The debate between Apple loyalists and Windows supporters has raged on social media for quite some time. Although the best days of their fierce rivalry have waned, both platforms completely maintain ardent fans. Nowadays, the difference between getting a MacBook or a Windows laptop is determined by your fandom or what you can afford.
However, when it comes to purchasing a new laptop, the first point of concern isn’t the brand but the technology. Choosing between MacBook or Windows laptops involves a tussle between the two major operating systems – Apple or Windows.
Although Macs can be ubiquitous, Windows continues to dominate the laptop industry regarding market share. However, Apple has worked tirelessly to close the gap; hence, deciding whether a Macbook or a Windows laptop is best for you isn’t a cakewalk.
This article compares MacBooks running Mac OS X against PCs running Windows. So, let’s break things down and examine the many elements of each system to see which may be the best option.
MacBook vs. Windows Laptops: The Divide
MacBooks are Apple’s proud entrants into laptop technology. MacBook variants include the MacBook Air and the MacBook Pro, fast, efficient, and elegant devices. The Pro is a cutting-edge, sophisticated machine designed for professionals. It boasts high-end specifications mixed with a stunning display to provide its users with a premium experience.
On the other hand, the Apple Macbook Air is a ‘lite’ laptop. It is a thinner and much lighter option with moderately sophisticated hardware than the Pro. Nevertheless, it boasts a long battery life, a clear display, and a performance that’s hard to surpass with the latest M1 CPUs. They are both excellent choices depending on user preferences, but the Pro is the most recently updated of the lineup.
Crossing the divide, Windows laptops are manufactured and designed by several companies. One of the most popular companies, Microsoft, comes with its Surface Pro series, and others like Asus with their ZenBooks. However, there are also several smaller companies with less expensive laptop alternatives.
Windows laptops are a category that is so flexible and capable that it is impossible to sum them up. For example, some Windows laptops come with detachable keyboards, such as the Microsoft Surface laptop, which Apple does not provide. And there are many other clear differences between them.
Let us break down the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing MacBooks or Windows computers. First, we’ll look at the functionalities of each laptop, the design, and other elements that pit these massive laptop brands against each other.
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Operating System
MacBook uses macOS. It is a powerful, highly capable operating system that is simple to understand and operate. It is kept up to date with regular upgrades, and the user interface is seamless and elegant. One of the major advantages of Windows is its low susceptibility to viruses.
In comparison, many individuals use Windows operating systems; hence, laptops running Windows are more prone to be infected with viruses. Although different antiviruses like Windows Defender offer protection, malware still occasionally gets through the system.
Furthermore, unlike MacBooks, Windows laptops sometimes include factory installs containing a lot of bloatware. And on top of that, Windows updates are frequently buggy because they occasionally reinstall previously deleted junk.
Asides from all these apparent downsides, many individuals feel most at ease in a Windows environment. It is a simple, straightforward, and familiar operating system. This is a major reason several users choose to buy Windows every time.
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Battery Life
Comparing battery life across MacBooks and Windows laptops is difficult because it is much dependent on the exact laptop. New Macbooks, like other Apple devices, offer excellent battery life. They provide a nice blend of performance with battery optimization.
Windows laptops also offer great battery performance across their different ranges. However, the battery life of a laptop can be affected by a range of factors. For example, components like processors demand larger power input than others. So a laptop with an i3 processor might have a different battery life than a Core i7 processor.
If you want the longest battery life possible, you’ll need to search for a great balance of performance and power optimization.
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Price
MacBooks are well-known for being extremely pricey. Even iPhones are known to outperform competitors’ costs. The most recent MacBook Pro costs up to $2499. Apple’s most affordable laptop, the MacBook Air, costs roughly $1000.
