Mac or PC? How to Decide Which Computer is Right for You

Are you in the market for a new computer and trying to decide between Mac or PC? Read on to learn the pros and cons of each!

Mac or PC? That debate has raged for decades, ever since Microsoft and Apple have had the most dominant operating systems.

You might remember the 2006 ad campaign that put the cool Macs against the geeky and fumbling PCs. That sums up the cultural place of Macs and PCs.

There’s much more to the cultural debate when you’re deciding to get a new computer. You want to make sure that you get a computer that suits your unique needs.

Read on to find which side of the PC or Mac debate you should fall on when you’re buying a new computer.

1. What’s Your Budget?

The first thing you need to figure out is how much you can afford to spend on your computer. Macs are going to be up to three times as much as PCs. Of course, that will depend on the model that you want.

There are powerful PCs that can be just as expensive as Macs, too.

You need to know how much you’re willing to spend on a computer. If you’re using it for work, then you’re more likely to see the computer as a potential for a return on investment.

You can also consider getting a credit card to pay for your system, too. Many retailers will offer low to no interest credit cards for the first 6 months, allowing you to pay for your purchase over time.

2. What Do You Want to Do?

What do you need a computer for? Do you need to get a computer for a freelancing business? For designers and creative types, Macs certainly lead the way as far as usability and power.

That’s because some of the top design programs are built with Macs in mind. There’s also the cool creative factors that attract creatives to Mac machines.

For tasks like writing, keeping spreadsheets, email, and web browsing, you’ll want to invest in a PC. These are basic tasks that most affordable PCs can take on very easily.

For gamers, the question is a little more complex. You’ll need something that will be powerful enough to handle the needs of gaming. Gamers tend to gravitate towards PCs because they’re powerful, easily customizable, and they can connect to other devices, as we’ll explore below.

3. Connectable Devices

Each system has its own ecosystem of devices that you can connect to. For example, if you already have an Apple TV device and an iPhone and iPad, having a Mac will fit well with your other devices. It’ll be easier to send files between devices and mirror your screen to the TV.

On the PC side, gamers will love the ecosystem between the Xbox and PCs.

4. Security & Privacy

When was the last time you heard about a virus that targeted Mac devices?

It doesn’t happen nearly as often as PCs. PCs tend to be the dominant tool in businesses, making it a major target for hackers. They know that there is sensitive data to mine and money to be made in these machines.

Apple has also positioned itself as the defender of security and privacy of its users. It doesn’t make money from your data the way that other big the companies do. 

5. Upgrades & Customizations

Are you a technical type that likes to customize computers and upgrade them yourself? It’s much easier to do on most PCs than Macs.

The parts tend to be less expensive and you can find instructions on performing upgrades everywhere on the internet.

This is a big deal for many computer users because new software always demands more computer resources. Your computer can be rendered obsolete in a matter of months unless you upgrade.

6. Portability

Do you need an all-in-one computer or desktop machine or do you need the portability of a laptop computer?

Both Macs and PCs have a great selection of laptops for all purposes. Macs tend to be designed for power in a smaller, sleeker package. PC laptops tend to be heavier and slightly bulkier, but you still have a lot of power packed in. Plus, you can easily customize the devices.

Gamers are likely to love having the power and portability of gaming laptops, which they can upgrade and customize themselves.

7. Technical Support

Are you a do it yourselfer when it comes to diagnosing computer issues?

PCs are known for having little to no technical support for devices outside of the warranty, which means you better learn how to solve your own computer problems.

Macs usually have better coverage and you can always take your device to an Apple store to get some help solving your issues.

8. Usability

No matter what you decide, if you switch from a Mac to PC or vice versa, you’re going to be in for a learning curve.

It will take a bit of time to adjust to using a Mac after using a PC, especially if that’s all you’ve known. You have to give yourself the time to adjust. If you’re buying a new system in a pinch because your old one broke down, then you might be more inclined to stick with what you already know.

Otherwise, you’re going to want to use your old computer and your new computer to maintain productivity and adjust to a new operating system.

Mac or PC: It’s Up to You

There’s no right or wrong answer to the Mac or PC debate. Fortunately, both systems offer users a lot in terms of computing power and stability.

At the end of the day, there’s only what’s right for you. You have to decide what your needs are, what your budget is, and whether or not you have the time and patience to adjust to a new operating system.

Would you like to learn more tech tips? Find out how you can record your computer screen for future use.