When it comes to the computing world there are two juggernauts to pick between; Macs and PCs. Mac is just short for macOS, the proprietary operating system used in Macbook and Mac computers. PC is short for a personal computer, but it generally refers to any computer that is running a version of Windows.

The two have often traded blows in the past to fight for supremacy, but they’ve managed to settle into their own specialities and are both valid choices depending on what you plan to use your computer for. So before you decide to invest in a Mac computer, here are a couple of considerations to keep in mind.

I don’t think I am discreet in my love for Apple products. I have been hooked since the age of eighteen when I got my first iMac, in fact, I still own it today and it works just like the first day I turned it on. I have recently bought a new MacBook Pro to replace my five year old laptop which I still use for other things, I can’t complain about the longevity it gives. I have an iPhone, iWatch and my husband just bought me some Apple AirPods. I am a walking advertisement.

I hope these points help you in your decision in this collaborative post. 

1. What type of Mac do you want to buy?

It’s never a bad idea to consider what kind of Mac you want to buy. From the prestigious Macbook Pro to the simple Mac Mini, there are loads of different options that you have to consider.

We suggest taking a look at the options on Apple’s website, but we also recommend that you take a look at the hardware that each computer has and comparing it to ensure you get the best value for money. Apple is known for leaving old products up on its website and keeping the prices high despite there being better-value options on its own website.

2. What will the purpose of your Mac be?

Tech has completely transformed our lives and computers are no exception. It’s important to figure out the exact purpose of your Mac before you decide to buy a new computer. This will ensure that you pick the right kind of Mac, be it a laptop or a desktop computer, and will also help you figure out the specs that you’ll need.

You could write down a couple of uses for your Mac and then figure out the best type of hardware for each purpose. Whether it’s general computing tasks or editing 4K videos, you need to decide early on so that you can make the right purchasing decisions.

3. Could you get your Mac for cheaper?

Mac computers are surprisingly expensive. In fact, a typical PC could be had for under half of what it costs for the cheapest Mac computer from the Apple store.

If you want to get your Mac computer for cheaper then we’d suggest looking at refurbished options. Apple provides its own refurbished devices service which can be helpful if you’re looking to save a bit of money. You could also consider buying refurbished Apple devices from a specialist that repurposes old office computers.

4. Are you coming from a Windows computer?

If you’re switching from a Windows computer to Mac then you may want to do a little research before you make the jump. There are lots of small things that might frustrate you when getting accustomed to the new operating system.

For example, the fastest way to take a screenshot of something is different on Mac than it is on a PC. In addition, the way you install new programs is different as well. You also might lose certain features that you’ve grown used to using on a PC and will need to find a substitute for it on Mac.

5. Do you have other Apple devices?

If you have other Apple devices then they can actually work really well with your new Mac computer. People refer to this as the Apple ecosystem. If you have multiple Mac devices, then using them together becomes much easier. You can easily move files from one device to another, and you can even answer calls on your Mac computer if you use an iPhone.

There are lots of interesting ways to use your devices together. However, if you don’t have existing Apple devices, then the value of getting a Mac computer diminishes slightly.

6. Will you be using your Mac for gaming?

Gaming is one area where Mac typically falls a bit short. Most people don’t purchase a Mac for gaming because it’s typically designed for professionals and intensive tasks such as video editing or 3D modelling. However, that doesn’t mean that a Mac doesn’t have the hardware needed to play video games.

Instead, the problem is due to a lack of support for gaming on Mac. You see, developers need to make applications suitable for both Windows and Mac. Windows has a much larger user base and the people that buy Mac computers typically don’t use it for gaming. If you’re interested in gaming on a computer, then you may want to go with Windows instead unless you only plan to do some light gaming with Mac-supported titles. When in doubt, always check the game that you’re buying.

7. Is it the right time to buy a Mac now?

If you’ve ever bought an Apple product then you may have experienced that sinking feeling of realizing that a new version is just around the corner with drastically improved hardware and features. Luckily, the software on most Apple devices can be upgraded with relative ease, so you’re not going to miss out on many features. However, the hardware upgrades can be quite significant, especially considering how expensive it can be to upgrade a Mac computer (if it’s even possible!)

So we highly suggest looking at some news websites that cover Apple and its hardware. Make sure you’re buying something that is relatively new and isn’t due for a refresh anytime soon. This will ensure that you’re buying something that will last you a long time. It’ll also make sure you don’t regret the purchase in the future.

8. Could you be better off with Windows?

At the end of the day, there’s nothing wrong with going for Windows instead. There are plenty of benefits to both a Mac or PC, but if the price is a concern then we suggest looking at a Windows computer instead. Mac computers are great if you have the budget for it, but if you won’t be using your computer for any intensive tasks, then you may want to consider saving your money and getting a basic PC instead.

At the end of the day, both operating systems are great and get the help you get work done. But if a Mac computer isn’t suited for your needs, there’s nothing wrong with just going for a Windows PC instead.

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