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Mac Versus PC: Which One Should I Buy?

Mac Versus PC

For years, there has been a heated debate about which is better: Mac or PC.  Many people have strong opinions about why they prefer one over the other.  You might have heard from friends about how they love their Macs and their reliability.

In writing this article, we are not looking to renew a heated debate.  Instead, we hope to help individuals and businesses who are looking to buy a new computer and are not sure if they want a Mac or PC.

Below, we have outlined several areas where Macs and PCs differ to help you with your purchase decision.

Mac and PC Prices

In general, Macs are marketed as premium computers with quality parts and Computer Pricedesign, so they tend to be more expensive.  Currently, a 12-inch Macbook Air may cost about $1,300, while a 13-inch Macbook Pro runs about $1,500.

For PCs, the cost range is lot greater.  On the one hand, you could buy a basic Windows 10 laptop for a couple hundred dollars.  On the other hand, a Dell XPS 13-inch laptop can be comparable in price to a Mac, especially when you start to add more memory or other features.

If you are looking for a basic computer for reading emails, browsing websites and writing letters, a PC might be the preferable option.  The higher cost of a Mac may not be justified.

Verdict: PC wins because they generally cost less.

Design

In this area, Macs excel.  Apple has spent a lot of time and money in designing sleek, lightweight and modern Macs.  It is obvious they have thought a lot about providing an excellent user experience, while designing practical products.  A 15-inch Mac Book Pro weighs about 4 pounds, while some Dell or HP laptops can weigh over 2 pounds more.  This is a large difference if you are going to be carrying a laptop around all day.

 

Macbook Pro

 

The iMac now comes with a super thin display which is just 5MM thin at its edge.  Windows PC all-in-ones, like the new Dell Inspiron 24″, are thicker and bulkier.

iMac

In recent years, Windows PC manufacturers have made great strides in design.  A 13-inch Asus Zenbook 430 can weigh under 3 pounds and is ultra thin at 15.9mm.  Dell XPS laptops come with an almost edge-to-edge infinity display for an optimal viewing experience.  Also, many PC laptops, like the Microsoft Surface, allow you to remove the display and use it as a tablet.  Other PCs allow you to bend the display all the way around to adjust to any viewing experience.

Asus ZenbookVerdict: Mac wins this category, but the gap is narrowing. 

Included Features and Software

One feature some computer users like is being able to use a touchscreen on a computer.   The touchscreen lets them scroll up and down or pinch in or out to expand a photo.  This is one area where PCs excel over Macs.  While many PCs come with touchscreens, Apple for the most part has decided not to include this feature.

Touchscreen Laptop

One nice feature of Windows PCs, phones and tablets is that you can use the same user interface and touchscreen features across all devices.  On Apple products (i.e., Macbook Pro, iPad and iPhone), the user interface is different.

In some areas, Macs excel over PCs in how their different devices connect.  For instance, with iMessage, Apple users can start a text on their phone and then finish it on their Mac computer.  They also can use Airdrop to easily share photos with other Apple users, not matter what the device.  Windows PCs are behind in this area.

In terms of the preinstalled software, Macs are ahead of PCs.  They come with Photos, iMovie and other programs.  These allow you to not only view photos, but to edit them in many ways.  With Windows 10, new PCs come with more editing capabilities, but they are no match for a Mac.

Because many manufacturers (i.e., Acer, Dell and HP) make Windows PCs, they often come with preinstalled software which can really slow them down.  HP loads their computers with lots of useless software, like “HP Touchpoint Analytics Client,” which sends your data to HP, but can really slow it down.

Verdict:  Mac and PC tie.   They both offer unique features.

Hardware Upgrades

Following up on the design category, it is easy to why PCs have an edge for hardware upgrades.  Generally, PC makers offer more options when you purchase a new PC.  Also, you can normally upgrade more items on an existing PC, like the hard drive, memory, processor, video card and Wi-Fi card.  Many people design their own customized PCs, like one for gaming.

On the other hand, there are fewer upgrade options on a Mac.  Usually, you can only change the hard drive and memory.

With more detachable panels and larger interior space, PCs make it easier to take them apart and upgrade parts.  These differences allow PCs to be more flexible to changes in technology and the resource requirements of certain software.

Verdict: PCs win this category, because they offer more upgrade options. 

Virus and Malware Infections

In this area, Macs have traditionally had the advantage.  Because newer Macs have operating systems which run on Unix kernel (one of the oldest and most secure operating systems), Macs are less likely to be infected by viruses and malware.  Because Macs only make up less than 10% of the computer market worldwide, those who create viruses are less likely to go after them.

