Mac vs PC - The Arguments For and Against!

The Mac vs PC debate can get very heated, and goes on and on and … never ends! Why? Well, there can be no winner!

I know without any doubt that a Mac computer, running the Mac OS X operating system, makes the best computer in the world. I believe that there is no valid argument against this fact! Then add in the accessories, great software and services and it becomes an unbeatable combination.

But so does my mate! He believes just as passionately that his Dell, shown below, running Microsoft Windows 7 is the world beater!

A Dell PC? Yes or No? We Don't Think So! Image courtesy of Dell Inc.

I argue with him, he argues with me, and we simply end up having to agree to disagree! Until the next new Mac, or Dell, is released and we start all over again!

Around the world the Mac vs PC debate gets repeated on websites, blogs and in forums. The arguments will never end, because no one can win!

We Much Prefer the Amazing iMac! Image courtesy of Apple

But I suspect that most of you would agree when I say that, although the Mac vs PC debate is interesting, I am not interested in the silly tit-for-tat arguments that fail to achieve anything constructive.

We all know why we end up using Windows PC's. We are all brainwashed by there dominance of our Offices, our Schools and our Universities into accepting them as the only serious computing option.

In fact many people probably don't know, or even care, that other options exist! To them the Mac vs PC debate is irrelevant.

Making the Decision to Switch to a Mac!

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But what makes a person decide to step of the path, and leave the relative security of Windows behind?

I slowly realised over a period of time that I had had enough of Windows, and wanted a change. To be honest Windows had become a bit boring. I know Windows 7 is better than Vista but there is still no buzz! Nothing new! Certainly nothing better than Mac OS X.

Apple's market share is slowly growing and I think this is due to people using the iPod, the iPhone, and now the iPad or iPad 2 and thinking to themselves "I like this experience, let's try a Mac".

Even Apple and Microsoft are guilty of fanning the flames of the Mac vs PC debate. Both are trying to pick out the weak features of the others operating system to explain the reason for their own dominance!

Some people are not sure? It's one thing to like the look of the Mac and to dream of owning one. But a totally different matter when it comes to parting with hard earned cash on a computer that appears to be different to the norm.

Any computer purchase is a big step. It's an investment that is not normally repeated for a few years and as a result needs to be carefully investigated and researched. You need to be sure that it's right for you.

The problem is that a lot of people have let the Mac vs PC arguments sink into their subconscious, popping up in arguments as one of many statements like "Oh, yes, I agree Macs are expensive!". They don't even know how accurate that statement is!

But how do you get answers to the question - Mac vs PC? How do you rise above the silly arguments and find the real answers to your questions?

The first point is that there is no need for a winner! Let's be clear about this point! I use Macs because they are the best solution for my computing needs. I am very happy with a Mac!

You might use a Windows 7 PC and be very happy with it, and the thought never ever crosses your mind to own a Mac. Thats ok to! You are happy with a PC!

BUT! Are you unhappy with your PC? Are you bored with Windows? Want a change? Feel like I did a few years ago? But are a bit unsure, and have lot's of questions? Been listening to the Mac vs PC debate and ended up confused?

Then you need answers to be provided in a clear and concise way. There is no need to listen to all of the scare stories aired in the Mac vs PC debates.

The remainder of this article is dedicated to examining the main points that are frequently raised in the Mac vs PC debate. Looking at the facts and then providing the answers you need.

Even though I am pro Mac I have tried to be fair and to point out weaknesses on both sides.

Let's start our look at the Mac vs PC debate by examining who uses Macs, are the users any different to Windows users?

The Myth of the Mac User

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A long time ago, back in the nineties, there was a strong belief that the Mac was only used by the photographic or the graphic design fraternity.

This stemmed from the early years when the Mac had a reputation for powerful graphics and postscript printing capabilities which was unusual at the time.

But over the last few years, with Mac OS X becoming more popular, and accessories like the iPod, iPhone and now the iPad bringing Apple products into our life's. More people are catching on.

The Mac is now used by exactly the same user base as Windows. Yes, engineers, children, students, mothers and fathers, to name just a small selection are all starting to see the benefits. Even our Schools and Universities are starting to see the light!

I have read a number of articles, as part of the Mac vs PC debate, where an analysis is performed on Mac and PC users! Trying to explain the sort of personality that buys a Mac compared to a PC. Why? Who cares!

