Central Michigan weighs in: Mac vs. PC

by Jason Antoniewicz

Apple's powerhouse Mac versus PC commercials may have chilled personal computer users’ pride, but Microsoft’s new ad campaign may have them organizing a parade shouting, “I’m a PC!”

"I feel [Macs] are more well equipped for the type of field that I'm pursuing," said Central Michigan University broadcasting major Natalie Bailey.

Creative types have long touted Apple's line of computers as being ideal for their pursuits.

Clarkston student Matt Bleau uses Macs to work with video and audio.

"Out of the box they are ready to edit movies, music and work with photos - in my opinion, better than PC," he said.

Educators have taken note and use Macs extensively in many classroom applications, including journalism.

"I believe Macs are a better platform for design and photo classes," said CMU journalism professor Betsy Rau.

When Dow High School switched from Macs to PCs, Rau successfully campaigned to keep Macs in art and journalism classes.

"Mac is preferred, but either will work," she said.

Natalie Bailey said Macs lack in some departments.

"It doesn't come with any games," she said. "It doesn't even have solitaire."

Consumers have perhaps come to expect the game, which has been loaded onto Microsoft Windows since 1990. Microsoft’s operating system is so ubiquitous on PCs that some people are too accustomed to switch.

"I never thought it was necessary to make the change to Macs," said freshman Stijn Heemsberk. "They might be better, I don't know."

Farmington Hills junior Jonathan Williams attempted to see what Macs had to offer.

"I've tried to use them, I think it's confusing," he said.

Freshman Craig Jaynes likes using a PC, because his professors talk in terms of Microsoft programs.

"They seem to be more compatible," he said.

Others find themselves using PCs for reasons beyond anything on the screen.

"If I had infinite amounts of money, I would buy a Mac," said junior Katie Meyers.

Apple's online store lists $1,099 as the starting price of a Macbook, with the iMac computer at $1,199. By contrast, Dell starts their desktops at $279.

Microsoft prematurely stopped a new ad campaign featuring Jerry Seinfeld to start airing a new series of commercials where scores of interesting people proudly declare "I'm a PC," a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Mac line of advertising.

RoughlyDrafted Magazine reported that parts of the campaign were edited on Apple computers.


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FURTHER READING: See how internet users caught Microsoft using Macs red-handed at this link