Ransomware

Recently, however, we have seen an uptick in Mac virus and malware infections.  For example, Macs have been hit by ransomware, which scrambles certain files and demands a payment from the Mac user to recover them.

Verdict: Macs beat PCs, because they are more secure.

Repairs

In general, PCs are easier to repair and the repair cost is lower.  Because PCs are designed to allow their hardware to be upgraded, it is easier to access parts to replace them.  For laptops, all you have to do is unscrew a panel at the bottom and replace a part.  New Macs combine several parts into one, so you have to replace a larger, more expensive part when there is a hardware failure.  For instance, while the motherboard and video card may be separate on PCs, in Macs they are one piece.

In terms of customer service, Apple tends to have the edge over PC manufacturers.  If they experience issues with their Mac, users can make an repair appointment at a local Apple store.  Usually, this goes smoothly and their issue is resolved.  Apple also stands firmly behind their warranty.  We have seen cases where they have given clients an entirely new iPad to make sure they are happy.

For Windows PCs, it can be a nightmare calling any manufacturer’s tech support line.  The caller can wait a half an hour for a someone from a call center in another country to pick up and then get little or no help.

Verdict: Mac and PC tie.  Both have their pluses and minuses in this area.

Video Gaming

In this area, PCs have a definitive advantage.  Because it is easier to customize a new PC or upgrade an existing one, they are better suited for video gaming.  For example, you can add a new video card to PCs to meet the graphic requirements of a new game.

Also, there are so many more video games available on a PC then a Mac.  Finally, PCs let players stream Xbox One and Playstation games, while Macs only allow to stream PlayStation games.

Verdict: PCs win this category by a decisive margin.

Video Games

Conclusion

In deciding between a Mac and Windows PC, your choice will depend on which features are most important.  If you are looking for a basic computer to browse the Internet and check emails, then a PC would be a better choice.  If you plan on doing a lot of photo or video editing, then a Mac may be better.  If you are going to spend most of your time playing video games, then a PC would be the best option.  Typically, there are more options available to customize PC.  Also, many more video games are available to PC users.

 

 

Should I Upgrade to Windows 10?

Windows-101

A lot of you have probably seen a pop up on the bottom right hand side of the computer screen saying “Get Windows 10.” You are probably wondering what this is about and what it means. In this blog, we provide useful information you will need to know about upgrading to Windows 10. We answer some of the most frequently asked questions about Microsoft’s new Operating System.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Who can get the free Windows 10 upgrade and by when do I have to upgrade?
If you have a Windows 7 Service Pack 1 or Windows 8 computer, you should be able to do the free upgrade to Windows 10. There are certain hardware requirements for doing it, but most Windows 7 and 8 computers should meet the minimum standards.

The free upgrade to Windows 10 is going to be available after July 29, 2015 for one year until July 29, 2016. Before this date, you can reserve a copy by clicking on the Windows 10 message at the bottom right hand side of your computer. Or you can wait until after July 29th to receive a notification and start to download it. There is no need to reserve a copy beforehand.

Who will have to pay to get Windows 10?
A person who owns a Windows XP or Vista computer will have to pay for a Windows 10 license. If they are using those Operating Systems, it is likely their computers have outdated hardware and it would be best for them to purchase a new computer which comes loaded with Windows 10.

After July 29th, new computers with Windows 10 are going to be available at retail stores and online. This new Operating System will be included in the purchase price.

Enterprises with an active Software Assurance subscription in volume licensing will be able to get a Windows 10 Enterprise upgrade. They will be paying a monthly subscription.

How do I know if I will be able to upgrade my computer?
Windows 10 has certain minimum hardware and software requirements. In order to check your computer’s compatibility quickly, you can right click on the Windows 10 icon at the bottom right hand side of the screen and select “Check you upgrade status.” Then, you can click on the hamburger (four lines) in the upper left hand corner. Finally, you can select “Check my PC.” This will show whether or not you can upgrade your PC.

Check-Upgrade-Status

System-Requirments

Please note that some third party software and applications you are using in Windows 7 or 8 may not work in Windows 10. When you go to install Windows 10, you will be notified of what applications will not work and then can decide whether or not to proceed.

