Mac Vs Windows For Software Engineers Reddit

  1. Mac Vs Windows For Software Engineers Reddit Pc
  2. Mac Vs Windows For Software Engineers Reddit Pc
  3. Software Development Mac Vs Windows

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.

On the other hand, if your field relies heavily on software that is only available for Windows-operated computers, it would be smart to get a PC. Study.com / Mac vs. PC: The Best Computer for. Jun 17, 2016  Both Windows 10 Anniversary Update and macOS Sierra allow you to unlock your device with a device (your phone on a PC and an Apple Watch on a Mac. Feb 12, 2020  Mac’s version is a bit more systemwide, with some older Windows dialogs still not darkened. The Windows 10 May 2019 Update adds a Custom option, which lets. Life is full of great debates: vanilla vs. Chocolate, coffee vs. Tea, pancakes vs. Waffles, dogs vs. Cats—you get the idea. As for computer users, one of the greatest debates that’s been raging since the mid-1980s is which PC platform is best, Mac or Windows.

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.

Windows

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.

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.

Mac Vs Windows For Software Engineers Reddit Pc

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.

WPA2 with a long pre-and complex shared key,Use a password manager.Safari on recent releases can show shared passwords, with a warning triangle in its password store. (Safari uses Keychain for storage, but the caution marker is something that only Safari shows and nor Keychain.) Remove most or all duplicates, when you’re changing passwords everywhere.Backups, wipe, reinstall from known-good, change all credentials, enable multi-factor authentication where that’s available.Backups are a key part of breach recovery.Notify your financial institutions. Somebody installed windows on my mac hacked windows 10.

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. Anytrans crack download. 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.

Mac Vs Windows For Software Engineers Reddit Pc

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.

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

Best for most

Microsoft Surface Laptop 3

Professional powerhouse

Apple MacBook Pro

The Surface Laptop 3 now comes in two sizes and uses both Intel and AMD hardware inside. Everything that made the first two great remains, except it now has USB-C as well!

Pros

  • Stunning touch display
  • Digital inking support
  • Great battery life
  • Two sizes
  • Intel and AMD processors

Cons

  • No Thunderbolt 3
  • Not all colors available in all configurations

The MacBook Pro is packed with hardware to excite the professional market, but all that comes at a high price, though you do also have the option for dedicated graphics.

Pros

  • Optional eight-core processors
  • Stunning Retina Display
  • Can run Windows 10
  • Thunderbolt 3
  • Dedicated graphics options and eGPU support

The Surface Laptop 3 and MacBook Pro are for very different target audiences. The Surface Laptop 3 is not targeted at the serious power user. The MacBook Pro has the hardware for that type of buyer, with the bonus of being able to boot into Windows 10 as well.

Surface Laptop 3 vs MacBook Pro basic tech specs

CategorySurface Laptop 3 (13-inch)Surface Laptop 3 (15-inch)MacBook Pro (13-inch)MacBook Pro (16-inch)
Operating SystemWindows 10Windows 10macOSmacOS
Display13.5-inch Pixelsense, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2256x1504 (201 PPI)15-inch Pixelsense, 3:2 aspect ratio, 2496x1664 (201 PPI)13.3-inch Retina 2560 x 1600 (227 PPI)16-inch Retina 3072 x 1920
ProcessorIntel 10th GenAMD Ryzen 5 or Ryzen 7 custom CPU8th Gen Intel Core i5
10th Gen Intel Core i5
10th Gen Intel Core i7
Intel Core i7 6-core
Intel Core i9 8-core
GPUIntel IrisAMD Vega 9
AMD Vega 11
Intel Iris Plus 645
New Intel Iris Plus
Intel UHD 630
AMD Radeon Pro 5300M 4GB
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 4GB
AMD Radeon Pro 5500M 8GB
Memory8GB or 16GB LPDDR4x8GB, 16GB, or 32GB LPDDR4x8GB 2133MHz LPDDR3
16/32GB 3733MHz LPDDR4X
16GB/32GB/64GB
Storage128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (replaceable)128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD (replaceable)Up to 4TB SSDUp to 8TB SSD
Ports1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jack1x USB-C, 1x USB-A, 1x Surface Connect, 3.5 mm headphone jackUp to 4x Thunderbolt 3 , 3.5mm headphone jack4 x USB-C Thunderbolt-3, 3.5mm headphone jack
BatteryUp to 11.5 hoursUp to 11.5 hoursUp to 10 hoursUp to 11 hours
WeightUp to 2.79 lbsUp to 3.4 lbs3.1 lbs4.3 lbs

