Over the years I have been asked many times whether a person or business should switch from Windows Pc’s to an Apple product; I will admit I haven’t really taken that question very seriously. I will try to give a little background to my thinking and offer some reasons for choosing one or the other. To start with, modern Apples and Windows machines are based on the same basic hardware (same CPU’s, same memory, same storage devices, etc.); differences do appear when you move beyond the basic hardware and I will cover some of that later in this article.
Where do the differences start? Windows computers are intended as general purpose machines adaptable to a great many applications through the addition of specialty hardware and software; whereas Apple computers are intended to be one-design consumer devices; if that one design works for all of your uses, you are in luck and an Apple device will be just as functional as a Windows device, perhaps at a higher price.
Windows machines are open architecture allowing a large body of developers to create hardware and software to allow customization while Apple devices are intended to have only licensed developers creating a limited number of accessories for the Apple family of devices. This is an important distinction and has a considerable trade-off for the user; The restricted number of accessories and the restrictions on software development for Apple devices keeps the Apple devices simpler for the user and for technical support staff. This advantage comes at a price though; in a field of restricted choices the user is far less likely to find that “just right” tool for what they are doing and the user is far less likely to be able to use a single tool (computer) for the variety of tasks they have and wish the computer to help with.
There is a second area of impact for the user; while Microsoft makes the features, requirements, linkages, and training for their operating systems open to anyone who wishes access, Apple carefully controls who has access and what they have access to. Microsoft encourages consultants and specialists alike and provides considerable support for them while Apple restricts the necessary information and training to in-house personnel. In the big cities where Apple provides adequate resources for users (through their retail and support outlets or through licensed partners) support can be adequate; but, in rural areas none of that is available and Windows PC’s provide a considerable advantage because of Microsoft’s efforts to support entrepreneurs and small business specialists or consultants.
Finally, the impact of a huge research and development resource for windows devices compared to the Apple research and development team has long favored the windows devices for those who sought leading edge technology, professional software (in any field), and the hobbyist (who’s needs may not generate enough sales to interest Apple in developing for his/her hobby).