Why Macs are better than PC's?

[Demigod Mac]

"better" is the wrong word to use. It depends on what you use the computer for.

Gaming? PC, no contest.
Price/performance ratio? PC.
Cutting edge hardware? PC.

Need a stable, reliable OS? Mac.
Need a better designed OS with better workflow? Mac. (this is an opinion; I can understand why some would prefer Windows)
Peace of mind knowing you are almost never the target of malware and junkware? Mac. (even if you are smart enough to avoid them, it's a nice extra layer of security)

Most importantly,
Are you a creative professional or scientist who simply does not have time to tinker and troubleshoot your system when issues arise and need A+ grade support with lightning fast turnaround time from a single vendor? Mac. Time is money to a lot of people; PC advocates rarely factor this in when arguing price. A client isn't going to accept that you couldn't meet their deadline because your PC crashed and you had to spend a few days troubleshooting and getting replacement parts. The Apple Tax is egregious yes, but not as bad as they make it out - to some it's worth it because they simply don't have the time to tinker and troubleshoot which component in their PC is faulty and deal with that specific vendor and their poor turnaround time and terrible customer service - much easier to haul the machine down to the local Apple Store to get it diagnosed and fixed within a few days. If you're a hardcore PC gamer and your system stops working, no big deal, you just lose time playing videogames while troubleshooting the issue and dealing with vendors.

 

[AppleDroid]

Never had one in all the years I’ve been running it. Most of those without virus protection.

Because you're computer literate. People like my parents on the other hand are not and due to "oh that sounds fun I'll just click and install this!" mentality several full wipe/reinstalls of Windows have been performed in the last several years.

 

[bladerunner2000]

If you don't mind breaking the ToS and use modified components, which may or may not work as intended on your particular set up.

Yeah but thats a moot point thought because anyone wanting to build a hackintosh is going to HAVE to have to the right parts, otherwise, this discussion wouldn't be happening.

If you compare equivalent parts (i.e. use the exact same parts), it's typically not that much cheaper if at all, and this is especially true for pre-built boxes. And this is before you factor in the value of your own time that you put into doing it.

Which can't happen anyway as all the parts in Macs now are custom made for Apple that it's impossible to make a DIRECT comparison of one glaring part of the Mac build: the motherboard. But this is why the Hackintosh build does come into play; the Gigabyte motherboards use *most* of the same compatible components as any normal Mac would use; chipset, onboard audio, onboard LAN, etc. The rest of the components; CPU, PSU, GPU, Fans, etc. are somewhat debatable but in this case you do have the freedom to chose whichever parts fit your budget or your needs.... which actually CAN and many times are of much higher quality than the Apple counterparts... ie; my Seasonic X650 power supply. If you looked at all the parts in my PC/Hackintosh build you'd be hard pressed to find a component that was 'subpar'. Even my motherboard went through a 168 hour burn test before it got shipped to the retailer, ensuring it works perfectly. Yes, I did pay a bit of a premium for that as well as for my PSU which is one of the best on the market, but the price of my entire build still comes out to so much less than the Mac counterpart, it's hard to make the case that the Mac is really 'worth it'.

Now, as for the value of your own time to put into doing it... well, there's two ways of looking at it:

1) I enjoy this stuff. Much like a petrolhead enjoys tinkering on his car to add a few horses, this is the same for me.
2) Those that don't enjoy it or have no desire will be forced to buy a prebuilt computer.

And I understand #2, most people have no time for this as they just need to get things done outside of the computer itself or dont want to rely on themselves for troubleshooting and would rather have someone service their computer instead. I get it.

 

[flat five]

You clearly didn't watch the video, or at least conveniently omitted the benchmarks and results of the comparison. You're in no place to call me a horrible debater when you REFUSE to see very obvious and real performance disparity between Macs and PCs.

sorry, i absolutely don't refuse to see what benchmarks are testing.. i know full well what they're doing and what their results indicate..

the refusing that's happening here is you're refusing to make a case for how any of those numbers translate to real world use.. name the software you're using, describe or show an example of what you're doing with it, then tell how much time you've saved by using a machine that geekbench presses 20k instead of one that's 10k.

