After researching the digital revolution, and how the technologies of the 1984
Apple MACINTOSH computer allowed designers to further their abilities within
the design world with type and graphics, many links that caught my eye were about the age-old “Mac vs PC” debate.
This was of particular interest to me, as I myself considered the two when choosing a laptop to use for uni. I think this is extremely relevant to us as designers, as the computer and software we choose to use may influence the outcomes of our designs, and in the long run, our careers.
This was of particular interest to me, as I myself considered the two when choosing a laptop to use for uni. I think this is extremely relevant to us as designers, as the computer and software we choose to use may influence the outcomes of our designs, and in the long run, our careers.
I found an interesting article here by Zy Gonzales, who contributes to an up-to-date graphic design blog
called “you the designer”.
Gonzales compares the two operating systems initially by finding statistics to find out the popularity of each. Microsoft's Windows has long been the most popular operating system overall (not just within the design industry), taking a 42.76% market share for desktop and laptop computers worldwide, whereas the Mac OS X only has a 7.78% market share. However, in a survey conducted by You The Designer in 2011 from over 9000 graphic designer respondants, 41% of designers preferred to use Apple's Mac products for their products, while 35% said they preferred to use a Windows-based machine for their work.
This Net market share site gives some interesting statistics regarding desktop operating systems, including Windows 7, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS X 10.7, Mac OS X 10.6 and "Other".
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| Windows PC are more succeptable to viruses from hackers due to its significantly larger market share. |
Hardware-wise, Mac and Windows-powered machines are very similar. The differences comes from more subtle elements within each system. Apple prides itself on speed and efficient use of computer resources, wheras Windows relies on its familiarity and affordability to maintain their fanbase. Mac also has a reputation of being more secure than the Windows PC, this is not because the Mac has superior security systems, but because Macs are far less targeted than the Windows PC, because of their significantly smaller market share. More on this topic can be found here.
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| Apple MacBook Pro |
Gonzales summarises:
For those who are looking for a gorgeous looking interface with hot-knife-through-butter performance, the MAC OS might be a good choice for you. On the other hand if you're someone who prefers to stick with things that you're already accustomed to and you're okay with average to above average performance for the same hardware, then go ahead and take a Windows PC.
I know that many of us within the class have chosen Mac (laptops and desktops) but it would be interesting to find out whether anyone has any thoughts on the Mac vs. PC debate, maybe some opinions on why you chose Mac or Windows to use for design for the next few years?
Sources:
Retrieved 7 April, 2013.
I knew I wanted a Mac ever since I was a little kiddy and I saw one of these (http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/5/54/IMac_G3_blueberry_side.jpg) on TV.
ReplyDelete"Made by designers FOR designers" is a quote I remember hearing from my Art Design teacher in high school. He also told me how the school was making the switch from PC to Mac because these are the systems we should expect to be working with in the real world.
The next year I worked full time, saved up and bought an iMac desktop. I've never regretted it. Four years on and I haven't had any viruses, never had to take it in for upgrades or fixes and it still looks sexy as hell like its owner.