9 min to read
Mac vs Windows in 2024? The Truth that Shocked us..
Original video published on Dec 10, 2023
Choosing between a Windows laptop and a MacBook can be a daunting decision, as both offer unique advantages and drawbacks. However, the landscape of computing has evolved significantly, especially since Apple began manufacturing its own chips. This move has spurred Windows laptops to enhance their offerings, making the competition fiercer than ever.
Budget Considerations
For those on a tight budget, particularly around the $300 mark, Apple doesn’t offer a competing product. Focusing on more powerful machines, Windows laptops like the Lenovo, equipped with an i9 processor and RTX 4070 graphics, provide excellent value for money. This article will delve into various Mac and PC options, weighing their pros and cons.
Design and Build Quality
Windows laptops have made notable strides in design, with models like the Lenovo featuring a sturdy build and an appealing aesthetic that blends gaming and professional styles. MacBooks, on the other hand, continue to sport their signature clean, aluminum design.
Port Availability and Connectivity
A major advantage of PC laptops is their generous port selection. Unlike Apple, which tends to limit port variety to encourage purchasing higher-end models, Windows laptops like the Lenovo often include a range of ports, including USB-A, enhancing connectivity options.
Battery and Power
While Windows laptops sometimes have smaller batteries, recent models like the Lenovo boast a 99.9 W battery – the maximum allowed on airplanes. This capacity potentially offers longer battery life, though it comes with a larger power brick compared to Apple’s more compact MacBook chargers. High-performance Windows laptops require more power, which is crucial for performance, especially when unplugged which will be explored further in the upcoming section.
Value and Upgradeability
One of the most significant advantages of choosing a Windows laptop over a MacBook is the value for money.
For example, a high-performance Windows laptop like the one I’m reviewing comes equipped with a 1TB SSD and 16GB of RAM.
In contrast, acquiring similar specifications in a MacBook often means shelling out substantially more, as Apple’s pricing for upgrades is notoriously steep.
What enhances the appeal of Windows laptops even further is their upgradeability. Many models not only come with impressive base specs but also offer the flexibility to upgrade.
Take this Lenovo, for instance. For about $50, I can easily add an additional 16GB of RAM, effectively doubling the memory while keeping the original RAM module intact. This sort of upgrade is user-friendly and cost-effective.
The same goes for storage. This laptop includes an extra SSD slot, allowing me to upgrade it to a 2TB SSD for approximately $50, a task I can do myself.
This is a stark contrast to Apple’s approach, where upgrades are not only expensive but also permanent.
Apple’s laptops have their components, like RAM and SSDs, soldered onto the motherboard, eliminating the possibility of future upgrades without completely replacing the machine. This lack of flexibility can be a significant drawback for users who may need more performance down the line.
SSD Performance
Modern Windows laptops have caught up with MacBooks in terms of SSD speed. However, a noticeable difference lies in real-world transfer speeds, where Windows systems may slow down more than Macs.
Displays
When it comes to displays, MacBooks generally lead, particularly with their high-end mini LED screens. Windows laptops offer OLED options, but they tend to be more reflective. For instance, this Lenovo model features a matte LCD display, which, despite its good resolution, appears less sharp compared to Apple’s crisp displays. Additionally, high-end MacBooks with ProMotion technology offer smoother visuals and adaptive refresh rates for better battery efficiency, a feature yet to be matched by many Windows laptops.
Webcam, Speakers
MacBooks generally outshine Windows laptops in webcam quality, with many now featuring 1080p resolution.
Similarly, Apple’s focus on audio quality means even their thinner models offer superior sound compared to thicker Windows laptops.
Software Compatibility
Software compatibility is an area where Windows laptops have an edge. While Mac supports fewer programs and has exclusives like Logic and Final Cut, Windows excels with software like DaVinci Resolve. Additionally, Windows is the preferred choice for gamers, offering broader game compatibility.
Fan Noise, Temperatures
Macs tend to run hot as Apple prioritizes quiet operation, whereas Windows laptops like the Lenovo often have more audible fans, especially in performance mode. However, this also means that high-performance Windows laptops, with their advanced cooling systems, can handle up to 80 watts of system power compared to around 22 watts for a comparable Mac.
Performance
Performance-wise, Windows laptops and MacBooks are closely matched at similar price points. Thanks to Intel’s advancements and Nvidia’s graphics prowess, high-end Windows laptops deliver impressive performance in gaming and other graphics-intensive tasks.
Performance on Battery
In terms of getting the most power for your money, Windows laptops excel, especially when compared at similar price points. While MacBooks are optimized for specific tasks and can outperform Windows laptops at higher price ranges, Windows machines offer more raw power for the price, provided they are connected to power.
A critical downside of high-performance Windows laptops is the notable drop in performance when they are unplugged. For example, in Geekbench tests, the performance of a high-end Windows laptop decreased significantly when running on battery - from a score of 12,134 while plugged in to 10,711 when unplugged.
This performance decrease is even more pronounced in graphics-heavy tasks. Gaming performance dropped from 142 FPS to 75 FPS, and photo editing times increased from 1 minute and 19 seconds to 1 minute and 46 seconds.
In contrast, a similarly priced MacBook maintained consistent performance of 45 seconds for the same photo editing task, whether plugged in or on battery.
This disparity is evident in even the most expensive Windows laptops. For instance, a $4,000 Razer Blade with an OLED screen showed an even greater performance decline when unplugged. Therefore, for users who frequently use their laptops on the go, such as on an airplane, MacBooks offer a more reliable experience in terms of maintaining performance and battery life.
Battery Life
Battery life is another aspect where MacBooks excel. The M3 Max 16in MacBook, for instance, lasts over 17 hours, significantly outperforming equivalent Windows laptops like the Dell XPS.
Even under heavy load, MacBooks offer longer battery life and better performance retention than their Windows counterparts.
Resale Value and Long-Term Cost
While MacBooks may have a higher initial cost, especially with Apple’s premium for upgrades, they tend to hold their value better over time. Older MacBooks often fetch a reasonable price on the resale market, unlike Windows laptops, which can be difficult to sell after a few years. This factor can make MacBooks a more cost-effective option in the long run.
Final Thoughts
Choosing between a Mac and a Windows laptop in 2024 ultimately depends on individual needs and preferences. If performance, certain software compatibility, or gaming is your priority, and you mostly use your laptop plugged in, a Windows laptop like the Lenovo offers excellent value. However, if you need consistent performance on battery, superior speakers and displays, and better resale value, a MacBook might be the better choice.
We’d love to hear your thoughts and questions about this comparison. Let us know in the comments section below!
Comments