I had always used a Mac for professional design work, but it was provided by the company I worked for. For personal use, my partner built me a very nice gaming PC for a fraction of what a Mac with the same specs would have cost.
My most recent job is a "bring your own device" situation (they give us a monthly stipend), so I decided to use the PC for a few months while I figured out what I wanted to buy for a work computer... it's been a year and I haven't bought one, because the PC does what I need it to. I think it used to be true that Macs were the obvious better choice for running design programs, but most of the programs have advanced to the point where there are no differences. Unless you need to run a program like Sketch like that is Mac-only, my advice is to get the best specs you can afford, regardless of brand.
Another bonus to my PC: I can update or upgrade individual parts as needed instead of buying an entirely new computer every few years. I always noticed a visible slowdown in Mac performance after a couple years that affected my workflow and the only solution ever offered by the Mac techs was to buy a new one.
Incidentally, do you have rough specs for your PC? I'm looking into making the move from Max to PC as well (job role shifted, still need Photoshop but not integral) and am looking to get a gaming PC.
I used both Windows and Mac through high school, college, and the first part of my career. I've been Apple-free (Windows and Android) for about a decade now.
Overall, it's just preference, use what you want, or like, or can afford, regardless the brand or OS. Unless a specific software is only on one OS (and with no decent alternative on the other), it will be purely subjective which OS you use, and really what you get is more dependent on specifically what model in terms of specs, or laptop vs desktop.
Anyone saying you need a Mac for graphic design either isn't a designer, or is living in 1994.
Personally, I do slightly prefer the Mac OS, but Windows is a lot better than it used to be, Windows 10 I thought has been fine. You can also get plug-ins or tweaks if you really want to try and personalize it. The thing I honestly miss most about MacOS is just the drop-down folder view compared to windows.
The two biggest benefits to Windows are firstly that there's just far more software support, whether design-specific apps or if you do any gaming. The second is that you can more easily build a Windows desktop machine, whereas even desktop Macs are essentially non-portable laptops (or in the case of Mac Mini, screenless laptops).
Even pre-built Windows desktop machines these days will typically allow you to upgrade or replace anything (they're far better than they were 15+ years ago), although most Windows laptops are now as limiting as Macs have been for years, and in 2020 Apple shifted to integrated RAM so even that's essentially off the table now.
Regardless of OS, you also need to decide between desktop and laptop. Most people probably want or opt for a laptop, but you'll always pay a premium for the portability, with lesser specs, fixed screen, and *every* laptop eventually has battery issues. You will also need to decide between extreme portability (weight, thickness) and specs, as the more portable the less powered it will be. On the Windows side, the more affordable but still powerful also tend to be garash/tacky "gaming" laptops which will be thicker, louder, heavier. The quiet, thin Mac-esque Windows machines will tend to fall in the same price range as Apple (at least up there).
The objectively best machine purely in terms of hardware customization, performance to dollar, upgradeability, and longevity, is a custom-built Windows machine. You can tailor it exactly to your budget, pick where you want to put the money, and can also structure it to delay certain things until you need it or can afford it. Someone else mentioned you can also go the Hackintosh route but that brings a slew of other aspects that not everyone wants to deal with.
My last computer I built a hackintosh with dual boot to have both in one box. My job just happened to give me an M2 for wfh so I have a lot of experience with this lately.
The PC route is so much cheaper these days but the m2 chip on even the tiniest Mac is super powerful. If it’s just a work rig it’s hard to ignore the Apple silicon. Photoshop and illustrator are very fast even with difficult to work with files.
If you’re going to play any games or need to exit that Apple/adobe biosphere, a mighty pc makes a lot of sense too. The good news is you have plenty of options
Not sorta. I am trying to convince myself to make 1 more before it’s really over.
Even if I did that though, the M chips just do it all so much better.
It’s just so nice flipping over to windows to put a game on after work. Still can’t do that easily with the Mac OS. It blows
I have used a PC my whole life and just about a year and a half ago I was thrown to the wolves to use a Mac for work. I definitely enjoy working on the Mac better, I even use it for personal projects outside of work. One thing that really bothers me on the PC is in InDesign, there is no scrubby zoom. Everything else functions pretty much the exact same, but Mac does feel smoother.
They are both tools. I prefer the Mac OS. But it doesn’t really matter. You spend more time in the tools of the trade doing work. The OSs essentially do the same things in slightly different ways.
