Tech Corner #4:
Mac vs. PC
Today in tech corner I will briefly analyze and compare the standard Mac vs. PC dispute and settle it once and for all!
Programs
As many of you know the PC typically runs on Windows or Linux based operating systems where the mac runs on leopard, mountain lion, or some other proprietary cat based OS. The cat based operating systems traditionally were worse at playing games due to compatibility issues. That stigma still persists today as some titles still do not make their games compatible in those operating systems. For mac users they have to use a boot program that allows them to run certain programs in a windows platform to play properly. Linux works in a similar way and I have not yet discovered a game that does not run on windows 7. If it exists then I probably wouldn’t want to play it!
Hardware Compatibility
Similar to programs (software compatibility) there are also hardware compatibility issues. For a Mac PC some of the connectors are proprietary but this extends more to mobile devices such as pads and phones. For instance the new iPhone, which is surrounded by so much hype that light from heaven shines down anytime I mention the name, does not even come with an easy way to stream the movies to an HDTV. Rather than using an intuitive mini hdmi to hdmi adapter you must purchase a proprietary apple adapter. Same goes for charging the phone (doesn’t use mini usb). Apple not only wants you to buy their product but they want to bottleneck you into ONLY using their products. I should use a product because I want to not because I am forced, but I digress. Droid (PC) systems have much more universal compatibility and offer more versatility without as many proprietary addons.
Price
Apple will charge a premium for all of their hardware (and software for that matter) however they have a reputation for satisfaction. Extending the conversation from above, you can see that you will pay a premium for the hardware and then also a premium for proprietary addons.
Edit: There are also many 3rd party connectors that will fit the proprietary apple plugs also so the addons are competitive with PC pricing.
With droid based phones you can buy very cheap addons on ebay because of the universal compatibility. Note that with a pc (or apple) product never buy the bundle in the store for $60 you can get it online for under $10. With computers a Mac can cost 2-3 times a similarly equipped PC.
Edit: There are also many 3rd party connectors that will fit the proprietary apple plugs also so the addons are competitive with PC pricing.
With droid based phones you can buy very cheap addons on ebay because of the universal compatibility. Note that with a pc (or apple) product never buy the bundle in the store for $60 you can get it online for under $10. With computers a Mac can cost 2-3 times a similarly equipped PC.
Price vs Performance
So macs cost more but aren’t they at least twice as good? How is the performance comparison? Since Mac is proprietary you will normally just order a PC from the company. Most of their gaming PCs are in the $2000-$3000 range. Note that if I ordered parts and built a PC on that budget it would beat the mac in performance on every level. Spending $1200-$1500 on a prebuilt PC would probably net you similar performance as the Mac. Splurging on an Alienware of the same price will also get you many power gaming options not offered in the mac equivalents. I will also point out that if a computer can run games better it can do the graphical design or any other operation better as well (for the average-advanced user). When it comes to raw performance PCs are nearly always better and they will generally be about half the cost.
Conclusion
I know that I am biased when writing this article; however, I am biased for a reason. I have built computers over the years and have compared with apple every step of the way. I have more recently even tried apple products and have never been impressed. Each new “tier” of computing I will continue to test and analyze apple but as it stands they don’t compete. I don’t hate apple, in fact I wish them well because my apple stocks have done really well. I gamble on people still buying into what they’re selling and retaining that desire to spend a premium for their products. I just choose not to buy their products myself.
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