Thank you for being a valued part of the CNET community. As of December 1, 2020, the forums are in read-only format. In early 2021, CNET Forums will no longer be available. We are grateful for the participation and advice you have provided to one another over the years.

Thanks,

CNET Support

General discussion

Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?

Aug 23, 2013 9:33AM PDT
Question:

Help me decide: PC or Apple laptop?


I read all your submissions and I really rely greatly on your answers so thank you!

I am in need of a new laptop. I've always had PCs but lately I have been increasingly unhappy with all the problems with errors. Inevitably a little Microsoft window pops up at the most inopportune times. It makes me crazy.

We have an iPad 2, and 4th-gen iPods. I only had one problem with my iPad in three years. I took it to Apple and they took care of it. It was as easy as pie. With my PC, it's like pulling teeth. I am good with computers and can usually work around problems, but it has gotten annoying to see little windows pop up saying my program is being closed for no reason.

So, my big question...PC or Apple for a laptop that I want to use for everyday home non-gaming use. I want to use it for e-mail, general word processing, pictures, and video. That's it. It has to be fast and work. That's all I ask. Can you help me decide?

Thanks very much!

--Submitted by Mary S. of Illinois

[NOTE to all participating members: Please keep this a civil discussion and respect each other recommendations and suggestions. Let's help this member make an informed buying decision. Thanks! -Lee ]


Note: This post was edited by its original author on 08/24/2013 at 1:31 PM PT

Discussion is locked

- Collapse -
Sony
Aug 31, 2013 12:39AM PDT

I AJ TREk, I had a Sony desk top all in one, touch screen prior to installing Windows 8. I found out, after about 4 trips to Sony, that Windows 8 would not install due to a video problem My All in One was a year and half old. YOu cannot upgrade. I would have liked to have known that before I bought it. My granddaughter got a Sony, touch screen lap top with Windows 8 and the whole thing was a mess. It had to be taken back. It was of no use.
And had trouble connecting my Sony NEx7 to the Sony TV, which it was supposed to do but didn't .
I am now a Apple user. I bought a 27 inch Imac in February this year and love it. I almost do not miss PC at all. I do keep the Sony here next to me for an occasional aid. I would suggest anyone buy a Mac.

- Collapse -
Reply to "It's Still A Personal Choice"
Aug 31, 2013 12:49AM PDT

Just wanted to say thanks for your post. I am also looking at Mac OS after many years with Windows and found this very well written and informative!

Rick Ghent

- Collapse -
Apple or PC
Aug 29, 2013 10:22AM PDT

When I first saw this question, I hesitated to even work on a reply for fear that it would spark a massive battle over the whole Mac vs. PC issue. But then I decided to go ahead with it anyway.

You can argue about it all day long but the simple fact is that the Mac platform is typically better suited for the average computer user, IF PRICE IS NOT AN ISSUE. Why? You say... Well, I have been installing, servicing and working on personal computers for over 30 years and personally perform over 1000 service calls per year. And I can personally attest to the fact that under simple daily use of email, internet surfing, playing music, Photo editing and other general purpose computing, apple computers are more reliable, less prone to all types of infections and in general require far less maintenance than PC's. There, I have said it...

Ok, I can't stop there.
So bear with me as I try to explain further and give you a few examples:

HARDWARE - Pretty much everyone agrees that both PC's and Mac's use similar internal hardware and many of them are probable produced in the very same factories in China. And since Apple started using Intel Processors instead of Motorola, they are now even more similar. However, if you have ever disassembled an apple computer, you will find that they do tend to use higher quality parts and tend to go that little step further to insure a quality product. For Example: It is not uncommon to find Western Digital BLACK hard drives in an iMac vs. the lesser quality Blue drives that you might find in many PC's. You will also notice Apple places thermal sensors directly on the hard drive to monitor the hard drive temperature. I have never seen this on a PC except in extremely high end or custom built machines. They seem to go the extra mile that tends to result in the LIKLEYHOOD that the computer will last a little longer. However, like any other computer you can still get a lemon or experience a hard drive failure.