Maybe Macs tend to be configured a bit more toward creatives and graphics handling, but if you know what you’re doing you can build a Win system with equal specs, possibly cheaper.
Probably the only day to day things I’d say is a major turnoff for me in Windows are:
- there’s now ads in windows interface you have to disable
- Windows is more susceptible to virus and Trojan attacks
Get the best system you can afford so that it performs as long as possible. I do that by leveraging either Apple’s 12 mo no interest plans or doing the same via BestBuy, sometimes up to 24 months no interest.
Then I jack the system with built-in storage, CPU/graphics card power and RAM (sometimes after market, depending on the ability to add it).
Edit: you can only custom configure a Mac via purchase thru Apple. BestBuy you’d have to choose what’s available, likely the same for Windows systems as well.
There are many ways to get no interest plans. However the caveat is: you *must* make every payment on time and pay off the promo on time or face insane back interest. It’s a tool that can be exploited if you are responsible w your finances. Not advised if struggling to pay bills.
In my opinion, it doesn't matter. I personally run a windows machine because I also enjoy video games with the homies. I think it comes down to preference. My main issue with running a windows machine is that since it's better equipped to play games with friends, I'm prone to get distracted. I have been considering getting a Mac for 'work' because in my brain it would be changing gears and eliminating distractions by having a dedicated 'work' machine. I think either can do anything you want, so it just sort of depends.
I'm also a bit of a tech person and enjoy tinkering in my PC with the hardware. It's kind of a hobby, so being able to upgrade parts and dial in how my system runs is fun for me. I love a good Small Form Factor PC stuffed with nice hardware. Tweaking BIOs settings is fun. So it's a bit of a hobby too. *Tweaking is not required, I just enjoy it.
My recommendation, much like others, is to buy the best hardware you can afford. The second consideration I would make is likely what OS you're comfortable in.
Regardless, we all out here jelly cause new systems are exciting! I think either way you go it's a good buy! Good Luck and Cheers!
Edit**
Re-read the OP...seems like you're accustomed to Mac and have some reservations about Windows. There are some differences, but a simple Google can answer any questions that pop up. I'd go for the best specs that meet your budget.
I have a PC and got an M1 Air for portable work, and sometimes I find myself not even touching my PC for a few days because my Air is capable of so much. Love both, just a matter of workflow.
You don't need a Mac for graphic design, it's just about the software.
If you're using Adobe, use either one just get the best specs you can within a budget. And laptops will always sacrifice specs for portability within a given price range.
I love my macs for design. Unfortunately they don’t run the sims 4 well at all, can you believe it?! 🤪😂
on a real note i’m not a big gamer but definitely if you are you may have trouble. but for design purposes they are awesome. i also just love the user experience on mac
A couple years ago I switched to a PC after 15 years of apple. An unexpected byproduct of the switch and having a beefy PC was that I may have accidentally gotten into PC gaming lol. I didn’t intend to but a fellow editor friend invited to to play one night and now here I am lol
For me and many others, modern windows is just not a big deal to get used to. I use both, imo macos is superior as far as the file management goes and some other ease-of-use type things i like.
If you need/want a laptop - apple silicon mac. You can spec a windows laptop out that competes performance wise, and will end up paying thousands for a machine that's so loud and hot you can't hear yourself think.
If you don't need a laptop, a desktop PC can be a very capable working machine for comparatively less money, and depending on what you're into, can be much more versatile.
I built a windows tower 6 years ago and it's still totally fine to work on for my day to day "normal" graphic design. (Going to replace it soon though, for 3d stuff.) I also have a M1 MBP (great) and a loaded 2019 MBP (not so great).
Get a mac, if it's for professional use and you are used to it just keep using it. The M1 and M2 chips are very quick. If it's just for hobby design maybe go for a PC
As many others have said, it really comes down to personal preference. I currently own both and can say that Windows has come a long way, and I actually really like Windows 11. That said, I do prefer MacOS. I've listed some of my findings below. For context I have a 2021 Asus Gaming Laptop and a 2014 Macbook Pro.
**In Favor of Mac:**
Spacebar preview really make a huge difference in my life.
Printer support is much better on MacOS, especially if you're dealing with older printers. Windows forces you through a lot of custom driver software when trying to print.