Why would Microsoft want to give away a free upgrade?
If you think Microsoft is giving away this free upgrade out of goodness of heart, think twice. Microsoft is still going to generate revenues from new computer sales as manufacturers like Dell will pay them a licensing fee. Microsoft will also still be paid by volume license users and enterprises.

One advantage of giving away this free upgrade is that it will eventually mean that everyone will be on the same platform. This means that Microsoft will have to support fewer Operating Systems and this will lower the company’s costs. The tech giant is also looking to increase its revenues by selling more movies, music, apps and video games through Windows 10. Windows 10 has more integration with their Xbox game console and you can play Xbox games on your computer. This makes it easier to purchase video games and use them across devices.

Part of the reason is control. Like Windows 8, Windows 10 suggests that you set up or sign into a Microsoft account when first starting up a computer. This will help Microsoft collect more information about users and have a central point to manage all users’ accounts.

Microsoft is also hoping that more users become familiar with and come to like Windows 10 as they use it. This may lead to more people buying new Windows 10 smart phones and tablets. Again, it is all about sales and adapting to the consumer landscape.

Sorry to disappoint you, but Microsoft is not so beneficent as you think.

Windows 10 Video Introduction
Please check out some the new features of Windows 10 in this introductory video.

What are some good new features of Windows 10?
Start Button – If you have Windows 8, you will be glad to know that Windows 10 will include a start button like Windows 7. This will make it easier to shutdown an restart your computer and to explore it. The start screen is new and improved and will combine the traditional items on the left and then access to apps on the right, which is very convenient.

start-button

Better Performance – Windows 10 will also have improved performance. You should be able to boot up faster and switch between applications quicker. It has a new technology which should help with video game performance, but the difference should not be too noticeable.

Better Display Capability – Windows 10 will allow you more flexibility when displaying open windows on different monitors than Windows 7 or 8. Also, you will be able to see up to four open Windows at a time within one monitor compared to two Windows for these earlier Operating Systems.

Multiple-desktops

User Friendly Home Folder – Now when you launch Windows Explorer, you will be greeted by a row of familiar folders you tend to use often, plus a lineup of recently created and opened files, making it easier to find the things you need and to do it quickly. If you just saved a file and cannot find it, you can open Windows Explorer and see where it was located.

Greater Search Capability – Windows 10 offers a much greater search capability and a virtual assistant called Cortana. With a microphone, you will be able to ask Cortana things like “please check for new email messages” or “schedule this appointment on my calendar.” You will be able to do a search on both your computer and the Internet at the same time.

cortana-300x221

New Edge Browser – Microsoft has dropped Internet Explorer and come out with a new browser. This browser will be linked to the Cortana virtual assistant and will display more pertinent information like weather for the user at the top.

Edge-300x180

What is some negative feedback about Windows 10?

User Friendliness – Similar to Windows 8, Windows 10 still is not the most user friendly. Because it is new, it will take you some time to get used to navigating around. Sometimes, it can be confusing to use. You can get confused in different views. The transition from working in applications to using the regular desktop is not fluid.

Windows 10 allows you to work in a regular desktop mode or a tablet mode on a computer. Tablet mode is meant more for touch screen use and working as you would on a tablet or smart phone. These modes add additional complexity which normal users do not want to be bothered by.

Windows Media Player is Gone – In Windows 10, Media Player will no longer be available to play videos or movies. Microsoft does provide a basic application to play movies. Or you will have to install a third party movie player. This means that you will have to do extra work downloading and installing a new video playing application. Then, you will have to get used to using it.

Software Incompatibility – If you upgrade to Windows 10, you may find that some of your software does not work. While you can be sure that most programs will run on Windows 7 and 8, this is not the case with Windows 10. Fortunately, you will be notified by the Windows 10 installer which software may not work before doing the upgrade.

Our Verdict

Should I upgrade to Windows 10? The answer to that question depends on each individual case. In general, our answer would be “no”, at least for the short term. Every new Operating System is going to have bugs and glitches when it first comes out. These may not be ironed out for months.

We recommend waiting at least 3-6 months after the Windows 10 introduction date, before doing the upgrade. This will give some time for the bugs to be worked out. It will also allow software developers time to create new versions of applications which are compatible with Windows 10.

Overall, we like many of Windows 10’s new features. In time, we think it will be looked at as a good Operating System and receive positive reviews. For now, there is no reason to rush to upgrade.

Useful References:

Microsoft Windows 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions

Learn What is New About Windows 10

PC World’s Windows 10 Review

Trusted Reviews Look at Windows 10

CNET’s Windows 10 Review