The great debate – PC or MAC?
The debate has raged on for many years now with PC users claiming the overall market share proves it is better than a MAC, while MAC users claim to be more intellectually advanced users who basque in the relative exclusivity that owning one gives the owner, but which is truly the best?
The higher rung of the price ladder is undoubtedly owned by MAC. The NPD reported last Summer that MAC’s account for a staggering 91% of the market share for computers that cost more than $1,000.
There are two trains of thought for that statistic, depending on which side of the fence you happen to be sitting.
- 1. MAC’s are overpriced and the vast majority of consumers choose the cheaper option, which is obviously a PC.
- 2. MAC’s cater to more upmarket clientele that need better and more reliable computers.
The latter point could be reinforced by comments from Tim Cook – Apple’s Chief Operating Officer – that “Our goal is not to build the most computers. It’s to build the best.”
Is he telling the truth though? Or is he just putting a positive spin on the fact that the general household user normally opts for a PC?
Microsoft can also claim a vast share of the market in more general terms. More than 90% of computer users in the world own a PC. While Apple claims their computers are the best, Microsoft would argue that 9 out of 10 users disagree. Are those users just buying the cheaper option? Or do they genuinely believe when they enter a computer shop that they’re better off leaving with a PC?
Apple seem content to keep rolling out their more expensive machines and not worry about market share. If one day word of mouth spreads enough that MAC’s are actually worth the extra dollars, they would surely welcome any increase in market share that comes their way, but for the time being it seems to be a secondary objective while happily watch the money roll in as their reputation grows.
What are the advantages of a MAC?
Security
Microsoft’s vast majority of the market share brings with it increased numbers of internet warriors wanting to poke holes in its security net. There is more incentive for hackers to create PC viruses because the potential for ‘victims’ is much greater. Tens of thousands of viruses are in circulation to infect PC’s, while only a handful of similar viruses exist for MAC’s. They’re built on a more secure platform so for the most part they’re virus free.
Convenience
Do you own an ipod or an iphone? If you do then you probably appreciate the simplistic but efficient nature of those products. The good news is that Apple applies the same design principles to its computers.
Stability
MAC operating systems are designed to run on a limited number of computers, those that they built. Windows programmers have to take an inordinate amount of variables into account when writing programs, whereas MAC’s OS X is designed to run specifically on the hardware it provides. This leads to better reliability.
What are the advantages of a PC?
Price
As mentioned earlier, your average PC is much cheaper than its Apple counterpart. Microsoft owns over 90% of the market share, so their vast wealth enables them to produce computers at prices that are affordable to general users.
Gaming
If you play computer games you should know that most games only run on Windows. You could run bootcamp or another software emulation program to run Windows on your MAC, but if you’re going to spend all of your time doing that you may as well have bought a PC to start with.
They’re customizable
PC’s can be custom built to suit the user. You can pick and choose which components you want your computer to have, whereas the best way to upgrade a MAC is to buy a new one.
Which is the best overall?
In truth, this is a debate that will never truly be settled. PC loyalists love their PC’s and MAC loyalists love their MAC’s. That will always be the case and your choice of computer should vary depending on your personal needs, not what some guy from the internet told you.
If you want a more reliable computer and you’re into video editing, a MAC is probably the right choice for you.
If you want to customize your system and you’re an avid gamer, then a PC is more up your street.
I’d also be interested to know which one you prefer, and your reasons for your choice. Let us know in the comments.
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Filed Under: PC Industry
