Photo: Matt Krueger
ROUND 1: BEAUTY PAGEANT
PC: The PC, or personal computer for those less technologically literate, has come a long way in a short time. PCs are now as unique as their owners, with different models and sizes to choose from.
MAC: Macs on the other hand, the genius of Apple Computer, are indisputably the best-looking machines on the market. The new iMac G5 serves as an example for all other computers to follow with its hard drive built into the display!
Possibly even more fun to goggle at than use, Macs are sweet iCandy. The Macintosh takes the lead!
SCORE: PC – 0
MAC – 1
ROUND 2: BEST BUY
PC: Personal computers range in cost, but now they are more affordable than ever. Generally speaking, you can get a brand new desktop for as little as $500. Of course, the higher-end PCs will run you more.
MAC: If you’re looking at buying an eMac, you can expect to pay roughly $1,000. The iMac starts at $1,599. So, you’ll need a hefty chunk of change before considering an Apple Computer when you could already be enjoying a new PC.
Don’t sell yourself short, but also don’t pay more than you need to. The initial cost of a PC is clearly more cost-effective than a Mac.
SCORE: PC – 1
MAC – 1
ROUND 3: COMPATIBILITY CRUNCH
PC: Microsoft raves that with “a world of software and devices that run on Windows, the choice is yours.” There really isn’t much choice in the matter since Windows dominates the PC market. As a result, there are more programs that are compatible with Windows than any other platform.
MAC: There are over 12,000 applications designed specifically for Macs, except that doesn’t even come close to the thousands more made for Windows and its PC users. Fortunately for some, Mac OS X Tiger patches up many old compatibility issues.
In the end, PCs are most compatible with a wider selection of software. PC scores!
SCORE: PC – 2
MAC – 1
ROUND 4: SECURITY BREACH
PC: It’s probably the world’s worst kept secret that PCs are more prone to virus attacks and spyware than Macs. PC infections are so common that the majority of viruses go undetected until the damage has already been done.
MAC: Mac users are arguably more secure when it comes to viruses. Not because they are immune to a breach in security, but again because there aren’t as many programs compatible with Macs and fewer Mac viruses floating around the web.
Regardless of whether you use a Mac or PC, you are exposed to virus threats all the time. Ironically, the Apple Computer just so happens to have fewer worms. The score is even!
SCORE: PC – 2
MAC – 2
ROUND 5: PERFORMANCE PRIZE
PC: Although performance is largely dependent on what programs are running and the specifications for your individual computer, speed also plays an important factor. The Pentium 4 processor can clock up to 3.8 GHz if you have the right model.
MAC: On the Apple website, they of course claim that their Power Mac G5 outshines all competition in a series of application tests. Nevertheless, its top processor is merely 2.7 GHz.
Mac often uses Adobe Photoshop to prove its brawn when even Adobe has said the PC performs best. The PC takes a bite out of Apple’s Mac!
SCORE: PC – 3
MAC – 2
ROUND UP: This universal debate is as much Apple vs. Microsoft as it is Mac vs. PC. However, it’s not about who did what first; it’s about who does it better. For the simple fact that the personal computer is more compatible with more programs and more computers in the world, the PC wins. Don’t “Think Different,” think again.
WEBLINKS:
www.mac.com
www.microsoft.com
www.intel.com