Are you looking for the best PC to use for your graphic designing? Can’t decide between Windows 10 and Mac?
Graphics is powered by NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1060 GPU with 6 GB GDDR5 VRAM. Storage is entirely solid state drive. This particular iteration of the Surface Studio 2 comes with 1 TB SSD unit. Overall this is our preferred choice as the best pc for photo editing in the A-i-O segment. A large 28” display that also supports touch. Searching for and inserting Clip Art or pictures from other online sources from within Word isn't currently supported in Word 2016 for Mac. However, you can still add Clip Art and online pictures to a document by searching for the picture you want online, saving a local copy of it, and then inserting the copy you saved.
Well, we’re here to help you.
According to Apple, there are more Windows 10 users than there are Mac users. Don’t get fooled by these statistics because it doesn’t automatically mean Windows 10 is better than Mac. Everyone has his own reason for his preferred computer.
If you’re updated on the Mac vs Windows 10 debate, you might already know some of their pros and cons. If you aren’t, read on. Below are some advantages and disadvantages for both Macs and Windows PCs:
Brief History
You might have learned that most graphic designers prefer the Mac over Windows. There’s a reason for that. Did you know that Photoshop and digital typography were born on the Mac computer?
In the 1980s, the Mac was the lone computer to allow for digital typography. Susan Kare pioneered digital typography with her unique typefaces, fonts, and digital art. Later, she sold her other designs to companies like Microsoft and Oracle.
John and Thomas Knoll, the creators of Photoshop, built the first version on a Mac computer in 1988. The Mac was the computer with a color display and the capacity to handle the program at the time. For a long time, most graphic designers had one option for the kind of computers they could work on and it was Mac.
The reason why older graphic designers prefer Mac is because it’s what they knew would work.
Now, most graphic design software for PC is available for both Windows and iOS platforms. At this point, it all depends on your preference.
Hardware
If you’re a PC buff and you want a PC that’s upgradeable and customizable, get a Windows computer. Windows PCs allow for different configurations because you can swap out the components. That isn’t to say that you cannot upgrade your Mac PC.
There are limits to what you can upgrade on a Mac PC, which is swapping out the memory and storage drives only. Getting a Mac is one great choice if you don’t have the time or the familiarity with customizing your PC. In general, the easiest way to upgrade a Mac is to buy a new one.
Art software for PCs doesn’t require that many hardware changes. Thus, there won’t be much difference if you got Adobe Photoshop on a Mac or Windows PC. The differences will be the commands and the different Photoshop plug-ins.
Software
Now, there are tons of software created for both Windows and Mac. Each has its unique edge against the competition but both are trying to cover all bases. Both even have their own voice-controlled personal assistants: Siri and Cortana.
If you are a gamer and graphic designer, a Windows PC is your best choice. The Windows PC has the processing power, RAM space, storage, ports, and displays. These are all demands of high-end gaming.
Other than the advantage of games, Windows 10 has a few editions available. Some have more features and higher costs. If you’re planning on getting Windows, you might want to understand the difference between windows 10 pro and home before you buy anything.
The thing about Mac computers is they work better with other Apple programs. These are software like iTunes, iCloud Drive, iCloud Photo Library, Find My iPhone, iMessage, Handoff, or iCloud Keychain software. Mac is popular for its intuitive design for its own apps.
Since there are fewer Macs than there are Windows PCs, it is safer to use against viruses and malware. This makes the Mac less likely to get infected by malware. We still recommend taking steps for caution if you end up choosing a Mac.
As far as graphic design goes, the best graphic design software for Mac and Windows vary on your personal tastes. What works for you will work differently for everyone else. It’s all a matter of which one you’re more used to using.
Price
What you’ve got to spend on a computer is one big deciding factor for buying one. And computers are expensive. Are you a graphics or logo designer on a budget?
Think about this: the cheapest laptop with the Mac logo on it costs $999.99 USD. One reason for this is because the people who make the Mac software also make the Mac hardware. They have specific software designed to run on the hardware.
Here are some reasons why Mac computers are worth the price. Mac has regular software updates that make them capable over time. Its bug fixes and patches are even available for older versions of the iOS to keep old Macs safe.
The cheapest Windows PC could put you back about 300 USD. They’re great for people on a budget who could look to get upgrades for their PCs later. But, if you’re planning to do a lot of upgrading in the future, you might end up spending more on your PC than on a Mac.