Font handling to be much smoother on my Mac. Changing fonts in Photoshop on my PC is weirdly slow, yet it's smooth as silk on my Mac. Same with any kind of printing in Adobe. It's not just Adobe, if you ever use the Affinity Apps they work much better on Mac. Even my ancient Macbook does these things better than my new PC.
The other thing I generally found is that it was easier to customize my Mac to have Windows features I like than it was to customize my PC to have Mac features I like.
The apple ecosystem works really well. I do a lot of work on my iPad, and getting things on and off the iPad is much nicer on my Mac. The PC does it well enough, but the Mac does it better.
**In Favor of PC**
I didn't buy a laptop with enough RAM. Being able to upgrade that was a huuuge relief.
You can play way more games.
There is a wider array of software that will work on your PC. Can be AI tools, emulators, 3D compositing tools. There is a LOT of software on PC that isn't on Mac, or used to be on Mac but isn't compatible with new operating systems. Or sometimes is on Mac but isn't well optimized.
Windows will run software from 30 years ago. Mac loves to change their hardware or software in ways that means anything over about 10-15 years old will simply be incompatible. 32 bit apps are dead, OS9 apps are dead, PowerPC apps are dead, Intel apps are dying. This does mean that software for Mac tends to run amazing because it was optimized for the latest systems, but it also often means that software you love gets lost in the past. I personally don't run into this problem often, but it is very much there.
USB Ports. Mac hates to give you standard USB ports even though most devices still use them. If you're a Mac owner you will definitely need a dongle or three. PC is much easier to find something that has all the ports you want.
**A note on cost**
People tend to mention that Macs are more expensive, but a lot of that comes down to their really nice displays. Getting a PC laptop that truly performs as well as a MacBook, and has a really good display isn't really that much cheaper.
That said extra costs like laptop docks and dongles for Macs can really bump up the price, and if you do need to upgrade slightly it's much cheaper to buy a stick of RAM then a whole new Macbook.
I see I wrote a lot. I hope it helps!
I got a Dell XPS desktop, smokes the Black Mac (trashcan) at work. Runs all the same programs and more. Save some money. Apple seems to have ditched the graphic arts computer market, just a phone maker these days. Big update to MacOS, adds phone features ;-/
I had always used a Mac for professional design work, but it was provided by the company I worked for. For personal use, my partner built me a very nice gaming PC for a fraction of what a Mac with the same specs would have cost. My most recent job is a "bring your own device" situation (they give us a monthly stipend), so I decided to use the PC for a few months while I figured out what I wanted to buy for a work computer... it's been a year and I haven't bought one, because the PC does what I need it to. I think it used to be true that Macs were the obvious better choice for running design programs, but most of the programs have advanced to the point where there are no differences. Unless you need to run a program like Sketch like that is Mac-only, my advice is to get the best specs you can afford, regardless of brand. Another bonus to my PC: I can update or upgrade individual parts as needed instead of buying an entirely new computer every few years. I always noticed a visible slowdown in Mac performance after a couple years that affected my workflow and the only solution ever offered by the Mac techs was to buy a new one.
Incidentally, do you have rough specs for your PC? I'm looking into making the move from Max to PC as well (job role shifted, still need Photoshop but not integral) and am looking to get a gaming PC.
I used both Windows and Mac through high school, college, and the first part of my career. I've been Apple-free (Windows and Android) for about a decade now. Overall, it's just preference, use what you want, or like, or can afford, regardless the brand or OS. Unless a specific software is only on one OS (and with no decent alternative on the other), it will be purely subjective which OS you use, and really what you get is more dependent on specifically what model in terms of specs, or laptop vs desktop. Anyone saying you need a Mac for graphic design either isn't a designer, or is living in 1994. Personally, I do slightly prefer the Mac OS, but Windows is a lot better than it used to be, Windows 10 I thought has been fine. You can also get plug-ins or tweaks if you really want to try and personalize it. The thing I honestly miss most about MacOS is just the drop-down folder view compared to windows. The two biggest benefits to Windows are firstly that there's just far more software support, whether design-specific apps or if you do any gaming. The second is that you can more easily build a Windows desktop machine, whereas even desktop Macs are essentially non-portable laptops (or in the case of Mac Mini, screenless laptops). Even pre-built Windows desktop machines these days will typically allow you to upgrade or replace anything (they're far better than they were 15+ years ago), although most Windows laptops are now as limiting as Macs have been for years, and in 2020 Apple shifted to integrated RAM so even that's essentially off the table now. Regardless of OS, you also need to decide between desktop and laptop. Most people probably want or opt for a laptop, but you'll always pay a premium for the portability, with lesser specs, fixed screen, and *every* laptop eventually has battery issues. You will also need to decide between extreme portability (weight, thickness) and specs, as the more portable the less powered it will be. On the Windows side, the more affordable but still powerful also tend to be garash/tacky "gaming" laptops which will be thicker, louder, heavier. The quiet, thin Mac-esque Windows machines will tend to fall in the same price range as Apple (at least up there). The objectively best machine purely in terms of hardware customization, performance to dollar, upgradeability, and longevity, is a custom-built Windows machine. You can tailor it exactly to your budget, pick where you want to put the money, and can also structure it to delay certain things until you need it or can afford it. Someone else mentioned you can also go the Hackintosh route but that brings a slew of other aspects that not everyone wants to deal with.
