Mac Vs PC

Owning a Macintosh computer doesn't make you any better then the neighbor who owns a PC. However owning a Mac makes you feel so much Superior, like you are part of a secret cult that only the highly prestigious can join. Up until about 2 years ago, I was a PC girl all the way. I didn't know the first thing about a Mac, but could navigate the inner workings of a PC like an IT professional. I didn't particularly care to learn either until my best friend who has always used Macintosh, told me about how easy it was to navigate and operate. Next to no extra programs needed to be installed, depending on what you were using it for. So I ended up with an IMac- one of the older colored ones. Through trial and error I learned how to use it and another IMac and a Macbook later, I wouldn't turn back. I love my Mac's and think their design is second to none. It was explained to me once in the simple words of "if you can think it, a Mac can do it", meaning that if you want to trash something for example, what would you do in your normal life? Throw it in the garbage right? You wouldn't double check, confirm and double-check again to make sure. With a Mac you drag whatever it is you want to trash to the little trash can. Poof!! Like a cheap magic trick the item is gone. However easily retrievable if you have placed it there by mistake.

The debate of Mac vs PC has been like a long running joke, with even Internet viral videos to further add fuel to the fire. The most popular one in my opinion can be seen here.

The implication in this video and amongst the computer technology community, is that Mac's are for the artsy, urban and philosophical youth, where as PC's are geared more to the professional, high achieving and "techno-nerds". This is obviously not true as I use a Mac and do only the basic creative things on it, and at one point in time was using both, for the mostly the same functions. So what are the technical differences between Mac and PC? How to you make a sound decision. Here is some technical information to help you decide.

According to the Apple website, here are the top Reasons to choose Mac over PC.

1. It just works.

According to Apple, you will spend minimal time trouble shooting your Mac. All the hardware and software work well together, and save you time and expense trying to rectify conflicts.

2. You can make amazing stuff.

Every Mac comes loaded with ILife, a suite of software that can transform pictures, music and video into all kinds of projects. You can make high quality DVD's, websites, photobooks, cards, slide shows , music CD's and so much more.

3. Everything ready.

Mac is the only computer in the world that can run on all major operating systems such as Mac OS X , Windows XP and Vista. You can even run them side by side with Parallels software.

4. 114,000 viruses? Not on a Mac.

Mac OS X was designed for high security, so it isn't plagued by constant attacks from viruses and malware like PCs. Likewise, it isn't plagued by never-ending security dialog boxes like those in Vista. So you can safely go about your work - or play - without interruption.

5. Still the most advanced OS.

No other operating system, Vista included, offers the rich features and simplicity of Mac OS X. With the new Mac OS X Leopard, the Mac leaps even farther ahead with new features that let you do more with less effort.

6. The latest Intel chips.

Intel Core 2 Duo processors are fast. As in really fast. But unlike any PC powered by Intel, the Mac runs Mac OS X - which is optimized to squeeze every bit of performance out of Intel's engines.

7. No hunting for drivers.

Just about everything works with Mac - even the stuff you used with your old PC. All you have to do is plug it in. A Mac has USB drivers for printers, external drives, digital cameras, input devices, iPod, and more. It can see Bluetooth cell phones and headsets, as well as FireWire cameras. No rebooting, no hassles.

8. Design that turns heads.

You won't want to hide your Mac in a corner of the den. You'll want it front and center in your life. The Apple style shows in every detail, from its sculpted surfaces to its gorgeous Mac OS X graphics.

9. Instant video chats.

Setting up a video chat with the people next door - or across the globe - should be as simple as picking up the phone. On a Mac, you just click an icon to have a four-way video chat in a full-screen window with amazing clarity and special effects.

10. More fun with photos.

On a Mac, you don't need any extra software to make a photo book. You don't have to leave your photo software to visit a separate website and wait for forms to load. All you need is a camera and a Mac.

11. Hollywood-style movies.

Connect your DV camera and turn your movies into spectaculars. Add graphics, titles, and sound effects in minutes. Then use your Mac to burn a DVD or post to your website.

12. One-click websites.

How long does it take to post a photo or video to your blog on a PC? On a Mac, you can shoot a picture or a movie with the built-in camera, then post it on the web in a few clicks. Pontificate, preachify, and publish. The hardest part is coming up with something to say.

13. Amazing podcasts.

Want to get your message out to the world? Podcast it. A Mac makes it simple to create professional podcasts, complete with artwork. Add sound effects and jingles, even use the built-in radio engineer to make it perfect. So you can be a talk star in seconds.

14. Rock star tunemaking.

Musicians get all the girls (or guys). And a Mac has the software to turn you into the musician of your dreams. Choose from hundreds of cool riffs and instruments to create your own songs. Get good enough and you could be on iTunes.

15. Awesome out of the box.

Other computers include software, it's true. But once you start using that software, you find that you're hobbled in some way or another. Software included with the Mac, on the other hand, is critically acclaimed as best in class.

Now here are some reasons to buy a PC instead.

1. An unparalleled variety of software and hardware. This is especially important if you will be using it for business or for playing games. You will notice that many PC games on not offered for the Mac operating system. The same applies to business software.

2. They come in different shapes and sizes. Apple does not offer the same variety of sizes and shapes as PC manufacturers do.

3. They are cheaper and you can get more for your money.

4. Tech support is easier to come by. Not many computer technicians are sufficiently trained in Mac computers. Obviously unless they work for Apple or a re-seller of Macintosh computers.

There is no right answer to which is better and it is definitely a matter of choice and what you are going to be doing with it. For someone who is will be using it mainly for business applications a PC is probably a better choice. For those of you using it for creativity purposes, graphic arts, video's and music, a Mac is a must have. Make sure you speak to people knowledgeable in the the platform they are selling and you should ultimately end up happy with your purchase.