Pros and Cons Summarized: Mac vs Windows 10
While there isn’t a better computer now, there is a preferred computer for each one. Below we’ve got lists for the pros and cons for Mac and Windows 10.
The strengths of a Macintosh computer include its intuitive design and better security. It is also compatible with other Apple products and software. The display and color calibration of Mac computers are also more accurate.
In contrast, the weaknesses of a Macintosh computer include its expensive price range. A Mac computer is not very customizable however it can last for a long time. It is also lacking support for high-performance games.
With that said, the Windows 10 PCs have advantages such as their cheaper prices and many customization options. When your components are inadequate or obsolete, you can always swap them out. Windows 10 also runs high-performance games.
However, Windows PCs are more vulnerable to malware and viruses. Another weakness of a Windows PC is that they aren’t as great communicators with other products as Macs are with Apple products. You’ll still need to do some manual syncing if you want to back-up some of your files onto your phone.
When it comes to choosing the computer for graphic designers, it all comes down to which you favor. You can have the same software and programs on both computers, almost. Still, you can do the same quality of work on both computers.
Design Graphics on Your Preferred PC
We’ve said this before and we’ll say it again: It’s all up to which you like better. The Mac vs Windows 10 debate has been alive for decades now. For graphic designers like you, there is no real lead for either software or hardware.
Price is a big factor, but so is comfortability. Your comfort and your clients’ comfort matter. When choosing, also take note of which platform has more system compatibility with your clients.
In the end, your computer shouldn’t matter much as long as you get the job done.
Did you enjoy the read? Looking for more?
Don’t hesitate to read our other blog posts. Here’s a helpful bit we’ve got if you want some tips on web design.
Apple’s Mac and Windows PC are currently the two leading platforms for most of our day to day computing needs. Hence, this article, providing you with Mac vs PC comparison, in order to help you make an informed decision about whether to buy a Mac or PC.
Mac vs PC Comparison – Whether to Buy Mac Or PC
Once upon a time there was a clear and well defined divide or distinction between PC and Mac users. Those who needed a computer bought a Windows PC and those who had money bought a MacBook – It was that simple!
However, currently the imaginary line between Windows PC and Mac is fading, mostly due to Windows computers trying to compete with Macs in the looks department and becoming as expensive as Macs.
Hence, the question “Should you Buy a Mac or PC” and search for terms like Mac vs PC, Mac Vs Windows PC comparison and similar terms is showing an increasing trend and becoming more relevant to consumers looking to buy computers.
You will find below a listing of both Advantages and Disadvantages of Macs and PCs, which should help you in deciding whether to buy a Mac or a Windows powered PC.
Advantages of Macs
1. The biggest advantage of Macs is that they are well designed, sleek and visually appealing. While Windows computers are trying to match Macs in the looks department, they are ending up costing the same as Macs.
2. Macs come preloaded with almost all the software required to prepare documents (Pages), run spreadsheets (Numbers), create presentations (Keynote) and basic Photo Editing and Video Production software.
In comparison, Windows computers these days are mostly being shipped with trial versions of Microsoft Office.
3. In general, Macs have acquired the reputation of being less complicated, easy to use and trouble free compared to Windows Computers.
4. Software updates on Macs are consistent, effortless and trouble free. In comparison, software updates on Windows computers end up
generating discussions and heightened activity on internet forums
5. Going by past data, chances of being hit by viruses and malware on Macs are less compared to PCs. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from Windows PCs having a larger user base to Windows Software being more familiar and appealing to attackers.
6. All the pre-installed software programs on Macs come directly from Apple and appear to be well tested and optimized to work well on Macs. In comparison, Windows computers suffer from bloatware due to pre-installed software coming from multiple sources – Microsoft, Manufacturer and associated companies.
Clip Art For Mac Computers
7. Apple products rank high in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. When you buy a Mac, there is absolutely no doubt that you are getting a product of the highest quality.
It is difficult for Windows Computers to match this level of quality and customer satisfaction due to multiple manufacturers trying to sell Windows computers in multiple configurations.
8. Macs work better and flawlessly with other Apple products. This means that you are better off going for a Mac in case you use an iPhone.
9. The customer support at Apple is consistent, transparent and better compared to Windows Computers. If anything happens to your Mac, you can head straight to the nearest Apple Store in your location and expect support both for hardware and software related problems.
Such level of support is not possible in Windows computers due to software coming from Microsoft and hardware being assembled by a variety of PC manufacturers.
