A laptop can be versatile and enhance your personal use, gaming experience, professional expertise, and even coding efficiency. As a developer or amateur programmer, you might be interested in decoding whether a Windows PC or Macintosh device will be the best purchase.
For any developer out there, a laptop is more than just a coding device. Most developers or programmers have to spend long hours to bring out the out-of-the-box creations. So, you have to take care of a few aspects such as reliability, speed, and power while selecting your big-time investment.
However, developers often choose a MacBook over a high-end Windows PC. Though most people start their coding experience from a Windows PC, they end up falling for Macs due to endless user benefits. However, let’s stay unbiased and find out whether you should opt for a Windows laptop or a MacBook as a programmer.
Windows or Mac for Programming
Laptop Repair Dubai specialists recommend paying attention to your technical requirements before comparing Windows and Mac devices. For example, you should check out what kind of development and programming you are into.
Both Windows OS and macOS are two different operating systems bridging computer hardware and users. No doubt, they will work differently from each other and they will have diverse features. If you work for the Windows interface then coding will be easier on a Windows PC.
Vice versa, you will find macOS more comfortable if you’re working on macOS software. Additionally, you don’t have to switch to a Mac only because people are going crazy about Apple laptops. If you feel like you’re comfortable with a Windows laptop and its power then you can settle for a high-end one.
In short, the programming flow should be uninterrupted for you and it can be any device. For instance, you can even use UNIX, Linux, etc. operating systems on your computer for software development. However, both Windows and Mac devices can run Linus without a flinch.
Still, we will take you on a comparative journey between Mac and Windows as you have asked. Here we will specify how these devices differ at a specific point. Let’s get started:
Price
MacBooks are expensive machines and there’s no controversy regarding it. If you’re a first-time buyer then you might want to avoid MacBooks due to their high price. As a matter of fact, entry-level Mac machines can be a bit affordable but they might not be capable of handling intense coding.
However, Macs are destined to last longer than any average Windows laptop in the market. So, Macs can be the best investment for value if you look at the long haul. On the other hand, Windows laptops with coding-capable technology cost much less compared to MacBooks.
So, you might prefer a Windows laptop as a beginner programmer due to its budget-friendly approach. Otherwise, you can go for a Mac with Apple Silicon if the high budget isn’t a problem for you.
Build Quality
MacBooks are sleek and classy machines and hence, you can easily hang out with them. On top of that, they are lightweight and durable enough. However, they can be vulnerable when you bump them or drop them anyhow.
On the other hand, Windows laptops are available in different sizes, styles, and build qualities. Most Windows PCs are comparatively stronger and more durable than average Macs.
Operating System
Reportedly, the Windows operating system is not optimised for coding and development features. Since Windows laptops run on Windows OS you may have to install specific tools for programming purposes. Hence, look out for particular developer tools if you stick to a Windows PC for coding.
On the other hand, MacBooks run on macOS which is a UNIX-based operating system. So, you will get a native ground for programming if you choose a MacBook. Additionally, you can count on the comprehensive support from Apple for programming.
Another aspect of choosing Windows vs. Mac is the vulnerability to threats such as viruses, malware, etc. As reported by users worldwide, the Windows operating system is prone to malware and viruses attack more compared to macOS.
Overall, macOS seems to be a safer choice for programming support and avoiding unnecessary troubles.
User Interface
Not to mention, the operating system where you work should be user-intuitive. If it’s not user-friendly and you have to do extra work while coding then the machine won’t be a pleasure to have. That’s why you have to pay attention to the user-friendliness of your coding companion.
MacBooks always have a straightforward and clean user interface so that users can feel comfortable while working on them. On a contrary note, Windows has improved its user interface over the years. Still, Windows lacks certain features and responsiveness as compared to macOS.
After all, it’s easy to navigate around macOS. Hence, MacBooks are a clear winner in this category.
Performance
Now, it’s a serious and never-ending debate when it comes to the performance comparison between a Windows and a Mac laptop. To begin with, the overall performance of a computer depends on its processor and a developer requires a strong processor to write and compile snippets of code.
On a related note, programmers have to run versatile tools, applications, and virtual machines for concurrencies. The more efficient the processor is, the faster your computer will be and you don’t have to keep anything hanging.
Now, the advantage of choosing among Windows laptops is that you can select a heavy-duty machine with the latest processor since lots of configurations are available in the market. On the other hand, there are limited models of MacBooks namely MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.
Similarly, it’s an advantage too since you don’t have to go through a never-ending list of Windows laptops to land on the perfect choice. Most Mac notebooks are built to execute code writing, compiling, and much more simultaneously. In fact, Apple has taken the programming game to another notch by switching to its own silicon or processor range.
Empowered by M1 and M2 chips, Macbooks can deliver excellent performance for extended periods. In addition, CPU temperatures remain managed and under control due to revolutionising Apple silicon technology. Whereas most Windows laptops struggle to tackle overheating.
