Now that many companies have transitioned to part-time or full-time remote work environments, you’re probably wondering what computer you should get yourself to help you work better. You might also use a computer for hobbies like gaming, drawing, recording podcasts, or editing videos.
But the problem lies in picking between a Mac and a Windows PC. It’s an age-old rivalry, Mac versus Windows PC. Both have their strengths and weaknesses, but when you line the two up, which comes out on top?
There is a laundry list of specs and subtle differences between the two computers, but today we’ll be focusing on three: Design, Repairs, and Portability.
What do you need a computer for?
When selecting between different types of ANYTHING, it’s important to consider what the needs are and what computer is best suited to your preferences.
In this case, it’s a computer you’ll use for your day-to-day work.
There are different employees with different needs, especially when you’re in an industry that needs specific hardware and software to be taken properly.
If you work with hardware-intensive software like Adobe’s Premiere Pro, Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and others, you’re bound to buy something that can run these programs without an issue.
But if you mostly use Microsoft Office and your browser for research and writing, you’re better off with something that meets basic spec requirements. Something that can run 2 to 5 tasks without lagging.
Now decide
After making a mental list of what you’ll need in a computer or what you want to use it for, the choice should be easy. If you’re not good with computers, it’d be best to consult with co-workers or your supervisor/boss.
In the Mac spectrum, there are high-spec MacBooks that are upgradable but come with hefty sales, upgrade, and repair prices. The upside to the price of Mac computers is that many users tend to stick with one Mac product at a time for YEARS.
You’ll see people using the same Mac computer for 3 to 5 years before getting themselves a new one. That says a lot about quality, right?
For Windows PCs, you can rely on variety and affordable prices. There are thousands of brands (both good and bad) producing Windows-based PCs at ideal prices for you. Top those prices with upgradability, and you’ll be using a pretty decent unit for 1-3 years.
The downside to Windows PCs, however, is that they tend to encounter more hardware and software issues than Macs. There are driver issues, errors you don’t know how to fix, slower operating speed due to decaying parts,lack of storage, and many other issues.
But because Windows PCs have more flexibility when it comes to upgrades, it means they’re easy to repair when they encounter issues. Repairs for them are also not as expensive and wallet-draining as Macs.
There are millions of repair tutorials on the internet that Windows fans follow when their PC starts acting up. Plus, upgrade and replacement parts are easier to purchase.
Design
If you’re a computer user who cares about how a computer looks, then you’re good to go with Macs. They’re sleek, light, and have designs that are recognizable to anyone. The Apple logo is probably the only thing on there, and that’s a nice addition when you’re into minimalism.
With Windows PCs, there are units with great designs, but they usually come with steep price tags that are similar to Apple pricing. It’s also not easy to find an affordable PC that boasts less weight and a sleek design.
Simply put, if you like looking at a sleek unit, Macs are great options.
If you want to combine price and performance minus the good design, look into getting yourself a Windows PC.
But if you want capability, upgradability, and good looks, check out high-end Windows PCs.
Macs: 1 PC: 0
Repairs
No device lasts forever without encountering issues. That’s why customization is a good plus for people who love to tinker with their computers, and are good for computer repair shops.
Macs are notorious for being expensive when they break and getting them repaired can cost a large amount of money depending on the issue.
The sophisticated but un-customizable engineering of Macs made them difficult to repair, and quality replacement parts are hard to find and expensive to purchase.
But with Windows PCs, there are brand-name upgrade and replacement parts in the market that consumers can simply order and get delivered to their doorstep.
They can even repair their Windows PC at home if they know enough about it and are confident. But if you don’t want to risk it, there are computer repair shops that will be more than willing to repair your PC and upgrade it to help you maximize its features.
Macs: 0 PC: 1
Portability
Some businesses have gone with a part-time remote work schedule. That means anything that’s light and designed for portability is a good thing for your lifestyle. You’d want to be able to continue your work wherever you may be. This is where Mac’s portability puts it above Windows PCs.
Mac computers are light, slim, and easily slip into backpacks and even most handbags. The chargers are also easy to carry because of their simple design.
But for Windows PCs, it’s difficult to find an affordable unit that has decent specs and is portable. Most of them are made to be affordable to the masses, and that’s what’s good about them. But you don’t want to lug a heavy computer around campus.
So if you want to be able to take your computer with you anywhere you go, a Mac is a great pick.
Macs: 1 PC: 0
The verdict
Now that we’re at the end of this article, here’s the points tally:
Mac: 2
Windows PC: 1
But that doesn’t mean you should automatically opt for a $1300 MacBook.
You should also consider if that price will give you what you need for work and leisure. Macs are for creative activities and portability, while Windows PCs are for upgradability and high-performance activities like gaming.
If you know a lot about computers and already have specs in mind, it’ll be a no-brainer to find a PC that will suit your tech needs.
Just keep your budget, lifestyle, and computing needs in mind while you’re browsing. You should be ready to invest in a good PC once you know what you need and how much you want to spend.