The obvious result of the Mac becoming more popular is that it begins to find its way into more and more homes. Friends and neighbours see the Mac and think "I wouldn't mind one of them". Word spreads!

It is now simply a question of taste, understanding what a Mac is capable of and ignoring the horror stories created during the Mac vs PC debate. If you want one, then buy one.

Can the Mac handle PC Files?

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Over the years you will probably have collected a huge quantity of PC files all safely backed up on CDs or DVDs.

These files are likely to include word processor documents, spreadsheets, PDF files, movie files, powerpoint presentations and image files etc. To name just a small selection!

A popular misconception in the Mac vs PC debate, is that a Mac, for some reason, cannot handle these straightforward file types. What rubbish!

According to Apple the following is only a sample of the file types that can be opened from within Mac OS X.

Images	Media	Documents
.bmp	.avi	.doc
.jpg	.mp3	.pdf
.gif	.mov	.ppt
.eps	.mpg	.txt
.pct	.m4v	.wpd
.png	.3gp	.rtf

A good starting point! But how does Mac OS X achieve this? Well, it includes a powerful, but simple, utility called Quick Look which allows you to open a file by highlighting it in Finder and then simply hitting the space bar.

The picture below shows Quick Look browsing a Microsoft Powerpoint presentation. Quick Look is fast and extremely simple to use.

Out of curiosity I decided to run a little test between the Windows 7 Ultimate edition, the top of the range Windows version, and Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

I created ten files of varying types, and tried to browse them from within a 'clean' installation of both Windows 7 Ultimate edition and then Mac OS X Snow Leopard.

Why a clean install? Well I wanted to see how each performed without assistance from any additional applications.

Note this was purely for viewing the files, and not editing them! I bet the members of the Mac vs PC debate are probably relishing the outcome of this, probably expect Windows 7 to win - let's wait and see!

Before we look at the results let me just mention what the terminology means. In the table below the file type is listed on the left, then there are two columns, one for Windows 7, and one for Mac OS X.

A YES means the file could be opened and viewed. But a NO meant the file couldn't be viewed at all, resulting in an error message.

File Type	Windows 7	Mac OS X
Zip file (.zip)	YES	YES
JPG Graphics File (.jpg)	YES	YES
PNG Graphics File (.png)	YES	YES
TIFF Graphics File (.tiff)	YES	YES
RTF Document (.rtf)	YES	YES
CSV File (.csv)	NO	YES
Excel File (.xls)	NO	YES
Adobe Photoshop File (.psd)	NO	YES
Powerpoint File (.ppt)	NO	YES
Word Document (.doc)	NO	YES
PDF eBook (.pdf)	NO	YES

This was a very simple test that created fascinating results. I have used Quick Look daily and never really stopped to consider it's power before now. So the Mac vs PC debate takes a little step in favour of the Mac!

So now you know that your new Mac will be able to view those old PC files, what do you do about editing them?!

The Mac Comes with Some Great Software

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At this point I am going to upset the Pro Windows side of the Mac vs PC argument by failing to accept the view that Window applications are simply better than their Mac equivalents!

All I ever hear on the Mac vs PC forums is "You won't get that on the Mac" or "Ooohhh, the Windows version is much better!". Sorry I don't agree.

When I went out and purchased my first Mac computer I went and found the best solution for the Mac - which was often faster and better at doing the same task when compared to the equivalent Windows software!

For example, I'm not tied into using Microsoft Office files so I use Apple's iWorks software package instead, which includes Pages, Numbers and Keynote which do the same job as Word, Excel and Powerpoint, but with some nice improvements.

The picture above clearly shows that iWorks is quite happy handling Microsoft Office files, in this case a Word document.

What might come as a surprise though is just how much functionality is provided in Mac OS X as standard, and because there is only one version of Mac OS X every Mac user benefits!

The table below lists some of the applications bundled as standard with Mac OS X Lion. The first column lists the Mac OS X software, then the second column shows their equivalent, if there is one, within Windows 7.

Bundled in Mac OS X	Bundled in Windows 7
Finder	Windows Explorer
The App Store	-
iTunes	-
Mail	-
iChat	-
Safari	Internet Explorer
TextEdit	NotePad
DVD Player	Windows Media Player
Stickies	Sticky Notes
Calculator	Calculator

I was amazed by how much software is missing from Microsoft Windows 7 out of the box. Microsoft state on their own website "Windows Mail and Outlook Express aren't included in Windows 7". Useful hey! Urrrm, I bet this is kept quiet in the Mac vs PC debates.

