Mac Vs. PC

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Which is better - PC or Mac?

Looking at the famous debate from a few different views, find out which computer is truly the superior machine.
Windows vs. Mac OS.
Bill Gates vs. Steve Jobs.
Microsoft vs. Apple.
Read on, and pick a side. Don't forget to cast your vote at the bottom of the page, in the poll and in the duel.

To begin...

(Intro)

Mac vs. PCThe catch to this argument is that there isn't a black and white answer. The answer depends on the person. This is why I'll be hitting multiple points of view, so both systems get a fair chance. Too many fanboys shout their opinions, without giving any reasoning whatsoever. So it's time for me to put this argument to rest... well, for some, at least.

The argument is different for, say, a Starcraft player than it would be a graphic designer, although both machines have both functions. So relax, grab a bottle of Bawls, and read on.

Mac or PC - Physical Appearance

Apple LogoNow, while this is probably the most irrelevant factor, I've seen many people throw it around. I figured I'd get it out of the way first. So looking into it, I've noticed that Windows laptops are usually not the prettiest things. Unless you're willing to buy a pricey one, such as one from AlienWare or IBuyPower. Macbooks tend to be more appealing to the eyes. However, as I've said, I personally think this argument is invalid, considering you can always just buy a new case for your PC... but unfortunately most people wouldn't know what to do with the empty case after they bought it. So we'll move on to the next topic.

1 point Apple.

Mac or PC - User Friendliness

Simplicity

iMac LeopardOn a Mac, you can legally run both Windows and OS X, which is nice for people who have a purpose for such things. On a PC, it's illegal to run OS X... But then again (and no I'm not suggesting illegal activity), who's going to catch you? Macs are less prone to viruses, though the reasoning behind that is that there are significantly less viruses written for OS X. Macs are pretty much ready for media editing with iLife software (photo editing, music editing, etc.) out of the box, which is nice, but of course they don't stand to products like the Adobe CS5 series. Regardless, the iLife programs are a good, free alternative if you have a Mac. These are all things a PC does not have.

Therefore, if you're looking for simplicity, Mac is probably going to be your computer.
Another point to Apple.

Mac, Mac accessories, etc.

(Apple iPods, iPads, Computers)

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Mac or PC - Upgradeability

It won't be new forever.

I'm a PC.Macs came out strong in the first two tests. But can it hold up in the long run?

Macs can all be upgraded to some degree, it just depends on what you're trying to upgrade. On most Mac laptops, you can upgrade the memory and the hard drive... that's about it. Upgrading on a Mac is made difficult by the fact that they aren't really built to be upgraded. Though I've heard that the Mac Pro is relatively upgradeable, with several free drive bays and PCI express slots.

You can completely build your own PC from the ground up, using the parts you desire. Upgrading your PC with new parts proves to be an easier task than upgrading a Mac, regardless... 'Nuff said.

And Microsoft is on the board.

Mac or PC - Power for Price

Bang for your buck, if you enjoy clichés.

Mac - Srsly?Now, for me the most important part about computers for me, a gamer, is what kind of specs I'm getting for the price I'm paying. My current setup was around $600... Not an amazing gaming machine, but I can play Starcraft 2 so I'm happy. I found a Mac that was inferior to my PC, and it costs $1,200. Please click the picture to the right, for a full sized image. It's truly amazing.

For you nonbelievers, I have an AMD Athlon II X2 245 Processor 2.90 GHz. 4 gb RAM. Nvidia GeForce GT 220.

And that's just one example. If PCs have the best power for the best price, there's no question that if you're thinking gamer, you're thinking PC. Although if you just like to look at a pretty, brand-name, overpriced, doorstop... The Apple Macintosh may just be for you.

Microsoft gets points.

Microsoft Products

(Buy Windows, Zune, Computer Accessories, etc.)

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Conclusion

Linux - I WANT TO BELIEVE!Though I got a bit rant-y in that last test (I have no regrets), I think that Macs and PCs are very different. In reality it's all about user preference, and the reason you have the computer in the first place. There is no true answer to "Which is better?" because that choice is up to you.
So, in the poll below, leave your opinion.
Once more, in the Duel below the poll... leave your opinion with words and a vote.
And, in the comments below, leave your opinion... with words.
I can safely say that I prefer Microsoft's Windows PC. Video games are good for you and PCs are better for video games. That means that PCs are good for you. They're for more than just browsing Youtube and looking pretty. They're for people who deserve a good computer. For the gamers.

What's your preference?

You must choose.

Windows/Mac/Linux Fanboys

If you use both, pick the one that is overall better. If you had to sacrifice one, which would you keep?

Loading poll. Please Wait...

Mac or PC; Which is better?

(PC is clearly better, but whatever.)

We all know that the only intelligent choice is PC, but go ahead and tell me your reasoning anyway. I especially want to hear from you Mac users.

Is PC or Mac the best choice?

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PC

Nightcat says:

PC! I couldn't afford the prices Apple charges. I game, craft lenses, listen to music, watch videos, and can download a ton of stuff with a 1TB of space to play with. I think the Mac powerful enough to do that would catch on fire, hehehehe.

gamingcomputers says:

PC is far superior to the MAC.

