Apple’s Mac and Windows PC are currently the two leading platforms for most of our day to day computing needs. Hence, this article, providing you with Mac vs PC comparison, in order to help you make an informed decision about whether to buy a Mac or PC.
- Where To Buy A Mac Computer Near Me
- Where To Buy A Mac Laptop Computer
- Where To Buy A Mac Computer
- Best Place To Buy An Apple Computer
- Where To Buy Mac Computer Case
Where to buy a MacBook Air. The MacBook Air is Apple's ultra-thin and incredibly light laptop, available with a 13in screen. It has a big redesign back. Aug 05, 2020.
Mac vs PC Comparison – Whether to Buy Mac Or PC
Once upon a time there was a clear and well defined divide or distinction between PC and Mac users. Those who needed a computer bought a Windows PC and those who had money bought a MacBook – It was that simple!
However, currently the imaginary line between Windows PC and Mac is fading, mostly due to Windows computers trying to compete with Macs in the looks department and becoming as expensive as Macs.
Hence, the question “Should you Buy a Mac or PC” and search for terms like Mac vs PC, Mac Vs Windows PC comparison and similar terms is showing an increasing trend and becoming more relevant to consumers looking to buy computers.
You will find below a listing of both Advantages and Disadvantages of Macs and PCs, which should help you in deciding whether to buy a Mac or a Windows powered PC.
Advantages of Macs
1. The biggest advantage of Macs is that they are well designed, sleek and visually appealing. While Windows computers are trying to match Macs in the looks department, they are ending up costing the same as Macs.
2. Macs come preloaded with almost all the software required to prepare documents (Pages), run spreadsheets (Numbers), create presentations (Keynote) and basic Photo Editing and Video Production software.
In comparison, Windows computers these days are mostly being shipped with trial versions of Microsoft Office.
3. In general, Macs have acquired the reputation of being less complicated, easy to use and trouble free compared to Windows Computers.
4. Software updates on Macs are consistent, effortless and trouble free. In comparison, software updates on Windows computers end up
generating discussions and heightened activity on internet forums
5. Going by past data, chances of being hit by viruses and malware on Macs are less compared to PCs. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from Windows PCs having a larger user base to Windows Software being more familiar and appealing to attackers.
6. All the pre-installed software programs on Macs come directly from Apple and appear to be well tested and optimized to work well on Macs. In comparison, Windows computers suffer from bloatware due to pre-installed software coming from multiple sources – Microsoft, Manufacturer and associated companies.
7. Apple products rank high in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. When you buy a Mac, there is absolutely no doubt that you are getting a product of the highest quality.
It is difficult for Windows Computers to match this level of quality and customer satisfaction due to multiple manufacturers trying to sell Windows computers in multiple configurations.
8. Macs work better and flawlessly with other Apple products. This means that you are better off going for a Mac in case you use an iPhone.
9. The customer support at Apple is consistent, transparent and better compared to Windows Computers. If anything happens to your Mac, you can head straight to the nearest Apple Store in your location and expect support both for hardware and software related problems.
Such level of support is not possible in Windows computers due to software coming from Microsoft and hardware being assembled by a variety of PC manufacturers.
10. Whether you like it or not, Macs appear cooler/trendier and people are willing to pay more for Apple products.
Advantages of Windows PC
1. The biggest advantage of a Windows PC is its availability at multiple price points. Since, Windows PCs come from different manufacturers in multiple configurations, there is always a Windows Computer that can match your budget.
Where To Buy A Mac Computer Near Me
In comparison, Macs are available in limited models and at fixed price points, which you may or may not be able to afford.
2. The second biggest advantage of Windows PC is its productivity software. Most Windows computers come preloaded with Microsoft Office which includes two of the most popular productivity software programs in the world – Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
3. In case you are a gamer, you have no option but to go for a Windows PC. Macs simply do not have the Processing power, RAM and high end graphics cards required to play PC games.
4. Windows computers are available in multiple configurations and allow you to choose from various types of Processors, RAM, Storage, Ports, Displays and other options.
5. In general, Windows Computers offer superior hardware at competitive price points. In comparison, Mac users appear to be paying a higher cost for comparatively lower level of hardware.
However, it needs to be mentioned that almost every component on an Apple product is optimized for better performance, tweaked to consume less power and generate less heat.
6. Accessories for Windows Computers are easy to find and available at competitive prices compared to Macs. This makes Windows computers cheaper to operate and run compared to Macs.
7. It is easy to upgrade, reconfigure and refurbish Windows computers. This aspect of Windows computers appeals to tech savvy users who enjoy such activities.
8. In general, more Software programs are available for Windows PC compared to Macs.
9. Windows Computers have better backwards compatibility compared to Macs. For example, it is not uncommon to find 5 to 7 year old Windows computers running the latest version of Windows 10 without any problem.
10. Windows community and user base is larger compared to Macs. This practically means that it is easy to get support and advice for software and hardware related issues for Windows computers.
Disadvantages of Mac
1. The biggest disadvantage of Macs is that they are expensive compared to PCs. However, as mentioned above, Windows Computers are getting expensive and the gap between MacBook Air and a comparable Windows Laptop is not that much.
2. The second major disadvantage of Macs is that most of the work related software like Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Timberline, Primavera and Accounting software is designed for Windows computers and not for Macs.
While Macs have their own version of Excel (Numbers) and Microsoft Word (Pages), these programs are no match for the Power and Versatility of Microsoft Excel and the practical functionality of Microsoft Word program.
While you can buy Microsoft Office made for Macs, it is not uncommon to come across users reporting missing features, problems and overall lack of power while using Microsoft Excel on Macs.