So keeping that in mind let's revisit Mac OS X and see a list of all the more well known applications and utilities that are found in Mac OS X Lion as standard;

• Mail 5
• Address Book
• Calculator
• Chess
• Dashboard
• Dictionary
• DVD Player
• Font Book
• iCal
• iChat
• Image Capture
• iSync
• iTunes
• Photo Booth
• Preview
• QuickTime Player
• Safari
• Stickies
• TextEdit
• Time Machine

Even the above list, although impressive, is still not the full story. Each Mac includes the iLife'11 software package which itself includes the following applications;

• iPhoto'11
• iMovie'11
• GarageBand'11

I think you will agree that the list is impressive! But after all that there will still be times when you just have to have that old, and trusted, Windows application!

As an example of this, you might be using your Mac to share and edit files and emails with friends or colleagues that use Windows. You might feel that you need to use Microsoft Office and Outlook!

Can the Mac Run Microsoft Office?

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You might not know this, but Microsoft produces a version of their Office software for the Mac, called Microsoft Office for Mac! Surprised?!

This includes the obvious Word, Excel and Powerpoint. But also Outlook, Microsoft Messenger and Remote Desktop Connection.

I have tried the latest version of Microsoft Office for Mac and it's not bad at all - if you must use it! If you find yourself in a Mac vs PC discussion raise the question, why does Microsoft bother with a Mac version if the Mac is not popular?

Does create a dilemma though! You have spent all that money on PC software over the years, including Microsoft Office for the PC! Do you really just scrap it?

We come back down to earth with a big bump. Off course you can't scrap it. You could sell it or give it away but that would still mean spending more than you get back on the old software!

So our next section looks at running Windows on your Mac. Yes! You heard me right. You can run Windows on your Intel based Mac. I will accept that there are occasions when it just cannot be avoided. I will admit that even I do it occassionally!

I would say so far that the Mac is standing up rather well in the Mac vs PC debate! Wouldn't you?

Running Microsoft Windows Applications on Your Mac

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The Mac vs PC debate will say if you need to use Windows applications then stick with Windows. Why bother swapping?

But why sacrifice the pleasure of owning a better computer? Why miss out on the power of Mac OS X? and why lose the chance to own great software and accessories for the sake of one or two applications?

There are three reasons why you might want to run Windows;

• You have purchased a lot of Windows software you don't want to replace in one go.
• You want to use a favourite Windows only application, or maybe play PC games.
• You use speciality software e.g an engineering, scientific or financial software package.

The route that you take to achieving this depends on how you want to use Windows. Will you be using Windows a lot during your working day?, or do you just want an occasional application running alongside your Mac OS X applications?

If you need Windows as your main operating system at work, then you can use a Mac OS X utility, called Boot Camp Assistant, to install Windows alongside Mac OS X. You can then chose Mac OS X or Windows when starting up your Mac.

The disadvantage though is that you cannot switch between Mac OS X and Windows during use. If you want to do this then the next option is for you.

This option keeps Mac OS X running all of the time, which is what we want! But we can run Windows applications either in a window, full screen, or as if they were Mac applications.

This technique is achieved by using Virtual PC software. At the moment there are three main options;

• VMWare Fusion
• Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac
• VirtualBox

The screen shot below is an example of Windows 7 Ultimate edition running in a Virtual PC on my own MacBook Pro. In this case it is running on Parallels Desktop 6 for Mac.

Windows 7 Ultimate Edition in a Virtual PC

I think you can see now that access to applications on your Mac is not an issue. Whether you want apps that were written for a Mac, or those old Windows applications, you have no problems. Here the Mac vs PC argument is kind of cancelled out because we can have the best of both worlds!

Installing, configuring and using any of these options is a bit beyond the scope of this article. Check out our section about running Windows on Mac for all the information you need.

Can I Get PC Viruses on My Mac?

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I find this subject fascinating, it is a very popular discussion in the halls of the Mac vs PC debate. Windows users won't like this section!

A scourge of the Windows PC is the virus, a problem that is well known and the source of a complete software industry in it's own right.

Of course as a Windows user you will already be well aware of this!

