Corner Post editorial —
Mac vs PC: is one better than the other?
by Amy Zuroweste, posted Dec. 7, 2011
As we head off to college, there are many decisions we must make. Where to go, what to major in and who to live with. One decision that is important, but often overlooked, is what kind of laptop to get. Within that choice lies the long-time battle of Mac vs. PC.
As I entered the University Bookstore during summer welcome, I made the decision to purchase my laptop. I was overwhelmed by the selection of different laptops in different sizes and colors and the selection of a Mac or PC. A Tiger Tech employee took me aside, asked me my major and explained the benefits of each laptop. In the end, we both decided that a Mac would be most beneficial. I have been in love with my Mac laptop ever since and will never go back to using a PC.
The idea of a portable computer was born in the 1970s, according to randomhistory.com. By 1987, competition was fierce to produce the first truly successful laptop computer as more and more manufacturers appeared on the laptop market.
The release of the Windows 95 operating system by Microsoft in 1995 was a significant moment in laptop history. It was also during this year that CD-ROM drives, Intel Pentium processors, and floppy disk drives became standard on almost all laptops. Leading laptop suppliers like Dell, Gateway and Toshiba quickly released models containing similar features of a laptop computer.
In September 1989, Apple released its first laptop, according to eHow.com’s history of Mac Laptops. The first Macbook models appeared in 2006 and featured speeds up to 2.16 GHz, with hard drives that could hold up to 80 GB. The superior graphics of the MacBooks, along with their glossy wide screens, made them a favorite of designers and art professionals.
While Apple was slow to enter the market, the company’s 1991 PowerBook series revolutionized laptop technology, according to randomhistory.com. Computers in the PowerBook series were the start of several standard features in today’s laptops, including keyboard placement, the touchpad mouse, and built-in network adapters.
Before I purchased my Mac, I owned a PC laptop. I constantly had issues with viruses and crashing. I ran out of space for my pictures and documents within a year of owning it. With my Mac, I have not had any issues with viruses or space. The Mac is faster, user-friendly and came with many programs, such as a picture editor and iTunes that I had to download to my PC.
Although I have not had any virus issues and didn’t believe Macs could get viruses, I was told differently.
“One misconception people have is that Macs don’t get viruses, but people with Macs come in all the time having problems because they have viruses,” said Jon Harrison, a sales associate at Best Buy. “In my opinion, Macs are overrated. Apple is very good at hyping up their products.”
According to a blog by itok.net, Macs lead PCs in stability, security, reliability, multimedia, compatibility and speed. However, PCs have proven to be more affordable, popular and have a wider selection. In 2010, Macs had only sold 3.3 million units to PC’s 88 million.
Even though I favor Macs, they are not for everyone. It depends on what your specific use for your laptop is.
“I like PCs because my programs for engineering work better on PCs, but I also like Macs because I love my iPhone,” said Michele Painter, an engineering major at MU.
Just because your friend loves his Mac or adores his PC doesn’t mean you will too.
“You should always purchase according to your own opinion, not others,” Harrison said. “Buy what will work for you, not what your friend raves about. Macs could be better than PCs, they could be worse. They both have pros and cons, ups and downs. Macs do a better job of packaging and advertising, PCs sell more.”
Whatever your preference, make sure you choose what is right for you.
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