Genevieve
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Michael
If you're thinking of switching from a PC to a Mac for personal or business use, you should consider a few things first... After two and a half decades of using PCs exclusively, I recently opted for a MacBook Pro when I needed to upgrade my home laptop. The prevailing reason for this was because I do a lot of personal multimedia work at home (video editing, audio production, etc.), and Macs are ideal for this kind of work.
You've seen the "Mac vs. PC" commercials on television. And what they're saying is true. Apple's hardware is, indeed, superior to PCs; the Mac operating system (OS X) is more streamlined and stable than Windows. But just because the hardware and platform are better, doesn't mean Macs are best for everyone. There are other factors to consider.
In addition to my personal multimedia work, I also needed this laptop to act as my remote machine for work. Unfortunately, the tools I use for work are not supported by the Mac operating system or the Safari web browser. This may be the case for you, as well.
The way I got around this was by installing a Windows partition on my Mac, where I could install all the Windows programs I needed and access them for work. You can either boot your Mac in Windows, or you can access your Windows programs side-by-side with your Mac programs using VMWare Fusion or Parallels software. This gives you the best of both worlds – superior hardware & the operating system/software of your choice.
If you choose to go this route, you'll need to purchase a copy of Windows XP or Vista to install on your Mac, which can be a big additional expense.
One downside to installing a Windows partition on your Mac, is it can take up to 32GB of hard drive space. Since you may only start with 120GB (depending on what model you choose), this really limits the amount of storage you have on your laptop. Since I do a lot of video editing, I need as much free space as possible. I had to remove my digital music collection, in order to free up additional space.
Since you can run both Mac and Windows programs on your MacBook or MacBook Pro, you don't have to spend money on any additional software (other than Windows OS and VMWare Fusion/Parallels). But if you, like me, want to eventually switch over to all-Mac software, you will find that you do, indeed, live in a Windows world – many of the software utilities you use on a daily basis aren't available in Mac versions. And even if they are available on the Mac, they're usually limited in functionality compared to the more robust and fully-developed Windows versions. For instance, the AIM client for Mac is less functional than the Windows version. Other utilities (like FTP clients, bit torrent clients, etc.) rarely come in two versions. You'll have to find completely different Mac products to complete these daily tasks.
If you're a corporate user tied to Windows software, there is a Mac version of Microsoft Office. Or, if you want to save a substantial amount of cash, you can opt for iWork '08, which has comparable programs that can export (or save) in Microsoft file formats.
One thing you won't ever get on a Mac is a version of Internet Explorer. Microsoft stopped making Mac versions of its dominant web browser a while ago. If you have online tools you use for work that aren't supported by the Safari or Firefox browsers, you have to have a Windows partition on your Mac to run Internet Explorer.
The other big difference between buying a Mac laptop and a PC laptop is price. The Mac will cost roughly twice as much as a PC. This, above all else, is the biggest barrier to switching to Mac. Not only is the software selection miniscule compared to Windows, but the cost of the hardware is a show-stopper for most folks.
The Macs are superior products, and if you are financially able to get one, you should. Just know that you're going to have some growing pains on the software side. And be prepared to spend even more money to create a Windows partition for your work programs.
And be aware... Once you switch to a Mac, you'll never go back.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
1. Thanks! I like most have more interest in the "Mac;s" since the new commercials came out and always wondered what the differences were. Most that I ask all have PC's like myself, others are 100% for PC's or 100% for Mac's therefore, instead of a simple explanation I just hear how much they hate the prorams on one or the other.
Once again -- Thanks, I'm going to bookmard this page until I make my final decision.
Tracy
Posted at 12:29AM on Dec 16th 2007 by Tracy F-F
2. You're welcome, Tracy! I'm not a fanboy for either PC or Mac. I just tell customers what's best for them. Glad I could help in your decision-making!
Posted at 11:32AM on Dec 20th 2007 by Michael Tolosa
3. If mac hardware is so much better than why have they switched to using intel cpu's?? I think that a Lenovo workstation with a T7700 cpu and 4 gigs of ram runs just as well as a MAC Book Pro. Individual software programs are going to make the difference in terms of your productivity level provided that all else is equal. For some people that might be Mac based software and for others it might be Windows based programs.
Posted at 2:48PM on Dec 21st 2007 by Allen Gurewitz
4. MAC's Rule, I've had my G4 for over 3 years and have found it bullet proof. I DJ and I have a MAC and a HP(New) laptop for back up. My MAC has never frozen up on me. Once you learn to get around, you'll never want anything other. Go into an Apple store and ask the Apple geeks to demostrate, (AWESOME) they're the best. MAC is Back and their P.R. is second to none. They also have a new $99.00 plan which allows you to go into the stores and sit down with a tech and they'll walk you through any program or questions for an hour and a half( I believe every month for a year). (No more dealing with a foreign speaking tech from over seas, who will tell you that it's a software company issue.No more Virus protection or defragmenting.(Check out APPLE I'm glad I did.)
