Microsoft Windows and Apple’s macOS are the two most popular operating systems, and they’re both relatively accessible to the average user. While neither is terribly difficult to use, they have considerably different pros and cons and are most useful for very different things.
If you want a smooth user experience, like to work with audio, photo or video editing software and only casually play some low-impact games, an Apple computer is a great choice. If you have any interest in playing the latest AAA titles at high resolutions and frame rates, a Windows PC is an absolute must-have.
The first difference between Apple and Windows computers is that Apple allows for basically zero customization on the hardware level. In fact, it’s a violation of Apple’s copyright to install macOS on a non-Apple computer, which means you can’t actually build your own Apple computer.
The advantage of this from Apple’s standpoint is it can optimize its operating system to work best with specific components and configurations that Apple has complete control over. The result of this optimization is an OS that makes efficient use of the hardware and delivers an unparalleled user experience. Tweaking your Windows PC to run just right can take some insight and patience, but macOS is powerful and easy to use from the first time you boot it up.
Unfortunately, if you want to play the latest, most cutting-edge 3D games, Apple and its operating system don’t have much going for them. Because few Apple computers have the necessary hardware, there are very few advanced games available for the platform. On the other hand, there are plenty of casual games available for macOS, such as top-down adventure games and puzzle games.
This is a good all-around laptop with high performance due to its groundbreaking new Apple chipset. It offers great performance on casual games and passable performance in more intense 3D titles.
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If you want to play the most resource-intensive games available to Mac users, consider the 2021 MacBook Pro M1 instead. Its 14-core graphics processing delivers high frame rates in a wide variety of exciting titles.
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Windows PCs are and have been the top choice for dedicated gamers for many years. The ability to build a custom computer lets each user set their own performance level, but it can also add a significant degree of difficulty. Nonetheless, if you want to play flashy first-person shooters in Ultra HD at 120 frames per second, a Windows gaming PC is your only option.
Its Nvidia GeForce RTX 3070 makes easy work of some of today’s most exciting titles.
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While it’s not the most powerful PC, it runs most games just fine and is ideal if you’re willing to save up for some upgrades in the next year or so.
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It’s a compact desktop PC packed with your choice of some of the most advanced components on the market. The only downside is that it costs quite a bit.
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It offers a great balance of price and performance and is equipped with a 17-inch screen that can display up to 240 frames per second.
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This one is an excellent value on a 17-inch gaming laptop that makes surprisingly few sacrifices.
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If you demand peak performance from high-end components, this is the one for you.
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If you’re focused on high-resolution, resource-intensive gaming, a Windows gaming PC is definitely the right choice. If you’re only interested in casual or older games and want something that can make your creative or professional life easier, Apple computers (particularly the new MacBooks) are more fun than ever.
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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.
