Apple products are just different, in a good way.
PCs are probably the better deal and the better choice, which is a very bold statement. The reason I conclude that is, there is not a lot that a Mac can do that a PC can’t, and PCs are significantly more affordable. What is your opinion on Mac vs. PC? I use OS X and Windows both, about equally.
Thank you for stopping by the site for today’s post, and thank you for following our 2-part Mac vs. PC series, if you also reviewed part 1. Are there any pros of PC or Mac that I missed? Feel free to leave a comment to help others with deciding on whether to purchase a Mac or PC.