Surface Laptop 3 is a great upgrade

The Surface Laptop is one of our absolute favorites, and the latest incarnation doesn't change any of that. For the first time, we have a little choice when buying, with both a 13- and 15-inch model now. The experience of using each is mostly the same, with the most significant change coming underneath. The 15-inch version is exclusively available to consumers with a customized AMD Ryzen Surface Edition APU.

That packs four cores and eight threads on the Ryzen CPU portion, and either a Vega 9 or Vega 11 integrated GPU. Both of these have an additional GPU core over the Vega that AMD would put in other Windows laptops, giving it a little added grunt.

Even on the smaller version, performance takes a serious bump from the Surface Laptop 2, with Intel's 10th Gen processors and all-new Iris Plus graphics on the table. The Surface Laptop 3 isn't targeted at professional applications or creators, but the added horsepower certainly means you can get some good mileage in such areas.

Oh, and it has USB-C now, as well. So you don't need to buy a dongle. Hallelujah!

Mac vs windows for software engineers reddit pc

MacBook Pro has some superior specs

Even though there are no longer any legacy ports on the MacBook Pro, it has one fairly significant advantage over the Surface Laptop 3. It has Thunderbolt 3 support on top of USB-C, and Thunderbolt 3 opens up a world of possibilities. You can attach high-resolution displays to it, connect fast external storage, and perhaps most exciting of all, hook up an eGPU, putting a full desktop graphics card into your MacBook Pro.

Besides this, the MacBook Pro has six-core processors from Intel right up to a Core i9, options for dedicated graphics that go up to AMD's Radeon Pro graphics, up to 64GB of RAM and up to 8TB of storage. In all cases, the AMD graphics options for the MacBook Pro are stronger than the Vega 9 or Vega 11 you're able to get on the 15-inch Surface Laptop 3.

Different laptops for different people

Source: Windows Central

The Surface Laptop 3 is generally a closer match to Apple's MacBook Air in the sense that they're both highly portable yet capable Ultrabooks, and they appeal to the same type of laptop buyers.

The MacBook Pro targets a different class of buyer. It's a pro-grade laptop with a ton of powerful options, much better graphics capabilities, and if your wallet will go far enough, a ridiculous Core i9 processor. There's also the little matter of Apple's software and services. If you're already using or want to start using apps like Final Cut and Logic Pro, there's no fully like-for-like substitute experience on Windows.

The Surface Laptop 3 does come in two sizes for the first time, though, and they're both touch-enabled, something you don't get on any MacBook, with pen support for digital inking. The 15-inch model with AMD Ryzen and Vega inside is the better choice there, but the MacBook Pro can still offer more outright power.

If you're already looking at the Surface Laptop 3 as something you think you'd like to buy, get it. The MacBook Pro isn't a direct competitor, and you're going to end up spending a lot of money on the Mac to get anything significantly better than the Surface Laptop.

Best for most

Surface Laptop 3

For most, the Surface Laptop 3 is a better buy

While lacking the ultimate power available in the MacBook Pro, of the two, the Surface Laptop 3 is the better value for most people.

Professional powerhouse

MacBook Pro

Stacked with professional power

The professional buyer looking for massive horsepower and dedicated graphics can get everything they need in the MacBook Pro. Including Windows 10.

Software Development Mac Vs Windows

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Buyers Guide

Take your Surface Pro to new heights with these stands and mounts

Looking to save space on your desk or set up a cool stand in your kitchen or vehicle? These Surface Pro stands and mounts, compatible with the Pro 4, Pro (2017), Pro 6, and Pro 7, should do the trick.