[EDIT] oh.. for clarity.. i'm not arguing mac vs pc and i'm pretty positive nothing i've written in this thread leans in that direction.. i don't know much about windows and very little about pcs.. so i'm certainly not trying to argue against them..

 

[bladerunner2000]

sorry, i absolutely don't refuse to see what benchmarks are testing.. i know full well what they're doing and what their results indicate..

the refusing that's happening here is you're refusing to make a case for how any of those numbers translate to real world use.. name the software you're using, describe or show an example of what you're doing with it, then tell how much time you've saved by using a machine that geekbench presses 20k instead of one that's 10k.

You've been told TWICE already in this thread how performance (numbers, proven by benchmarks) translates to real world usage here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/why-macs-are-better-than-pcs.1901607/page-3#post-21607833

and here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/why-macs-are-better-than-pcs.1901607/page-3#post-21607842

 

[subsonix]

Yeah but thats a moot point thought because anyone wanting to build a hackintosh is going to HAVE to have to the right parts, otherwise, this discussion wouldn't be happening.

I was refering to software components and the fact that the OS isn't sold separately anymore.

Which can't happen anyway as all the parts in Macs now are custom made for Apple that it's impossible to make a DIRECT comparison of one glaring part of the Mac build: the motherboard.

Yes, but as far as CPU, memory, graphics cards (well that's going to have to be a "close enough") and SSD. Matching six Thunderbolt ports is going to be tough as well obviously, which makes me wonder about long term availability of internal PCIe cards for the Mac as well.

 

[flat five]

And now a tougher question: does it justify paying so much more if the PC counterpart is also much faster and much cheaper?

that's a bs question if you're looking for an black&white answer because there isn't one.. it's completely up to the individual as to what's justifiable.

i'm sure i could rummage through all the crap you've bought/consumed over the years which you feel the cost was justifiable.. half the stuff i'd say you paid too much, half the stuff i'd say you shouldn't of bought at all, and the other half i'd say you should of spent more on..

if someone bought a mac then in most cases, it's a justifiable purchase.. it matters appox zero what you think their buy.

 

[bladerunner2000]

Yes, but as far as CPU, memory, graphics card (well that's going to have to be a "close enough") and SSD.

CPU is easily compared. Memory also somewhat easy. GPU... in the case of the Mac Pro, that's really easy as the Mac Pros GPUs suck, LOL. No wonder why theres nearly a 100 page thread about GTX cards and EFI... on top of the insane amount of other threads about better GPU options for the Mac.

 

[sartrekid]

The question now though, disregarding performance disparity is this: does that justify paying SO much more for a Mac over a PC? And now a tougher question: does it justify paying so much more if the PC counterpart is also much faster and much cheaper?

Why should anyone need to rationalize the decision to go with a Mac instead of a custom built computer? This isn't a tough question at all because it's completely irrelevant and needs no justification in any shape or form, in the same way it's irrelevant when someone opts to buy a car from a certain brand with parts that are harder to get/upgrade and comes at a heftier price tag as opposed to a car of another brand that may perform better, is cheaper, has tons more PS and better upgradeability. Quite a few people in this thread have stated why they prefer one system or brand over another.

Comfort/convenience, user experience, aesthetics and branding are all perfectly valid reasons why someone might prefer one product over another.

 

[bladerunner2000]

Why should anyone need to rationalize the decision to go with a Mac instead of a custom built computer? This isn't a tough question at all because it's completely irrelevant and needs no justification in any shape or form, in the same way it's irrelevant when someone opts to buy a car from a certain brand with parts that are harder to get/upgrade and comes at a heftier price tag as opposed to a car of another brand that may perform better, is cheaper, has tons more PS and better upgradeability. Quite a few people in this thread have stated why they prefer one system or brand over another.

Comfort/convenience, user experience, aesthetics and branding are all perfectly valid reasons why someone might prefer one product over another.

And why is performance omitted?

