Mac OS X vs Windows. This subject is talked to death on a daily basis, but what really sets them apart? Given that the only way to buy a Mac is to pay a premium to Apple as opposed to Windows being offered by multiple providers, one can see why Windows has the majority of the market. Even so, if you follow the trend these days, you will notice the Mac OS is eating away little chunks of the market month by month, with 10% being within sight. But why should you buy an expensive Mac over a Windows PC? Aside from the usual list of pros and cons, one major factor is overlooked by many: its resell value.
For those looking for an Internet-compatible computer who have no interest in a powerful machine and will most likely stick with one computer for more than 5 years, a new Windows PC on sale for couple hundred bucks is the answer. But for those who spend quality time with their computer, Mac is the computer they should consider buying. Unless Windows offers applications that Mac doesn’t have, which usually isn’t the case, Mac is the better buy. Of course, since purchasing a computer is an investment, one should always do their research before making the proper decision.
Anecdotally, Windows PCs lose about 70% to 80% of their value after one year’s use, but in contrast, Macs retain 70% to 80% of their value even after a year. Why is that? It is because, as I mentioned before, the market is saturated with Windows PCs, so naturally used Windows machines are also high in supply. On the other hand, Apple can only do so much to keep up with the increasing demands for their Macs. More and more people look to buy Mac computers everyday. Even those who have used Windows their entire life might become a Mac person, based on statistics online. Those with limited budget will avoid paying Apple’s premium by buying used machines, which in turn increases the demand for them.
With the average person upgrading their personal computers every 3 to 6 years, it makes sense to sell off their used machine and use the money to partially pay for a new model. If it’s a Windows PC, the money you can get is so little that it may not even be worth the time and effort to sell it, so most people either find a way to trash it or give it away. Macs, on the other hand, can be auctioned off on eBay or sold via Craigslist.
When shopping for a Mac computer, the heavy price tag might turn you off, but you must remember that you get what you pay for: a quality computer whose value will last as long as its usefulness.
johnro 