While Apple computers have never matched PCs in scale, their dedicated core following has always kept them around. Their products give reasons for the dedication some people have for Apple, but they also give reasons why Macs have always remained a distant second to the PC. While Apple offers great machines, they have their drawbacks.
Apple has long excelled at quality. While their computers certainly can break down, they last longer than the average PC and their users replace them less frequently. This helps to at least partially offset their higher purchase prices.
Apple computers are often equipped with more frills as comparison to other computers. For example, their laptops offer a lot of little extras that are found much less frequently on PCs such as tiny webcams, MagSafe charging points (these detach when the cord is accidentally jerked hard), LED lights that will show battery strength without booting, magnetic latches and other neat features as well as accessories.
Of course, design is a major attraction for many users. PCs tend to be rather dull, but design is something Apple has long excelled at. From sleek, innovative designs to a variety of colors, their computers just look cool.
Since Apple maintains complete control over the hardware and software of their computers, they are better made and much more reliable. Windows based machines are sometimes like the Jack of all trades, master of none. Since they are designed to work on any combination of hardware, there are often drive and other compatibility issues. Made for closed environments, Apple computers are designed to do fewer specific tasks well. This greatly reduces the glitches, bugs and crashes that can so frustrate Windows users.
This closed environment also has its drawbacks though. The main one being compatibility with other systems and software. Being a closed system and under 5% of the market, there are a wide range of programs that simply will not work on a Mac. While Windows computers may freeze and crash more, it is at least possible to use the programs others are. Those using Macs are often left behind. Although attempts have been made to make them more compatible, they still have a long way to go.
Being smaller has its advantages though. Since those who make malware want to target as many machines as possible, they usually write programs to target PCs. This means there is far less malicious code out there targeting Macs.
Another negative of Macs is parts compatibility. While PCs usually can be easily upgraded, this is not so with Apples. One simply has to buy a new system, and their computers usually cost more. With computers changing faster than ever, the need to upgrade is likely to grow.
The choice often comes down to the greater style and reliability of Macs to the greater compatibility, lower prices and versatility of PCs.
Source by Tom A Smith