PRICE - You can now get a PC for under $300 and the least expensive Apple computer is going to run you a $1,000 and more. So even if the Apple lasts a little longer, you could theoretically purchase 3 low cost PC for the price of just one Apple. I am not saying that the $300 PC is equal in quality or even performance of the $1000 Macbook but for basic computing, it will do the job for most people. I have several $300 computers and I have to tell you that many of them are very decent computers. I am going on 5 years with my $250 Netbook that I carry around with me every day.

FLEXIBILTY - Microsoft PC's are far more flexible and capable of being upgraded, altered and customized than Apple computers. Configurations are unlimited and can be customized to match the needs of pretty much any application.

REPAIRS - Apple is well known for producing state of the art electronics that are thoughtfully designed. However, they definitely do not design their products with repairing, upgrading or Do-it-Yourself service in mind. Because of this, the cost to repair can be very expensive and if you happened to forgo the Apple Care Extended warranty program, you may be in for a shocking surprise. I have seen what would be a fairly inexpensive repair on a PC end up costing more than half the cost of a new computer with the Mac.

SOFTWARE - Even though things continue to change, there is still far more software available for the PC than the Apple. Also some software that is available for both PC and Apple is just not the same. For example: Quicken and Qucikbooks for Mac is a completely different program and the Apple version lacks many of the features that the PC version has had for years. But if all you need your computer for is the basics, then this would not be an issue. However, I would recommend researching any and all software that you plan to use to make sure there is a version that will run on the Mac the way that you want it too.

PRODUCT SELECTION - The number of brands, styles and configurations that are possible in PC's is mind boggling. Just walk into your local Best Buy store and you will be lost in the selection of PC's that are available. Pretty much any size, shape, style and price can be found. On the flip side, Apple has a very limited selection of models to choose from. If you want a laptop, you pretty much have 2 models to choose from only 2 possible sizes to select.

RELIABILITY - I have found the Apple operating system to be far more stable than Windows. Much of this is due to the fact that Apple acts as a gatekeeper for all software that is written for their computers and this in combination with well designed hardware and the fact that there are very few viruses and malware for Apple, results in a more reliable, stable machine.

THE BOTTOM LINE - From what you have read so far, you probably assume that I must be an Apple fanboy. Not at all, I am a Microsoft PC user at heart. And even though I have many Apple Computers, all my daily work is performed on Microsoft Based PC's.. Accounting, Scheduling and all my day to day work is performed on PC's. Why? I like the flexibility to build my own systems, configure them the way I want and at pretty much any price that I want to pay. I like the huge selection of software both free and paid and the low cost and availability of parts and upgrades. I also love the huge selection of designs, types and configurations that are available. However, I cannot discount the overall quality of the Apple products. I have to confess that I sometimes use my iPad to remote into my PC while I am out of the office.

If your needs are as simple as you described and you do not have any special software needs and you don't mind spending the extra money for a Mac, then by all means, go for it. I really don't think you will regret it. But, please spend the extra for the Apple Care Program.

Dana
Wayland Computer

- Collapse -
Comment on reply
Aug 30, 2013 11:36AM PDT

I have been building my own computers for myself, friends, and family members since 1989, after I bought my first Packard Bell 12.5mhz machine and found out their techs were all incompentent <grin>. I find your reply both refreshing and very thorough, as well as uniased and extremely useful for anyone seeking advice for choosing between the two formats in computers. Bravo!!!!

- Collapse -
PACKARD BELL
Aug 30, 2013 11:50AM PDT

OMG they were terrible machines! I had one, it couldn't do ANYTHING. Then it blew up. I admit, it wound up in a dumpster after I shot it with a shotgun. TG the HP (Hewlett-Packard) was always better. I'm awaiting a Chevrolet computer though. Maybe they could even use their own OS, and get everyone away from this debate over Micro$oft vs Mac$$$$$

- Collapse -
To buy Apple or a PC?
Aug 30, 2013 11:50AM PDT

Dana of Wayland Computer has done an excellent review of most of the choices that influence such a decision.