Additionally, a Windows machine might reap the exact results of a Mac in its initial days. Reportedly, Windows devices can lose their touch after a while along with an increase in nose and temperature. Considering all these factors, we can say that a MacBook is a safer bet.
Programming Features
Both Windows and Mac computers are equally powerhouses when you think about gaming, intense tasks such as video editing, and programming. As a matter of fact, the majority of developers prefer macOS due to its integrated tools like Xcode. In addition, a streamlined user interface and minimum interruption on the macOS platform are an extra advantage for programmers.
So, you can remain more focussed and dodge distractions with Mac computers. Many developers consider Windows laptops for coding as they are working on Windows applications. Besides this, dedicated programming tools are available for Windows users too. And, developers prefer Windows machines because of the comfortable navigation, keyboard, and touchpad combination.
On the other hand, we have to consider the ecosystem. If you own Apple products such as iPhone, iPad, and others then it’s better to invest in a MacBook. Thus, you will get seamless connectivity among all your devices for coding.
Similarly, Windows will be a strong consideration if you have other Windows and Android devices. Windows-powered laptops have advantages too as they are often integrated with Microsoft’s development tools and other vast libraries of software.
In addition, Windows has introduced the Windows Subsystem for Linux to make things easier and more streamlined for programmers. So, both Windows and macOS are smart choices for programmers in terms of coding perks. It all depends on your preference and product demand.
Security
Developers prefer a secure platform for programming and software development processes. There’s no controversy regarding Mac’s strong and immune security systems and integrations. Apart from being highly efficient, Mac computers are one of the safest devices in the globe.
However, hackers and malicious actors often target Windows systems as they are vulnerable to security attacks. Since Windows is a comparatively more complex platform it has a larger attack surface than Mac.
In short, macOS is considered more secure compared to Windows. Therefore, Mac computers are a better choice for developers and programmers if security standards are prioritised.
Battery Life
Apple ditched Intel processors years ago and focussed on developing its silicon. As a result, MacBooks got Apple silicons namely M1, M2, and more chips. On a related note, the battery life of MacBooks has experienced a leap with the integration of Apple silicon. Barely, any Windows machine has the efficiency to compete with an Apple silicon-powered MacBook right now.
For example, the 13-inch MacBook Pro with the Apple M2 chip (2022) can last up to 20 hours. Now, this sounds like a dream for Windows users because a high-end Windows laptop can last for about 9 hours or less. So, you can be more productive without worrying about charging your laptop when you are with a MacBook.
Hence, a MacBook should be on your shopping list if you need to pursue your intense coding skills for hours. Be it a flight of 8 hours or anything else, you don’t have to freak about the battery life and overall productivity with an efficient MacBook. As an alternative, you can get a Dell XPS 15 but its promised runtime is 14 hours which is still less than a MacBook’s runtime.
Balance Between Software and Hardware
Apple makes sure that there’s a perfect sync between hardware and software. Being a Unix-based system, macOS is one of the most minimalistic operating systems. Still, macOS is highly intuitive and stunning. Developers find it calming and comfortable to code on macOS compared to Windows.
As a matter of fact, the Command Prompt of Windows has limited functionality and scope for developers. Navigation of your desktop and Stack Overflow tabs can be easily done with Mac’s integrated Trackpad gestures. For instance, you can swipe on the Touchpad of your MacBook with 3 fingers and get a quick overview of every running application.
In spite of sporting a 13-inch display, a MacBook can feel more comfortable and bigger than a 14-inch Windows laptop due to its traditional 16:10 aspect ratio. Besides a gorgeous display, you can avail of a decent webcam, speakers, and more with a MacBook. Whereas a Windows laptop built for programming and heavy-duty tasks might not be a whole package for you.
Satisfying Keyboard and Trackpad
Not to mention, a developer searches for a comfortable and spacious keyboard for consistent uninterrupted typing. Additionally, the trackpad’s design should be ergonomic enough so you can get a timely response from it. MacBook is a step ahead of Windows laptops in terms of a comfortable keyboard and trackpad.
Yes, you can connect an external keyboard to your Windows programming laptop but it can ruin the portability. Hence, it’s better to go for a MacBook that comes with a spacious keyboard and trackpad. The keyboard on a MacBook is well-lit and the trackpad is accurate with gesture support.
Whereas most Windows laptops are available with mechanical trackpads minimising the scope of a flawless workflow. So, you should prioritise a MacBook if you are searching for higher accuracy and quick response from the laptop’s keyboard and trackpad.
So, What’s Ideal for Developers?
Honestly speaking, MacBooks are way more attractive, convenient, and precise machines for developers. However, they can be on the back foot in terms of price. Still, MacBooks are a great return on investment since they tend to last longer.
On the other hand, a competent Windows laptop will be cheaper than a MacBook. Moreover, you will get plenty of development tools and libraries for your Windows devices as well. Whatever your preference is, make sure that you get a machine with at least 8GB of memory and 256GB of storage for basic coding requirements.
