The Mac versus PC debate is nothing new, but Microsoft threw more fuel on the fire today as they released a new section of their Windows website called “Mac versus PC.” The site, as you can guess, is full of marketing fluff aimed at making PC’s running Windows 7 seem like a better choice than a Mac computer. It intentionally leaves out the many positive points of owning a Mac – not that we blame them.
While Microsoft makes some good points, and highlights a few great advantages that PC’s have over Mac’s, let’s dive into the reality of it – and let you make the decision on your own. For full disclosure, I’m a huge Mac user. I own just about every product Apple makes – because I believe they are better and I’m willing to pay for them. I have also used PC’s running Windows all of my life, and up until a few years ago I swore by them.
Let’s break apart the six sections that Microsoft points out as the deal breakers between a PC and Mac:
Macs might spoil your fun: There are some things you simply can’t do out of the box with a Mac like watch, pause, rewind, and record TV like a DVR.
First of all, this title that Mac’s might spoil your fun is nothing short of hysterical. Few will argue that Mac’s aren’t fun, and they ship with plenty of software and features that connect you to movies, music, games and more. Microsoft points out that Apple computers don’t ship with things like a Blu-Ray player, DVR software, Memory Stick reader, or a TV-Tuner. If you’re really into watching Blu-Ray discs on the go then sure, this might be a bummer for you because Apple doesn’t offer an official Blu-Ray player built in. The thing about Apple is that they don’t play around with technology that’s going to be outdated and obsolete in a short time. But I’m getting off on a tangent, the truth is that Microsoft is lying to you. You can buy a Blu-Ray player, TV-Tuner or DVR software for your Mac just like you can with a PC. And I’m pretty sure this is an SD-card reader on the side of my MacBook Pro. Add-ons are extra, whether you buy a PC or a Mac but they are available for both. They do point out that a lot of the world’s most popular games aren’t available for the Mac, and that they don’t connect to the XBOX 360 (Although I’m not quite sure how a PC does either – you can’t share or play XBOX 360 games on a PC). If you’re a hardcore PC Gamer, then of course you are going to be disappointed that your games won’t work on a Mac. But don’t think for a second that there aren’t thousands of games available for the Mac. Also, if you ever run into anything that only works with Windows you can still bring it up on your Mac by using Boot Camp. Boot Camp lets you run Windows on your Mac.
Macs can take time to learn: The computer that’s easiest to use is typically the one you already know how to use. While some may say Macs are easy, the reality is that they can come with a learning curve. PCs running Windows 7 look and work more like the computers you’re familiar with, so you can get up and running quickly.
This is true. If you have always used PC’s running Windows then you will likely find it easier to use a PC rather than having to learn how to use a Mac. But don’t be deceived. Learning to use a Mac is fast and easy. When I first started using a Mac it took me just a few hours to learn about everything that was different between it and my PC. And when I was done, I was blown away at how much better I enjoyed using the Mac. Microsoft wants you to believe its hard to learn, because if you bother trying – you’ll never go back! Just watch these videos, and you’ll see. Microsoft is right, things do work differently on a Mac – they work better. And frankly, if you’re a Mac user who has never used a PC, it’s going to take you days to figure out how to use Windows. And when you’re done, you’ll be frustrated and annoyed and you’ll question why you have to use a PC.
Macs don’t work as well at work or at school: If most of the computers in your office or school run Windows you may find it harder to get things done with a Mac.
I work in an office of 90+ PC’s on a Windows network, and I’m only 1 of 2 employees using a Mac (the other is the CEO). And its incredibly easy (and incredibly secure and safe) to share documents, connect to the network, use the printer, etc. In fact, I’ve found I can do those tasks quicker and easier than my PC counterparts who are always running past my office to beg the IT guys for help. Microsoft says you have to buy a dongle to connect your Mac to a projector in order to give presentations. This is true; most Mac’s don’t come with a VGA port (because they suck) so you have to buy a $19 dongle to connect your Mac’s video port to the VGA input on most projectors. Not really a big deal; I carry the 2-inch dongle in my briefcase. Most newer projectors have Mac ports or come with the dongle anyway.
Some things to also consider (from Global Equities Research analyst Trip Chowdhry):
”70% of college freshman are entering school with Macs, up about 10 percent to 15 percent from a year ago.”
”Increasingly, companies are giving their employees a choice to either use Microsoft Windows PCs or Apple Macs”, the analyst said. “And, increasingly, employees are choosing Mac over Windows.” - Also see Google Ditches MS Windows for Mac. Even the White House has gone Mac.
