Switching From PC To A Mac: Common Myths Debunked

There are lots of myths in regards of switching to a Mac platform. Is it the software that we use at work? Or maybe the files we already have? These days, the switch is easier than ever; and we are going to point out some misconceptions and great features that the Mac world has to offer.

Macs are too expensive: When we compare similar equipped machines, the price difference is pretty minimal. Check out this example:

Apple MacBook ( 2.4GHz Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, 250 GB storage, 13.3 Screen for $999) versus Sony VAIO VPC13V5E (2.53GHZ, 2GB RAM, 320GB storage, 13.3 Screen for $1100).
When you see prices for super cheap PC laptops, they're likely made with cheap components instead of quality materials; software wise, they come installed with just bare bones OS or bloatware that you don't need or will ever use. On top of that, you may have to spend hours troubleshooting driver conflicts or patching virus definitions and more. Another things to consider is that Macs hold their value better than PCs in general, so when you decide to upgrade, you may recoup some of that initial investment.

I need Excel/PowerPoint/Word: Microsoft makes Office for the Mac, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. You will find total compatibility between the same document opened and saved from one PC to a Mac. Also Apple offers Office compatible software like Pages and Numbers, both which can open and save in Microsoft Office native file formats your Windows friends can use.

They can't run Windows apps: Now that all Macs use Intel chips inside, they have the ability to run Windows natively instead of just using slow emulation software. You can either use the provided free BootCamp or use any of the other programs available out there like Parallels or VMware Fusion, but remember, the whole joy of using Macs is that you don't have to run Windows but is good to know that you could if you have to.

I need to buy a new mouse/webcam/keyboard: The Mac is standards compliant which means that all recent peripherals are simply plug-and-play on your new Mac. OS X will even pick the driver needed for you automatically, simplifying the process. Even components that say they are not Mac compatible often are, so search using "product names+OS X" to see if other users have noted success with supposed Windows-only peripherals. It'susually just a case of a manufacturer not offering official support.

(Image: Flickr member Natasha C Dunlicensed for use under Creative Commons)

Comments (19)

I am really curious as to what make/model that sleek, black notebook is in the opening image. Can someone clue me in? Thank you in advance!

The current version of office for Mac (2011) includes Outlook. Allowing even easier integration with exchange server. No more entourage.

tstaniec: it's the new Samsung 9 Series laptop. It's not for sale just yet.

I'm confused, I see a sony vaio laptop on their site with the same specs as listed above except double the memory at 4gb for $875. I think you can find comparable specs to the $999 macbook for $700 or less. paying 43% more isn't what I would consider a "minimum price difference", but I hey I don't own one so I probably wouldn't "understand."

And im sure your comparable VIAO has blueray, USB 3.0 and probably is an i5 processor. Because those can be had on PC for less than $1100.

I love Macs, im just saying if you are going to cover specs then cover them. Dont glance over or leave out what you want.

It's interesting to note that the Vaio computer you use for comparison is obsolete, and unavailable. This is disingenuous. Lets use a more recent Sony model:

Sony VAIO VPCS134GX/B Laptop Computer - Intel Core i3-380M 2.53GHz, 4GB DDR3, 500GB HDD, DVDRW, 13.3" Display, Windows 7 Professional 64-bit, Black - currently $929 on Tiger Direct.

You should note that the Sony tax is just about as large as the Apple tax.

One thing you'll never get from Apple, is a sale price. Besides, if I pay less money upfront, I don't need for the computer to hold it's value.

As far as component quality, all computers are built with the same components by the same Chinese slave labor that builds all of our electronics.

Part of the "bloatware" that you complain about is a trial version of Microsoft Office.

I don't have to buy a program to run Apple software on my PC, because most software is readily available for the PC. The whole joy of using a PC is that you don't have to run OSX, because you really don't have to.

So here is a Toshiba for $779.

13.3-inch HD LED-backlit display
Intel Core i5-450M processor
4 GB of RAM
500GB Hard Drive

http://store.microsoft.com/microsoft/Toshiba-Satellite-L635-S3025/product/470B1F2B

Once again, this site is showing their bias for Macs. If you are going to compare things compare them correctly. Apple computers generally cost more than their PC counterparts.

People just need to realize that people like what they like and thats the end of it. No more of this stupid Apple vs PC stuff.

Another one of my silly things... PC means Personal Computer. Your Apple is a PC.

i own a macbook. they are more expensive, obviously. Why do people keep comparing hardware? I bought a Mac for the SOFTWARE.

I use VMware Fusion on my Mac at work. It's a system resource hog, I have to nearly sign out of every other application for it to run reasonably, and I have 6 gigs of memory.
Agree with above posters. I like macs, but the bottom line is the bottom line when you're not made of money or are running a business, and spec for spec, non-Mac PC's are cheaper.

Did you intend to compare hardware, software or operating systems?

How about a post 'Switching from Mac to a PC: Myths debunked' to ensure equality amongst OS? And why not mention Linux while we're at it? ;)

Because no one would ever switch from a PC to Mac. Once you go Mac, you never go back ;)

I meant Mac to PC but the comments system won't let me delete.

this site is sooo MacCentric its disgusting! seriously, there are certian programs (for those who do analytical and scientific computing) that are far superior in a PC. Mac version of Excel makes me want to murder someone. ALSO, for programers and people who like to tinker with their computers, a PC is far more malleable.

Having used both quite a bit, I find that the extra Mac expense has always paid for itself based on the amount of time I don't waste dealing with viruses, server connectivity issues, hardware problems, etc.

This is based entirely on workplaces that are based on networks of either Macs or PCS, not just my own recreational computer use:

The Mac-based offices ran very smoothly with little downtime, but at the PC-based offices, I've wasted hours upon hours of my time dealing with problems ranging from the power cord of my computer failing to unknowingly downloading a virus hiding on a camera's SD card to having to reload browser preferences every time I open Firefox.

Now, I'm not saying this must be true for everyone, but based on my experiences, PCs have been an absolute sinkhole of wasted time.

The ONLY reason to buy a Mac is because you don't need to deal with anti-virus software. The day I do, I will go back to a PC, as will any number of my friends. We're all high level computer professionals.

When you buy a Mac, you pay the "Mac tax" - and the quality isn't necessarily better. I've actually had more problems on my Mac than I did on a PC (screen failure within 18 months, problems upgrading the OS and synching).

If you are worried about switching, buy the book "Switching to a Mac" - or just google.

Yeah, you can run Windows on a Mac, but why would you want too?

Bottom line: Macs are nice and a pleasure to use. They're also more expensive than PC's. Win7 is not a bad OS either. Buy a Mac if you want a Mac, you'll still get a crapton of value and use out of it.

If your apartment looks anything like the ones on this site, you probably don't mind spending a little more for aesthetics anyway.

I switched to Mac years ago and will never go back. While Windows 7 is bearable, I still rather use a Mac. I love the high quality materials they use to craft their products and how beautiful they are. I do however, dual boot into Linux for fun. Overall, I use mainly use OSX for everything I do. Graphic design, college work, and of course gaming and web browsing/chat/listening to music. I have found my MBPro to be worth every penny. No regrets.