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The Apple Mac has long been considered a trendier alternative to a desktop computer. For generations, Windows has ruled the roost in the office world with most companies opting to purchase these computers over Macs or Macbooks. There used to be no debate about this, though as Macs develop and become better, more and more business owners are wondering if they make a better investment.
Should you use them in your office? Let’s go through the key pros and cons to find out!
Pros of using a Mac for business
Improved security features
Macs are known to be more secure than Windows PCs. They suffer fewer attacks than their Windows counterparts, largely thanks to better anti-malware software. You rarely hear of someone saying that their Mac was hacked or has a virus while almost everyone has got a virus on their Windows PC at least once. From a business perspective, added security is a huge benefit you can’t ignore.
It’s also relatively easy to figure out how to change IP address on Mac devices as VPN software works with them. This lets you secure your internet connection to keep more prying eyes away from your browsing habits. Combine this with the great anti-malware features and you’ve got a device that keeps your network as secure as possible while dealing with business tasks.
Seamless compatibility with other Apple products
Loads of people use iPhones or iPads and they integrate with Macs better than any mobile devices do with Windows PCs. If you do a lot of work in and out of the office, a Mac could be perfect for switching between desktop and mobile applications while keeping everything connected.
Exceptional for video editing and creative tasks
The majority of Mac owners in professional settings will rely on them for video editing. The built-in software and performance are exceptional, making these devices phenomenal at handling big tasks – like editing videos, working in Photoshop, and other creative tasks. Businesses that do a lot of in-house marketing or work in the creative industry will benefit from having Macs in the office, that’s for sure.
Worth more in the long run
You should always approach things with the future in mind when buying anything for your small business. Don’t just look at the upfront costs; consider what you get out of it, and what you may receive in the long run. Macs are very expensive, but this makes them valuable. You can use a Mac for many years and still get a decent price if you sell it. Provided you wipe the system clean, you’ll have no trouble fetching a few hundred dollars for the device, possibly even more. Especially the newer models that are so packed full of technology it’s hard to imagine they’ll get much faster or more efficient in the future.
Potentially provides a brand image boost
What do you think when you see an Apple Mac? It’s synonymous with quality and class. If you walk into an office and see all the desks glittering with Macs, your opinion of the business goes up. It’s a subconscious thing as you’re trained to associate Macs with exclusivity and luxury.
Investing in these devices could help you create a business space that wows your clients. They see the expensive Macs and immediately think you’re a top-class company. It certainly gives you the edge if they visit other businesses and see old Windows PCs on the desks. We’re not saying that investing in Macs will help you increase conversions, but it’s one small thing that may tip a few prospects over the edge.
Cons of using a Mac for business
Higher upfront costs
A good Mac with the best specs can cost well over a thousand dollars. Comparatively, Windows devices are a lot cheaper. If you’re struggling for upfront cash, then maybe kitting an office out with Macs isn’t the ideal option. Yes, you can write them down as a business expense, though this doesn’t affect you until tax season. It can seriously disrupt your cash flow if you’re spending thousands of dollars on Macs for your office, so keep this in mind before you make a purchase.
If you work alone, then this shouldn’t be a huge issue. You’re already spending a few hundred dollars on a PC anyway, so the additional chunk to upgrade to a Mac won’t be that big of a deal. Again, it all depends on your current budget and cash flow situation!
Not many customization options
One of the biggest criticisms of Macs is the lack of customization options. With a Windows PC, you can upgrade all the different components. This means getting a new processor, graphics card, adding more RAM, and so on. Macs come as they are and are almost impossible to customize from a hardware perspective. You’re also less likely to find software customizations with a Mac, so if this is important to you, you may want to consider a Windows PC instead.
May require additional time to get up to speed
This point is worth mentioning though it depends on you and your workforce. If you’re used to Apple devices and grew up using a Macbook while studying at college, then transferring to a Mac won’t be a problem. For the majority of people, they grew up using Windows PCs. As such, your business may experience more downtime and more errors as everyone gets up to speed with the new operating system. It’s not the hardest thing to get to grips with, but if you’ve never used a MacOS device before, it can be a bit of a culture shock.
Taking everything into account, it’s safe to say a Mac is a fine investment for your business. It’s a premium option for companies that want to improve their brand image while upgrading their cybersecurity. If you deal in creative services, a Mac is truly essential for its editing capabilities. The only legitimate reasons to choose a Windows PC over a Mac are to save money or if Windows is simply your preferred operating system.
