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PC

When it comes to computers, there are two types of people: Mac or PC users. Within these two groups, there is constant competition for supremacy.

Apple, being marketing geniuses, follow with their latest ad campaign: avatars of PC and Mac culture. In the Mac commercial, the Mac is a twentysomething hip male who constantly denies the middle-aged and uncool PC's attempts for friendship, and instead belittles him.

There are many reasons why you should buy a PC, and leave the pretentious advertising behind. With computer gaming, Macs just don't meet the standard. With new games requiring complex software and hardware, the Mac presents a closed system where developers just can't seem to find a profit.

But if you really want to play those Windows games, you have to pay for it. Macs don't include "everything you need," as the commercials would like you to believe.

On a PC, versions of those same games are not only faster, but millions of other titles are available. Due to the lack of market share and flexibility found on PCs, software makers are shying away from Macs.

Some of the Internet Mac ads talk about its superior security. But life isn't a sterile-white stage, there are real security concerns out there. The commercials promote Macs as more secure but recent research indicates that the Internet is equally dangerous to both. Microsoft, being a veteran of the virus wars, has a system in place for quickly finding and patching holes. Apple, however, is too busy making fun of that Windows guy.

The biggest difference between Mac and PCs comes down to cost. Don't pay "just $1099" for an Apple iBook when you can get a Dell laptop for $700. Users of both platforms need to shut-down and take a closer look at their computers. As a move to save costs, Apple has actually switched to the same standardized parts as PC. This means the only difference between that Mac and that PC is simply bits of code separating the operating systems and a $399 bathroom-inspired design.

Whether buyers flock to the Apple or PC camp should not just depend on marketing, but on features and actual value.

If you're a Mac user, it's time to reconsider. If you're on the fence, then "Dude, you're getting a Dell."

Mac

With its unbelievable product buzz, colorful silhouette dancers and enticing "Mac guy," Apple marketing has set the bar. But under great advertisement lies even greater products waiting to be discovered by non-Mac users.

College students juggle many commitments in their life, including school, work, a personal life, etc. The Mac is Apple's gift to them.

Straight out of the box, the Mac is equipped to organize your whole life. With a color coordinated calendar and desktop sticky notes, you'll always be reminded of appointments, upcoming tests and when homework is due.

Aside from education and work, the human desire to self-express is far from hindered to an artist with a Mac. With Apple Creative Solutions, users are able to use their precious time wisely, due to the ease of learning and using the programs. The definite plus side for all types of art majors is that they get a heads up on their professions, considering that Macs are what the professionals commonly use.

Lugging a heavy laptop is hardly a problem when it comes to a Mac. The sleek and super lightweight design allows everybody to discreetly stow them away in a bag or backpack without breaking their backs.

One turn-off for many people is the Mac price. Why buy a Mac when a PC is half the price? Consider what a PC out of the box has to offer. Temporary software trials are nice, but after the 30 days of getting your feet wet with a certain program, it's gone unless you pay extra cash to buy the actual version.

When buying a Mac, you get a number of useful software programs that you won't have to purchase at an extra cost. Customers will ultimately pay the same price after buying all their necessary software.

Another threat that is plaguing the computer world is the millions of viruses on the information super highway. Some may argue that the reason why Macs have many fewer viruses is the smaller market share. While this may have some truth, the Mac is built to protect, and is doing its job by being virtually virus free, which is evident when compared to the number of viruses a PC can have.

Many people may disagree, but Mac lovers are loyal for a reason. We may be fighting a lost cause considering Macs are only used by a few of the shared market but we stand by our computers. Macs are more than computers; they are a way of life.

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