Hello

For school we had to list disadvantages of Mac computers could some one help me find some?

Innika

1. Most of the software is written for Windows
2. Hard to customize/upgrade

But it just works...

I started uot on macs. I love the MAC.
Disadvatages when I first started was the integration with windows software.
Now with MACs using intel chip rather than motorola's the gap is closing. And NOW with the VISTA operating system (even with all it's bugs) seems more and more like a mac interface (with icons and stuff) it's harder to define the disadvantages especially where Microsoft has created office programs for the mac that integrate more readily with windows platform.
Still one disadvantage is price. Even with intel for the guts, the price has not come down like it should.

It's almost IMPOSSIBLE to find software in a place like Target or sometimes even Circuit City. Sometimes Mac versions do exist, but then you have to hunt them down online.

Also, often if an application needs to be updated (or you'd like it to be updated because it's a bad version), the provider doesn't have a newer version out for Macs. Take AOL Instant Messenger, for example. They haven't updated the Mac version for YEARS. I can only run version 4.7, where as Window are running 6.0. That's a BIG difference.

And it's annoying. >:K :D

Since osx came out, I can't think of a disadvantage... perhaps price. They do cost more... but you don't have all the problems windows users have to fight with daily. The Mac just works. Period.

As other have said, software is harder to find, hardware costs much more, and limited compatibility with Window's PC's.

Other disadvantages include smaller number of repair facilities, limited upgrades, limited peripherals. While some Windows apps are ported to Mac, such as Microsoft Office, they may not have the same look and feel as their Windows version. Mac software is very lacking in the games department.

Of course, all of these 'disadvantages' are relative to the Windows/PC environment. If Windows/PC's where not so prevalent, most of these disadvantages wouldn't exist. You'll find that most Mac users are die-hard fans, and will not usually be able to see disadvantages--especially if they have not used Windows/PC's.

As other have said, software is harder to find, hardware costs much more, and limited compatibility with Window's PC's. .

I disagree some with you here, having used macs 17 years.

I have no problem finding software. Compatibility isn't an issue, I swap files back and forth with windows xp users all the time, no problem. The initial hardware for a new system cost a bit more, but to replace something like say an internal dvd burner, didn't cost any more than on a PC (a new dvd burner cost me $43). :D

I disagree some with you here, having used macs 17 years.
And as I said, die-hard mac fans will usually not see the disadvantages I stated. Its all relative.

You said:
I have no problem finding software.
That doesn't mean:
Mac software is as available as PC software.

You said:
Compatibility isn't an issue, I swap files back and forth with windows xp users all the time, no problem.
That doesn't mean:
Mac are 100% compatible with PC's.

You said:
The initial hardware for a new system cost a bit more
That doesn't mean:
Because I trivialized it by saying "a bit more", it is not really a disadvantage and doesn't count.

You said:
To replace something like say an internal dvd burner, didn't cost any more than on a PC
That doesn't mean:
All peripherals for Mac are the same cost as peripherals for PC.

See my point? If Mac is all you use, you don't see the comparative disadvantages. And please don't mistake me for a Mac basher; I'm just answering the OP's question. I have a Mac G4 and realize there are certainly advantages to Mac as well, but he didn't ask about advantages! ;)

The student is probably finished with his or her assignment by now, since the question was originally posted on Feb. 18, 2007.

Log AOL using ichat. That should work if I remember correctly.


It's almost IMPOSSIBLE to find software in a place like Target or sometimes even Circuit City. Sometimes Mac versions do exist, but then you have to hunt them down online.

Also, often if an application needs to be updated (or you'd like it to be updated because it's a bad version), the provider doesn't have a newer version out for Macs. Take AOL Instant Messenger, for example. They haven't updated the Mac version for YEARS. I can only run version 4.7, where as Window are running 6.0. That's a BIG difference.

And it's annoying. >:K :D

The only disadvantage with Macs is that in business, I.T. departments tend to refuse to support Macs in the workplace. Which is very short sighted - because there are studies that show Macs require less technical support, are easier to use, are less susceptible to viruses and they have the bonus of being able to run Windows too (if you really want to). There is always a Mac alternative to any Windows-only piece of software. Most software is moving to the web now, so that argument is dying out too. Apple are also releasing Windows compatible software (Safari, iTunes). Whoever is asking for reasons Macs are inferior is obviously just trying to convince themselves.

The short answer is, there are no disadvantages, in direct comparison with generic PCs. Use a mac - you'll never go back.

Oh it definitely works. In fact, I love iChat!

1. Most of the software is written for Windows
2. Hard to customize/upgrade

But it just works....


Hard to upgrade? I disagree.. . I've done all my own upgrades.. easier to upgrade/work on than pc's.

Oh, I can run windows on my mac. Not a problem... any windows app I would need I can run

Most people have no clue what today's macs can do... in the old days macs didn't play well with pcs at all.. not true these days. :)

Apple needs to do more PR in this area. Let people know the truth.

It's almost IMPOSSIBLE to find software in a place like Target or sometimes even Circuit City. Sometimes Mac versions do exist, but then you have to hunt them down online.

Also, often if an application needs to be updated (or you'd like it to be updated because it's a bad version), the provider doesn't have a newer version out for Macs. Take AOL Instant Messenger, for example. They haven't updated the Mac version for YEARS. I can only run version 4.7, where as Window are running 6.0. That's a BIG difference.

And it's annoying. >:K :D


I agree:: this is the only disadvantage that I have encountered personally, aside from the fact that some websites STILL don't support a mac format and/or the mac browsers. But again, that goes back to software.

Macs suck get a PC, macs are just good looking and thin they brake easy and have bad but good looking software