 

[flat five]

You've been told TWICE already in this thread how performance (numbers, proven by benchmarks) translates to real world usage here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/why-macs-are-better-than-pcs.1901607/page-3#post-21607833

and here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/why-macs-are-better-than-pcs.1901607/page-3#post-21607842

huh? real world usage means software is being used to accomplish a task.
no mentions of any software or any using in those posts.. just a bunch of benchmark talks.. i asked you direct questions which would indicate your real world usage and you're completely dodging the questions..
you're a hobbyist hardware geek that likes to pimp your hackintosh on the interweb.. that's cool. it's fine.
but don't argue about real world usage unless you actually outline what real world usage you're doing.

 

[subsonix]

CPU is easily compared. Memory also somewhat easy. GPU... in the case of the Mac Pro, that's really easy as the Mac Pros GPUs suck, LOL.

I guess that may depend on application, but regardless of what you think, you can find out what roughly equivalent FirePro cards costs from AMD.

 

[Hastings101]

I'm sure your wife will appreciate you arguing with the son of her boss

Disk utility is totes easier to use than the built-in disk manager Windows has

 

[sartrekid]

And why is performance omitted?

Because performance is the argument you have listed as being the most important, whereas I've listed additional points that might sway a person to choose one system (or brand in the case of Apple) over another, even if that means that you don't get "the best bang for the buck" or lose a certain percentage of performance and flexibility (as per my car example).

A Hackintosh like the one in your signature is certainly a pretty sweet system and a performance beast. It also is a great alternative for people who want the best possible performance without having to resort to either Linux or Windows. And yet, it isn't for everyone for reasons I've mentioned above (and probably many, many more), and in the case of a Hackintosh, going through the hassle of building it (convenience).

 

[ShadovvMoon]

Personally I prefer to use OS X, but I always have a Windows partition on my computers. Macs are highly expensive when compared to building your own computer, but you get access to OS X. I could build a hackintosh but I would rather have something that works without hassle (not to mention with my skills it would probably look like a potato and melt after a week).

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

This debate always gonna go on for a while so...

 

[McGiord]

This debate always gonna go on for a while so...

Some points:
- Mac sales rate is continuously increasing outpacing other OS and HW PCs.
- With a Mac you can develop iOS Apps. Can you with a PC?
- You can run almost any other OS out there with virtual machines: Classic Mac OS being one of the most relevants
- TimeMachine backup
- Hardware wise some Mac models you have 5K displays, retina displays, fusion drives, thunderbolt 2
- Parental controls (only parents will understand this)
- Seamless transition from one Mac to another using iCloud or Migration Assitant
- OS X upgrade cost beats any Windows license price
- Metal
http://blog.gameagent.com/wwdc-2015-why-metal-for-mac-os-x-is-a-big-deal-for-mac-gaming/

Some questions:
Isn't a PS4 better for gaming?
Beyond gaming, for what else do you use the computer?

 

[monokakata]

Look, considering the situation your task is not to have an argument, but to avoid one. Seriously.

When the conversation turns to computers, start asking the kid questions -- questions about HIS computer. Ask him to tell you all about it. Ask him to tell you what makes a strong gaming computer.

Ask, ask, ask. Then ask more. Don't condescend. Treat him like an adult who knows what he's talking about (because in this matter, he probably does).

Pretty soon he'll be so interested in telling you what he loves that there won't need to be any argument.

You go home, he tells his parents that you're a cool guy.

Mission accomplished.

edit: I guess it's all over by now. Hope we get a report.

 

[ActionableMango]

This is a very disingenuous contribution to the thread.

Nice builds and pictures you have there.

However, I don't feel I was being disingenuous. When cracked open, far more PCs will look like my picture than yours.

 

[throAU]

Ok guys, I need your best arguments why Macs are better than PC's. Going over to my wife's bosses house tonight, and her kid is a PC NUT! Already was warned that he will rip me apart the moment I walk in the door. I need really good ammo! Not the normal stuff. This kid is an avid gamer, and he probably has me there. OMG MY GOD I'm dreading this! LOK!

Why do you care?