”Our research is indicating that Microsoft is unable to connect with the new generation of users,” Chowdhry wrote, adding that this could cause problems down the road when these students enter the work force and once again pick Macs over Windows.
Macs don’t like to share: At least half the fun of having a computer is sharing the stuff that matters to you with other people. This is harder to do on a Mac.
Microsoft tells us that its hard to share music, movies, photos and documents with a Mac. I’m pretty sure that whoever wrote this page has never used a Mac. At work and at home I share all of these things with ease using my Mac. When I get home, my MacBook automatically connects to my home Wifi network and without me doing anything it automatically syncs any new music and movies with my wife’s iMac in her office, as well as with our Apple TV which allows us watch or listen to those files on our TV. When she bought the new Glee album, it was already on my computer as well. And the next time I synced my iPhone and iPad, all her music was transfered over to them as well. When I added a new movie on my computer, it was added to hers when I got home. Transferring documents and photos between computers is as easy as drag and drop, or you can automate that as well. And yes its all secure, and able to be password protected – you only share what you want. With Bonjour on a Mac, which comes free, computers and printers are automatically connected to your Mac – no setup whatsoever unless you want to tweak settings or setup automation. I’ve never found anything to be easier on a Mac.
Macs might not like your PC stuff: Plain and simple, if you’re a PC user, lots of your favorite stuff just might not work on a Mac. With PCs outselling Macs 10 to 1, the reality is that most computer software is developed to run on PCs.
This page is the funest to make fun of. Apparently Microsoft has forgotten about their amazing Microsoft OfficeMac. Its Word, Excel, and Powerpoint built by Microsoft from the ground up for the Mac. And its amazing! Even hardcore PC users admit that its better than the PC version of Office. Microsoft wants to pretend that you can’t share documents between PC’s and Macs. This just isn’t true. Like I said before, I’m one of a few Mac users in an office of 90+ PC’s and we share documents back and forth with ease.
Macs don’t let you choose: PCs give you a lot more choice and capabilities for your money. You can get the PC you want, in the size and color you want, with the features you want. You just don’t have as many options with a Mac.
This is also true, there isn’t much to customize with a Mac other than memory speed or storage size. You don’t get to choose colors. But really, if you want a pink Mac you can buy a pink cover for it. It will look even more beautiful than any pink PC you can buy from Dell. As far as features and capabilities, you’ll find that even the lowest level Mac comes with more powerful processors and drives than most PC’s. And anything else you need (Blu-Ray, mobile broadband, card readers, etc.) can all be added on.
What Microsoft doesn’t really get into is price. Macs cost more. They cost more because they are better. It might look like $500 at Dell.com will get you more than $500 at Apple.com – but you aren’t comparing Apple’s to Apple’s (pun intended). It’s worth the extra cost. And we all know that $500 Dell is going to need replacing in a year (and that’s after you’ve reinstalled Windows7 a few times). If money is an issue, then you may have to get a PC and suffer through it; but you can’t buy clothes at Walmart and pretend you bought them at Nordstrom’s. I would suggest saving up, or buying a Mac Mini ($699) to get you started. When it comes down to it, most people I talk to who swear by PC’s would gladly switch to Mac if they could afford it.
Microsoft wants you to stay behind the curve, with them. They don’t want you to change your style, like buying Blu-Ray discs or DVD’s, even if there is a better, easier and more cost effective solution. They want you to believe that Mac’s are harder to use and that they don’t do as much, but take a moment to check them out and you’ll quickly find that’s a blatant lie.
What are your thoughts? Have you worked with both, and still prefer PCs to Macs? Tell us in the comments or on Facebook.
From AskJD.tv, post Mac versus PC: What Microsoft Left Out
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ebdean
The truth is: you get what you pay for. Apple costs more because they use the best components and only components that work well together. If you take the time to make sure all your 'options' work well together when you build your own PC, and buy top of the line stuff, you'll have an excellent trouble-free PC as good, or better, than a Mac for the same price.
If you are a gamer, you will hate Mac. Otherwise, unless you have the time and inclination to build a PC yourself, it'd probably be easier just to go with Mac and you won't be missing out on anything.
As for ease of use. I pretty much like Mac. However, as with iTunes, it is maddening that Apple just refuses to adequately use context menus or give you more than one way to accomplish tasks. Some one at Apple decides on a 'right' way to do it and they give the user no options. The magic mouse is awesome, but they should have two button devices years ago.
But let's not vilify Microsoft here. Mac has been comparing themselves to the lowest model four year old PCs for years and directly insulting their customers. Microsoft probably just figures this is fair play.
