Commercial offices, retail stores, auto scrap yards and multinational conglomerates all have one thing in common: the desktop computer. In most cases, it is the single most important business tool used on a daily basis. For this reason, business owners have a very clear motive for choosing the very best computers they can buy when starting new companies. While the most historically popular type of business computer on the market is the PC, made famous by the Microsoft Windows operating system it typically uses, Apple Mac computers have enjoyed a surge in popularity ever since the turn of the millennium.
Now, businesses often find themselves at a crossroads when it comes to deciding between the two. In earlier years, specific industries would tend towards either Apple or Microsoft operating systems, but the two companies have since enjoyed a convergence, largely thanks to cloud technology. For example, by storing all of your business data in Microsoft’s Office 365 cloud software, you can freely choose between using Apple hardware, PC hardware or any combination of the two without the growth-limiting compatibility issues you would have faced in earlier years.
PC vs. Mac: Advantages and Disadvantages
The result of this is that business owners can get a clearer and more hardware-centric perspective when choosing between these two options. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, for example:
Apple Macs:
- Are more future-friendly—Apple users are less likely to have to upgrade their systems over time, and can generally rely on getting more use out of their computers before having to replace them.
- Offer a better user experience—One of Apple’s strong points is software design. The company is renowned for its ability to make complex software simple and easy to use. This can cut down on training and increase daily productivity in some industries.
- Can improve company image—In industries like advertising or audio/video production, an Apple computer makes a statement that can influence clients. People who hire these types of services want to feel like they’re working with creative professionals who invest in the latest tools and technology, and Apple products tend to fulfill that expectation.
- Are less at risk of malware attacks—This is a statistic trend that has little to do with the way PCs and Macs are physically designed or manufactured. As Apple computers become increasingly popular over time, Apple malware will become a bigger problem in response.
PCs:
- Are more affordable—A single entry-level iMac workstation can cost up to double what a similarly-equipped PC would cost.
- Offer better network connectivity—Apple’s network software lacks useful features common to most PCs, including central management and security controls. This, combined with the lower cost of purchasing multiple PC workstations, makes PC a great choice for network-based businesses.
- Are more familiar to most employees—Chances are, your employees have a PC of some kind at home. This gives them an immediate advantage when it comes to the basic computer literacy needed for any modern job position.
- Feature similar support costs to Apple computers—While you might think that PCs, being more affordable than Macs, would be more expensive from a support perspective, the truth is that each computer draws similar costs over time when it comes to IT support and troubleshooting.
From this data, it seems evident that PCs are a better choice for large, extensively networked corporations that benefit less from a sleek image: industrial companies come to mind. Apple computers deliver benefits ideal for creative professionals and small businesses, but give less of an image boost when used in drier, more business-oriented contexts such as insurance, logistics or finances. Regardless of the one you choose, rest assured each system is equally capable of providing for your business needs, albeit in slightly different ways. ComputerHelpLA is the trusted choice when it comes to staying ahead of the latest information technology tips, tricks, and news. Contact us at (310) 893-0878 or send us an email at info@computerhelpla.com for more information.