PC vs. MAC

Hi everyone!

Today I want to talk more in-depth about PC vs. MAC for translators.

If you follow me on social media, you know that this year I decided to switch from PC to MAC, after years of only using PC.

I decided it was time to upgrade my working tool, and that I needed something that came with a big screen that can be split into two and more, that was faster than anything I ever had, and that could support all or most of the apps, websites, etc., that I use for work, especially my CAT Tool.

My iMac comes with a 24″ screen, which can perfectly be divided into two. I can see things I was never able to see on my laptop without having to move around on the page! It also has the M1 chip, which is the first generation of chips manufactured by Apple. They are no longer using Intel chips.

But I think the best way to figure out which device is better for you, is to take a look at the pros and cons of each one:

PCs

Pros:

1. Easy to set up from your Windows account.
2. Compatible with pretty much all software and applications in the market.
3. If you have other Windows and Android devices and products, they will all work better together (same ecosystem.)
4. Cost: this is probably the biggest advantage of PCs. They are definitely more affordable than MACs.
5. They are more easily upgraded ad have more options for different components.
6. Offer more connection ports and types of ports.
7. They have better backwards compatibility, that is, you can run older versions of software or operating systems on new hardware.

Cons:

1. The software updates! They take forever and you can’t really avoid them!
2. PCs are more vulnerable to viruses, so you definitely need to invest in a good antivirus program.
3. Windows as a program, hasn’t had any major upgrades or changes in the latest years. Maybe that will change with Windows 11, but don’t expect too many nice surprises.
4. They usually work with Intel or other chips, they don’t manufacture their own.
5. Customer service tends to be bad because there are so many manufacturers out there, it gets difficult to get them to actually pay attention to your needs.

MACs

Pros:

1. If you already have other iOS devices, it will be very easy to set up and use.
2. You can migrate easily from Windows to iOS.
3. If you have other iOS devices (iPhone, iPad, etc.) they will all work better together (same ecosystem.)
4. You can use OneDrive to work on MSOffice documents across devices, whether they are iOS or Windows.
5. They are associated with high-powered graphic design.
6. Because there are fewer Apple products compared to PCs, there are fewer viruses creasted for iOS.
7. Apple tightly controls the software on its devices, there is much less bloatware installed on new systems.
8. Apple’s customer service is well known for being better, and they do a great job of backing up their products.
9. MACs tend to have new innovations incorporated into their design that make them faster than PCs (like the new M1 chip.)
10. Their software updates are a walk in the park compared to Windows! And you can choose if you want to update manually or automatically, giving you full control.

Cons:

1. Cost: this is probably the biggest disadvantage for MACs. But they are worth your money.
2. Many programs are not compatible with MAC, including: AutoHotkey and SDL Trados Studio. For AutoHotkey there are some free options that give the same results. Trados… well it is incredible to think that in this time and age they still don’t have an iOS version.
3. Less connection ports, and now they have fully moved on to USB-C, and most devices are not compatible. Of course, you can buy and adaptor plug.
4. If they re upgradeable, you can only upgrade the memory and the storage drive.
5. You’ll probably need to invest on a new one sooner than with a PC.

The PC vs. MAC debate will continue as long as they are the two major choices for hardware and operating systems. Each system does some things better; it’s really a matter of what features are important to you and what you’re going to use the computer for. Whatever you choose, enjoy it!

Thank you again to Day Translations for sponsoring this blog post. Check out more about them and their services here: https://daytranslations.com/

Until the next time, take care and stay safe!

XX