Computers are constantly being innovated in terms of technology and aesthetics. The demand for laptop computers is increasing steadily while desktop computers tend to go obsolete. When one sets out to buy a new laptop, countless options are available in the market where Windows based laptops enjoy a major share however Apple is cutting the market share difference quickly with the help of its 2 laptop lineups. Let’s compare how these two entities stack up against each other.

User Experience (UX)

The UX is crucial when deciding between these 2 categories of laptops. The MacOS is a tidy, plain and user-friendly operating system. Apart from the OS, Macbooks boast the high pixel density Retina display, premium sound system, undemanding keyboard and the very ergonomic, haptic feedback based Magic Trackpad. All these features make the use of Macbooks a very hypnotic experience in terms of video, audio, typing and surfing around the screen.

Much similar to this, the Windows OS is also very convenient. It is easy to comprehend and use whilst providing a wide range of accessibility and Ease of Use options. However, the hardware on some entry level Windows laptops is a nuisance. The trackpad might be unresponsive, the keyboard flimsy and the speakers very low quality. However high-end laptops are a complete 180 and many of them match the likes of Macbooks (in UX of course).

Connectivity

Windows laptops bring a range of connectivity options on their sides. They provide USB 3.1 ports, USB Type C ports, 3.5 mm headphone jack, Displayport, HDMI to connect physically with peripheral devices. Wireless connection options like Wi-Fi and Bluetooth are also standard. Windows laptops can also be paired easily with Android phones (whether physically or via Bluetooth) but this is where Macbooks get the point.

Physical connection ports might be absent on Macbooks but they are seamless in terms of connectivity with other Apple devices. The Apple ecosystem is extremely practical. Users who own other Apple devices such as the iPhone, iPad, Apple TV and Apple Watch can enjoy consistent connectivity across their devices. They can easily move files, take calls and texts and continue a task on another device.

Design and Build

Macbooks have an aluminium unibody build which makes them very strong and durable. They have a smooth and slim finish. The screens have thin bezels and a premium finish. In fact, this design by Apple is so popular and well-received that it has barely changed in a decade. Only the most high-end Windows laptops compete with Macbooks in this regard.

Apps and Performance

New editions of Macbooks might not come with the most leading hardware of the industry but still all the components are optimized in a way that they go head on with the latest tech. Apple’s own chipsets are powerful modules and when paired with other high performance parts like RAM and storage, Macbooks outperform the leading Windows laptops. Moreover, Macbooks have many utility programs pre-installed. The multitude of apps include Facetime, Garageband, Keynote, iMovie and many more to name. Such built-in tools have fair capabilities and are easy to use.

One downside to Macbooks is that many specialized softwares are not compatible with them but with Windows. The number of third party applications which are compatible with Windows is far greater than those that can run on a Macbook. However, such software suites often come with hefty prices.

As far as device security is concerned, Macbooks surely have the edge. We have often heard that Apple’s devices are immune to malware. This statement is partially correct as the latest and advanced malware might be able to infect these devices but with proper precautions, one can avoid such instances.

Windows laptops, in comparison, are slightly more prone to malware. Still the precautions are the same and the use of a firewall or antivirus is advised. It is also recommended to keep your Windows uptodate at all times.

Hardware Customization

A Windows laptop can be easily opened and its hardware such as RAM, HDD, SSD or broken parts can be replaced with parts offered by various suppliers. Contrary to this, Macbooks allow very little space for customization as they only support hardware produced by Apple.

Pricing and Ease of Buying

Macbooks come in only 2 models . The entry level Macbook Air and the high end Macbook Pro. Both of these serve a different market segment and are upgraded on an annual basis. In comparison, there are hundreds of makes and models of Windows laptops by dozens of brands with slightly distinguishable features. The precise list of Macbooks in contrast to confusing Windows options make it easier to choose your desired laptop.

In addition, Apple has a large global network of retail outlets with well-informed staff that can make your decision-making process easy. Apple’s e-store also makes it easy to place an order. In comparison, other competing brands do have retail outlets and online stores but their standards aren’t up to the mark with Apple’s.

Talking about pricing, Apple is known to produce expensive devices. For reference, the entry-level Macbook Air costs about $1000 while the better models can cost more than $3000. However, considering the performance of these devices and the brand’s social status, the prices are a true bargain. It is also noteworthy that Macbooks retain more value than Windows laptops.

On the other hand, Windows based laptops come in a wide range of prices. The most basic laptops that are able to perform light chores like streaming, word-processing and spreadsheets are available for as low as $250. The mid range laptops that can carry out fair amounts of processing like programming, light gaming and basic media editing have price tags between $300 and $850. If you wish to buy a supreme Windows laptop, it would most likely be priced above $1100. Such devices can handle processor-intensive tasks like professional-level editing and gaming.

If you are looking to buy a laptop for yourself, the following articles can help a lot in that regard: