Mac vs. Windows PC in 2024 - Which Should You Buy?

Summary

In 2024, the debate between Macs and PCs continues. Windows PCs excel in gaming, hardware choice, and customization, with better performance and an open ecosystem. They also offer Windows-specific applications and backward compatibility. Macs, however, shine with Apple's integrated ecosystem, offering seamless continuity across devices and superior hardware quality. The choice depends on your needs: gaming and customization favor PCs, while ecosystem integration and build quality favor Macs.

Takeaways

• 🎮 Gaming is a significant advantage for Windows PCs due to better optimization and performance.
• 💻 Windows offers a more open ecosystem allowing for customization and upgrades.
• 🛠️ Pre-built gaming PCs are available, and their cost can vary based on the year and supply chain.
• 🔩 Windows PCs have a wide range of hardware options and configurations, including new ARM-based models.
• 🔋 ARM-based Windows PCs, like the Surface Laptop, offer superior battery life compared to traditional laptops.
• 📱 Windows has specific applications that may run better natively than when emulated on Mac.
• 🖥️ Windows software design includes features like magnetic windows for easy multitasking.
• 🔙 Windows is typically backward compatible, allowing older programs to run on newer systems.
• 📁 Windows has a more straightforward software installation and uninstallation process.
• 📊 Windows taskbar combines the menu bar and Dock for a simplified desktop experience.
• 🤳 Windows Phone Link allows for integration with Android phones, offering deeper functionality than with iPhones.
• 🚪 Windows Hello provides a password and Touch ID alternative for authentication on supported PCs.
• 🛠️ PowerToys is a set of utilities for power users to enhance the Windows experience.
• 🍎 Apple's ecosystem is a key advantage for Mac, offering seamless integration across devices.
• 📲 Continuity features like Handoff and Universal Control provide a unique advantage for users with multiple Apple devices.
• 🎥 Continuity Camera allows Mac users to use their iPhone as a high-quality webcam.
• 🖥️ Sidecar lets Mac users extend their desktop to an iPad for an additional display.
• 📺 AirPlay and AirDrop facilitate easy content sharing between Apple devices.
• 🎧 AirPods seamlessly switch to a Mac when in use, and the Messages app syncs message history across devices.
• 🔒 Apple Watch can be used to unlock a Mac with the Auto Unlock feature.
• 🎨 macOS is praised for its sleek and consistent visual design across the OS.
• 🗂️ macOS has native support for features like widgets and Launchpad, borrowed from mobile designs.
• 🔍 Siri on Mac can perform more tasks and sync with other Apple devices without additional software.
• 🛍️ Mac hardware is known for its quality, including excellent touchpads and high-quality displays.
• 💰 The choice between Mac and PC should consider gaming needs, budget, ecosystem benefits, and personal preferences.

Q & A

What is the primary advantage of Windows PCs for gaming?

Windows PCs have a larger library of games and better optimization for performance compared to Macs.

How does Windows' open ecosystem benefit users looking to customize their PCs?

The open ecosystem allows users to choose from a wide variety of hardware components and upgrade their machines as desired.

What are some of the pre-built gaming PCs recommended in the video?

The video does not specifically mention any pre-built gaming PCs, but links to recommendations are provided in the blog post for the video.

How does the new ARM-based Windows PC, like the Surface Laptop, compare to the MacBook Air in terms of battery life?

The new ARM-based Windows PCs have improved battery life that can compete with and sometimes exceed that of the MacBook Air.

What is one Windows-specific application that might run better on Windows than on Mac?

The script does not specify a particular application, but it mentions that certain programs run better natively on Windows.

What is a software design feature of Windows that the upcoming macOS Sequoia release is adopting?

The magnetic window feature, which allows for easy split-screen or other window configurations, is being adopted by macOS Sequoia.

How is Windows typically more backward compatible compared to other operating systems?

Windows allows users to run older programs on newer versions of the operating system and hardware.

What is the advantage of Windows' software installation process over that of Mac?

Windows has a more straightforward software installation process, whereas Mac requires additional steps to completely uninstall applications.

How does Windows simplify the display of desktop information compared to Mac?

Windows combines the menu bar and Dock into the taskbar, providing a consolidated view of pinned and open apps, whereas Mac requires checking multiple places.

What is the deep integration feature between Windows and Android phones?

Windows Phone Link app allows for deep integration with Android phones, enabling features like screen mirroring, app pinning, and phone control.

What is the main authentication method under Windows Hello?

Windows Hello allows authentication via the camera on select PCs, offering a more convenient alternative to passwords and Touch ID.

How does Apple's ecosystem provide advantages to Mac users?

Apple's ecosystem allows for seamless integration between devices, with features like Handoff, Continuity Camera, Universal Control, Sidecar, AirPlay, and AirDrop.

What is the main difference between the built-in assistant on Mac and Copilot on Windows?

Apple's assistant can perform tasks like finding files and adjusting system settings, while Copilot on Windows cannot do these tasks at the time of recording.

What is considered a strong point of Mac hardware compared to Windows PCs?

Mac hardware is known for its quality, with excellent touchpads, high-quality displays, and solid design, whereas Windows PCs can vary greatly in quality.

What advice does the script give for someone deciding between a Mac and a PC for gaming?

For gaming, the script recommends getting a PC due to its superior gaming capabilities and optimization.

What should a potential buyer consider when choosing between a Mac and a PC based on budget?

If the budget is limited, a PC might be the only option for a new computer, or a used Mac could be considered. Mac Mini starts at $599, and MacBook Air starts at $999.

Why might someone with an iPhone or iPad lean towards purchasing a Mac?

Users with other Apple devices might prefer a Mac to take advantage of the ecosystem benefits like seamless integration and continuity features.

What is the script's recommendation for someone looking for an all-in-one computer?

The script recommends considering an iMac for its display quality and classic design.

How does the script suggest comparing Mac and Windows laptops in terms of performance and battery life?

The script suggests comparing the prices, specs, and considering the ecosystem when choosing between Mac and Windows laptops, noting that Windows Copilot Plus PCs now offer competition.