Folks this morning are taking a look at Microsoft's new "PC vs. Mac" section on the Windows website. First spotted by Ars Technica, the site gives a multitude of reasons PCs apparently are better than Macs.
Let's take a look at some of them. Which ones do you think are valid? Which do you think are B.S.?
Macs might spoil your fun.
There are some things you simply can't do out of the box with a Mac like watch, pause, rewind, and record TV like a DVR.
It's showtime.
You can't get a Mac that ships with a Blu-ray player, TV tuner, Memory Stick reader, or built-in 3G wireless. You can with PCs running Windows 7.
Game on!
Most of the world's most popular computer games aren't available for Macs. And Macs can't connect to an Xbox 360. PCs are ready to play.
Macs can take time to learn.
The computer that's easiest to use is typically the one you already know how to use. While some may say Macs are easy, the reality is that they can come with a learning curve. PCs running Windows 7 look and work more like the computers you're familiar with, so you can get up and running quickly.
Working smoothly.
Things just don't work the same way on Macs if you're used to a PC. For example, the mouse works differently. And many of the shortcuts you're familiar with don't work the same way on a Mac.
Macs don't work as well at work or at school.
If most of the computers in your office or school run Windows you may find it harder to get things done with a Mac.
Sharing documents and spreadsheets.
If you use Apple's productivity suite, sharing files with PC users can be tricky. Your documents might not look right and your spreadsheets might not calculate correctly.
It's easy with a PC.
On a Mac, you have to manually set up photo sharing, manually set up music and movie sharing, manually set up file sharing, and manually set up printer sharing. It's easy to automatically and securely network with all the computers in your house when they're running Windows 7.
Macs might not like your PC stuff.
Plain and simple, if you're a PC user, lots of your favorite stuff just might not work on a Mac. With PCs outselling Macs 10 to 1, the reality is that most computer software is developed to run on PCs.
Programs you already know.
If there's a Mac version of a program you need, you'll have to buy it again and relearn how to use it on a Mac.
Macs don't let you choose.
PCs give you a lot more choice and capabilities for your money. You can get the PC you want, in the size and color you want, with the features you want. You just don't have as many options with a Mac.
More digital media.
With PCs running Windows 7, you can play the videos and music stored on your home PC while you're on the go, for free. Apple charges $99/year for its online service.
OK, I can't help myself. I'll say three things:
1) What about Office for Mac? Microsoft takes the time to talk about how productivity documents might not match up, but the company makes a freakin' Mac version of Office. And it's not like Office comes free on Windows machines.
2) For young people, games and media are a huge factor. Microsoft's three-screens strategy, including synchronization with the Xbox 360, is a hidden gem in the Windows sphere.
3) Microsoft, for some reason, left out what is likely to be the biggest factor when deciding between PCs and Macs: cost! PCs generally cost less.