Justin Dean
I'd argue that even if you build the best PC with "top of the line stuff" that you'll still have problems not long down the road. You'll likely be reinstalling Windows a year later trying to refresh whatever is causing problems on your computer. You'll also still be vulnerable to viruses and malware, and you'll have to, you know….use Windows. If you've got the money to spend, why not just get the Mac? The only reasons I can think of, is if you work at Microsoft… or you are a hardcore PC gamer.
I don't think we need to worry about the mouse either. In a couple years from now Mac users will look back and laugh at the days we used to use mice to control our computers. I haven't used a mouse in 3 years. Granted my main computer has been a MacBook Pro for that long, but by choice. I just love using the trackpad. And now that the trackpad is available for the desktop computers, I would never go back to using a mouse.
However, if you prefer using a mouse and want a two-button mouse – then plug one in. A Mac will work with any multi-button mouse, including those made by Microsoft. Nobody is forcing you to use the Magic Mouse… however when it comes down to mice, the one button action is pretty nice and easy to use once you take the time to learn something new. You make it sound like Apple is behind the curve because they still don't have a two-button mouse, but the truth is that the magic mouse and the trackpad are the most advanced "pointing devices" ever made. To "right click" all you do is rest your index finger on the mouse, and click with your middle finger (exactly what you would do if the mouse had two physical buttons). The solid buttonless surface allows you to be able to perform several more functions that would be impossible on a regular button mouse, like the two finger swipe, 360 degree scroll, zooming, etc. It's a lot easier and fluid than buttons and scroll wheels. But for a PC mouse user, its going to take a minute for you to figure it out.
So what tasks are you trying to complete in iTunes that are hard or need to be done a different way? The program is designed to emulate Finder on a Mac – the left hand menu is used throughout OS X. I agree that Apple usually only offers 1 or 2 ways to complete a task. I've found that 99% of the time its the better way, so its hard to complain… but I do see your point in not having options. But I've never ran into anything in iTunes that frustrates me, so I'm curious what you are having trouble with?
ebdean
"If you've got the money to spend, why not just get the Mac?"
I'm pretty sure that's exactly what I said. I was just making the observation that at that point – it's simply a matter of preference and not a matter of one being better than the other.
"You make it sound like Apple is behind the curve because they still don't have a two-button mouse…"
"… the magic mouse …. (is) the most advanced "pointing device" ever made."
I'm rereading my post and I believe I called the magic mouse "awesome". My point is – in the past when Apple didn't have the amazing touchpad and magic mouse – they decided that two buttons was "wrong" and just refused to listen to their users. I completely agree that the magic mouse is the way to go – if you want a mouse. And the touchpad is fantastic as well. (Although I have an external touchpad for my PC that does everything the Mac one does.) I'm just being realistic with my expectations. Apple has a history of doing it 'their way' despite public demand and I know that's going to frustrate me a bit if I buy one.
"… and you'll have to, you know….use Windows."
Windows 7 is actually quite awesome. And yes, it is because Microsoft borrowed a lot of ideas from Mac.
One example of an iTunes frustration is the inability to sort the list by those items with an exclamation point so that the duplicates can be easily dealt with. I had to search forums for an hour and then create a complex system of playlists and auto-playlists to get the job done.
Another example is that there is no way to add an MPAA rating to a movie. I have to download a third-party tag editor.
Also, I can't draw a box around the ten songs I want to select. If I want to select multiple songs I have to actually click on each one. Even if I have ten items highlighted if I click the checkbox, only that one box gets checked! Come on! I have them all selected for a reason!
Yesterday I was trying to tell iTunes that the forty videos I added to the library were music videos – not movies – so that AppleTV would sort them properly. After forty minutes of searching on the Apple forums I discovered that the only way to do so is to go into each one individually and navigate to the dropdown and change the video type. Despite all those nifty checkboxes, I can't just select them all and make the change once. The "genius" in the forum assured us that Apple has no current plans to make this kind of thing easier.
I run into this kind of thing in iTunes all the time. If I didn't need to have continuity with my AppleTV I'd still be using MediaMonkey – which is far superior to iTunes in ease of use.
I disagree that if you spend the money and do the research that a top-of-the-line PC is destined for formatting and re-installs. If you stay away from bargain builds then the only problems you will experience will be software related. If you don't install browser toolbars or visit dangerous sites you won't have problems.
