10 Reasons Microsoft's Mac vs. PC is Wrong

Now that Windows 7 is out and PC users have embraced it full force, Microsoft has a little more to brag about. Apple used to be the team begging everyone to make the switch, with their making-it-easy guides, and commercials that made Mac users look like cool hipsters. Finally, we're stoked to say, the tables have turned. Windows 7 borrowed a ton from OS X, and now it's Microsoft that's launched a site telling its users to choose a PC over a Mac (which we still don't get--aren't they both personal computers?). They list plenty of reasons to choose a PC, and while we respect Windows, we sooo don't buy their list. In direct response to Microsoft, we tackle 10 of their reasons to buy a PC over a Mac.
1. Microsoft says: Manage windows more easily with Windows 7
Hold on, what? Apple invented Windows when they created the Finder back in 1984, and things have only gone uphill for Mac OS users. Windows 7 touts the fun new feature of "snapping" windows together--arranging windows side by side neatly snaps them in place, and dragging borders instantly maximizes--but this is kids stuff compared to Expose and stacks--all features Windows 7 copied directly from OS X!
2. Microsoft says: Macs can take time to learn
We're not really sure where this point comes from, unless you're a hardcore Windows user switching over to a Mac--then certainly, a Mac will be less familiar than Windows. We can only assume Microsoft is targeting the most casual user, who hasn't chosen sides yet. And with programs that sync your entire life out of the box, and a file structure with clear labels, you can't get simpler than a Mac. Microsoft, tell us, have you started hiding the C:/ drive yet?
3. Microsoft says: Networking is easier.
Microsoft points out that you can access wireless networks in "as few as three clicks." We'll stop them right there. In OS X, it takes one! As we know, OS X conveniently displays a drop down of accessible networks in the status bar. Also, OS X automatically sees Windows PCs. Unfortunately, we can't say the same about Windows 7.
4. Microsoft says: Manage devices more easily.
In this day and age, most of our external devices are iPods and iPhones. iTunes manages these devices and is much more stable on the Mac. What about printers, you say? Mac has been doing plug and play for ages.
5. Microsoft says: More options and color choices.
If by color choices they mean black and beige, we'll take white and silver any day. It's no secret that people like Macs because they look good. And you pay for the PCs that do--just Google the price of a nice Sony Vaio. Microsoft also seems to forget that you can build a Mac to spec--and damn, does it look good!
6. Microsoft says: Compatibility.
Maybe 20 years ago, but these days all files are cross compatible between Macs and PCs, including Microsoft's own proprietary formats, like .docx, and plug-ins like Silverlight. You have to buy Word for a PC just the same as you do for a Mac!
7. Microsoft says: Easily create movies.
We're not sure what they mean by easy, but nothing is more direct than making a movie with iMovie, which is free with every new Mac and integrates beautifully with the entire iLife suite. On a PC, we could stick with something like Adobe Premiere, but we have to pay for it!
8. Microsoft says: Quickly find what you're looking for.
Spotlight has been doing this for ages now. Microsoft, you seem to love taking OS X features and saying they're a reason to use a PC! We'll give you props for implementing them at least, even if you're a little late to the game.
9. Microsoft says: Get quicker access to all of your stuff
Windows 7 has jump lists. Mac OS X has stacks. We've been dragging stuff to our dock to access it on the fly for ages, and it works great. Windows 7's new taskbar just emulates our dock a little more. Did we mention we can drag and drop stuff there?
10. Microsoft says: Share files among multiple PCs
Hey now Microsoft, we have networks, too. And, even better, we have things like iTunes home sharing. It let's us not only listen to music from other computers over the network, but allows us to consolidate our music libraries too, out of the box. Can you do that?
We could go on and on with what's wrong with Microsoft's PC vs Mac list, but it's probably not worth wasting our breath. Really, we're just glad it's Microsoft that has to do the fighting back these days.
Follow this article's author, Ambika Subramony, on Twitter.
markomd
August 11, 2010 at 9:12am
C'mon guys. Both companies make fine products and serve different markets. I switched to Macs 25 years ago and have never looked back. I proselytize for Macs all the time, and just bought my 85 year old mother a new MacBook Pro to replace her Windex kludge. But the Mac vs Microsoft 'wars' are nonsense, except for the fact that we consumers benefit. Let the wars continue!
jiubreyn
August 11, 2010 at 5:28am
...because that dress you're wearing looked much better on Apple. Either the higher ups in Microsoft have never used a Mac before or just won't admit to it. Any point above that refers to something being "easier" on a PC than it is a Mac is just plain wrong. Most users that switch from PC to Mac cannot stop talking about how much easier it is and how they will "NEVER" go back.
Joshers84
August 10, 2010 at 10:35pm
I have to admit I liked their comments about not coming with a Blue Ray Player. They are right. Mac's do not come with BlueRay however 1.) Most people watch movies on their laptops during flights or car rides etc. and 15inch does not really require HD viewing anyone. At least in my opinion I would not really benefit from HD on my laptop while traveling and 2.) Most of the HD movies i Buy from wal-mart, best buy etc come with a fee digital copy to load into my laptop sooooooo. I still get the viewing pleasure with a free copy with my purchase of a BlueRay Movie which means I don't have to carry around movies when i go on trips as they are on my Hard Drive.
I switched from Microsoft to Mac 2 years ago and I will never go back. My 2 year old macbook pro out performs most PC's that are fresh out of Best Buy and mine is 2 years old.
JuanGuapo
August 10, 2010 at 9:46am
You know what surprises me is they brought up the whole Mac vs. PC debate again, and long after Apple ended it.
It's a shame because I'm sure they have some very bright people who work there that are probably as frustrated with the narrow business focus the company has. The whole "Design by Committee" thing doesn't work.
colinc
August 10, 2010 at 9:43am
The PC vs Mac tabs make me laugh even more.
It's showtime. You can't get a Mac that ships with a...TV tuner...you can with PCs running Windows 7. - Not sure really what that has to do with Windows 7 and we have EyeTV but sure, valid point?
Direct TV connection. Most Macs can't hook up to your TV unless you buy a converter dongle. - Ok, again, valid point...but didn't we already covered it.
Loaded with features. You can't get a Mac with a...TV tuner...PCs running Windows 7 often come with features that aren't available on even the highest end Macs - Seriously, how many times are we going to cover a TV tuner? It's just a hardware dongle...we've got them too. What does Windows 7 have to offer?
ohiodemon
August 11, 2010 at 12:37pm
I've got an HP plasma TV, and my Mac mini hooked right up to it - my TV has a DVI input, among others...
MacMike
August 10, 2010 at 9:32am
Your last comment is right on the mark. The reason that a page like this even exists today is because Microsoft is losing market share daily to Apple, and they know it. Using their own stats from their website of 10 to 1 PC ownership, why would you even need a page like this to tell people how wonderful you are vs. someone only taking 1 sale from every 10? Even acknowledging the competitor is more or less advertising for them by informing your users that there is an alternative they should be aware of.
Microsoft knows if employees had their choice of computer at work as they do at home that their market share would be significantly less as evident from things like the iPads now invading the workplace.