I remember, as a PC user, the feeling when that dreaded message appeared warning you that your computer had a PC virus! Not nice. I had forgotten what that felt like!

Let's start by providing a quick answer to the question "Can I get a PC Virus on My Mac?". The answer is NO. A PC Virus is basically a piece of software written with the sole purpose of executing on a PC. It cannot run on Mac OS X.

Before you start cheering you do need to be aware of two facts though!

The first is that the Mac can store the infected Windows files on disk and then pass them on to your Windows colleagues in emails or downloads etc!

Secondly, Windows running on your Mac, or in a Virtual PC, can still get a PC Virus! So, I'm afraid, you will need Antivirus software installed.

Now let's change the question slightly to "Can I get a Mac Virus?". This is potentially possible, but less likely due to your Macs Unix roots. At the current time there are NO Mac Viruses!

That statement will get the Windows advocates screaming, but in terms of Mac vs PC it's another win for the Mac. There are threats out there to your Macs security. But they are known as Trojans or Spyware. At the last count there were about 64, compared to millions on the PC.

To get a full description of the threats to the Mac and the ways to prevent them impacting you check out the section of this website that looks at the Mac virus threat!

It is a sad fact of life that no computer system is 100% secure, particularly if it is connected to the Internet.

Many people think that the problem will impact the Mac more as it becomes more and more popular - we will see!

Macs are Designed to be a Better Computer!

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Let's take a moment to look at a more light hearted topic in the Mac vs PC debate. The Mac is without doubt the best designed and the best looking computer in the world!

The New iMac - Absolutely Stunning Design! Image courtesy of Apple

One of the main selling points of the Mac is the build quality and the state-of-the-art design, and the attention to detail. Even this fact is argued over in the Mac vs PC forums! Incredible!

The majority of Mac computers make use of what is termed a unibody design, the creation of the enclosure from a solid piece of aluminium giving an amazing look and feel, as well as strength.

Apple also take the environment very seriously and have gradually implemented various measures to ensure that they reduce computer packaging, use less toxins, and ensure that products are more recyclable. All of these areas of are used to calculate the Apple Environmental Footprint.

There is no question that the Mac is designed to be a better computer. In fact even Apple make the same statement on their website.

Mac OS X is the Most Advanced Operating System?

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I read through the websites, blogs, and forums that debate the Mac vs PC argument and smile at the complete dismay aired when someone denies that Windows 7 is the best operating system!

Does the fact that it is the most widely used make it the best? No, obviously.

Does the fact that it has been around the longest make it the best? Urrmm, No.

Maybe it's because Windows 7 is built on sound roots? Vista! No! Sorry just a little joke.

So what is my view? Windows 7 is without doubt a powerful operating system. It corrects the mistakes made by Windows Vista, but many users are sticking with Windows XP.

I don't think Microsoft understands the way the world is moving, and what people want. You would expect Microsoft to have a version of Windows 7 on tablets, for example. But in the last quarter of 2010 Apple sold 7.3 million iPads, and Samsung sold 2.0 million Android tablets! Where was Windows?

Apple state on their website that Apple Mac OS X is the most advanced operating system in the world. Personally, I would agree, but I also consider it to be the best operating system in the world!

Mac OS X Lion running on Mac computers Image courtesy of Apple

I have come to this conclusion after using various alternative operating systems including Windows 7, Vista, as well as older versions of Windows, as well as Linux for about 10 years before making the switch to Mac OS X.

The latest version is called OS X Lion which has only just been released - in July 2011. It builds on the powerful Snow Leopard with some great enhancements.

Whether I have Mac OS X on the entry level Mac mini, or on the top of the range Mac Pro, or on a MacBook, I know that Mac OS X will be the same on each. No Home Premium, Professional or Ultimate versions like for Microsoft Windows 7.

The Mac OS X desktop is designed following very clear User Interface guidelines, that have been laid down by Apple for all developers to follow. This means that most applications follow the same layout making the learning process much shorter, and more straightforward.

One of the most important things to me is the stability of my computer. To date I have had no crashes and I can honestly say that I drive my computers hard. Regularly using Virtual PC's, editing videos etc.

I believe that this stability is bought about because the hardware and software developers are both working for Apple.

Apple design their own hardware, so the Mac OS X developers know what they are dealing with. Testing both the hardware and software is made a much simpler task.

