Since the dawn of the computer era, user preference has been a big deal. Maybe not in the very beginning because there was very little competition. However, since graphic user interfaces hit the market in 1984, computer popularity began to skyrocket. A year after Apple Macintosh released the first GUI computer, Microsoft debuted their own version of user interface experiences in the last fiscal quarter of 1985. Now that we have established the GUI masterminds, let’s look at the pros and cons of user experience. Here is where the controversy comes in!
So, whether if you’re a Mac user or Windows user, you definitely have an opinion about the one you’re not using. Polls, statistics, and other researched data place Windows at the top of every list. Some will argue that it is due to their expansive strategy, making it more available to the public. Windows is known in the technical community as an ‘All-arounder’ being that it has extensive compatibility with third-party hardware and software. Mac users get the luxury of exclusiveness and one of a kind machines. Is this a good thing? It’s time to take it to the ring and let the pros and cons of Apple and Windows duke it out!
The Ups and Downs of Apple
Apple’s reputation is a matter of subjective opinion and comes with positives and negatives, as with any other product. Studies show that Mac users are happy with their system and consider it a
lifestyle choice.
Pros:
As with any product, there will always be pros and cons to consider before making a purchase. Computers are no exceptions. How well does Apple fair?
- Macs come preloaded with software known as Bootcamp. Bootcamp allows Mac users to dual boot, either booting to an OS X or to a Windows OS.
- Tailored software that is designed to work efficiently on Apple machines.
- Preloaded software doesn’t contain bloatware that slows the PC down.
Cons:
Surely, with all the greatness, Apple has some kind of shortcoming that makes it appear less desirable. Let’s see what they are.
- Limited upgradability. Apple machines have minimum upgrade options, leaving power users who require upgrades, empty-handed.
- Shortage of certified resellers and repair technicians. Apple unlike PC does not have contracts with tons of outlets—offering repairs to their machines. Chances are you will have to visit the closest Apple store, wherever that may be. Apple stores are unique and cater only to Apple products. With this being the case, Apple also limits the number of stores they have available to the public, turning repairs into a hassle if you do not live near a large city.
- Poor backwards compatibility. Apple machines can support newer OS X’s but some features may not be available for older Mac users. Apple users are forced to upgrade their machines in order to take advantage of newer software and OS.
Getting into PC Business
In the world of the digital era, when you ask someone what type of computer they are using, 90 percent of them will respond with a Microsoft Windows computer. This doesn’t mean PCs are better than Macs. What this means is that Windows has more accessibility than Apple. There are greater means of exposure for Microsoft products. This is related to the partnerships and contracts they hold with other manufacturers like Sony, Samsung, HP, and Toshiba just to name a few. So, how does Windows stack up against Apple?
Pros:
Available in nearly every city, PC users take advantage of how easy they are to obtain for the general masses. So what makes PCs so great?
- Maximum interchangeability. PCs are known for the ability to upgrade, upgrade, and upgrade. Every component on the PC can be replaced or upgrade with very little struggle. This is a result of the numerous companies that have access to product PC parts and software outside of Microsoft’s thumb.
- Repair shops are everywhere. Window users can stop by a wide-range of stores to get repairs and gadgets.
- Compatible with the past. One of the most notable features of PCs that chump Macs is the ability for outdated PCs to support newer operating systems as well as newer PCs supporting forgotten software. Unlike Mac where older models lose features when upgrading to a new OS, PCs rarely experience this problem and upgrading between Windows is seamless and painless.
Cons:
Where is Microsoft PCs dropping the ball?
- Poor resale value. Unlike Apple products, which hold their resale value for years, PCs lose their value quickly.
- Bloatware slows down brand new PCs. Window computers are packed full of third party software known as bloatware. These ‘added bonuses’ do more harm to the computer than not having them. It causes the PC to slow down and reduces the performance of the PC.
- Unfriendly user interface. Apple prides itself on ‘ease of use’ and is committed to making the user experience as simple as possible. PCs while to most seem straight forward are not as user-friendly. Once again this falls under a matter of preference.
The Final Consensus
Whether if you are PC user or a Mac fanatic, both come with a reasonable list of pros and cons. There are no right or wrong reasons to purchase one over the other. It all boils down to a matter of preference. Each PC and Apple computer have their key features to attract certain users. Make a wise decision when choosing your next computer system by doing a little research. Do not make ill-informed purchases!