I would also add that your primary uses of a computer will greatly influence which one you will end up buying. Most of the business world uses Windows PCs. Yes, you can run a variety of OS's on either platform, but only one computer is designed with that OS in mind. PCs for windows, and MACs for Apple OSX. As Dana mentioned, some programs that are designed for Windows do not have all the same features for the MAC that are available on a PC. This is also true in reverse. Mostly it is down to what you use. I have chosen a PC because most of the companies I deal with and the software that they use is designed around the use of Windows/PC. If you are dealing with a graphics company, more than likely they will be using Apple products.

With proper care and wisdom in your selection I have found that most laptops will last four to six years. The new laptops have sufficient memory and speed to almost obsolete desk top computers (unless you are into gaming). This may be another topic that should be covered.

Portability.
Do you need your computer to travel with you? How comfortable are you with how much weight? Size of the laptop (size of viewing screen) influences weight. Also, the frame of the laptop can influence its toughness and weight. Aluminum frames are more stiff, tougher and better able to withstand the rigors of travel, but also they are generally more expensive.

Remember that the better the components, the tougher the frame, the lighter the weight, etc. all have their price. So it goes back to the budget that Dana first mentioned. How much can you spend? This question has to be answered first, then all other areas are constrained by this.

- Collapse -
With a heavy pro Windows bias
Aug 31, 2013 1:31AM PDT

If you do not see it...you are not looking...and apparently do not really understand Macintosh.

- Collapse -
Missed the point...
Aug 30, 2013 11:56AM PDT

"watron" apparently overlooked that this question was specifically about choosing between a Mac or PC LAPTOP:

1. Current WIN PC laptops and "ultrabooks" are NOT any more user-configurable than MacBooks.

2. Similarly configured laptops from 1st-tier PC vendors will cost approximately the same as a comparable MacBook Air or MacBook Pro. Apple stores also offer generous hardware & software discounts to qualified students and faculty.

3. Notwithstanding the above, you should also consider which platform is most-used by your school~employer~friends~family — as you're apt to have an easier time sharing over local networks and other users (or IT staff) may be able to assist you with more software questions & issues...

4. I wholeheartedly agree with "watron's" comment about AppleCare; not only will your Apple laptop be covered against hardware defects for 3 years, but Apple is the only manufacturer that also includes coverage for Apple-branded peripherals (mouse, keyboard, wireless router, DVD drive, etc.) used with the covered computer, as well as 24/7 support for any software supplied by Apple.

- Collapse -
One more thing
Aug 30, 2013 1:00PM PDT

Unfortunately the writer omitted the fact any modern Apple can also run Windows along with the Apple OSX. That is how I get around the Quicken issue he mentions.

- Collapse -
Yes, but...
Aug 30, 2013 3:30PM PDT

Apple provides "Boot Camp" software which helps create a partition on a Mac's internal drive, to install a Windows (7 or Cool operating system, and also installs a set of drivers which are necessary for Windows to work with the Mac hardware, printers, etc. Once installed, it's easy to share data between partitions, and a simple re-boot gets you from one environment to the other. (There are software applications which permit switching without rebooting, but that small convenience is frequently offset by needing extra memory and slower performance when running Windows; unless you need to switch back & forth multiple times every day, I advise sticking with Apple's Boot Camp solution.)

Even if you only need to boot into Windows occasionally, that Boot Camp partition is permanent, and needs at least 64GB of drive space permanently allocated to it; if you delete the Boot Camp partition, you'll need to completely reinstall Windows if you want it back later. Many new computers are equipped with Solid-State Drives — SSDs — rather than mechanical hard drives — HDDs; because SSDs are far more expensive per Gigabyte than conventional HDDs, new, upscale laptops are often shipping with smaller-capacity drives than similar models from prior years. This is an important consideration for anyone purchasing a MacBook and intending to install Windows on it; you'll need at least a 256GB drive to accommodate both OSes without compromising performance.

Finally — all of the Windows on Mac options require that you provide your own full retail copy of Windows; OEM and upgrade installers won't work! So, after you factor the cost for a full retail copy of Windows, along with possibly needing to bump up to a larger, factory-installed drive, you'll be pretty close to the cost of a brand-new low-end PC. Even so, being able to switch between OSes on my two MacBooks still makes me smile every time (and has earned me respect and extra fridge-privileges in many households ...).

