Mac vs PC: Apple Computer or Windows PC?

Mac vs PC? What is the best? Apple computer, expensive and bewitching, or PC Windows, known and common? The question arises spontaneously to many users, more or less expert, called to choose a new computer.

Far from me the idea of ​​putting a point to the avant-garde challenge Mac vs. PC, I would still give you some ideas to choose the best product among the computers of the apple, fixed or portable, and Windows computers, also divisible into fixed (in turn can be framed in assembled or pre-assembled) and notebooks (among which are distinguished notebooks / laptops, Ultrabook and convertibles).

Many names, you’re right, but if I’m here is just to guide you, not only in the choice between Mac and PC, but also, more generally, in the evaluation of the best PC for your needs. We immediately enter the heart of the Mac Vs Pc challenge, starting from the historical bases.

Mac Vs PC: Comparing stories

If the first forms of computers are very old (finding the innate human desire to use calculation tools) and it is the Xerox of Palo Alto to have given life, in 1970, to the first historical computer with a bitmap window display with overlay capability, connected to the first laser printer, connected to the first Ethernet LAN network, it is only thanks to the historical intervention of Paul Allen and Bill Gates, for the birth of Microsoft, and Steve Jobs and Steve Wozniak, for that of Apple, that computers are born as we use them now.

In 1976, the first computers had already spread, but only this year, especially thanks to the impulse of Steve Jobs, the term “personal computer” that refers to a PC within everyone’s reach, no longer an elitist product but a real home appliance, an instrument that everyone should have at home.

This is how the Apple II was born, a beige box with an attached keyboard containing all the hardware as we see it now: a microprocessor operating at a frequency of 1 MHz, 4KB RAM memory (expandable up to 48-64KB), the codes alphanumeric characters were stored in an EPROM while the mass memory consisted of cassettes or 5.25″ floppy disks.

Only later did Apple create its first 5MB hard drive sold for the equivalent of the current 3,000 dollars.

The computer continues to enter the homes of people in different forms, thanks to the evolutionary drive deriving from many manufacturers. In this context, three companies certainly deserve a mention: IBM, which has been operating since 1981, gives life to a successful series of personal computers, and the Intel – Microsoft coupling that completely overcomes the competition by holding 90% of the market. The union of the manufacturer of microprocessors par excellence with that of operating systems allowed to reach impressive numbers.

In this framework fits what has been defined even the second revolution Apple, so called because, for the first time, you have a computer that, thanks to the Macintosh operating system and its graphical interface, becomes user friendly, within reach of all thanks to mouse, keyboard, windows, notepad and colors. It was the year 1984 and Apple came from a serious failure with its previous experiments.

Windows decided, in turn, the following year, to give an interface to the classic MS-DOS that ran on IBM computers: so were born Windows and the resulting diatribes between the two market leaders, then continued in the courtroom.

But this is history, history from which we wanted to keep out details and considerations about the excellent and open source Linux operating system that goes beyond the content of the article in question. The present speaks to us, instead, of a very rapid evolution that has led to very powerful and aesthetically beautiful machines that the operating systems are not always able to fully exploit. But let’s go into the details.

Macintosh vs. Windows: Challenge between operating systems

The Mac vs. PC challenge is first and foremost the comparison between the Macintosh operating system and the Windows operating system, as can be deduced from the title I gave to this paragraph.

In fact, different are the policies underlying the two projects: on the one hand we have the Mac that can only be installed (and exclusively) on the machine set up by Apple to maximize the yield of the product; on the other we have Windows proposed by almost all the other manufacturers of fixed and portable computers of different bands.

However, there are complex and illegal roads to have a Hackintosh (or a common PC not branded Apple MAC operating system), you can try the software developed in Cupertino only by buying an original product from the official Apple site or third party vendors.
Alternatively, you can try, again using a procedure that is not really easy, to install the Macintosh on a virtual machine.

Quite different is the speech for Windows that is very common and that everyone has used at least once in their life.

Even the installation of the Windows operating system in a Mac is quite simple and painless with a more than satisfactory result.