Posted at 1:37PM on Dec 30th 2007 by Ron
5. Very interested in considering a MAC. I'm not familar with there operating system but would like to know more
Posted at 5:42PM on Dec 31st 2007 by Sharon Montoya
6. I switched from PC to Mac in December of '07 and have not looked back. I work for a major transportation company in the MidWest and all of the computers are PC's, which is fine for work, however, I personally will never own a PC for my primary personal computer. I will have to keep one around due to my 2 year old daughter regarding education. Mac's are so much more reliable and stable!!! Another caveat is that you do not get the "Hard Sell" and stalked at the Apple store. The Apple stores (Oxmoor Store / Louisville, KY) get the highest praise...they know that most of their clientele (future) currently utilize PC's and allow you to browse and test the goods. After the sale customer satisfaction is excellent!!! I have an 80 gig iPod and the iPhone and have never had a problem with that Apple could / did not help resolve to the utilmate satisfaction.
Posted at 6:31AM on Jun 24th 2008 by cgordonsh
7. I purchased a new Mac a couple of months ago.This computer runs like a dream.It is so well built.I split the hard drive and installed Vista.This compiuter has never crashed or frozen up on me.I have had a PC since Windows 98 and I will never go back to a PC.True they cost a little more than a PC,but you will not regret spending the extra money.
Posted at 6:58AM on Jun 24th 2008 by phil pecora sr
8. I switched from PC to MAC last month after using the PC from the Aug. 14, 1981 introduction of the IBM PC (purchased new PC about every 4 or 5 years over that time). I got tired of the very slow startup time, I can't stand the overhead of the Anti-Virus Software and I used Vesta enough to be aggravated by all of the pop-up security questions. A bonus in having switched to the MAC was it caused me to think about purchasing an iPod which I now have all my albums available in my car with not a single CD to take up room in the console. I have to say, after a month I am very pleased with the MAC and the OS X features.
Posted at 7:18AM on Jun 24th 2008 by JohnW
9. I always bought that Macs are more expensive spiel until recently when I was making the switch from PC to Apple by buying a Macbook Pro. I discovered that when I put together a completely comparable system (including software) that the PC version I'd get of Toshiba, Dell or HP machines comparable in every way to the MBP was either as or more expensive than the Mac. Go ahead...go to Dell or wherever and put together an EXACT same package and see where you wind up with total cost.
Posted at 7:36AM on Jun 24th 2008 by jnipe
10. Thanks. This article is great. I have been wanting to go into the apple store for a while now, to see exactly what the difference is from a pc. My household currently uses xp and vista but always have problems with them, especially freezing(windows & internet explorer) even after a month of purchase. I currently use an ipod video and would never use or reccomend anything else. Customer service alone is priceless that I've seen with Apple. The only reason I have not switched yet to Mac is cost. I do not want to put it on my credit card to pay interest on, but I have been saving so that my dream can become a reality.
Posted at 7:48AM on Jun 24th 2008 by bwanda509
11. I just bought a MacBook and it was $200 more than my last laptop which was a Toshiba Satellite w/ the Vista Operating system (the memory and RAM are equivalent in each machine). The MAC is far superior in everyway and I haven't had any problems finding software that I need or replacement software for what I was running on the PC. I paid $100 for the One-on-One service at Apple which gives you, for an entire year, one hour training sessions with MAC in-store trainers once a week. Imagine that, actually learning how to use your computer without having to read a huge manual that required falling 10 trees to produce. I couldn't be happier with my new MAC. I still have the PC and running them side-by-side it is clear to me that Windows is a dinosaur.
Posted at 8:13AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Laura
12. I bought my first Mac in 1996 when Apple was down so far salespeople actually laughed when I expressed interest in a Mac. Of course Mac had good old easy to understand System 7 at the time. Now I am running OSX - not so easy to understand for someone like myself - but I do not have virus problems or hacking problems like my husband does, who is on a PC. People who thought me an idiot for buying into a "dying" company aren't laughing anymore...
Posted at 8:46AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Stickshift
13. My problem with PC's is all the additional software you need for those ad-ware, spyware, and virus protection, plus the yearly re-newals.
With a Apple Mac you do not need them. Infact, if you asked the cmpany's who make protection software they tell you their programs are not needed if you are running a Aplle system.
To me it would seem better sence for companies, including Microsoft, who make the various programs, we us, to start making them to work on Apple Mac systems, too. And, not just "hap-hardly", like some, but completely.
Posted at 8:49AM on Jun 24th 2008 by JimB
14. You are incorrect about software: Intel Macs have can run all the software Windows OS runs and Linux through Boot Camp than comes installed on all intel Macs or through easy to install and run virtual engines. So that makes Macs the most versatile of all PCs. My son-in-law is graduating from Tulane University with a Masters in Finance, and half his graduate class use intel Mac laptops and have no problems running any software they need or connecting to servers. Also, feature for feature, Macs cost about the same or less. You just can't by a bargain basement Mac, which is a cost factor for some as a PC of any type in todays world is better than none. Maintenance costs are generally lower for Macs because the need for constant antivirus and spyware protection is minimal if any compared to PCs. A check with Ebay confirms that Macs hold their resale value better than most PCs (except for the higher end PCs, which are in line with Mac costs). Finally, you must be using a laptop for video editing with the small hard drive. Do you use the external firewire drive? Most desktop Macs come with a minimum of 350 gigs of hard drive space and up to a terabyte installed on the pro model. Unless you use a laptop, you have ample space for a partitioned hard drive. I also edit HD video but use a firewire drive for working video with my MacBook Pro, which allows for more space and fits either the PC or the Mac. Do you think your article is a bit off in emphasis? There is a reason why Apple products are increasing in market share.
