Since PCs and Macs hit the market, the debate has raged on over which is best. Depending upon who you’re talking to, the Mac vs. PC debate is often even hotter than politics or religion. While you have many who are die hard Microsoft PC users, another group exists that are just as dedicated to Apple’s Mac. A final group exists in the undecided computer category, with either no clue what to use or a version of Linux. I’m here to sort this out, I am not going to be biased, but I will state my opinion. If you think differently, leave a comment below.
Cost
For many users, cost is key. You want to get the absolute most for your money. In years past, PCs dominated the budget friendly market, with Macs ranging anywhere from £100 to £500 more than a comparable PC. Now this price gap has lessened significantly. However, you will notice a few key features that Macs tend to lack in order to provide a lower price: memory and hard drive space
PC = 8/10
Mac = 6/10
Memory
Most PCs have anywhere from 2GB to 8GB of RAM in laptops and desktops, while Macs usually have only 1GB to 4GB. Keep in mind that this is for standard models, not custom orders
PC= 7/10
Mac = 4/10
Hard Drive Space
Macs typically have smaller hard drives than PCs. This could be because some Mac files and applications are slightly smaller than their PC counterparts. On average, you will still see price gaps of several hundred dollars between comparable Macs and PCs. For computing on a budget, PCs win.
There are a few things to take into consideration that may actually make Macs more cost effective: stability and compatibility.
PC = 7/10
Mac = 8/10
Stability
In years past, PCs were known to crash and users would get the blue screen of death, but Microsoft has made their operating systems more reliable in recent years. On the other hand, Mac hardware and software has tended to be stable and crashes occur infrequently.
PC = 6/10
Mac = 8/10
Compatibility
Unlike with a PC, a Mac can also run Windows using a tool such as Boot Camp or Parallels. If you want to have a combination Mac and PC, a Mac is your best option.
PC = 5/10
Mac = 8/10
Availability
Macs are exclusive to Apple. This means for the most part, prices and features are the same no matter where you shop. This limits Mac availability. With the numerous Apple Stores around the world, however, it’s even easier to buy Macs and Mac accessories. Any upgrades or repairs can only be done by an authorized Apple support centre.
PCs on the other hand, are available from a wide range of retailers and manufacturers. This means more variation, a wider price range for all budgets and repairs and upgrades available at most electronics retailers and manufacturers. It also makes it easier for the home user to perform upgrades and repairs themselves as parts are easy to find.
PC = 9/10
Mac = 7/10
Software
The final Mac vs. PC comparison comes down to software. For the most part, the two are neck and neck. Microsoft has even released Microsoft Office specifically for Mac, proving Apple and Microsoft can get along. All and all, Macs are more software compatible as PCs only support Windows friendly software. Both systems support most open-source software. Software for both systems is user friendly and easy to learn.
PC = 8/10
Mac = 8/10
Conclusion
Many people say that they want to get a Mac for things like Photo Booth and GarageBand along with the rest of Apple’s software, however this is pointless as you can get better alternatives on Windows. If you have the money for a Mac, you have the money for a high-end Windows machine too. In the end, the choice comes down to personal preference. Due to price and availability, PCs tend to be the winner, while Macs remain the choice for the more elite or anti-Microsoft computer users. As you can tell, I’m a PC and this verdict was my idea.
PC = 50
Mac =49
Digixav 
Nice article overall, but I have to take issue with a couple of your comparisons above. Mainly the memory and hard drive space. If you go the the Apple store right now you cannot find a single system available with only 1GB of RAM. Most start at either 2GB or 4GB and have models available with 8GB or even 16GB. The same is true when you look at hard drive space. Most come standard with 500GB or even 1TB unless you are talking flash storage which of course starts much smaller at 64GB, but you will see much better performance from those SSD’s.
PC won in this fight but macs are much more accessible and are half the pain in the butt PCs are
Pc won. By one point but still. We won.
not fairly…..
Are you going to force me to write my own post just to prove you wrong? Don’t make me do it! 😛
Loved your anonymous user name by the way…
I would love to see you prove him wrong! 🙂
I wouldn’t. 😛
The thing that really make Mac’s special is that OS is far more efficient. This means that a basic mac with comparatively ‘bad’ specs might well be able to out perform a much better PC because the OS is so good it needs less power to run it. Also you buy a much higher quality machine, I’m sorry but no PC i have ever seen manages to beat the build quality of looks of any Macbook. If you have money to spend and you want to buy a proper laptop then there is no excuse for not buying an Apple and the only reason I could imagine for buying a PC is if you don’t have the money but that doesn’t make them better than Mac’s. I say you get what you pay for.