I am also a big fan of it's Unix roots. Mac OS X is built on proven technology. As far as I am concerned this gives me a much more secure system when compared to a Windows PC, and gives me almost no concerns about viruses, as we discussed earlier. Mac vs PC? Another win for the Mac I think?

Finally, we come to the Mac App Store which really does get under the skin of some of the more vocal Windows contributors to the Mac vs PC debate. I don't see why! I can chose to use it or not.

But why wouldn't I? It offers me a single source of software. I can browse, or search. I can read reviews by real users, and then I can buy the software, instantly. It is installed before my eyes and even tells me in the future when an update is available.

Another benefit of using Mac OS X is the cohesion with Apple services, like the upcoming iCloud, and Apple Accessories like your iPod, iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and the Time Capsule.

Mac OS X Lion is an amazing operating system. It really is worth having a read through a more detailed overview of its capabilities.

The Mac Can Handle All of Your PC Accessories and More!

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Well, So far we have compared Mac computers and Mac OS X to the PC running Microsoft Windows. We have discussed handling Windows data files, Mac software and running Windows applications, we have looked at security and viruses, and looked at why Macs look so good. In terms of Mac vs PC, the Mac is doing rather well at the moment.

If you have moved to a Mac from a PC then I am sure that you will still have a load of old accessories. Printer, Scanner, Modem, Router, and various external drives and memory sticks etc.

I'm sure by now that you can guess the answer? Of course there is no problem. Mac OS X is supplied with a vast number of drivers for the most common hardware. Plug it in and it works.

But your Mac is just the starting point for a whole new computing experience. Your computer has never, and I mean NEVER, been at the centre of your digital life as it is about to be!

Ok so you have an iPhone and you use iTunes for Windows. Not really close to the same experience on your Mac! Get a Mac and it unlocks a whole new world to you.

As I have said else where on this website, the accessories and services provided by Apple are all geared up to making your life easier.

I believe that the way in which the Mac accessories and services are integrated into Mac OS X adds to the argument that the Mac is better than the PC. I really do feel like the Mac vs PC debate is rather a waste of effort.

Let's start by looking at the most visible example of this integration between Mac accessories and Mac OS X. The Time Capsule is Apple's back-up device. The current version comes with either 1TB or 2TB of storage.

Time Capsule - A Superb Backup Device for all your Macs Image courtesy of Apple

The Time Capsule also includes four USB ports for connecting external storage or a printer, an ethernet port and Wireless networking.

But the Time Capsules primary role is for performing automatic back-ups from Mac OS X. This is where my earlier point about integration gets demonstrated because every copy of Mac OS X includes a software utility called Time Machine which, once configured, performs regular back-ups of your data to the Time Capsule.

It also provides an easy to use interface allowing you to retrieve data from earlier back-ups with ease.

In today's fast paced global community more and more people are wanting to access their data on the move. We want to browse the Internet, check emails, browse Google maps and play games while we commute to the office or sit in our car in the ever increasing traffic jams, or relax in our hotel rooms while we are away on the business trip abroad!

To achieve this we have an ever increasing range of mobile devices to choose from including our phones and notebooks. But in reality this just leads to more and more hassle, more and more devices, more and more operating systems and less and less compatibility! Why? Because we buy on impulse, we don't do any research, and later learn to regret it.

Let's consider a worst case scenario. You are a PC user and you have a Net book running Windows 7, but your phone is running Android, and you recently stumbled across the iPad and decided it would be cool to use on the plane or when commuting to work on the train.

So standalone everything is great. Everything works! You use your Net book to run Microsoft Office to write reports and other business documents, your phone works for calls, texts, browsing the Internet and emails etc and the iPad seems to do almost anything!

The problem is they don't like each other! It would be so nice to sync notes, emails, calendars and contacts without struggling with different applications and formats.

Now let's look at a different world. My world! I decided to ditch the PC and now have two iMacs at home. Both are networked to the Internet and to my 1TB Time Capsule for back-ups and printer sharing etc.

When I am away from home on business I have my MacBook Pro which provides all of the heavy duty computing power I need. My iPad is ideal for on the plane or in Airports for reading, making notes or listening to music and watching a film. Finally, my iPhone provides my communication with the world.

But the best is saved for last! They all work as one. The iPad and iPhone run iOS, a mobile operating system based on Mac OS X. They work together to keep everything in sync, even the bookmark in the novel I am reading.

