One of the questions I continue to get…a lot…is should I use a Mac or a PC? (and a hundred variations of the question).
In a previous post, I addressed the PC vs. Mac question when it comes to video editing. However, in this war of operating systems, there are a lot more issue than just video.
The basic back story goes like this. Windows owns the world. Apple is this little company preferred by artists and schools…about to go under. Steve Jobs returns to Apple. Apple starts producing slick products with slick marketing. Windows comes out with Vista. It has so many flaws that even today, InfoWorld reports that 35% of enterprise-sized users downgrade their systems from Vista to XP. All combined, Mac’s start getting a lot more popular.
I happen to use both Mac and PC’s. So what’s the difference? Well, from the get-go you’ll notice this:
- Mac’s are a lot quieter. My PC sounds like a blow-dryer compared to my Mac. In fact, I’m pretty sure my Mac makes no sound at all.
- Mac’s are a lot more elegant. My PC consumes an entire corner of my office, most of which is caused by a rat’s nest of cables. My Mac sits unassuming on my desk, with a couple of cables tucked neatly away.
- Mac’s are fast. In under 30 seconds, I’ve turned my Mac on, it has booted up…and…I’m already checking my email. I get to the same point on my PC…after approximately 5 minutes.
- Mac’s are a lot more expensive. I can go anywhere and find a decent PC for $500. I can’t even get a Mac Mini for that price. An iMac will cost me 3 times as much. And a Mac Pro…well, I won’t even go there.
- You will miss some of your Windows applications after switching to a Mac. FTP software comes to mind for me. I have yet to find FTP software for a Mac that matches the blazing speed of the product I enjoy on Windows (I use 3D FTP).
- If you have important small business applications, say for example QuickBooks, you’ll be stymied on the Mac. Yes, QuickBooks makes a Mac version…but I haven’t tried it…largely due to the horrible reviews it has received. Most other common small business applications don’t even offer versions for Mac.
* Note: Newer Mac’s using Intel processors can run Windows, either virtually or you can boot your Mac to the Windows operating system. This feature helps to eliminate (for the most part) issues 5 and 6 above.
I could go on, but Robert Jensen is already doing this for me. You see, Robert is a long-time Windows user who has recently switched over to Mac. And he’s detailing his experience on the Digital Media Online blog.
I can tell you from personal experience that his post is dead-on accurate. And if you’re considering switching from Windows to a Mac, this is must-see stuff. To read the first post in Robert’s series, click here now.