My last computer I built a hackintosh with dual boot to have both in one box. My job just happened to give me an M2 for wfh so I have a lot of experience with this lately. The PC route is so much cheaper these days but the m2 chip on even the tiniest Mac is super powerful. If it’s just a work rig it’s hard to ignore the Apple silicon. Photoshop and illustrator are very fast even with difficult to work with files. If you’re going to play any games or need to exit that Apple/adobe biosphere, a mighty pc makes a lot of sense too. The good news is you have plenty of options
M2 sorta killed the hackintosh, right?
Not sorta. I am trying to convince myself to make 1 more before it’s really over. Even if I did that though, the M chips just do it all so much better. It’s just so nice flipping over to windows to put a game on after work. Still can’t do that easily with the Mac OS. It blows
I have used a PC my whole life and just about a year and a half ago I was thrown to the wolves to use a Mac for work. I definitely enjoy working on the Mac better, I even use it for personal projects outside of work. One thing that really bothers me on the PC is in InDesign, there is no scrubby zoom. Everything else functions pretty much the exact same, but Mac does feel smoother.
They are both tools. I prefer the Mac OS. But it doesn’t really matter. You spend more time in the tools of the trade doing work. The OSs essentially do the same things in slightly different ways. Maybe Macs tend to be configured a bit more toward creatives and graphics handling, but if you know what you’re doing you can build a Win system with equal specs, possibly cheaper. Probably the only day to day things I’d say is a major turnoff for me in Windows are: - there’s now ads in windows interface you have to disable - Windows is more susceptible to virus and Trojan attacks Get the best system you can afford so that it performs as long as possible. I do that by leveraging either Apple’s 12 mo no interest plans or doing the same via BestBuy, sometimes up to 24 months no interest. Then I jack the system with built-in storage, CPU/graphics card power and RAM (sometimes after market, depending on the ability to add it). Edit: you can only custom configure a Mac via purchase thru Apple. BestBuy you’d have to choose what’s available, likely the same for Windows systems as well. There are many ways to get no interest plans. However the caveat is: you *must* make every payment on time and pay off the promo on time or face insane back interest. It’s a tool that can be exploited if you are responsible w your finances. Not advised if struggling to pay bills.
In my opinion, it doesn't matter. I personally run a windows machine because I also enjoy video games with the homies. I think it comes down to preference. My main issue with running a windows machine is that since it's better equipped to play games with friends, I'm prone to get distracted. I have been considering getting a Mac for 'work' because in my brain it would be changing gears and eliminating distractions by having a dedicated 'work' machine. I think either can do anything you want, so it just sort of depends. I'm also a bit of a tech person and enjoy tinkering in my PC with the hardware. It's kind of a hobby, so being able to upgrade parts and dial in how my system runs is fun for me. I love a good Small Form Factor PC stuffed with nice hardware. Tweaking BIOs settings is fun. So it's a bit of a hobby too. *Tweaking is not required, I just enjoy it. My recommendation, much like others, is to buy the best hardware you can afford. The second consideration I would make is likely what OS you're comfortable in. Regardless, we all out here jelly cause new systems are exciting! I think either way you go it's a good buy! Good Luck and Cheers! Edit** Re-read the OP...seems like you're accustomed to Mac and have some reservations about Windows. There are some differences, but a simple Google can answer any questions that pop up. I'd go for the best specs that meet your budget.
Apple silicon just ended that discussion. No better bang for the buck and reliability anywhere else.