Karl says:

PC, by a long way. PCs are better for gaming, they work faster (except for the boot up)
Yeah, they get viruses, but we have now security to deal with that easily.
With PCs, you can have many more programs running at 1 time.
Macs rarely get viruses, but if a mac was to be hacked or get a virus it's pretty screwed (as most mac users don't install anti-virus).
The Macs are for the people that don't have brains.

Macintosh is casual, and for people that don't know the functions of a computer.
PC is hardcore, and for people that actually know how to use a computer.
Oh, and Linux is basically a PC where you need .wine to use everything, and sometimes that .wine does not function correctly.

William says:

Personal Computer! ! ! ! ! !

funkmasta1805 says:

First of all, a mac is a PC with a brand name. Honestly, I'm all for self-building, because then you can get the expensive parts where you need them, and cheap parts where you don't need them. (People who work with graphics could get an amazing graphics card and a cheaper sound card, musicians could get an expensive sound card and a cheap graphics card, etc.) If you love apple's OS, then download it onto the hard drive that you chose yourself for WAY cheaper than what apple would have sold it to you for.

says:

I use a PC, but I must admit I never touched a Mac. The best choice depends on the user's necessities. There is no need to buy the most expensive laptop or Mac if you are going to use it only as a text editor. And if you're going to buy a PC or Mac for your 7 year old kid for gaming experience, I'd rather choose between a XBox, Playstation or another gaming console.

Mac

Lindrus says:

Definitely Mac. No viruses, looks and feels cool. And it's the best for graphics and video, which I use it for a lot. Apple also has given us outstanding customer service.

Shivani09 says:

Mac anyday!!!

starhorsepax says:

I'm mainly doing graphics and art and for that the mac is tops! Also it's generally user friendly. I can do things the PC way, but sometimes it makes what should be a simple task relatively hard. I couldn't believe it when I went to take a screenshot and the school PC couldn't do a specific part of the screen. I was told it was because it was xp, but my creaky old imac was 5 generations out of date and it could do it!

ajsphotographic says:

After always using a PC I brought myself a MacBook pro at the start of this year and honestly I don't think I will ever go back again. It does not crash half as much as my PC did and Windows 7 does not seem to contain anything useful on it at all! I used to be a Sony Vaio person so the price is not that different to me but the quality, simplicity and usability on the Mac is far superior.

humboldt84 says:

Mac for performance and design! not price

puzzlemaker says:

I learned my first computer-everything on a Mac in the late 80's! Never sat down and typed on an IBM the first several years of computing. I LOVED the Macs! And the first time someone mentioned their "PC" in conversation I asked, "What's a PC?" LOL! That was years ago and I still use an ancient iBook for graphics. But I have to say that my PC-loving family has won-out and our main family computer is now a PC. But we aren't talking about them are we? Macs are the VERY best!!!!

 
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  • Darksmaith Apr 28, 2012 @ 10:35 am | delete
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  • Lindrus Oct 16, 2011 @ 4:54 pm | delete
    I'm definitely an Apple fan. And I don't agree with Nightcat's comment. I had a PC, but switched a long time ago to Mac. I knew nothing about computers - but somehow using a Mac doesn't require great computer skills. It's so intuitive to use and I've learned just from using the computer. On the other hand I haven't had many crashes or any viruses to deal with, so those computer skills aren't really needed...
  • Shivani09 Oct 6, 2011 @ 6:00 am | delete
    i am a huge Apple fan! i wouldn't trade my Mac for anything!
  • Nightcat Oct 6, 2011 @ 1:09 am | delete
    You know for as much as Windows7 has bugs, I'm delighted to see how many Mac users can't figure out what to do when something does go wrong. We PC folks are our own IT deparments. :)

    I have had Windows crash yes, but could always repair it. No a single Apple user I know can do anythjing without people fixing it for them.
  • gamingcomputers Jul 26, 2011 @ 10:50 am | delete
    ill have to agree with funkmasta on this
  • funkmasta1805 Nov 12, 2010 @ 8:04 pm | delete
    It is not illegal to download any OS onto any computer, regardless of who made them.
  • Oct 9, 2010 @ 10:18 am | delete
    While a PC and Mac are two different types of machines, I don't think that Linux has it's place in your poll options. Linux is an open source Operating System (OS) which can be run on both type of machines Mac and PCs. If you want to keep Linux in your poll options I suggest you to change the question and ask "which operating system do you prefer?" and compare it with Windows OS or MAC OS.

    Just my thoughts!
  • PositiveChristian Sep 22, 2010 @ 10:37 am | delete
    I use Linux on my PC, and have far less trouble than I ever had on my Windows set-up.

    Interesting lens.
  • Immature_Entrepreneur Sep 17, 2010 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    This is a really good informative lens. Admittedly I knew very little about this topic and I've learned something from your article. Nice job.

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TheOmegaJuggalo

As a computer gamer, I decided to dissect which system was really going to give me what I wanted -- high power for a good price.

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