Posted at 8:50AM on Jun 24th 2008 by David
15. I use both mac and pc for work in my commercial printing job. Perhaps at one time mac had a graphics advantage - that's gone now. No one in our shop wants to use the macs anymore. We haven't experienced the Vista problems everyone (mac users?) complain about. We do video and DVD projects and bought a new mac for that purpose, guess what? it sucks.Mac fans are blind to just how horrible and inadequate their machines are compared to PCs. They're like a cult, believing in the ridiculous claims of their leader. Having to use both PC and mac everyday side by side has convinced me that mac should just drink the kool aide and go away.
Posted at 9:17AM on Jun 24th 2008 by tm090791
16. HELP!! This is something I can never seem to find since I purchased my IMac 2 years ago. My problem, I have never been able to get my mac online for more then 2 minutes. I have a linksys wireless router, 2 desktop pc's and a pc laptop that connect to the Internet with no problem. However, the minute I turn on the airport I run into problems. I will get a strong wireless single and get oh so excited, but when I attempt to browse the Internet on my Mac, my entire wireless network crashes. I have called linksys suport in the past but they have limited Mac support, which is something that I find overall. The apple store of course wants to charge me, a lot, to help. Which is why I have just put my Imac on the shelf for the past 2 years. Not to mention, that I don't have hours of free time to spend holding on tech support lines.
This experience has left me with a bad taste in my mouth. I was so excited to purchase a mac after being a pc user since DOS. I have been severely dissapointed and have vowed to never purchase another mac computer again. Everytime I see pc vs mac commercials I cringe. Because once mac has gotten you to switch they leave you at the door. They offer very little training beyond your one free hour with their specialists. If Mac is trying to capture a bigger percentage of the computer market, I feel they need to make it easier to switch. These are two entirely different platforms.
I am however still optomistic that someday I will find the time to solve this problem and use my Mac the way it was intended. If anyone out there can point me in the right direction to the help I require, you would be my new best friend :)
Posted at 9:39AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Susan
17. Like most people i was a pc idiot...i looked at macs and laughed. until i went to school.... i am a video editor now and work in a production facility where there main computer use involves pc. i have been here for 6 months and i have not had a single problem on my mac yet. i would also like to point out that i run a pc as well side by side... and have not had a problem either. i have watched my co-workers crash there pc every month from doing somethin stupid... the biggest thing here is that pc are very easy to mess up... and the majority of problems are user error. if you understand your computer you will not have a problem, no matter the platform. but thats the problem... as far as cost goes you can spend to the extremes on both, just depends on what your doing. and yes even before the intel swap there are way around all mac-pc issues. just takes time to look.
also i am extremely computer competent and windows was far harder for me to understand. and if you are in this type of field space is not an issue with external hard drives being as cheap as they are now, you should never had a problem.
Posted at 9:54AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Blake
18. This is a very balanced article. I was recently forced to switch to Mac when I went to work for a new company with a Mac bigot as CEO and it was a total nightmare for me. When the writer says that software on the Mac may not be 'comparable' to the PC version he isn't kidding. I've used Microsoft Office since it first came out and trying to use the Mac version is horrible. Shortcuts and keystrokes are different or missing, features are not as robust, and trying to do the things I knew how to do without thinking on the PC became painfully slow on the Mac. I finally did the split partition and installed Windows (Parallel) on the machine to keep me sane.
There is no arguing that the Mac is the best platform for graphics, video, and music editing. But if you're thinking of putting Mac into a tradition office setting, my advice is DON'T. Until software choices on the Mac catchup with the PC, it's just a nicely running, pretty box.
Posted at 10:15AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Larry
19. I have used both for years. The PC will never be comparable to the Mac. Easier to use, more stable and all the spreadsheets and document software anyone could ever need. I am amazed at how AOL seems to push people toward a PC. Do you guys have stock in the PC world???
Posted at 10:19AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Chuck
20. I used Macs for many years, but had to switch to a PC in 1998 because I could no longer find the engineering/geology software to support my consulting business. I recently bought a MacBook, which I find to be a much better machine than any PC I have owned in the last 10 years. I partitioned the disk with Parallels and have no problem switching back and forth from the seamless Mac environment to Windows Vistas whenever I need to. The MacBook cost a "little" more than the last PC I bought, but the operating system is highly stable and I no longer encounter the freeze-ups and crashes that seem to be so common with my PC.
Also - no problem finding some of the office and technical software I need. It's great be back in the Mac family!
Posted at 10:24AM on Jun 24th 2008 by Aquadoc