3. Macs are clearly not built for playing PC Games. Even the most advanced MacBook Pro does not have the processing power, RAM and the Graphics to play PC Games.
4. Using a Mac is fundamentally different than using a Windows computer. Those coming from Windows PC background to Mac will require patience to get used to the way Macs work.
In the first few weeks you may often feel like going back to Windows PC. However, once you get used to Macs you should be able to work as effortlessly on a Mac as you used to on a Windows PC.
Disadvantages Of Windows PC
Where To Buy A Mac Laptop Computer
1. Windows computers are clearly getting more expensive and most likely driving budget customers to consider using a Mac Mini or even MacBook Air which are now available at tempting price points.
2. Windows computers come pre-loaded with bloatware from manufacturers, which makes them slow and buggy. While those with technical abilities can easily get rid of this bloatware, average computer users are not really equipped to deal with this issue.
3. Due to their large user base, Windows Computers are considered as being primary candidates for attack by hackers and computer viruses. However, it is not difficult to minimize this risk by keeping the software on your computer updated and installing a good antivirus program on your computer.
4. Although the situation is improving, software updates on Windows Computers are still far from being trouble free.
Should You Buy Mac or Windows PC
As far as consumers are concerned, the decision to buy should be based on which platform really suits you better, while taking into consideration the purpose for which you are buying a computer and the budget allocated for your purchase.
For example, Windows PC is a better option in case your work requires the use of Microsoft Excel and other productivity or work related Software Programs. The same holds true, in case you are buying a computer for general and recreational use and your idea of fun is to play high intensity PC Games.
When it comes to budget, College students surviving on borrowed money are clearly better off buying a cheaper Windows PC or a Chromebook, instead of piling on more debt by going for an expensive MacBook Pro.
However, if you are working part time and having a MacBook makes you feel better (does it !!?..), make sure that you go for MacBook Pro and promise yourself that you will do better at both studies and work!
Where To Buy A Mac Computer
Image source: Apple, Microsoft
There are a few essential components that make up any computer. You need a screen, a keyboard and a mouse or trackpad for sure. But what else? If you have a laptop like a MacBook Pro, it’s going to run on battery power when it’s not plugged in. And how do you charge this battery? You need a charging cord and adapter, obviously. It’s one of the most critical aspects of your computer and is an essential accessory.
Over the course of owning your MacBook Pro, you might need to get a new charger. Since these are external accessories to your computer, you might accidentally lose it or someone might steal it or it’s not charging the battery. These charging cables can also wear out over time or become damaged in which case, you’ll need to find a replacement. Luckily, finding a new charger for your MacBook Pro is easy so here is a look at where to buy a new one.
Why Buy a MacBook Pro Charger
As I touched on above, there are a few different reasons you might need to get a new charger for your MacBook Pro. The fact of the matter is that you absolutely need a charger to use your computer. Without it, once your battery dies you will have no way of recharging and using the computer.
If you accidentally lose your charging cable or if it gets stolen, you’ll obviously need a new one. You might be able to borrow a friend or something for a while but without a cord to yourself, you won’t be able to use your computer as often as you’d like.
If you are experiencing issues with your current charging cable, it might also be time to consider purchasing a new one. If you see any signs of significant damage on your charger such as exposed wiring or a broken wire cover, it’s only a matter of time before the charger breaks completely. A damaged cable may work for a while, but it will eventually stop leaving you in need of a new one.
MacBook Pro Chargers – Different Types
If you do need to buy a new charger for your MacBook, you need to know what type of charger you’re looking for as different models require different chargers. If you still have your old charger and need a new one because it is broken or damaged, bring it into the store when you purchase a new one so you can reference the type and buy the correct charger.
Power adapters for MacBooks come in 3 different connections and a wide variety of wattages. You need to know the required adapter for your specific model. You can find out which model MacBook you have here. Wattage is an important consideration because if you get an adapter that has less wattage than intended for your computer, it will not charge. A higher wattage adapter will work but it won’t charge your computer any faster.
The three main types of adapter connects are:
- USB-C
- MagSafe (Which comes in L and T shapes)
- MagSafe 2
Where to Buy a MacBook Pro Charger
MacBook Pro chargers are easy to find and replace. They are not the cheapest accessory for your computer but because they are so important if you need one you will have to buy it. Once you have figured out which charging adapter you need based on your MacBook model, you can either purchase a new one online or from a physical store that sells these products. Here’s a look at some good options for either.
Online Retailers that Supply MacBook Pro Chargers
With any of these online retailers, simply type in the type of charger you are looking for and your results will be listed. I always shop around at a few different online locations to try and find the best price for any product. If you want to get a power adapter created by Apple, that’s fine but sometimes there are cheaper options made by other companies on Amazon or New Egg.
Physical Retailers that Supply MacBook Pro Chargers
Best Place To Buy An Apple Computer
- The Apple Store
- Best Buy
- Target
- Walmart
- Staples
Almost every physical store that sells these chargers has an online store so it’s really up to you how you go about buying a new MacBook Pro charger. If you don’t know exactly what charger you need, sometimes it’s nice to go talk to a customer service person at one of these store locations. To find a location near you, Google the name of the store and the city you are in and you should see a list of nearby stores that sell the chargers.
Final Thoughts
Where To Buy Mac Computer Case
If you don’t have a charger for your MacBook Pro, you basically don’t have a computer at all. It’s like having a car without gas – it might look good, but you won’t be able to operate it. Luckily, it’s easy to find a new charger either online or in-store for a replacement. A simple search of MacBook Pro chargers will point you in the right direction but visit any of the online or physical locations mentioned here and you’ll be able to find the correct charger for your MacBook.
Have you ever needed a new charger? Where did you buy it?