How to choose between An Apple Computer and a Windows PC

It has been talked about a million times but there are still people converting from one to the other or they might actually need to use both. For this reason there are always people looking at the newest Macbooks or iMacs and people looking to build a new top of the line custom PC. It really comes down to what you'll be using it for and this guide should help you make the right choice because it's never the same for any two people. Each platform has its strengths and weaknesses so let's see which ones work best for you.

What to Look for in a New Laptop or Desktop

1) What are you going to use it for? This is the most important question, while either of the platforms will be able to handle your easy daily tasks such as internet browsing, email, and multimedia there are some specific tasks that certain ones will really excel in. If you're trying to play video games the long time running leader is still a PC and it's typically a custom built one. This is because you can keep your computer updated to have the latest cutting edge hardware very easily that will allow you to play the huge list of PC games out there. While most games are made to be compatible with both platforms now there is still a large list that is PC specific. On top of that there is no native support for DirectX on the Mac OS or Linux, you will need this for most newer games and while it can be made to work for a Mac, the Windows PC is the best option here by far. If School or work is your main focus chances are you'll be using Microsoft Office Suite. While there are plenty of other options it still continues to be the norm in work and school environments. It is compatible on both platforms so you shouldn't have a problem getting it to work with either and you can even use the free versions out there like Open Office if you're wanting to save some money. The only thing that might sway your vote here is if you need to use a specific program for work, depending on your line of work most still prefer a Windows laptop or desktop but some creative arts jobs might require an Apple computer. With an Apple computers you can always just run Boot Camp, Parallels or any of the other options out there which allow your Mac to either turn on like a Windows computer or open a window that runs like the Windows operating system. This is where you want to make sure you know exactly what you'll be doing with your computer to avoid any Windows vs Mac compatibility issues you might run into on either platform.

2) What are the Limitations to the System that you Choose? If you decide to go with a laptop or desktop it doesn't matter if you're looking at an Apple Macbook or Windows 7/8 computer they're all going to be limited by their processor and video card (if it has one). This means don't buy a laptop expecting to upgrade it later as they're set in stone and not able to be switched out like a desktop. If you decide to go Apple you no doubt know they're well known for their multimedia capabilities whether it be photos, video editing, music production and much more. However they're being caught up to quickly by PC brands and the software they offer is what makes Apple one of the most popular brands still. The all in one approach they take to your entire computer experience is what really sets an Apple apart from everything else. From the moment you buy the laptop to when you get rid of it they're there to help along the way. With new Apple stores popping up all over the country chances are you have one close to you. Their laptops are constantly rated to be some of the highest in reliability and customer satisfaction. This is because they offer amazing customer support that is actually based here in the United States as well as having their laptops all assembled and the parts produced by them. Most Windows computer companies will use the cheapest parts they can find to keep costs down but Apple uses their parts, their operating system and stands behind it all. This all of course comes at a much higher cost then a Windows option. Say a Windows laptop or computer is more your style, you'll have endless options from the multiple companies out there who produce business and main stream models, to the less know brands who make niche computers for gaming, multimedia uses, and everything in between. If you still can't find what you're looking for you can always just go ahead and build your own from scratch! The Windows operating system allows you to create as simple or wild a machine as you'd like, this is where it has Apple desktops beat because you can always upgrade their hardware to the newest cutting edge stuff. They are also quite a bit less expensive especially when you look at higher end iMacs or Apple desktops capable of costing over $3,000 with only a few simple upgrades.

Wrapping up the Differences of Apple vs Windows

There is far too much to cover about their differences but those are some of the main ones regarding price, functionality, and what meets a users needs. The best thing to do is talk to people you work with and see what works best for them, if they're all using Apples chances are it works best in that scenario, if your work ONLY lets you use a Windows PC then it might not even be a choice for you to make. Most places will have them out on display and Best Buy is the only retail store that sells both. You can go in and test out both of them to see which one you like more. Some people absolutely love the Apple all in one track pad while others cannot stand it. In the end it will come down to which one works best for you so go try them out first hand.