For a long time now, creative types have refused to use anything other than a MAC for design work. If you walk into a graphic design agency or Silicon Valley web development company, chances are high that you’ll be met with a bank of gleaming iMacs. But is MAC really the only player in the game, or is Windows a worthy contender?
Dependability
MACs are often seen as more dependable, which is an essential attribute in a creative sphere. After all, the last thing you need is for your workhorse to keel over and die mid-way through an important project. MAC batteries last longer than a Windows machine. Most Windows laptops last less than three hours away from a charging outlet. This is not ideal if you are called to give a presentation and you don’t have access to a power outlet. MACs are also quieter to run, so you won’t have to listen to a noisy fan whirring away in the background.
The Advantages of Windows
Despite the advantages of using a MAC, Windows is making inroads into the professional creative sector. Most creative software is cloud-based, so you can use it on any operating system. Apps like Adobe’s Creative Cloud are linked to the user, not the machine, so you can flip between Windows and MAC hardware as often as you like. Many apps that were previously MAC only are now available for Windows and can be synced between the two operating systems.
Windows hardware is also a lot cheaper than MAC. You can build a decent graphics friendly machine using Windows components for a fraction of the cost of buying a MacBook Pro. If gaming is your passion after work, Windows gaming rigs are far superior in terms of cost – visit the WiredShopper for the best gaming monitors. This means you can invest in a decent Windows desktop for creative work and then use it for gaming in the evenings. Kill two birds with one stone, in effect. You can’t do that with a Mac.
iPad Pro vs Surface Book 2
The iPad Pro is a powerful tool for graphics applications. Invest in the Apple stylus and you can do all kinds of amazing things. But the Windows Surface Book 2 is pretty powerful too. This ultra-powerful laptop/tablet hybrid can be used as a laptop for general use. However, it also comes with a detachable screen that functions as a tablet. And if you buy the stylus pen, you can use it as a design tablet. The 15-inch screen is the best choice for designers. The Surface Pro 2 is the only one with a fully detachable screen. It also has a better screen resolution than a MacBook Pro. You can also use creative apps like Photoshop and Illustrator when it’s in tablet mode, which makes it handy to have if you travel.
Ultimately, it will come down to how comfortable you feel with Windows or MAC. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, so choose the one that you can work with more easily.