10. Whether you like it or not, Macs appear cooler/trendier and people are willing to pay more for Apple products.
Advantages of Windows PC
1. The biggest advantage of a Windows PC is its availability at multiple price points. Since, Windows PCs come from different manufacturers in multiple configurations, there is always a Windows Computer that can match your budget.
In comparison, Macs are available in limited models and at fixed price points, which you may or may not be able to afford.
2. The second biggest advantage of Windows PC is its productivity software. Most Windows computers come preloaded with Microsoft Office which includes two of the most popular productivity software programs in the world – Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
3. In case you are a gamer, you have no option but to go for a Windows PC. Macs simply do not have the Processing power, RAM and high end graphics cards required to play PC games.
4. Windows computers are available in multiple configurations and allow you to choose from various types of Processors, RAM, Storage, Ports, Displays and other options.
5. In general, Windows Computers offer superior hardware at competitive price points. In comparison, Mac users appear to be paying a higher cost for comparatively lower level of hardware.
However, it needs to be mentioned that almost every component on an Apple product is optimized for better performance, tweaked to consume less power and generate less heat.
6. Accessories for Windows Computers are easy to find and available at competitive prices compared to Macs. This makes Windows computers cheaper to operate and run compared to Macs.
7. It is easy to upgrade, reconfigure and refurbish Windows computers. This aspect of Windows computers appeals to tech savvy users who enjoy such activities.
8. In general, more Software programs are available for Windows PC compared to Macs.
9. Windows Computers have better backwards compatibility compared to Macs. For example, it is not uncommon to find 5 to 7 year old Windows computers running the latest version of Windows 10 without any problem.
10. Windows community and user base is larger compared to Macs. This practically means that it is easy to get support and advice for software and hardware related issues for Windows computers.
Disadvantages of Mac
1. The biggest disadvantage of Macs is that they are expensive compared to PCs. However, as mentioned above, Windows Computers are getting expensive and the gap between MacBook Air and a comparable Windows Laptop is not that much.
2. The second major disadvantage of Macs is that most of the work related software like Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Timberline, Primavera and Accounting software is designed for Windows computers and not for Macs.
While Macs have their own version of Excel (Numbers) and Microsoft Word (Pages), these programs are no match for the Power and Versatility of Microsoft Excel and the practical functionality of Microsoft Word program.
While you can buy Microsoft Office made for Macs, it is not uncommon to come across users reporting missing features, problems and overall lack of power while using Microsoft Excel on Macs.
3. Macs are clearly not built for playing PC Games. Even the most advanced MacBook Pro does not have the processing power, RAM and the Graphics to play PC Games.
4. Using a Mac is fundamentally different than using a Windows computer. Those coming from Windows PC background to Mac will require patience to get used to the way Macs work.
Clip Art Mac And Cheese
In the first few weeks you may often feel like going back to Windows PC. However, once you get used to Macs you should be able to work as effortlessly on a Mac as you used to on a Windows PC.
Disadvantages Of Windows PC
1. Windows computers are clearly getting more expensive and most likely driving budget customers to consider using a Mac Mini or even MacBook Air which are now available at tempting price points.
2. Windows computers come pre-loaded with bloatware from manufacturers, which makes them slow and buggy. While those with technical abilities can easily get rid of this bloatware, average computer users are not really equipped to deal with this issue.
3. Due to their large user base, Windows Computers are considered as being primary candidates for attack by hackers and computer viruses. However, it is not difficult to minimize this risk by keeping the software on your computer updated and installing a good antivirus program on your computer.
4. Although the situation is improving, software updates on Windows Computers are still far from being trouble free.
Should You Buy Mac or Windows PC
As far as consumers are concerned, the decision to buy should be based on which platform really suits you better, while taking into consideration the purpose for which you are buying a computer and the budget allocated for your purchase.
For example, Windows PC is a better option in case your work requires the use of Microsoft Excel and other productivity or work related Software Programs. The same holds true, in case you are buying a computer for general and recreational use and your idea of fun is to play high intensity PC Games.
When it comes to budget, College students surviving on borrowed money are clearly better off buying a cheaper Windows PC or a Chromebook, instead of piling on more debt by going for an expensive MacBook Pro.
However, if you are working part time and having a MacBook makes you feel better (does it !!?..), make sure that you go for MacBook Pro and promise yourself that you will do better at both studies and work!
Image source: Apple, Microsoft