Having a proprietary operating system to be installed on a limited number of machines allows to optimize the operation of the machine itself, unlike what happens, however, when there is a fragmentation that leads to different versions of the same operating system on machines far from each other.

Few machines, a few well designed operations, few proprietary software and a result, therefore, excellent and studied at the table. Unable to address the same speech for Windows.

Differences in the initial software equipment

MACs are ready to use and can count on many pre-installed, tested and intended software, as already mentioned, only to a limited number of machines. Turn on the computer and start using it for essential operations.

I think, just for example, at Safari, iMovie, Pages, iTunes, Photo Booth, GarageBand. All programs, these, free and able to immediately enrich the user experience.

Windows, on the contrary, is presented in a lean, gaunt, and pre-installed software is almost annoying. In this regard, for example, we have Microsoft Edge, definitely worse than Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox and Safari.

MAC security vs Windows PC

MACs do not have viruses and malware!

Not true: the MACs, even historically, have revealed more than one security flaw but, for several reasons, Windows are more attacked. In this regard, the greater the business that revolves around this subtle mechanism that not everyone will be able to grasp, above all the fierce fans of Apple.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to invest time and resources to pierce a system and it must be done for a specific purpose. In this regard, you just need to see below a chart that can explain many things.

Instead we know the history of Windows: there is no Windows PC set up well without an antivirus, which is free or paid. I for example use Avira in free version but, among those pro, I preferred Kaspersky. In any case, viruses are often the result of inattentive and inexperienced use of the computer.

Operating system diffusion: Numbers compared to Windows, Mac and Linux

Below, you can see how Windows holds about 90% of the market worldwide, compared to 7% for Mac and 2.3 for Linux. The source of the chart is the Netmarketshare site, always up-to-date and timely in terms of statistics.

Leaving aside for a moment, then, the goodness of the operating system of Apple, it seems unreasonable to point, for all the parties involved, on its violation. Do not you think?

Compatibility with third-party software

The Apple recently has a little ‘open his horizons to run in its operating system also third-party software. But it is useless to point out that Windows is much more popular and there are many programs, sometimes even insignificant, that can be used on classic PCs.

On this front, therefore, Windows wins the challenge MAC vs PC, without too many analyzes: the MAC is a perfect ecosystem made up of a limited number of applications designed to offer the best possible experience.

Videogamers: MAC vs PC gaming

Even under this profile, unfortunately, there are no great possibilities of choice: a really passionate gamer will have to lean for a powerful machine, maybe assembled piece by piece through our advice.

In particular, even opting for the best hardware possible (which would still cost an error), the MAC could hardly achieve the performance guaranteed by the combination of gambling houses, desktop processors, video cards and power supplies for PC that we have recommended.

A videogamer needs pure power, to adapt his needs to the playful experience he aspires to.

Also the number of titles present for MAC is very limited: if for Windows PC we have an innumerable amount of games, the same cannot be said for its competitor.

Video games arrive on MacOs and Linux very late because these two operating systems do not natively support DirectX libraries with all the problems that can be obtained.

Apple computer warranty

I often hear that an Apple computer is chosen for its warranty. Surely the house of Cupertino offers assistance and reliability but, in truth, thanks to some tricks, this point can also be left out.

Let me explain: thanks to the Amazon warranty for the purchase of laptops, the result of the agreement with a well-known London insurance, at least the laptops can have a guarantee of 4 or 5 years at a reasonable cost.

The discourse changes for fixed PCs, which, however, especially if medium – high, have a great resistance that would not justify the purchase of an iMac.

Interface: Mac with Thunderbolt against Windows with more alternatives

Even on this point, as often happens, Apple has made a radical choice: delete all USB ports from their Macbook to go entirely to the standard Thunderbolt 3 capable of interfacing with many compatible devices at incredible speeds of 40GB/s.

Unfortunately, however, this does not mean that you will necessarily have a better computer. Just think that, to connect devices with only USB and HDMI ports, you will need an adapter.

Evolution, therefore, but with obvious costs. On the one hand, with a single connector it is possible to connect many devices, to allow the input of energy to recharge the handset as well as its output for the benefit of other compatible devices. All at crazy speeds equal to twice the previous Thunderbolt 2 and 4 USB 3.0.

