Computer Pros and Cons: Is a PC or Mac Better Choice for Your Small Business?

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As a small business, you fight hard to compete against larger companies in your industry. This means your operation must be a well-oiled machine.

To maximize internal functionality and ensure you can serve your client base, you need to use the right computers. This means choosing between Macs and PCs.

Before you make this decision, it’s important to think about the work your staff does. What works well for one business may be wrong for you.

To help you out, we’re going over the computer pros and cons of Macs and PCs for your business.

Pros and Cons of Macs

PC or Mac

There’s no denying Macs have had a huge impact on the way businesses operate. These computers provide streamlined usability and are compatible with Apple products.

However, they’re completely different from the traditional PC. Let’s look at the pros and cons so you can make an informed decision.

1. Less Maintenance

One attractive benefit, especially to businesses, is that MACs require less maintenance than PCs. They’re well-built, sturdy, and rarely run into problems.

This means you won’t require constant IT support. In fact, you may be able to scale your business to account for fewer technical issues.

Furthermore, Apple has a reputation for providing great customer support. If you run into issues, contacting a representative to help you out will be easy.

2. Better for Creative Work

If you’re in the creative industry, a Mac may be your best bet. They’re known for high-definition monitors and superb usability when working with creative programs.

Today, it’s hard to find a graphic designer who doesn’t work on a Mac. That’s because many graphic design programs such as Photoshop began on a Mac. Designers who’ve been in the business for a while probably learned many of their skills on a Mac.

3. A Sleek Look

If the look and feel of your office is important to you, Macs offer a much more stylish design than PCs. They’re sleek, compact, and modern.

This design principle extends to its usability. They’re highly responsive and employ an intuitive, logical approach to the way they function.

Macs are now staples of the modern office setting. If you’re heading in this direction, choosing Mac is the way to go.

4. More Expensive 

For small business owners, one of the biggest disadvantages of Macs is the cost. They’re much more expensive than many PCs on the market.

A big part of the problem is that Apple doesn’t make an affordable version of the Mac that’s good for business use. That means you’re stuck paying close to $1,000 for a computer.

You’ll need to decide if getting a higher-end computer is worth the extra money.

5. Fewer Options

Another con of going with Mac is there are fewer choices. This means you’re limited with regard to configurations.

This is due to Apple’s minimal approach to developing computers. It may make sense to some people, but there’s a chance your business requires more versatility.

Keep in mind that if you need to replace accessories like power cords, you have to stick with Apple products, which are more expensive.

6. Potential Learning Curve

Finally, outfitting your business with Macs could present issues for some users. Yes, these computers are preferable to young people, but many adults only understand PCs.

This means some of your staff may face a serious learning curve. They’ll end up having to Google the Top-8 Must-Know Mac Terminal Commands Setapp and other instructional articles every day.

Pros and Cons of PCs

Let’s now look at PCs. Many people feel they’re outdated or headed in that direction.

However, PCs have just as many benefits and disadvantages as Macs. Remember, it’s all about what’s best for your business.

1. A Wide Ranges of Choices

If you opt for PCs, you’ll have many more buying options than you would with Macs. There’s also room for customization.

With a PC, you can choose the amount of storage, graphic ability, touchscreen functionality, and more. This means you can pick a brand and model that gives you actually what you need.

2. Upgrade Capability

If you buy a Mac, you can only upgrade the amount of storage on the device. However, PCs offer a wide range of upgrade options.

This means if your staff ends up needing more functionality, you can get it. Simply make upgrades to things like audio cards, storage, and video cards.

3. Affordability

Another huge benefit of going with a PC is the cost. There are plenty of high-quality PCs on the market that are much cheaper than Macs.

You also have the option of shopping around with different brands. This means you can search for deals and business discounts that will cut down on the cost.

4. Less Security

One of the primary disadvantages of a PC is security. They’re more prone to malware viruses than Macs.

That’s not to say Macs are impenetrable. However, they’re less likely to get hacked than PCs. This means you’ll need to invest in powerful anti-malware software for all your computers.

5. They Take Up Space

Let’s face it, PCs are clunky. Sure, manufacturers have done a great job of slimming them down, but they don’t have a sleek look like Macs.

If you have a large office or are planning to grow, PCs will take up more space. They also require more wires and connections.

6. Varying Quality Between Brands

One thing to remember if you’re considering going with PCs is the quality will vary depending on what brand you go with.

Don’t make the mistake of buying a certain model of PC because it’s extremely cheap. There’s a good chance it will lack the functionality and operating quality you need.

Consider These Computer Pros and Cons

When deciding between Macs or PCs for your small business, the best answer lies in your operational requirements. Don’t go strictly off reputation.

Keep these computer pros and cons in mind and find the machine that works well for your entire staff.

We hope this article has helped you out. Feel free to browse the rest of our site for more tech-related content.

Author: Cathy Carter

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