Side by Side Review

  

Peyton Weddle 
Matt Montoya 
English 102 
30 June 2025 

Is MacBook or Windows Better for the Average Person? 

Making the choice between buying a Windows computer or a MacBook can be challenging, especially when each company has a lot of useful features and functionalities to offer. In this review, I'll be breaking down the main differences, the price to performance, as well as the pros and cons for each. While both brands are usually good enough for the average user, one or the other can be better for certain people and their needs. 

Interface 

For starters, MacBook has an easy-to-use interface that anyone can use and figure out in a matter of minutes. MacBook makes it easy to surf the web, take notes, and access a wide variety of other useful features. The interface is sleek and simple, which makes everything easy and seamless. Apple (who designs MacBooks) makes their tech with ease of use in mind, and they aim to make it straightforward. Right out of the box, the computer has pre-downloaded apps and software that the user will most likely end up using, so it takes downloading common applications and programs out of the Appstore a thing of the past. This makes it easier for consumers to plug and play and get right down to business. Additionally, the user has the ability to connect other Apple devices to the computer, making it easy to transfer data between devices. All these features collectively make the process of setting up a MacBook a ton easier than Windows. 

Photo by Howard Bouchevereau, Unsplash.com

On the other hand, the Windows interface can be a bit more challenging. Windows almost requires someone who is tech-savvy. Windows doesn’t come with many pre-download apps first of all, so if you need something specific, you'll have to download it yourself. The Windows interface can be a bit more loaded with a bunch of different things like notifications, ads, or recently downloaded apps. Also, you can get bombarded with technical pop-up notifications with wording you might not understand. These things can make it more challenging for somebody who might not be familiar with technology. 

Customization 

When it comes to customization, this is an area Windows excels in. Windows users have the option to customize their systems however they please, such as changing the lighting through software or replacing hardware for more performance gains. If you’re a person who likes to run a bunch of different tabs at the same time and you start noticing lag or stuttering, you can maybe upgrade your RAM (random access memory) to cope with it. This would fix the problem, and you could go back to running all the tabs you want smoothly. Or maybe if you’re a gamer, and you want to play a demanding game title but don’t have the necessary hardware, you could possibly replace your graphics card and then be able to play the game. This ability gives Windows users the upper hand, especially when it comes to gaming or running strenuous tasks. 

                                                            Photo by Andy Holmes, unsplash.com

In comparison, MacBook doesn’t give their users the same freedom. Most MacBooks can’t be upgraded after purchasing, and all repairs must go through Apple, which can be expensive. If you notice your MacBook getting slower or running hot, there isn’t much you can do other than take it to get serviced by Apple. This can be a disappointment for some, as some people like to take matters into their own hands rather than pay someone else for something they likely could have done themselves. So, while MacBook can be easier at the start, it might not be the best option in the long run, especially with how fast tech ages. 

Pricing 

Price is another huge factor for the majority of people. Apple products are known for being overpriced. The truth is you're not just paying for the computer; the majority of your money is spent on the brand. A basic MacBook in 2025 starts at $1000 compared to a Windows computer that has similar parts for $550. The MacBook is more than twice the price of a Windows PC. 

Stability 

All this being said, MacBook has a reputation for stability, especially when it comes to things like system crashes and errors. This is because Apple makes stability a top priority when choosing what parts they use and how they make the design for each product, keeping cooling and longevity of hardware in mind. This focus is why many people in fields such as music and film use MacBook. MacBooks integrated programs work well within their systems and are easy to use. 

 

Photo by Maxim Tolchinskiy, Unsplash.com

With Windows, system crashes and system failures can be common. Windows is almost known for its famous blue screen. A blue screen is a result of a system crash, and it's what is displayed when things go wrong. A blue screen usually happens because of things like corrupt drivers or hardware issues. Furthermore, regarding things like bloatware and viruses, Windows is more commonly targeted. This is because the majority of people and businesses use Windows so this operating system is more targeted by scammers and hackers. These reasons are why Windows is seen as less stable than MacBook. 

Conclusion 

In conclusion, it all comes down to what your needs are and what you are comfortable with using. Both systems have their strengths and weaknesses. If you are someone who wants something easy to use or isn't tech-savvy, then a MacBook might be the better choice for you. But if you are a gamer, or want to have the ability to switch up your setup, or are on a smaller budget, then a Windows PC could be the better option. It depends on what matters most to you and what you need the machine for. Hopefully, this review helped break down the choice and made it easier to make a decision.