Which Is Easier to Use an Apple or a Windows Computer?

Updated on July 17, 2015
S.J. asks from Reston, VA
14 answers

I'd like to buy a new laptop, but I'm not sure which is the best one to purchase. I can get either, I'm not concerned with upgrading or learning new things.

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M.P.

answers from Asheville on

People that regularly use Windows will tell you it's easier, and folks using Macs will tell you that's the easier platform.
It's really a cost situation. Apple is generally more expensive than a PC machine running Windows.
I can use either, but prefer Windows.

5 moms found this helpful

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B.S.

answers from Denver on

I can use either but prefer Windows because it's what I've always had. I was given an Apple for work and while it's pretty easy to figure out I've found it to be a pain because it's not what I'm used to. All the things that apple does to make it more "user friendly" just throw me off.

4 moms found this helpful

T.F.

answers from Dallas on

Personal preference.

I use a Dell laptop and windows because it's vital that I have software compatible with my hubby and CPA for running our business.

Our daughter has had her MacBook Pro since she was a Junior in high school and she's now a Junior in college and that machine has been perfect. In her coursework, most students have Mac products.

Personal preference and what you are accustomed to and like.

3 moms found this helpful

J.S.

answers from St. Louis on

They are both about the same. I get real frustrated with iStuff because I know how to fix windows based and droid. So of course nothing is where it should be with iYiyiyi. The navigation is completely different.

That isn't to say if you stuck me in front of one and made me learn it would be any harder to learn than changes to a windows based product.

I know I just said a whole lot of nothing here but it comes down to most people who have windows based will tell you with no uncertain terms that iLostit is the devil. If you talk to people who use iWantabeer they will tell you that windows are the devil.

If you can't tell I love putting a small i in front of nonsense, it amuses me.

Both platforms allow you to test the systems so my suggestion is ignore any strong advice here and actually try them out yourself.

Oh yeah, Starr brought up a good point, software for iSneezed is harder to find and windows won't work on it.

I have ran windows based computers for years without antivirus programs running. Never got a virus but then I am very picky about the sites I go on. Believe it or not this site may be a marketing nightmare but it is clean.

2 moms found this helpful
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S.B.

answers from Minneapolis on

I think this is going to be totally based on personal preference. I use a PC and so does my husband. 2 of my 6 kiddos use Macs. For me, personally, the software that I use for work is not Mac compatible (they keep talking about a Mac version). However, the software that my oldest daughter uses for her job is only available in Mac version.

I would examine what your current needs are, as well as your future needs and let that drive your decision. If you are using it for work as well, you may want to talk to your employer's IT department to see what they recommend. If you are looking at being a student in the near future (or are already), find out what the school is moving towards using.

Good luck!

2 moms found this helpful
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J.B.

answers from Boston on

Depends on what you're already familiar with. Macs and most Apple products, to me, aren't intuitive and are a pain, but that's because I've been using Windows daily for 20 years. For a new user, Apple products do seem to be easier.

1 mom found this helpful
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M.D.

answers from Pittsburgh on

The biggest question is - what are you going to use it for?

Some of the software I use is not available for apple (certain statistics programs) or just doesn't work as smoothly on apple (I'm talking about you Outlook). So, I would never seriously consider an apple.

On the other hand, people I know who do graphic design or work with a lot of digital photos or images say that apple is far superior.

Thus, I suggest you look at the software you use and then decide which system is best.

ETA: With respect to the Outlook comment - My DH has an apple, I have windows. We share calendar events. When we both had PC's, it worked great. Now that he switched to an apple, things sometimes become garbled when they try to communicate. So, maybe it's not an outlook issue on it's own, per se, but a communication issue between PC and apple using calendar functions. In any case, YMMV.

1 mom found this helpful
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O.O.

answers from Los Angeles on

Clearly Apple is more intuitive and user friendly.
Also practically impenetrable to viruses.
I use Outlook on my work Mac, no problem so I'm not sure that that comment is about.
I have ZERO MS software on my home Mac and function just fine.

A.J.

answers from Williamsport on

I can't speak for Windows as I've only used them at work in the past but always owned Mac. I think they're equally easy to use, but Macs are SHWEET SHWEET machines, especially for photos, movies and music stuff. Also, my current laptop is OLD but super great and never had a virus or needed repair.

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X.Y.

answers from Chicago on

Mac.

I've had the same laptop for 8 years, never had a virus or any problems

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M.S.

answers from Seattle on

I'd been a lifelong PC user until 18 months ago when my Dell laptop gave up the ghost and I decided to by a Mac laptop. It was one of the best decisions I've ever made really.

I'd gotten so frustrated with the Microsoft software and always getting viruses and malware, and needing to get someone to fix my computer because my anti-virus protection wasn't dong it's job. I was doing less and less work on my computer because it kept crashing.

I am a Mac lover now. The programs are much easier to use, and very easy to learn. Just so you now, if you buy a Mac at an Apple store, you can get free classes with their employees to help you learn how to navigate your new computer.

Mac over PC, totally.

S.T.

answers from Washington DC on

i switched to macs a few years ago because i got tired of endlessly running software virus programs and having my machines riddled with them anyway. that would probably not be the case now that the boys have moved out.
if you go mac (and yeah, they are very user friendly above and beyond the virus thing) i do NOT recommend the mini. i'm on my 2nd one, and very frustrated with it. i shouldn't need one of the big guys- all i do is email, FB, MP, write and research on it. i don't watch tv, or game, or design anything. yet my minis give me endless grief.
and they're expensive, and getting apple support is another fat expense on top of the purchase. i'm butthurt that mac doesn't stand behind their expensive products enough to warrant them without hundreds of extra dollars. and the mac support has been pretty helpless to resolve my endless issues with mine.
so despite the fact that i've become very used to the apple way of doing things, and that i don't look forward to once again running endless anti-virus programs, i think this is my last mac unless i fall into enough bucks for a macpro. with what i spend on buying, then customer support, i could replace with a windows machine several times over.
khairete
S. (former huge mac booster)

K.H.

answers from New York on

This is entirely subjective.

I'm a Mac & my hubby is a PC. I like the look & feel of Apple products but his Android (on phone) interface is pretty impressive too...totally depends on what you like.

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A.Z.

answers from San Francisco on

I went to Apple fighting it every step of the way. I am so glad I did because now that we used Apple phones and iPods, having everything on one platform makes life a lot easier.

Macs are easy to learn to use and so I think the learning curve is minimal. However, you won't be completely bug free as people seem to think. Each time I upgrade the software, there are glitches and features that are irritating that need to be addressed. Overall though, I wouldn't go back to a windows platform.

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