Mac vs. Microsoft
When you look into a typical Baruch college classroom, many of the students there have some form of an Apple product, whether it be an iPhone, Mac, or even an Apple watch. On the market today there are numerous devices that can compete with Apple products that other companies produce. Companies like Windows, probably one of the biggest competitors to Apple, have devices like the Surface Pro, comparatively one of the more popular computers that Microsoft makes, but it does not seem like the popular choice within a college environment. Both your standard Mac, standard as in no outside modifications and the Surface Pro are both well-designed and highly functional laptops. The Surface Pro acts as both a tablet and a PC, and this you allow to work practically anywhere. With the Mac your given access to apps like Garageband and this allows you to create and mix music with ease.
Although there are clear pros and cons between both the products mentioned they still excel in a specific field, so why do most college students tend to gravitate towards Apple products? In this blog, I plan to explain the differences between Apple and Microsoft individual computers, not just limited to laptops, and what Baruch College students should ultimately spend their money on.
Budget
In a recent 2017 study, it is estimated that the average household income for Baruch College students is around 49,700 dollars. With this number, it is expected that the budget available for students to purchase a laptop is relatively low. With a budget in mind, most students would look for a decently, anything less than 1000, priced laptop that is well-made. In 2019, the Macbook ranked 9th and 10th as the best laptop for college students. Ahead of the Mac where all laptops that Microsoft produced. The number one ranked computer for college students is the HP Envy 13t. This was ranked the best overall laptop because of its comparably low prices, priced at 900 dollars, and its high-quality functionality.
Gaming
When it comes to deciding whether you want to buy a computer from Apple or Microsoft, you have to know what you are looking for. Computers from their respective brands each excel at something that other does not. When it comes to gaming buying a laptop or a PC from Microsoft is comparatively better than a Mac. When building a gaming PC, whether you have a Mac or Microsoft, you most likely need to add some sort of extra memory and a dedicated GPU, a unit that allows your computer to process and render images, in order to make gaming more optimal. Games on the computer require extra storage for computers. A dedicated GPU is also required, a separate unit that is not integrated into the motherboard because it makes a task like playing video games and photoshopping faster and smoother. Mac’s are generally not considered to be your first choice computer because Apple, as a company, focuses on fitting as much computing power in as small a package as possible. Simply, this means that Apple rather focuses on making an impressive CPU, your processing unit, and this does not leave enough room to input a high-quality dedicated graphics card. One popular graphics card on the market is the RTX 2080ti, the size of this GPU is greater than 10 inches diagonally and has a width of over 2 inches.
Pricing
Also for gaming, targeted towards more “hardcore” gamers, you will most likely want to mix and match your parts within your already bought laptop or PC in order to have “perfect” gameplay. People that tend to play more computer games than average tend to switch out the GPU and memory out of their computer for an even better one. However, in terms of pricing, it would cost too much for you to do that with a Mac, as the price of Macs can reach prices of up to 10 thousand dollars. Secondly a “decent” Mac laptop or Mac Pro is typically two thousand dollars, whereas you can build a powerful, dedicated gaming computer for cheaper. Most of the GPU’s that are out now usually depreciate in price as time passes, by waiting a couple of years you can get one of the best GPU’s for nearly half of what it originally was. In terms of pricing and gaming, you are better off choosing something from Microsoft rather than Apple.
Sites that sell pre-built computers
There are many sites that sell decently priced pre-built Microsoft computers that would prove to be more “worthy” than an expensive Mac. Digital Storm, a reputable source, is a site that sells four different models, each model better than the previous. The cheapest pre-built PC they have is 700 dollars before tax and shipping, according to Digital Storm. If you are a devoted gamer then purchasing a computer from Microsoft, not specifically Digital Storm, is the better option. Pre-built computers make your life easier if you do not have any background knowledge on how to make one.
Aesthetic
Although purchasing something from Microsoft is better for gaming, Apple Macs has many features that make purchasing one attractive. Macs have a retina display that creates sharp and clear displays. Both Mac and Microsoft provide devices that have retina displays, but there are a select few of Microsoft products that have retina displays and searching for them can be a hassle. Most of the Macs available on the market already come with a retina display so looking for a Mac laptop that has one is simple. Also, Macs have arguably the best trackpads on the market. The Mac trackpad has an acid textured glass over the metal with a nice grip, while, the trackpads that Microsoft produces are considered to be uncomfortable to touch and insensitive. The Mac is lastly considered to be more visually appealing, the computers still maintain a simple and stylistic design.
iCloud
Not only does Mac have a beautiful aesthetic, a beautiful retina display, and smooth trackpad, but also has a well-manufactured operating system. With the Mac operating system, you can connect your Apple devices together. Currently, no other companies have come close to this technological innovation. By connecting your multiple Apple devices together you can track your devices from another device, and play music from various devices, and ultimately sync your data.
Free Apps
Also included in Macs operating software, Apple provides you with many free apps such as iMovie, Garage Band, and Image Capture. Compared to other editing and movie apps provided by Microsoft, Apple outclasses most of them. Microsoft also provides you with a lot of free apps, but they often are considered “bloatware”, unneeded apps. Often the “bloatware” apps clutter up your system and can be considered unappealing, on most Microsoft computers you have apps that are preloaded such as Solitare.
Operating System
In regards to the operating system, Apple also provides free upgrades for the operating system. However, transitioning from older Microsoft operating systems, such as Windows 7, to the most recent operating system, Windows 10, you would have to pay 120 dollars and up. Lastly, if you ever not satisfied with the operating system by Apple you can always install Bootcamp, a software that allows Mac devices to access Microsoft operating systems. To convert from iOS tooWindows, all you need to do to turn your Mac into a Microsoft computer, all you need to do is install the Boot Camp software. The functionality between the two operating systems is virtually similar.
Hackintosh
However, if you are not satisfied with your current windows switching from Windows to iOS is hard to do. In order to create your “Hackintosh”, the computer-term for a Microsoft computer with an Apple operating system, you need specific parts in order to run the operating system. With the external parts you have to buy, you will still not come close to the original product. Gerwitz, a regular computer builder, tried to replicate the operating system of the Mac mini and claimed that you can not clone the Mac mini into a “Hackintosh”.
My Opinion
Both Apple and Microsoft produce high-quality computers but have a specific targeted demographic. Computers created by Microsoft target middle to lower income students due to their prices and also people who have a strong interest in games. On the other hand, Apple targets higher-income students, due to their premium prices, and also people interested in the arts, such as Photoshop and film creation. As an owner of a Mac and also a Microsoft Computer, I would definitely prefer my Microsoft computer over my Mac. In terms of pricing, my Microsoft computer was way cheaper than my Mac. I also play a lot of computer games, and there is a noticeable difference between playing games on the Mac and my Microsoft computer. Also, I have no desire to photoshop or create movies, one of the many specialties that the Mac has.
In conclusion, Microsoft computers are just superior compared to Apple computers. In my opinion, there is really no reason for someone to purchase a computer from Apple unless it is for the aesthetic or the ability for it to connect with other Apple devices. Computers from each brand almost have the same functionality, except that Microsoft computers have more gaming capabilities.
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