Mac V. PC Notebook Computers

Steve Thompson
Consistent users of Mac notebook computers are constantly in battle with those who swear by PC's. Much of the debate comes down to personal preference, but there are clear advantages and disadvantages to both Mac and PC notebook computers.

When deciding between a Mac and a PC, it is important to look at your specific uses for the computer. Will you be using your notebook computer for work or for pleasure? Are you an experienced programmer or a novice computer user? Will you be downloading various programs and files, and what types of software are you accustomed to using?

At one time, the Mac processor was much less powerful than any created for the PC. In recent years, however, Mac has stepped up the game, providing processors that are comparable to PC processors. The processor for your notebook computer should not be the defining factor in your decision.

One of the largest issues when comparing the Mac notebook computer with the PC is the operating system. The Mac OS X used in apple powerbook computers is an extremely diverse operating system, and can handle a large load of systems running at one time. The Mac operating system is more difficult to use, however, and those who have used PC operating systems in the past may have difficulty transitioning.

When it comes to software, you will find more options for a PC notebook computer than you will for the Mac. There is simply a larger demand for PC software, and since it is considered the "norm", you will have a more diverse selection if you choose a PC notebook computer. However, you can find most of the regular PC software programs customized for the Mac, such as web browsers, security software, and word processing tools. But you might have trouble with online games with the Mac.

Customization is another factor where the PC notebook computer will come out on top. Dell, HP, Gateway and E-Machine notebooks are far more customizable than Mac notebooks. If you are looking for a machine that can give you exactly what you want, you might want to go with a PC notebook computer.

On the other hand, Mac notebook computers have more bug-free security systems available, such as Spyware tools, Anti-Virus software, phishing components and the like. Will PC notebook computers offer the same software, there are many problems and bugs that you will not find with identical Mac software.

Unfortunately, Mac notebook computers are also notoriously more expensive than PC machines. The only way to get around this fact is to build your own computer using the cheaper Mac operating system. This is for experienced programmers only, however.

So how do you choose? Ask an expert to take you through all of the pros and cons for each, and explain to him or her the tasks that you will need to accomplish with your notebook computer. Take time to look at each product individually before making your decision between a PC and a Mac notebook computer.

Published by Steve Thompson

Steve is a full-time freelance writer. In addition to the more than 3,000 articles he's written for AC, he has also written articles and other materials for more than 100 happy clients. He enjoys writing abo...   View profile

2 Comments

Post a Comment
  • MyLittleEye 3/16/2010

    I'm truly puzzled by the remark
    "The Mac operating system is more difficult to use"
    As one who routinely uses both systems the main issue I had when transitioning from PC to MAC was getting my head around how intuitively simple the MAC OS was by comparison to geek oriented windows. PC maintenance had been be a regular weekend activity until the MAC arrived.

  • Slim Jim 9/15/2006

    Hi Steve, I'm a PC user and I thought your article was well-written and informative. When Vista and Apple's next OS comes out I'm thinking about purchasing a MacBook Pro with both OSes installed. Using Parallels Desktop, I should be able to switch back and forth between the two OSes and enjoy the advantages of both. I'm not particularly for or against a PC or Mac, but I do spend quite a bit of time on my PC doing all kinds of updates to avoid viruses, trojans, etc. Perhaps there would be less of this using a Mac. I'd like to experiment with a Mac, but not necessarily walk away from Windows. Hopefully my plan will enable me to do this. Thanks, Steve, for your helpful comments...Jim

Displaying Comments

To comment, please sign in to your Yahoo! account, or sign up for a new account.