This document compares Macintosh computers to personal computers (PCs). It discusses the key differences between their operating systems, hardware customization options, and upgrade capabilities. While Macs have sleek designs and come with standard accessories, PCs offer more flexibility to customize hardware, screen appearance, and internal components. PCs also more quickly adopt new technologies like USB 3.0 and SATA III standards. However, the document shows that a PC can be built with equivalent or better specifications than a Macintosh for a lower price, providing consumers with a less expensive alternative.

1. Macintosh vs. a Personal Computer
(PC)
By: Troy Schmehl
S

2. The Difference Between Mac and
PC
S The difference between the two is simply the fact that
they are two different operating systems. Mac currently
runs Lion OSX while a PC can run Windows and Linux.
S Mac also only accepts accessories that are USB
compatible. (i.e. keyboards, mice, drawing boards,
microphones, etc.)
S This however isn’t a problem because most accessories
are made USB compatible because of how common and
simple the design is.

3. Flexibility with a PC
S An Advantage with a PC is how customizable they are. PC’s
can be customized through its hardware, looks on screen, and
the style of the PC itself.
S When buying a Mac you have no choice on the hardware
inside and every Mac has the same sleek and smooth look.
S PC’s allow and encourage upgrades, while Apple tries to get
away from that. Apple attempts to get away from upgrades by
making it near impossible to get to the main components, and
when you do get to them you void the warranty.

4. How to Take Apart an iMac

5. Macs Not Fully Up to Date
S Macintosh and Apple usually falls a year or two behind on bringing out and
creating new software for there computers.
S Macintosh has failed to upgrade to SATA III and USB 3.0.
S SATA III, released in 2009, is an upgraded mechanic and now the fastest
way to transport information to and from a hard drive.
S USB 3.0 is now the latest advancement, when it comes to USB ports.
Released in 2010, USB 3.0 allows information from keyboards, mice, hard
drives, etc. to be transferred at faster speeds. All Macs come with USB
2.0.
S Other components in a Mac are usually from third party brands. For
example the motherboard and the RAM.

6. Computers Going to be
Compared

7. Two Different Computers…
Same Great Price
Macintosh Personal Computer
2011 iMac Coolmaster HAF-X
Possessor 3.4 GHz Quad-Core 3.6 GHz Eight-Core
RAM 4 GB DDR3/1333 MHz 16 GB DDR3/1600 MHz
Hard Drive 1 TB (1000 GB’s) 2 TB (2000 GB’s)
Graphics Card AMD Radeon 6970M 1GB NVIDIA GeForce GTX 580
3GB
Monitor Screen Size: 27” Screen Size: 24”
Resolution: 2560x1440 pixels Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 Contrast Ratio: 50,000,000:1
Standard Macintosh Wireless USB 3.0, SATA-III RAID, Liquid Cooling,
Accessories Keyboard and Mouse Neon Lights, 40 GB STD, ASUS 7.1
Sound Card, Mouse, Keyboard, and
Sound Canceling Technologies.
Total Price $2,199.00 $2,189.00

8. Computers Going to be
Compared

9. Same Computer…
Two Different Prices?
Macintosh Personal Computer
2011 iMac Coolmaster HAF 912
Possessor 3.4 GHz Quad-Core 3.6 GHz Quad-Core
RAM 4 GB DDR3/1333 MHz 4 GB DDR3/1333 MHz
Hard Drive 1 TB (1000 GB’s) 1 TB (1000 GB’s)
Graphics Card AMD Radeon 6970M 1GB AMD Radeon 6970 2GB
Monitor Screen Size: 27” Screen Size: 19”
Resolution: 2560x1440 pixels Resolution: 1920x1080 pixels
Contrast Ratio: 1000:1 Contrast Ratio: 1000:1
Accessories Standard Macintosh Wireless Standard Keyboard and Mouse
Keyboard and Mouse (Both Wired)
Total Price $2,199.00 $1,082.00