About the Pamphlet
As millions of college freshman head to school each fall, one of their main questions now is, “what type of computer should I get?” Even more specifically, the question that gets asked the most is, “Apple or PC?” Certain variables such as whether students would be using the computer for graphic design art classes, or if the student was in fact a computer technology major, and would thus be doing quite a bit of programming, play a factor in computer purchase decision making. However, it can be largely assumed that the majority of users would be using their computers for writing word documents, using the internet, and listening to music and watching videos. Thus this piece is geared toward this wider audience and would likely be placed outside of college book stores. So the demographic that the piece is targeted for is both male and female college freshman of varying ethnic diversities looking to buy possibly their first computer to fit their college needs.
Apple vs. PC
Like Pepsi vs. Coke, Ford vs. Chevy, and the Whopper vs. Quarter Pounder, the comparison between Apple’s and PC’s has been ongoing almost since their initial development. Camps for either type of computer have emerged and users are sometimes ardently supportive of their particular system. That is why as a potentially new computer purchaser it is essential that you understand what each computer system’s benefits and constraints are. Essentially there are pro’s and con’s for both systems, and this piece will discuss several computer variables including usability, program use, cost, and security to compare and contrast Apple’s and PCs.
One of the most important concepts of any computer system is ultimately its ease of usability. If a user desires a computer that requires no set up and comes ready to use for the relatively simple uses of most computer users needs (email, word documents, internet use, and listening to music) then the Mac is ready to go from the first time you use it. Furthermore, the software that’s used for these basic applications on Macs is typically thought of as being fairly superior to software that’s used on a PC. Macs can also read and write nearly all PC files including most Microsoft Office documents. PCs have come a long way in their usability and the windows operating system is gradually improving. However, if ease of use is a main concern for the user, the Apple computers clearly win out (ConsumerSearch, 2010).
The real benefit of going with the PC is the compatibility issue and use of a variety of programs. Most programs are initially written for use on PCs. This is especially true in the wide variety of games and business package applications that are available. Many of these applications have Apple equivalents, however some do not. There is also the compatibility issue. While Apple programs can read and edit Microsoft word documents, the opposite is not true. This does come into play if a user is going to be frequently using a university’s computer facilities that are still largely PC based. However, some should investigate their own school’s computer facilities before making this decision (Mills, 2010).
The other real advantage that most PCs have traditionally had over comparable Apples is in the area of cost. However, recent price comparisons have show that when comparisons are made at both the high and mid level ranges that Apple computers tend to fair equally in terms of what comes in a given package versus the price that is paid. In the high level range prices for Apples have hovered around $2,800 for a MacBook Pro 17 that includes a 17-in screen with 160GB 5,400-rpm SATA hard drive. A comparable Dell computer, the XPS M1710 with Vista Home Premium ran for $3,459, nearly $650 more than the MacBook Pro. In the midlevel range where MacBooks models can run from $1,200 to $1,600 – Toshiba, HP, and Dell PC models run nearly the exact same in price range. About the only real advantage that PCs have in the price category are the variety of relatively cheap PC models that you can now purchase for less than $450. Apple does not really have a comparable model (Derene, 2008, 15).
Finally, and some would argue most importantly, when it comes to the issue of security the Mac tends to be thought of as having less security risks associated with its use. Apple computers tends to get far fewer viruses than PC users do. While the security features of PCs are impressive, the main reason that Apple users may experience less security breaches is the lower market share that Apple has on the computer industry. For this reason it seems that computer hackers tend to focus less on Apple products.
When looking at the typical needs of the college freshman for computer use, it would appear that the usability and security features of Apple computers would likely outweigh any of the advantages offered by PCs. Thus While there are pro’s and con’s for either system, the one clear thing is that for the basic computer user like college freshmen, an Apple is the way to go.
Works Cited
Works Cited
Mills, Elinor. In their words: Experts Weigh in on Mac vs.
PC Security. 2, April, 2010.
<http://news.cnet.com/8301-27080_3-10444561-245.html>