On the other hand, however, there is less elasticity and the obligation to buy an adapter for connecting devices with old-fashioned doors.

Both MacBook Pro models, 13 and 15 inches, have 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports, no other interface.

The Windows PCs have different interfaces: often in the same pc, we can find Thunderbolt, USB 3.1, 3.0, 2.0 and HDMI port. On the fixed computers assembled by us, however, the management is even more flexible.

MAC as a status symbol?

If Apple has marked the history of computer science in an indelible way, as explained above in the historical part, today it is no longer that of a time.

In fact, in the past, Apple computers were few for both economic and business reasons: computers cost more and were aimed at a small audience with specific needs.

Nowadays, however, the MAC is often seen as a status symbol, a valuable device to be purchased. MAC is a good computer to have, no matter what you use it or what activity it is able to do.

As a result, to meet the needs of consumers, a total of computers are produced each year and operating systems are developed at a constant rate, even at the cost of creating less tested and optimized software.

MAC vs PC: Which specific computer to choose?

Ok, we have seen, in short, the characteristics of Mac and PC, but which computer we have to choose specifically, which machine can we buy?

In providing you with the advice I will inevitably have to divide them into fixed PCs and laptops.

PCs fixed or pre-assembled with Windows

The choice of fixed and portable PCs equipped with Windows is very dynamic: you can opt, in fact, for a PC assembled by us with all the components carefully selected.

You can also choose a fixed pre-assembled by vendors or manufacturers (which I do not recommend) or, still, opt for laptops.

Windows laptops

The choice is wide but, as I often say, it is essential that you first evaluate the needs and budgets related to your purchase. Otherwise, in fact, you will end up making an unwise choice, far from the best quality – price ratio.

If you need a gaming computer, you will have to spend at least 600 dollars and opt for a road. If you want an office pc you will have to give less importance to some components in favor of others. It seems clear to me that a professional does not need a powerful gaming PC that consumes all of his battery in 2 hours.

If for the fixed pc I suggest you, therefore, to choose the single components, maybe even asking us for help, for laptops the choice can fall on the models listed below.

Asus UX310UQ-GL025T – 13″ Ultrabook

The Asus UX310UQ-GL025T   is an ultrabook, an extremely compact and portable device with Intel processors (the Ultrabook brand was registered by Intel), very elegant made entirely of aluminum with a thickness of 18.35 mm and a weight of 1.4 kg, ideal for those looking for a notebook that is easy to carry and practical.

The requirements to be able to define ultrabook has them all: frame in a single block (or unibody as much like the lovers), thickness and weight really reduced, 13.3 ” high resolution display, although not IPS, and battery that lasts on average more than that of a normal notebook.

Excellent also the calculation capacity assured by a latest generation i7 processor accompanied by 8GB of RAM and a solid state drive of 512gb.

This kind of laptop is designed especially for professionals, not for those who want to use computers to play. The dedicated video card is in fact a GT 940MX, video card belonging to the mid-market segment.

Asus ROG GL752VW-T4016T – 17″ gaming PC

For those looking for a portable gaming PC, antipodes than previously seen, I would propose a very powerful Asus ROG GL752VW-T4016T.

Why do I write “antipodes”? This handset is 17″ and is completely opposed to the previous one in terms of weight, size and ultra-powerful hardware in all respects, so as to significantly affect the battery.

Compared to the computer examined before, the Asus ROG GL752VW-T4016T has specific features for lovers of the video-gaming sector or video programming: a 17.3″ full HD display, an external titanium cuirass (typical of the series called ROG) designed to protect the PC and ensure a thermal release for greater stability and longevity of the system.

The backlit gaming keyboard, the Asus SonicMaster technology, combined with an improved headphone output for a better sound experience, complete the profile, ideal for the gaming industry.

Asus N552VW-FI056T – 15.6″ Windows Notebook

Portable halfway between the two previously seen, the one in question is a Windows laptop with the classic 15.6″ display.