Macs don't have as many problems with viruses and malware for one reason and it's not because they are better built. It is because they are only used by 10 percent of computer users and a lot of the support software for building viruses is designed for windows. Macs are vulnerable – this is why Apple included malware protection in Snow Leopard – and as they become more popular so will the viruses that attack them.
I think your review was pretty good. And I think we agree in most respects. But I think it's a straw man argument to compare Macs to the average PC. I wish there was a PC company that had a similar philosophy to Apple – nothing entry-level. Then you'd be able to compare apples to apples – (pun intended).
Justin Dean
"One example of an iTunes frustration is the inability to sort the list by those items with an exclamation point so that the duplicates can be easily dealt with."
Have you ever used File>Display Duplicates… it displays only duplicates so you can delete them.
"Even if I have ten items highlighted if I click the checkbox, only that one box gets checked! Come on! I have them all selected for a reason! "
Click on the first song, hold down shift and click on the last song that you want to highlight. Or hold down Ctrl (or Command no a Mac) as you select individual songs. Then if you want to check or uncheck everything that is highlighted, just right click and select "Check Selection" or "Uncheck Selection" and they will all change.
"Yesterday I was trying to tell iTunes that the forty videos I added to the library were music videos – not movies – so that AppleTV would sort them properly"
Interesting that you had such a problem getting answers for this in the forums, because I do it all the time. Highlight all the videos you want to batch change, then right click and click on "Get Info". Then click on the Options tab. Change Media Type to "Music Videos" and check the checkbox on the left. It will make that change to every video that is selected.
"I disagree that if you spend the money and do the research that a top-of-the-line PC is destined for formatting and re-installs."
Its just been my experience. I've had top of the line builds, brand name PC's and cheap PC's. All of them ran into problems after a short period of time. Seems like everyone I know with a PC has the same problems as well. But I never hear about anyone having to reinstall OSX.
"Macs don't have as many problems with viruses and malware for one reason and it's not because they are better built. It is because they are only used by 10 percent of computer users and a lot of the support software for building viruses is designed for windows."
I hear this a lot, and frankly I'm just going to have to call BS on this one. Don't you think that if you were a hacker you could get a lot of fame by being the guy who got a virus on Macs? Don't you think there would at least be one intrusion out there? The fact is that the Mac operating system is better built, more controlled, and more secure. You said so yourself that its vulnerable, which is exactly why they build in anti virus and malware security features. There are viruses and malware that can harm your Mac – but because the OS is so secure it's not a problem. Go a year without installing any security updates and I'm sure you'll get something. The fact is that with a Mac you don't have to worry about viruses or malware – right out of the box. With a PC running Windows – the first thing you should do is install anti-virus software, because the OS by itself is not secure enough. And even then, you're going to get malware or a virus as some point because there are just too many being written and distributed to keep up with.
"Apple has a history of doing it 'their way' despite public demand and I know that's going to frustrate me a bit if I buy one. "
I agree that Apple has a policy of doing what they think is right. I think that's cool, because it controls the quality of the product. I don't think it would be smart to build everything according to "public demand". There might be a lot of people saying "I can't believe they don't have a 2-button mouse" but those are mostly PC users who don't own a Mac, or have never used a Magic Mouse. If you were to ask Mac customers, there would be very little complaints about the lack of a two-button mouse. And those who want one, just plug one in – you don't have to use the official Apple product. In most cases, its not frustrating that they do things their own way – its relieving and refreshing, because you end up with a better product.
In some cases though it means you have to wait or go without. Like with multi-tasking on the iphone. They could have introduced multi-tasking on the original iphone and implemented it the same way that Blackberry's or Android phones do it – and if they did then people would have been complaining even more about the battery life or the speed of the system. Instead they waited until they got it right, now with multi-tasking and push notifications, the iphone has the best way of doing it. But it took 3 different phones and 3 years to get there. So, in that respect I guess it was a little frustrating having to wait that long – but all said and done I love that about the company.
Landon Deneke
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@sugarkang
Apple does some things really, really well.
However, there are things that users have been complaining about for years, but Apple will not address. And this is what makes some people so anti-Apple.
You cannot fix the exclamation point by a simple sort. There's no excuse for that. There are some workarounds, but this is still inexcusable. iTunes says: Hey, these files have problems. I won't let you find them. Have a nice day!
Then there's the Apple EQ clipping problem. Every song is going to be near the 100dB mark. So you press any other EQ preset and it will distort. Retarded. This has been going on for 10 years.
This is why it is dangerous for Apple to monopolize a market segment. I believe that iPad is a superior product, but I won't buy Apple simply because of their unwillingness to address important issues.