Start a mystery novel on my iPad at the airport, bookmark it, and carry on the next day on my iPhone while having a coffee. Nice!

Image courtesy of Apple

Hopefully, I have shown here that the Mac accessories and services provided by Apple add to the power of your Mac computer. They make the user experience that much better.

More and more people are seeing this for themselves which is shown in the market increase that the Mac is getting. Mac vs PC is kind of becoming a one sided affair.

Can the Mac Computer Hardware be Upgraded?

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OK. Let's start this section with a look at the humble PC. I started my computing life years ago building PC's for FUN. I enjoyed being a techie. I enjoyed trying different hardware, playing with drivers and as a result fixing problems!

There is no doubt at all that the PC is fully expandable. From case and power supply, to motherboard, processor, memory and graphics. So I suppose the PC wins this round of the Mac vs PC debate!

But then I grew up! I suddenly wanted to use my computer. I started to use the Internet more. I wanted my computers in one piece longer than they were in bits.

But most of all I got fed up of the blue screens of death, the driver problems and the in-compatibilities.

Now I use a Mac. I can upgrade the memory and the hard disk with a bit of effort if I really want to. But as regards graphics, motherboards and processors I don't care anymore - it all works! In fact it all works very well.

If I want the latest graphics, or the best Intel processor, I can update my Mac for a new one at the next update cycle. Interestingly, the Mac seems to hold it's price pretty well so I can swap relatively frequently if I did want to keep up to date.

But what about Blu-ray? I can hear the Mac vs PC debate shouting at me. What about it? It's just another standard which will slowly fade away into history as the Internet gets faster and streaming video gets cheaper! Welcome iTunes, Apple TV and AirPlay, all nicely positioned to make use of future technology advances.

If I wanted more powerful hardware that I could upgrade myself, I would get a Mac Pro. It offers the serious power user a tower case (see below), with drive bays and swappable graphics cards and memory etc.

Image courtesy of Apple

Finally, as a little concession to the my Windows buddies who are losing the Mac vs PC debate. I will admit that the Mac is not really aimed at the serious gamer! It is changing as more game developers switch to the Mac. But at the moment a serious gamer will more than likely be using a PC.

But having said that I have just seen the spec of the new iMac. Not a bad graphics card - the Mac vs PC debate is really becoming a one sided affair!

Macs are more Expensive than a PC?

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The last section considers the accusation touted by the PC lobby that Macs are expensive. I hear this argument all the time in forums and blogs as one of the prime reasons why the PC wins the Mac vs PC argument.

I am going to admit that at first glance the Macs do appear to be more expensive. But I'm not sure that it is as clear cut as that!

For any serious discussion to take place we need to see a comparison between a couple of Mac computers and comparable PCs to help us decide if Macs are expensive. It makes fascinating reading!

I think this article shows that the price difference is not that disproportionate. OK the Macs are more expensive but not by the huge margin you were probably expecting. It all hinges around the specs of the machines you look at.

The only fair way to make a comparison is to use fully like-for-like computers, which is impossible. Macs are clearly designed to a higher standard than a PC and specs always differ slightly. As an example of this, Macs have FireWire and the all new Intel Thunderbolt port, but many PC's don't. However, PC's have Bluray and USB 3.0.

Let's Review the Evidence!

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So where does this leave the Mac vs PC debate. The co-founder of Apple, Steve Wozniak, has said that the Mac vs PC argument is over.

I'm afraid the argument will never be over. Us humans do love an argument, particularly about our gadgets, and the Mac vs PC argument certainly gets the emotions going. Silly really!

At the end of the day history will prove the point. Apple at the moment can do no wrong! Apple seem to have an understanding of what the world wants, which is shown by the billions of dollars they make every quarter.

The purpose of this article was to dispel the myths. To shout loudly that the Mac can handle what you chuck at it, and that there is no reason for you to fear switching over to a Mac if you want to.

Choice is the key though. I am not going to have an argument with someone who prefers Windows 7, just because they prefer Windows 7.

But I will have an argument with a PC user who tries to use an argument from the Mac vs PC debate, which is blatantly wrong, or is just jumping on the bandwagon.

The most heated debate is always about the cost of the Mac when compared to a Windows PC. I agree that the Mac is expensive compared to some PC's. But I don't think the difference is as much as some people would have us believe.