Display, this, classic only for dimensions if we think that even has a resolution 4k (3840 x 2160 pixels), spectacular as regards the quality of the video, but very greedy for resources as normal it is.

If I did not know, in fact, each pixel can be described, in a-technical way, as a point capable of emitting light and therefore consuming energy. You’ll understand, then, how much energy this kind of display requires.

Exceptional performance thanks to an  Intel Core i7-6700HQ processor accompanied by 16 GB of RAM  at 1600 MHz and an Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M video card , capable of supporting 4K resolution even at 60Hz on Mini Display Port.

The memory is a hybrid made up of 1 TB of hard disk, flanked by 256 GB of SSD memory, an essential component for the lightning load of the operating system and installed software. Speaking of SO, it seems almost superfluous to point out that this magnificent portable PC mounts Windows 10.

Supplied, the PC has 2 USB 3.0 ports, two 2.0, HDMI output, SD memory card reader, combo headphone jack and microphone and Gigabit Ethernet. It also has the very useful USB type-c, not the thunderbolt 3.

Too bad for USB 2.0 ports that have little to do with such a PC, but can still be used as service ports (for the mouse, just to name one).

Macbook Pro

The MacBook Pro is Apple’s laptop par excellence, the only one capable of ensuring performance level for any type of work and the retina display. The version presented in 2016 still has a very high cost and, for this reason, I have been careful in selecting two variants:

1. The first is a 13″ Macbook Pro from last year.
2. The second one is from 15″ with a cost included abundantly below 2000 dollars, a maximum figure, in my opinion, for a computer.

Macbook pro of 2015

The 2015 MacBook Pro was offered in many variations. I opted for the cheaper one that, compared to the others, has a little less but is sold at a cost that is certainly accessible.

MacBook Pro 13″ Data Sheet

• 2.7GHz processor
• 128GB storage
• 2.7GHz Intel Core i5 dual-core
• Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz
• 8GB of LPDDR3 memory at 1866MHz
• 128GB1 PCIe flash unit
• Intel Iris Graphics 6100
• Integrated battery (10 hours)
• Force Touch Trackpad

Macbook pro of 2016

The Macbook pro presented in 2016 have a really exorbitant cost and even the undersigned, wanting to evaluate the choice of a new laptop, has tried to probe the ground. So I discovered the possibility of buying a 13″ Macbook Pro from 2017 which I find very valid.

Precisely because of what was said in the heart of the PC vs MAC challenge, it makes little sense for Macbooks Pro to go down into hardware-related technical details. The difference is in the Macintosh operating system that allows the machine to run at its best.

Otherwise you would not understand the choice of a PC with integrated video card (and is not understood for those who love to play, you still remember). But the Macbook Pro is ideal for uncompromising office work and the use of many hours without inconveniences.

But I do not want to repeat what has already been said in the analysis PC vs Mac, widely discussed.

What is there to report? We have a retina display with a resolution of 2560 x 1600 pixels capable of returning very clean, deep and real colors.

Another point to underline: this is a Mac case that interfaces only through 4 Thunderbolt 3 ports that can guarantee high-speed transfers, but also cause difficulties for those who would like to take advantage of the classic USB port.

The battery is endless as often demonstrated by Apple, not on the phones (of course!). What’s new is the modern touch bar or, as the Apple site itself defines it, “a Multi-Touch glass strip integrated into the keyboard, where you find the tools you need, just when you need them”.

And again: “Touch Bar makes the keyboard much more versatile, because it replaces the function keys with commands that change automatically depending on what you do: working has never been so simple. You do not even need to learn how to use it, because the functions you see on Touch Bar are the ones you already know. With a simple touch you can select shortcuts and text suggestions, scroll a video in full screen mode, browse and edit your photos, and much, much more. Also for the first time on the Mac you have Touch ID, which simplifies your life by transforming your logins into an instant gesture”.

On the official website it costs 2100 dollars while on Amazon abundantly below 1,900.

Your opinion: Which one do you prefer?

After expressing, in an analytical way, my considerations, I hope you want to do the same by taking advantage of the section of the site dedicated to comments.

For the undersigned it is gratifying and formative to read your opinion.

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