Mac vs Windows: Important features you should know before buying a laptop

Mac vs Windows, which of these two leading operating systems is more superior? This million-dollar question has been a never-ending discussion among computer geeks like us.

If you’re on a search for a comprehensive answer to this question, then look no further! This article will provide you with an even-handed and thorough review of the features, performance, and specialised tasks these two OSs can offer.

So sit tight as we go over each category we have highlighted in the Mac vs Windows showdown!

Mac vs Windows User Experience

The user experience is the most significant difference between Windows and Apple laptops. How each platform syncs up with your other devices may influence your choice between the two.

If you’re an Apple fan, macOS could be a better fit for you. MacBooks, iPhones and iPads can effortlessly sync from one device to another. Thus, giving you access to calendars, contacts, notes, and even text messages across devices.

Also, some find the simplified software experience that Apple provides on iOS very appealing. If you feel the same, then Mac would suit you better as it offers the same simplicity.

Meanwhile, Windows 10 is the most widely used operating system, appearing on everything from low-cost laptops to high-end gaming devices. It is the most versatile of the two OSs, supporting touch-screen laptops and convertible 2-in-1 devices, unlike MacBooks.

Windows 10 also includes the Your Phone app, which allows you to access your Android apps and messages from your PC. It is also compatible with iOS devices, though limited to sharing web pages from your phone to your computer.

Compatible and Included Apps

Both Windows and Mac come with various pre-installed tools and programmes. There are apps for email, calendars, news, weather, maps, photo-video viewers and editors.

Not to mention, most web browsers and creative and productivity software are also available on both OSs. This would make the two sufficient enough for basic office work and regular online browsing. However, some users may require something more specialised for their daily tasks.

Windows 10 comes equipped with the handy Sticky Notes, Translator, and Xbox gaming applications. However, macOS comes with better tools, a superior video editor, and a music streaming service. 

Apple’s high-end Logic Pro software and GarageBand tool that comes free with every Mac is popular among music makers. Also, Apple’s popular software like Final Cut Pro and Pixelmator may entice editors to MacBook as well.

Customisation of Interface

Both operating systems allow for some customisation, including options for desktop backgrounds, item sizes, screensavers and more. 

Dark modes are all the rage these days, and they’re available on both Mac and Windows too. However, while the Mac version implemented the dark mode option system-wide, dialogues of certain earlier versions of Windows remain undarkened. 

Nevertheless, the May 2019 Update for Windows 10 introduced a Custom option that allows you to choose between a bright or dark mode for system elements and applications.

While both operating systems have excellent plug-and-play compatibility for multiple monitors, Windows gives you a little more control. You can stretch programme windows over many displays on Windows. In contrast, each window can only exist on a single display in Mac. 

If your interface customisation is too advanced for these two OSs, Linux is a great alternative. It has a selection of user interface shells to your liking.

Hardware Options and Customisation

When it comes to hardware, Apple has some fantastic selections. The beautifully designed Macbooks, the powerful Mac Pro and the 5K iMac screens are worth mentioning. 

On the plus side, Macs are simple to use right out of the box and are easier to fix if something goes wrong. On the other hand, Apple tends to maintain identical specs for their laptops. You could be spending a lot of money on outdated technologies surpassed years ago.

Also, there isn’t much potential for customisation as you can only install Apple-designed hardware on a MacBook. 

Aside from their high price, Windows also overshadows them with the vast assortment that Windows can offer. 

Windows have a more extensive selection of compatible devices. Some of their unconventional choices are the HoloLens and VR headsets that can all run Windows 10.

Not to mention, Windows is unrivalled when it comes to internal components like CPUs, graphics cards, and storage. It is more flexible when it comes to configuring and upgrading a system with your choice of hardware.

Mac vs Windows: Who’s the champion?

These categories we’ve featured might have an obvious winner, but selecting an operating system is more than just its features, capabilities, and support for software and hardware customisation. 

It would be best to consider what you and your family usually use your laptop for, your business needs, other devices in your home and even your personality.

Overall, the two popular operating systems both have pros and cons of their own. Check out PriceShop to learn more tech news and information!