Mac vs. PCThe study of how Macs compare to PCs
 Introduction
PC myths debunked
PCs are cheaper
PCs are the same
X vs XP
Wintel experience needed
Old Macs have problems
Misc. Mac Complaints
Which is more powerful
MIS Mismanagement
Microsoft
Testers
What they aren’t saying
Why standardize on Mac

What you can do
What can Apple do?

Why Macs Are The Best Choice:

Our local school district’s (publicly made) explanations for abandoning our $10,000,000± Mac investment, center around the following contentions:

Myth #1
"Windows/PCs are cheaper."
Response: Just not so. Despite sometimes having a slightly higher initial purchase cost, Macintosh computers have substantially lower TOTAL COST OF OWNERSHIP. Learn More!

Myth #2
"There’s no real difference between Macs and PCs."
Response: There are BIG differences. For instance, compared to Windows PCs, the Mac OS is easier to learn, requires fewer keystrokes for similar tasks, and results in much higher user productivity. Learn More!

Is this still true for Windows Vista?
Of course! Mac OS X is significantly better than Windows Vista. Learn More!

Myth #3
"Students need a Windows/PC experience."
(Variation: "Schools should be using Windows/PCs since more businesses do.")
Response: Agree that Windows experience could be worthwhile! But educating students on computers involves MUCH more than exposing them to Windows. Macs can also run a Windows or Linux operating system simultaneously, for FREE, essentially providing two+ computers for the price of one. And there are at least TEN GOOD REASONS why schools should NOT use computers based on what businesses use. Learn More!

Myth #4
"There have been problems with our existing Macs."
Response: Macs are VERY reliable. Compared to Windows PCs, Macs are MUCH easier to support — and when properly maintained, they experience FAR fewer problems. Furthermore, Macs are more secure — e.g. they are MUCH less prone to virus attacks. Learn More!

Myth #5
"Mac statistics are outdated, etc."
Response: In communications with school MIS personnel, an assortment of other Mac criticisms came out. Contentions about our statistics being outdated, about the quantity of Mac software available, about Apple single-sourceness, etc. are simply NOT LEGITIMATE. Learn More!

Myth #6
"PCs are faster than Macs"
Response: First of all, in a school setting, speed is hardly paramount. Secondly, for business and school related application usage, the performance of Macs is equal to or better than high-end PCs. Learn More!

And More...
Now that we’re rolling, I’ve added some other pages to fill out the picture even more:
      MIS Management
      Everything You Want To Know About Microsoft
      Testers and Switchers
      What PC Advocates Aren’t Saying
      Why Use Macs — Summary


Explosion


Please note:
  • In our attempt to keep things brief and to the point, our Position pages provide only a representative SAMPLE of the available research.

  • The sources of the research data presented here are not only schools, but also businesses (i.e. the places that supposedly only use PCs). Furthermore, I have primarily chosen places that have had first hand experience with both the Windows and Macintosh computer platforms.

  • Based on the nature of this site, I will continue to periodically add new information as warranted, and when I have the time. (Every section page has a date at the bottom so you can see its version.)

If you have any constructive comments or suggestions about this page, please email John.