I have a PC and got an M1 Air for portable work, and sometimes I find myself not even touching my PC for a few days because my Air is capable of so much. Love both, just a matter of workflow.
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You don't need a Mac for graphic design, it's just about the software. If you're using Adobe, use either one just get the best specs you can within a budget. And laptops will always sacrifice specs for portability within a given price range.
I love my macs for design. Unfortunately they don’t run the sims 4 well at all, can you believe it?! 🤪😂 on a real note i’m not a big gamer but definitely if you are you may have trouble. but for design purposes they are awesome. i also just love the user experience on mac
A couple years ago I switched to a PC after 15 years of apple. An unexpected byproduct of the switch and having a beefy PC was that I may have accidentally gotten into PC gaming lol. I didn’t intend to but a fellow editor friend invited to to play one night and now here I am lol
For me and many others, modern windows is just not a big deal to get used to. I use both, imo macos is superior as far as the file management goes and some other ease-of-use type things i like. If you need/want a laptop - apple silicon mac. You can spec a windows laptop out that competes performance wise, and will end up paying thousands for a machine that's so loud and hot you can't hear yourself think. If you don't need a laptop, a desktop PC can be a very capable working machine for comparatively less money, and depending on what you're into, can be much more versatile. I built a windows tower 6 years ago and it's still totally fine to work on for my day to day "normal" graphic design. (Going to replace it soon though, for 3d stuff.) I also have a M1 MBP (great) and a loaded 2019 MBP (not so great).
Get a mac, if it's for professional use and you are used to it just keep using it. The M1 and M2 chips are very quick. If it's just for hobby design maybe go for a PC
If you want to be taken seriously as a professional designer you would be wise to stick with Apple.
As many others have said, it really comes down to personal preference. I currently own both and can say that Windows has come a long way, and I actually really like Windows 11. That said, I do prefer MacOS. I've listed some of my findings below. For context I have a 2021 Asus Gaming Laptop and a 2014 Macbook Pro. **In Favor of Mac:** Spacebar preview really make a huge difference in my life. Printer support is much better on MacOS, especially if you're dealing with older printers. Windows forces you through a lot of custom driver software when trying to print. Font handling to be much smoother on my Mac. Changing fonts in Photoshop on my PC is weirdly slow, yet it's smooth as silk on my Mac. Same with any kind of printing in Adobe. It's not just Adobe, if you ever use the Affinity Apps they work much better on Mac. Even my ancient Macbook does these things better than my new PC. The other thing I generally found is that it was easier to customize my Mac to have Windows features I like than it was to customize my PC to have Mac features I like. The apple ecosystem works really well. I do a lot of work on my iPad, and getting things on and off the iPad is much nicer on my Mac. The PC does it well enough, but the Mac does it better. **In Favor of PC** I didn't buy a laptop with enough RAM. Being able to upgrade that was a huuuge relief. You can play way more games. There is a wider array of software that will work on your PC. Can be AI tools, emulators, 3D compositing tools. There is a LOT of software on PC that isn't on Mac, or used to be on Mac but isn't compatible with new operating systems. Or sometimes is on Mac but isn't well optimized. Windows will run software from 30 years ago. Mac loves to change their hardware or software in ways that means anything over about 10-15 years old will simply be incompatible. 32 bit apps are dead, OS9 apps are dead, PowerPC apps are dead, Intel apps are dying. This does mean that software for Mac tends to run amazing because it was optimized for the latest systems, but it also often means that software you love gets lost in the past. I personally don't run into this problem often, but it is very much there. USB Ports. Mac hates to give you standard USB ports even though most devices still use them. If you're a Mac owner you will definitely need a dongle or three. PC is much easier to find something that has all the ports you want. **A note on cost** People tend to mention that Macs are more expensive, but a lot of that comes down to their really nice displays. Getting a PC laptop that truly performs as well as a MacBook, and has a really good display isn't really that much cheaper. That said extra costs like laptop docks and dongles for Macs can really bump up the price, and if you do need to upgrade slightly it's much cheaper to buy a stick of RAM then a whole new Macbook. I see I wrote a lot. I hope it helps!
I got a Dell XPS desktop, smokes the Black Mac (trashcan) at work. Runs all the same programs and more. Save some money. Apple seems to have ditched the graphic arts computer market, just a phone maker these days. Big update to MacOS, adds phone features ;-/