Mac vs PC: Which is better for business use?

Thinking about upgrading or changing your business computer systems and not sure whether to go Mac or PC? Read our guide to help you decide.

Mac vs PC

Not so long ago the PC was the go-to for the vast majority of businesses when buying computers, but times have changed and Macs are now a viable alternative. Here, we highlight some of the key differences between Macs and PCs to help you decide which is best for your business.

How popular are Macs?

According to Statista, Apple and Microsoft have just over 92% share of the desktop operating system market in the UK, in 2022. Windows, had 69% percent of the market, while Apple’s OS X held 23% percent.

 

PCs have traditionally been the preferred choice for business while Macs were normally seen in the creative industries (eg graphic designers, video editors, and musicians). They also come with built-in software for creative tasks, such as iMovie, GarageBand, and Pages.

But with the growing popularity of other Apple devices, such as iPhone and iPad, Macs have also increasingly become the choice in more varied workplaces.

What should you consider when deciding Mac or PC?

Both Mac and Pcs have a lot to offer, but when making a choice between the two there are some differences that should be borne in mind to help you decide what suits your business best. The key differences between the two include:

  • Cost. Macs are more expensive and because the range is more limited, so is the range of prices. PCs offer a much broader range of options, so the prices range is much larger and start at a lower price point. However, when considering cost, it’s important to look longer term; the build quality and reliability of Macs are considered to be high and PCs may need more upgrading, so overall, the variations in cost may not be as great.
  • Security. PCs represent a bigger target pool so it’s more worthwhile for hackers to design malware that targets them, which means they could be more vulnerable. But this may change as we see more Macs used in businesses.
  • Reliability. Macs are considered to be very reliable as Apple controls every aspect of the Mac build and guarantees the quality, but a good PC can be equally reliable and easily repaired or upgraded if issues arise.
  • Compatibility. Apple very much controls the Mac ecosystem, and this can make it harder to find compatible software, programmes and apps from a third party. This is not the case for a PC, where there’s a wide choice offered from a variety or manufacturers on the market. Times are changing and popular systems such as Microsoft 365 are now available as Mac versions. Macs and PCs can run on the same network so you can share files between the two. Cloud computing also means it matters less which device is being used, compatibility issues will become less of a concern.
  • Integration. If you already use Apple devices, it’s very easy to integrate all your devices and sync them. This connection between devices hasn’t always been the case for PCs but the development of Windows and surrounding infrastructure has made great strides, with an increasing number of devices working with your PC.
  • Customisation. It’s very easy to upgrade and customise your PC, but for a Mac it’s not really possible. What you buy is what you have until you decide to buy a new one.
  • Ease of use. Macs come ready to plug in and use and their system design is very intuitive. Users often find that getting to grips with their Mac is an easy experience, especially if you are already used to its operating device from other Apple products. PCs have been so dominant in the workplace that many people are familiar and comfortable with them and again, their design means that even if not familiar, they are easy to learn. In addition, with Microsoft 365 now available on Macs, the transition between the two is easier.
  • Design. Apple are known for their sleek, stylish design and are popular in workplaces wanting to create a specific look, but again, PC has caught up and offers a variety of looks and choices in style and feel.

So which machine is best for your business?

Both Macs and PC have evolved to meet the changing needs and demands of business. Both offer a range of software and devices, have embraced the Cloud to provide greater flexibility and increased compatibility and the ability to share between systems.

With the gaps between PC and Mac closing, there probably is no right or wrong choice, unless you need very specific software or apps. What really matters is what you feel most comfortable using, your budget and the priorities of your business.

If you are thinking about investing in your IT infrastructure, our team at Syn-Star is standing by to offer unbiased advice to suit your specific business needs. We can help you build your IT Strategy and decide whether Mac or PC works best for your business.

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Agnes Syn-Star Content writer

Agnes Molnar

Agnes is Syn-Star’s expert content writer, she has  Master’s degree in English Literature that provides a strong foundation in writing and critical thinking of everything she does.

Qualifications: Masters in English Literature

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