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With all these technological advances we face every single day in this
modern, heavily computer influenced world, it won't be long before each
of us finds ourselves looking to buy a new machine. Whether you've got
today's top of the line computer or not, it doesn't matter. However,
aspects of computing other than the machine itself are much more
important. Things like your platform, available software, mass storage
unit, etc., can dramatically impact your computing experience.
Little more than a decade ago, the Macintosh was equipped with a GUI
(Graphical User Interface) operating system, which took advantage of the
mouse for input. At the same time PCs (IBM's and compatibles) were
still characterized by the infamous DOS prompt "C:\>". Today, new trends
are reviving Apple as a force in computing. The introduction of the sub
$1000 computer have made the Apple iMac one of the most successful
computer models ever, but at the same time, major PC manufacturers are
also selling many sub $1000 computers. So, why does it matter at all?
Well, as more and more people begin to use the computer, more and more of
what you use can effect your ability to work well alone and with others.
Before looking into the market, consider these questions:
1. Truthfully, how computer literate am I?
The purpose of this article is not to bash any one particular platform,
but these questions, basic as they are, help you greatly in
recognizing the differences between Mac and PC, and even other platforms
like UNIX and LINUX.
How computer litterate you are can be the deciding factor in your
purchasing decision. Ease of use is bigger than ever today, and in recent
hype has shaped the way different platforms look and function. It
won't take much research to figure out that the Macintosh with its
HIGHLY evolved GUI operating system is easiest to use. Its efficient OS
not only requires just a mouse for most functions, but also everything
is only a couple of clicks away. Not to say PCs aren't easy to use,
since PCs have evolved (in certain aspects), more than Macs the last ten
years, PCs are beat in this area but not far behind. In fact, one might
be more comfortable with, and find easier to use a PC because of their
dominant market share -- chances are very good you are already familiar
with and/or use a PC at school or work. As far as the other operating
systems, despite offering advantages in other areas, this is not an area
of strength. They are not recommended for most people, despite attempts
to ease LINUX through GUI shells, these systems still require the user
to memorize command lines, which is a thing of the past for both the Mac
and PC.
Function is the most important aspect of a computer. What you use
the computer for will also shape your ideal machine. For the most basic
user, your applications will mainly be Internet/e-mail, a word
processor, and maybe a few games. These users should look strongly at the Mac.
Its ease of use makes the Mac very attractive. The cons: Macs are
relatively expensive for the hardware you get, and your choice of
applications is not very wide. For almost everyone else, there is the
mighty PC. With top of the line machines at around the price of a mid
range Mac ($2500), and the widest choice of software of all platforms,
the PC is the way to go for most people. It is a great all-round choice
and is excellent performing in all areas.
So with something in mind of what you will be doing, and what platform
to do it in, who wins when it comes to overall power? Again, the PC.
The G3 processor the Mac uses is a great modern work of engineering, but
again, the selection of software is killing the Mac. There is little
native code out there for the G3 to run. Many popular titles come out
months, even years later for the Mac than for the PC, and is often a
mere "portal"-ed version, which is not optimized for the platform to
run. With this in mind, most benchmark scores should not come as a
surprise. Other than the most basic applications, the only area where
the Mac holds its own is in the graphics department. But is it worth an
extra $500 to buy a Mac that will get you 3 extra seconds on the Adobe
Photoshop blur filter? The reason Macs have the advantage here is
because of their G3 processor, which is a great floating point
calculator, but that's basically it. PCs have an incredible array of
software and hardware choices. Everything from the latest 3D cards to
the latest shareware downloads.
Of course, the differences and similarities between the Macintosh and
the PC platform run far, far deeper than those mentioned. But to round
it up, the PC offers a lot of computer for the money, and leaves you a
lot of options as a consumer. The Mac is less intimidating at first and
includes lots of functions also, but it will cost you, and your options
are slim compared to those of a PC user. Other platforms such as UNIX
and Linux are for advanced users. They have far more potential than
both Mac or PC, but they are also hard to use and options are still in
development. In the computing market though, its hard to go wrong. For
a relatively small amount of money, you can buy a perfectly able
machine. For typical applications, both Mac and PC are great choices.
For the first time user, the Macintosh can help you familiarize yourself
with the computing world, and ease the introduction to other things like
the Internet and POP3 e-mail. For gamers and families, the PC is a
better focused machine than the Mac. With Windows 98 and soon 2000,
home networking is a snap. Plus, the PC's options here really shine.
Almost every new game and kids software is optimized for the PC, plus,
they are a great value, and come with more than enough power and
expandability for parents' financial work and general family
entertainment. For power graphics users with little budget constraint,
the Macintosh is still a superior option for high end graphics
workstations, even though competitive PC workstations are available at a
much lower price. We've seen PCvsMac Many times before. It is not a
question of which is faster or cooler, but which suits your needs best
and fits your budget.
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