- Collapse -
Thank You deltaman
Aug 30, 2013 9:25PM PDT

I did forget to mention running Windows on a Mac but it never really made sense to me to purchase a Mac and then pay even more to install Windows on it???? But again if Money is no object, this is definitely an option but as you mention, watch out if you have a MacBook AIr that may only have a 128GB hard drive.

- Collapse -
It depends
Sep 1, 2013 1:55PM PDT

I occasionally run Windows on my Mac because I have two radios that occasionally need to have frequency lists and firmware updated. The software for this only runs on Windows, and using a virtual machine is far less expensive than a dedicated PC. It's also fun to install Windows and various flavors of LINUX and experiment with them without the need for extra hardware.

- Collapse -
well is that really a problem
Sep 1, 2013 1:01PM PDT

there are many third party softwares such as VM ware which allows user to run multiple operating systems with out rebooting it.

- Collapse -
The response of a clsssic know it all IT
Aug 30, 2013 1:30PM PDT

He/She is trying hard to disguise his very evident favoritism...but he loves his Windows...and though he presents himself as a neutral third party in the know...he is extremely prejudicial.

If he understood macintosh half as well has he pretends he does...he really would not have to quibble as much as he did.

Windows is dying, and as far as I am concerned, it is about time...it is badly over rated...was a scam really. Microsoft never was that good, and the last system they had worth considering was XP Pro...from 2003.

Windows dies and freezes a lot...I have not had that experience with my Macs for ages...so when and if it ever does happen...it is very much an oddity.

I had one machine on 24/7 for nearly a year straight...can anyone say that about anything Windows?

"Get the service agreement from apple"...as though it will save your hide.

I have had Apple products as the products of choice for more than a decade, and not once did I have anything happen, that I could not fix myself...with parts off of eBay. The insinuation is, that eventually your Apple product will fail and be expensive to fix...and yet supposedly the parts are essentially the same...with the quality edge to Apple. Does that really make sense to you? It surely does not to me.

Do I work on my macs as necessary...yes definitely...and are they more of a hassle than Windoze...no way in hell...in fact they are generally significantly easier to work on than Dells...which are not made at all for access...and are disposable machines...often made very cheaply...with a significantly higher failure rate than my macs ever had.

FYI...I am no rookie either...am A+ certified and have had my MCSE for Windows XP Pro...not as a job...but rather simply out of interest...but I have no desire to go back to the madness that comes out of Redmont. I turned my back on it as substandard, and simply more hassle than it is worth.
Millenium...VISTA...7 and 8...need I say more.

I do have to say though, I also am not a big fan of the iOS...as it is way too much control by Apple. iPads and iPhones are totally within their realm of control...ergo I very much prefer my MacBook Air to any of them.

Apple has not learned the lesson from the mistakes made in Redmont

If you have issues with your Mac at all (unless it is a mechanical failure...which are an inevitable fact of life) get a good copy of DiskWarrior...such that should it need repair...you can run it off of a flash drive. Then install a healthy firewall...and just let it do what it does best....

Backup...I prefer to use Bombich Software's Carbon Copy Cloner to Apple's Time Machine...and I use that backup copy with the installed Diskwarrior on it...if I need it...which has been very seldom.

Macs break and are expensive to repair...poppycock...him saying it is so...does not make it so.