Notwithstanding, many people don’t buy MacBooks because they are cheap; rather, the premium price that many pay for their Macbook is a statement of distinction. Furthermore, they consider the price of a new Macbook and the prospective improvements that may come with it in the future. And unlike before, only software improvements are available on MacBooks. Hence many users rely on the superb build quality and a slew of other features on a Macbook.
For its Windows counterpart, it’s a different story. Firstly, because there are so many different models, it is hard to sum up the price of a Windows laptop. However, the cheapest Windows laptops are about $300, and they perform regular functions with basic specifications.
A mid-tier laptop range features stronger specifications and can perform RAM-intensive applications efficiently — these range from $500 to $700. The top-tier Windows laptops are priced between $900 and $1100, and they can handle games, large editing applications, and professional use in one package.
Some of the most pricey Windows laptops are the Ultrabooks. These high-end computers cost more than $1100 and feature the best laptop hardware technology. So, based on preferences, Windows might be cheaper or even more costly than a MacBook.
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Professional Use
MacBooks are excellent for professional use. The advantage of the macOS is that it includes decent software for video and photo editing, including other creative suites, at no extra cost. The disadvantages stem from their limited flexibility with third-party applications and low capabilities.
For example, the spreadsheet and text editing software aren’t as efficient as the iconic Office suite. However, this software bears the brunt of professional activities worldwide, and the Windows Microsoft Office Suite is undeniably among the best. However, even if you buy the Microsoft bundle, it still lacks the genuine kick it would have on Windows computers.
On the other hand, Windows contains many specialized applications that MacOS lacks and iconic creative editing tools like photoshop and illustrator. However, you would need to buy this software as none of them is included with the standard installation of Windows.
Unlike MacBooks, Windows laptops come with Windows 10 and are maintained up to date with Windows upgrades. So you will have not only access to this professional software and the best-operating systems to upgrade their functionality.
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Design
MacBooks are popular for their unique design. Since Apple invests much in the design, MacBooks are sleek, sturdy, and great quality. There is far less plastic, and the keyboard is comfy and ergonomic. The design is so iconic and encouraged that it hasn’t been altered much in the last decade.
There are so many laptop players on the Windows spectrum that you may pick a laptop to fit practically every taste. There are high-end variants that even equal the design impetus of the MacBooks. Microsoft’s Surface Pro 6 is an excellent example, with its thin frame that combines comfort and practicality.
However, in contrast to MacBooks, Windows laptops are much cheaper and low-end. These devices are occasionally clumsy, wrapped in plastic, and frequently have inconvenient trackpad placements.
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Gaming
Using a Macbook for gaming can be very tricky. It usually depends on your definition of gaming. The MacBook is up to the task of regular board games or 2D games. For intensive 3D games, then probably not.
However, few MacBooks can handle intensive gaming, but they only come with MacOS 10.12, far more pricey. If gaming on your laptop is a crucial factor in your selection, a MacBook will let you down. Few worthwhile games have been built for macOS, which is still an ongoing trend.
Unlike MacBooks, many Windows laptops are built to run the latest games. These have high-end graphics cards, a gamer-friendly interface, and 32+ GB of RAM. Alienware is a well-known manufacturer of Windows gaming laptops.
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Connectivity
MacBooks no longer have a typical USB drive or headphone connection. Converters and splitters are needed to use other devices with them. This is a major disadvantage of switching to a Macbook, as they frequently use different ports. Except you’re a part of the Apple ecosystem, getting Macbooks won’t do you much good when it comes to connectivity.
In contrast, several Windows laptops contain at least a classic connector and DVD drive in some cases. The brand of the laptop heavily influences this. For instance, companies such as Acer and ASUS usually have a variety of ports for you to use.
Conclusion
If you need a quick, stress-free user experience with no want for intensive games, then acquire a MacBook. It is a wise investment that will keep you satisfied. However, if you want to customize your specs and access a large range of applications, go for a Windows laptop. Professional users can compromise between both MacBook and Windows laptops. But for the avid gamers out there, Windows is a clear choice.