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I am a PC user. Now of course you might be thinking I'm going to try and sell you on why PCs are better than Macs, but that is not the case. First off saying that either Mac or PC is better is like saying that an automatic transmission or a manual transmission is better in a car. It really just depends on what you are going to do with it. When buying a computer (like a car) one should consider what one needs it for. While I will admit that Macs are more user friendly than PCs, it comes at a cost.

When I say it comes at a cost I do mean literally, as in Macs cost more money, and figuratively as in Macs can be a little more restrictive in terms of the software that is compatible with it. I think the easiest and most fair way to compare PC and Mac is side by side. Like I said before I am a PC user, but I will be fair to the Mac.

First let's talk about the operating systems or the OS. PCs generally use Windows while Mac can only use the Mac OS is comes with. Now while PC is not restricted to Windows, PCs can also use OSs like Linux and Solaris, Windows is the most user friendly of the available PC OSs. As I said before Macs can only use the Mac OS it comes with, however you can install programs like BOOTCAMP that lets you run Windows as if it were a PC.

While PCs are not really expensive (about $1000 at a retail store or even less if you can build it yourself), its Mac counterpart will easily cost $1500, $1600, $1700 or even more.

Here is another factor people tend to forget when buying a computer. "What happens when it breaks down?" Like any machine after awhile your PC or Mac will break down and when it does where do you go to get it fixed. With a PC you can probably find a PC repair shop within a few miles of your home or office and probably have your PC back within a couple of hours or maybe a day, but with a Mac however there are only 202 apple stores in the United States so chances are you will probably need to mail it in. If you are lucky you will have it back in a week. DO NOT take your Mac to an unauthorized Apple repair shop or try to fix it yourself, doing so will void your warranty.

Most importantly, as I said before determine what you need a computer for. If you need a computer so you can surf the Internet, check email, type a couple of documents and you are not concerned with how it works then just get a Mac. If you are frustrated with your PC because it keeps getting virus and you don't know why, buy a Mac. If you don't plan on creating your own software to work with a lot of technical equipment (robotic hydraulics, motion capture cameras, force plates, etc.) buy a Mac.

If you like being able to customize your system to whatever you want without being "stuck" with what it comes with, then get a PC. If you have spent years collecting different software applications that you NEED and you don't know if the same software will work on Mac (chances are it won't) get a PC. If you have a VERY good understanding of how computers work and can fix 80% of all problems you face yourself or with the help of a friend get a PC.

I like to think of PC and Mac like an older car (pre 2000) and a newer car. A PC is like an older car, not as nice to look at and it may give you a little trouble every now and again. However, with a PC like an older car, if you know what you are doing you can fix it, modify it and upgrade it with little or no help. A Mac is like a new car, its pretty and easy to use. Now with a Mac like a new car, unless you are a certified technician you should NOT look "under the hood" and start playing with the wires for ANY reason.

Learn more about this author, Shaz Slaughter.
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