- Collapse -
Thank you for your comments
Aug 30, 2013 10:49PM PDT

I am not sure but I really doubt that Mary is A+ Certified and my guess is that she is not going to be ordering parts from Ebay to make repairs on her own computer. So I have to assume that she will be taking her computer back to the place where she purchased it for service (like the majority of users) which in the case of the Mac would be the Apple Store, Best Buy or some other Authorized reseller. And in this most normal scenario, if the computer is out of warrantee, it will generally cost you more to fix a Mac than a PC at an Authorized repair center.. If you don't believe me, try it for yourself.
Even if you do have the knowhow to fix your own computer, parts for a Mac generally cost more than a PC even when you do get them on ebay. You can test this by search for parts on ebay. Example: I looked up replacement screens for a 13" MacBook air vs. a 13" Dell Vostro. The average price for the PC part was about 1/3 less.
I don't know what part of the world you live in, but Windows is far from dead. Yes, Apple is finally making headway, especially in the wealthier parts of the country.
I personally l have plenty of PC's that have run for more than a year without ever crashing or freezing as well as Mac's. But comparing you or I with the general public is not a fair comparison. What you or I can do with a PC or a Mac is nothing like what or how the average computer user or person asking questions on this forum can do.
I try to face these questions from the point of view of the average computer user, which to me are the people that I typically visit and receive calls from every day, on in other words, the general public.
If I based questions on what I or you actually do, it would probably not be very helpful to anyone. Just because I personally have never had my own computer infected and rendered inoperable due to a virus does not mean that I should recommend to others that they do not install Antivirus software.
Most people just want to purchase a computer, take it home, turn it on, read their email, but a few items on Amazon, write a letter, look a some photos, book an airline ticket, check in with the bank and watch a video or two on Youtube. They want it to turn on every morning, not have to wade through a bunch of notices and warning, install a bunch of updates and reboot before being able to use it. They typically are not exactly sure what to do when something called Java wants to update and they totally freak out when a huge full screen warning from the FBI is asking them to pay a $300 fine pops up and blocks them from doing anything else.
This is no different then the person who get into their car every morning and expects it to start and get them to work and then home at the end of the day. They can spend 1/2 their life driving their car to work and still not be expected to understand how it works, be able to fix it themselves or even be able to change the oil. It just needs to work and do what it is suppose to do with a minimum of trouble.
It really irritates me that there is no WiFi analyzer for iOS because Apple has closed the door to this kind of system access. But Just because you and I personally do not like the policies of Apple regarding iOS, has nothing to do with whether or not I am going to recommend an iPad to a client.

- Collapse -
You missed the entire point
Aug 31, 2013 1:25AM PDT

If I can do it...so can any reasonably competent tech...PC or Mac.

You do not need the guiding hand of Applecare to fix anything Apple.

PC or Mac...if they cannot fix it...they need another line of work.

- Collapse -
PCs Vs Apple
Aug 30, 2013 3:31PM PDT

A well written piece- balanced & informative. Thank you.
amin

- Collapse -
If your have only Windows the Apple OS WILL DRIVE YOU CRAZY
Aug 30, 2013 7:05PM PDT

The Apple OS is just enough different from Windows and the lack of right clicking which is absolutely maddening. If you switch from Windows to Apple expect a pretty irritating learning curve! Also Mac hardware is an out and out RIPOFF!. You pay double for equivalent hardware! There is a reason why Apple has over a $100 Billion in cash on hand! My three year old Windows 7 machines at home runs much faster, and with greater stability (It's been month since my Windows machine has locked up) than the new MAC I'm required to use at work.

- Collapse -
cost
Aug 31, 2013 12:45AM PDT

I own a I mac since Feb this year. The apps I bought are much cheaper than PC.
Also the upgrades for OS are about 25% of the cost of Windows upgrade. Plus there is no need to delete the previous version for a clean install. And all the apps are compatible with my computer.
I generally have had most of my apps be free. And have paid $5 and at times $20.
You can get stuff for more. I think Photoshop is about $40.
Word or Pages was $10. Or you can buy a triple for about $40.
Not like Microsoft office at $150. I am very pleased with the prices I have paid and see.
It's hard not to indulge due to the low cost. Like going to Target!! Happy

- Collapse -
RIGHT Click for Mac
Aug 31, 2013 12:52AM PDT

If not having the RIGHT click on the Mac is your biggest beef, then it might help you to know that you can turn on RIGHT clicking on the Mac from the Preferences Menu for the Mouse. It is turned off by default, but I tend to turn it on for most users, especially for those who are former Windows users.

- Collapse -
I use Mac...and I also use right click
Aug 31, 2013 1:29AM PDT

Which is also available on the touchpad...using the Control key.

Control/touchpad...brings up the right mouse menu.

- Collapse -
Or
Sep 1, 2013 2:02PM PDT

Or tap (or click) with two fingers. I find this a lot easier than a control click.

