Ever since the launch of the personal computer by Apple and Microsoft, the debate has always existed of which is better. The PC or the Mac? In this post, I will not argue the differences between each platform. Plenty has been written and said on that topic.

Instead, in this article, I will cover one of the reasons people choose the PC over the Mac, choice. If you are in the Apple ecosystem, you must rely solely on the production cycle of Apple Inc. For example, if Apple decides not to update the Mac Mini line for 2-3 years or doesn’t make major improvements in the MacBook Air line, there is nothing their customers can do.

In 2018-19, when Apple had issues with the keyboards in their laptops, the users of those laptops had to rely on Apple to find the remedy. The flaw was in the design itself, and therefore could not be fixed by any other entity.

Alternatively, if a Windows user is using a Dell laptop and wants to upgrade, he/she has a plethora of choices in the market. If Dell is not making a laptop they like, they can easily choose between a dozen manufacturers.

If you move to the “Pro” end of the market, with Desktop Computers, the “Choice” aspect increases significantly. If you are a Windows user, you have the choice to custom make your Desktop PC. If you are not technical enough to build a custom PC yourself, you have the option to have it built.

With a custom PC, you have the total freedom of choosing the exact parts for your needs. Whether it is four hard drives configured in a RAID scenario or an extremely powerful GPU, you can do it. It is this freedom that keeps many advanced users from switching to the Mac operating system. (I do want to acknowledge that there are many reasons professionals and creators choose the Mac to produce their work. However, as stated in the start of this post, this article’s main purpose is to describe the aspect of choice.)

In 2013, Apple released its latest iteration of the Mac Pro, their desktop computer for advanced users. This device was meant for those creators and professionals who have the extra need for customization. However, there were some serious design flaws and technical issues with the device. This led to great frustration from Pro users and a low rate of adoption. There was also an uncertainty amongst the Apple base, who weren’t sure when a newer model will be released.

[UPDATE: In June of 2019, during Apple’s annual developer event, Apple finally announced the latest version of the Mac Pro. This was the first upgrade option for Mac pro users since the 2013 release. In other words, if you did not or could not purchase the 2013 model, you did not have an option to upgrade till 2019. This model was announced in June, but will be made available to the public in the Fall of 2019. Check out these two videos for more details : CNET coverage | The Verge ]

In this scenario, if you were a Windows user, you could easily find another manufacturer for your needs. You would even have the option, again, for custom building your PC. For example, my current desktop workstation is custom built. I had the good fortune of being able to pick out every single piece that went into this PC, from the hard drives to the CPU. With this setup, if I need an upgrade, I can choose to upgrade only those parts that will improve performance while leaving the rest intact.

Over the years, I have upgraded the storage components of this PC to a multiple SSD + a 4 TB HDD solution. When upgrading the CPU and motherboard, I can easily leave those pieces intact, making the upgrade much easier and cheaper. This luxury is something you don’t get in an Apple lineup. You are not able to go to your local electronics store and pick out a motherboard and CPU; you have to rely on Apple’s approved hardware.

For these reasons and many more, it is hard for me to switch to a Mac. I could also use these same reasons not to buy an “All-in-one” PC, a computer which has all of its hardware parts embedded into the monitor. Whether it is an iMac or a Windows All-in-one, you are limited to the number of upgrades you can apply to the machine.

As previously stated, the debate of Windows vs. Mac will probably go on until the end of their existence. However, as of today, the freedom of choice keeps many PC users in the Windows camp.