billmck Loc: Central KY

I worked for IBM, and got my first IBM PC in 1982, shortly after they came out. I used IBM PCs and notebooks thru various versions of DOS, OS/2, and Windows. I considered myself an expert user. When I retired in 2011, I bought an iMac and have never looked back. There are things that are easier to do in Windows, but that’s a small tradeoff. Earlier this year I had my first real issue as a result of an OS upgrade and a coincident hardware problem, and Apple fixed it for me.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

They are both decent platforms. Do what pros do - pick your SW including OS first and then choose the best platform to run it on. Macs have the advantage of simplicity of operation, especially appealing to those with less than stellar computer skills. They also have nice inter platform data sharing - Mac to IPad to IPhone. The downside is cost/performance and the lack of upgradability. PCs are substantially less expensive for the same performance or provide higher performance for the same $, much easier to upgrade and allow a skilled user to work “closer to the machine” (by that I mean you have closer access to the inner workings of the HW and OS).

Regarding Windows OS vs Mac OS, historically both have a similar number of patches/upgrades. Ther are more viruses aimed at PCs because PCs comprise >80% of al personal computers sold (there are reasons for that). Macs have viruses also, but the fact is that computer security is typically compromised by user errors and bad computing practices, not the vulnerability of the platform.

Yes, you can keep a Mac (or a PC) for 10 or more years, but at the expense of lousy performance as SW/OS complexity continues to evolve. Computers are not an investment any more than meat is if you have no refrigeration - they are a depreciating expense that eventually become worthless.

CAS1951 Loc: San Diego

One of the best posts re the topic!

MrBob Loc: lookout Mtn. NE Alabama

Thats why my wife is Bald... pulled all her hair out caused by the crappy Dell. Windows 7 to 10 was a disaster.... I tried to sway her from the get go, but women have their own mind !

SteveR Loc: Michigan

I'm using a MacPro that is 7 years old. I never had a PC last that long. However, I don't like Mac software, so I bootcamp Windows 10 onto the Mac program and I can use either, so I use Windows to store my files.

rwoodvira

I've been a Mac user at home for years, used Windows at work before I retired. I preferred the Mac interface. I'm planning on getting an M1 system in the new future - rumor has the M1x chip is going to in the next group due out in the next few months.

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

to each his own of coarse, but looking back, I should have never left cp/m

neillaubenthal

I’m a Mac guy…been one since the 1980s…and I was a Windows Sysadmin at work…when I came home I didn’t want to fiddle with doll conflicts or driver updates or the dreaded blue screen of death. Macs just work…and iruses are essentially non existent.

That said…use what you like and prefer…almost all apps are available cross platform. The new Apple silicon hardware is a serious step up in capability though…the low end cheapest consumer M1 MacBook Air blows away just about every other Mac except the expensive Mac Pro and about 90% of both portable and desktop Windows machines.

You can still get a bottom end Windows box cheaper…but you get what you pay for and the hardware in those is not very good…price wise if you compare the Mac to higher end Windows box makers they’re about the same cost…and you will both spend less time futzing with the computer and get a longer usable life out of it. My wife’s 2013 MacBook Air was recently upgraded to the M1 Air… it both it and my 2015 MacBook Pro are running the latest macOS and will run Monterey when it’s released in the next month or so…few 6 to 8 year old Windows computers will run the latest version.

TheShoe Loc: Lacey, WA

I haven't seen a BSOD on a Win machine, with the exception of one that I purposely caused, in the last 12-15 years. I see no reason to switch to a Mac.

rmalarz Loc: Tempe, Arizona

I've used both extensively. My money is on Mac. I have used a 27" iMac for some 6 years now and wouldn't go back to a PC for anything. Due to obsolescence, I had to upgrade to a 2021 iMac about 6 months ago. I still use my 2010 iMac for a few things but, again, wouldn't want to do photography on any other computer.

Yes, Macs tend to be on the pricey side. So are our cameras and equipment. So, that's not an argument.
--Bob

FiddleMaker Loc: Merrimac, MA

k2edm Loc: FN32AD

then there is:"the best software is the software you know best"...

Wmetcalf Loc: Rogersville, Mo

Linux is better than both.

John Hicks Loc: Sible Hedinham North Essex England

To those use Mac good luck to those who use Windows good luck
I use Windows will never buy any Apple product apart from a granny smith.

Smokin' Joe

Be careful! Just heard on the news there are some serious problems arising with Mac chips. Do some searching to see what the problem is first.