Use what you want, if he's an avid gamer, for that purpose, PCs are way, way better than Macs.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

Some points:
- Mac sales rate is continuously increasing outpacing other OS and HW PCs.
- With a Mac you can develop iOS Apps. Can you with a PC?
- You can run almost any other OS out there with virtual machines: Classic Mac OS being one of the most relevants
- TimeMachine backup
- Hardware wise some Mac models you have 5K displays, retina displays, fusion drives, thunderbolt 2
- Parental controls (only parents will understand this)
- Seamless transition from one Mac to another using iCloud or Migration Assitant
- OS X upgrade cost beats any Windows license price
- Metal
http://blog.gameagent.com/wwdc-2015-why-metal-for-mac-os-x-is-a-big-deal-for-mac-gaming/

Some questions:
Isn't a PS4 better for gaming?
Beyond gaming, for what else do you use the computer?

Man so much on that list is on Windows and sometimes better.

- Mac sales rate climbed fast because they started from a very low position and then diversified their product range. The iPod and iPhone were a strong part of their strategy to become more consumer orientated and convert PC users

- virtual machines have been on Windows for longer

- Windows has been able to rewind to earlier states and make incremental back ups since XP. They just did it without a fancy time machine GUI.

- Windows supports 5k displays and all that you mentioned. In fact those devices are tested on Windows by manufacturers like Intel and Samsung etc before Apple picks them up.

- parental controls are on Windows.

- Mac wins on iCloud back up and syncing, but only if people have signed up for that

- Windows 10 is a free upgrade to nearly all qualifying PC and Boot Camp users. It supports machines going back more than 10 years old including 32 bit. OSX is free only to qualifying Mac users and won't support any 32 bit Macs.

- there is no directX 12 vs metal comparison yet

 

[throAU]

- virtual machines have been on Windows for longer

- Windows has been able to rewind to earlier states and make incremental back ups since XP. They just did it without a fancy time machine GUI.

- Windows supports 5k displays and all that you mentioned. In fact those devices are tested on Windows by manufacturers like Intel and Samsung etc before Apple picks them up.

As someone who uses both daily...

- how long VMs have been available is irrelevant. If you want to do cross platform development between OS X, PC, Linux, etc. then currently the Mac is the only legal (and officially supported) way to do it.
- Windows backup / system recovery is available yes, but it is not promoted and far less seamless than time machine. you can not, for example reinstall Windows and restore your applications from a time machine backup, as you can with OS X.
- Windows supports 5k/high res displays - BADLY. Resolution independence in windows is still a joke compared to how well it works in OS X

 

[lowendlinux]

The hackintosh should never have entered the debate it not a Mac and not the kind of PC the OP was talking about. I started the hackintosh thread so other threads wouldn't be polluted with them. @flat five if you get on YouTube you'll see comparisons between the two in real world SW not just benchmarks but yes the computer operator is the slowest part of the system though for example rendering a movie after your done with it is all about power.

 

[MH01]

Yes it's an indicator, but the test is based on a synthetic work load and the score is a summary of many smaller tests. You may find that an older Xeon scores lower than a new consumer class CPU for example, but that doesn't mean that the new consumer class CPU will perform better for you particular application. Things like memory I/O, floating point performance and a larger on die cache is typically better/larger.

Yeah agree with that, though as generic test it's more than adequate to giv you a performance indicator.

 

[SoyCapitanSoyCapitan]

As someone who uses both daily...

- how long VMs have been available is irrelevant. If you want to do cross platform development between OS X, PC, Linux, etc. then currently the Mac is the only legal (and officially supported) way to do it.
- Windows backup / system recovery is available yes, but it is not promoted and far less seamless than time machine. you can not, for example reinstall Windows and restore your applications from a time machine backup, as you can with OS X.
- Windows supports 5k/high res displays - BADLY. Resolution independence in windows is still a joke compared to how well it works in OS X

This is where I highlight that both systems don't exist in a separate vacuum and are not forever frozen in one moment in time. They are evolving to become better at supporting features the public and pro consumers need. They are also becoming more similar until one day the operating system itself becomes irrelevant - just a transparent background process run by an artificially intelligent network. Very possibly every device and computer will be running on that same network OS which will be maintained by all the big computer companies together. Arguing about the current state or past state of operating systems is like complaining Homo Australopithecus was dumb and couldn't walk straight. It was just a step towards the future.