- Collapse -
I disagree
Aug 30, 2013 9:41PM PDT

You misrepresented the price. Sure you can get a really cheap PC laptop and there are lessor priced Mac's than what you said.
Upgrading with a new OS is sooo simple on a Mac. Click on Applications, store, download. And the price is $20-40.
Not $250 -$400 for PC. And I might add you have to make many calculations as to whether you can use the new OS on PC.
The only draw back I have found (since Feb) is price, I miss Windows Photo Gallery. There is a slight learning curve for which Peach Mac gives free classes once a week. Also the tutorials are plentiful.
I too got fed up with Microsoft. I never disliked them before, but with Windows 8 and my new computer that cannot be upgraded I threw in the towel. Now that there are so many programs that meet or beat PC I am thrilled with the sleek design and smooth operation. Its a logical computer

- Collapse -
Apple or PC
Aug 30, 2013 11:03PM PDT

You point out some excellent reasons for owning an Apple! You almost made me want to buy one....strictly PC user for over 20 years.

But, you left out a very important point: How easy is it to learn to use a Mac?
What is the learning curve to become proficient in daily tasks?

Thanks

- Collapse -
How easy is learning to use a mac
Aug 31, 2013 12:58AM PDT

Leaning to use a Mac is not hard at all and to be perfectly honest with you, the leaning curve is probably about the same as it would be to switch from Windows XP, Vista or 7 to the new Windows 8. It too has a learning curve even if you have been using Windows for years. However, much of this would really depend on what you use the computer for. You can pick up the basics in no time at all, but more complex tasks make take a little time to get use to.

- Collapse -
waytron post - mac v PC
Aug 31, 2013 5:52AM PDT

Thank you for spelling all this out for me. Friends tell me that their Apple Macs work at "lightspeed" compared to the PC. Yes , but there is an extra "0" on the price of an Apple and it's limited software range. It has also been reported as not having the same level of defense against "the nasties" as does Microsoft,

- Collapse -
If you Use the Same Premium Components
Sep 1, 2013 3:12AM PDT

Especially with the new class of Apple products, this simply is not factual..not at all.

Plus the Apple laptops are made for the long haul...pretty well bullet proof.

Again...not only is Apple quite competitive, but you likewise get exactly what you pay for.

You are way overstating the case for Apple being unduly expensive...maybe it was so ages ago...in the distant past...but that simply is no longer true...unless you are into fancy cell phones and iPads...both of which are badly overpriced...what the market will bear.

- Collapse -
What do you need a computer for anyway?
Aug 31, 2013 6:20AM PDT

If you are a professional for whom time is really money, and can't afford to have a machine that has reliability issues, I would strongly suggest a Mac. That has always been the case, and the reason why Apple survived during the mid-1990s before Jobs came back to the job of CEO. It was graphics professionals who remained the core buyers and users of the Mac, and paid the premium price, often three times a much as an equivalent PC, because they could not afford crashes or anything that could delay their contract work for even an hour.
But if you are just a typical user, who just surfs, sends emails, plays some videos or video games, I don't see the justification for paying two or three times as much for a Mac. It's your money and your choice, but on a purely dollars and sense basis for the average user, a Windows PC is probably all they will need if they had to justify it on a monetary basis.

- Collapse -
The iPod is what saved Apple
Sep 1, 2013 12:51AM PDT

Apple was on the verge of extinction, until they came out with the iPod. The popularity of this product is what saved Apple.

- Collapse -
pc advantage by good free software to eliminate problems
Aug 31, 2013 6:37AM PDT

I have used the same pc's for over 8 yrs. They have been fairly trouble free because I have used software to eliminate reg. errors, fragmentation, malware, antivirus, ect. The two best and free is AVG antivirus and advanced system care - asc - for all other problems. A weekly scan has kept my pc's running well. Keep away from vista, and use windows 7 or 8. I have one pc that still uses xp because it will run all apps and games, I just wonder if others have come to the same conclusion. BTW, the asc can even shut down the pc after it cleans it (the defrag option will also keep it fast) - I can honestly say that my pc s with this care are just as fast as when i first got them (especially after adding extra ram.