The PC competition. The war rages on. We've thrown the most recent 13-inch MacBook Pro and the closest PC to a Mac we've seen, the Dell Studio XPS 13, into the ring for.
Is the MacBook Pro good for gaming? Being one of the most popular laptops in the recent past, the MacBook has made its way up the ladder, making Apple one of the most trusted brands. However, the scene for MacBooks is a little complicated when it comes to gaming action. Apple devices can support 2D graphic games very well, but they sometimes falter with 3D graphics. However, the MacBook Pro might be changing this notion for Apple users, including the perfect combination of a fast and strong processor with effective graphics.
Apple has been one of the front runners among computers. With some of the best technologies, the MacBook has been rather popular in this regard. After years of hard work, Apple has brought out an efficient device that is promised to be lighter and thinner. Some rather impressive changes and updates have been included in the latest MacBook Pro. Let us look into some of the most interesting features that make the MacBook Pro good for gaming.
For starters, the design has been revamped to bring out the best in the device. This is a thinner device as compared to previous models and weighs only 1.58 kilograms. In addition, a special OLED display touch panel has been incorporated at the top of the keyboard to get rid of the physical functions. According to reports, this LED display panel might be specific to different applications. This means that the functions on the panel will vary depending upon the applications. The 13.3-inch MacBook Pro can actually give a good first impression. Accompanying the internal specifications, the device is teamed with Intel Core i5, which is well-suited to fast and rigorous activities, clocking in at 2.7 GHz. In terms of storage capacities, the 8GB system memory packs quite the punch, coupled with 128 GB of SSD storage. With the Intel Iris Graphics 6100 processor, we can expect a lot from this device.
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Usually, Apple devices do not provide the best results when it comes to high-end gaming activities. This has been one of the issues faced by this otherwise effective device. However, the new MacBook Pro, with its superior hardware and graphics, includes major changes that can give you some of the best gaming experiences.
For starters, the iMacs take up much less space as compared to previous models. Second, the quad-core processors pack a lot of power, which aids in gaming activities. Finally, the NVIDIA GPUs place the cherry on top. Much to the delight of avid gamers, new indie games will be available to MacBook Pro users at the same time they are made available to everyone else.
The world of gaming is not a simple one. For small games like Angry Birds and Plants Versus Zombies, which do not require high-end graphics and device specifications, two-dimensional graphics would be more than enough. This is why most MacBooks are able to handle these kinds of gaming activities. The problem crops up when we move on to more high-definition games that require three-dimensional graphics. These high-speed action games tend to put a lot of pressure on MacBooks. That is why there is a need for a strong and fast processor that can accommodate fast gaming actions and provide good performance. Ideally, a dual core Intel Core i5 or Core i7 can do this job perfectly, clocking in at speeds of 2.0 GHz or more. This is why the MacBook Pro can be a good choice if you are an avid gamer.
However, sometimes even a faster processor is not able to live up to the requirements of some games. The MacBook has the perfect solution to this issue. It incorporates a high-end graphics card, popularly known as a Graphics Processing Unit, over and above the usual processor. This can significantly boost your computer’s speed to deal with fast games with superior graphics. When it comes to the GPUs, there are two broad varieties. The first is the integrated type which ensures greater speeds for the computer but shares the device’s RAM with the CPU. On the other hand, the discrete variety of the GPUs is specially designed, keeping in mind the requirements of 3D graphics.
It has its own high-speed memory to enhance the performance of the device. Now Apple incorporates a series of such integrated and discrete GPUs in the Mac series. For instance, the cheaper versions of MacBook Pro come with Iris 6100. It has been found that this sort of GPU does not work well with action games and graphics. That is why a more superior version of Iris in the form of Iris Pro has been included in the newer and more expensive MacBook Pro, which makes it an ideal match for gamers. The Iris Pro also brings with it 128GB of storage space for its own use. In addition, the 2.5 GHz MacBook Pro works with AMD Radeon R9 M370X, which tends to bring out pretty impressive gaming action.
When it comes to a good gaming display, the MacBook Pro stands out once again. The high-resolution display in this device, coupled with the Intel HD 5300 graphics, could give you a rather impressive performance when it comes to high-definition video games, all 2D games and some 3D games.
Pros:
· The Intel Iris 6100 graphics prove to be a charm for most games.
· The 128 GB solid state drive helps in participating in high-end gaming action.
· The backlit keyboard and touchpad with the extra OLED display touch panel for the MacBook Pro Retina proves useful.
Cons:
· The MacBook Pro comes with Intel HD 5300 Graphics that might be well suited for most 2D games, but cannot cater to a lot of the 3D gaming action.
· For the 2.5GHz version of the MacBook Pro, coming with an AMD Radeon R9 M370X graphics card, you will have to shell out quite a sum of money to comfortably engage in 3D graphics gaming.
With the inclusion of superior graphics and a fast processor, the MacBook Pro could bring about revolutionary changes in Apple products for avid gamers. This might well be the turning point for Apple when it comes to a gaming laptop, bringing a glimmer of hope to all gaming enthusiasts.
Apple’s Mac and Windows PC are currently the two leading platforms for most of our day to day computing needs. Hence, this article, providing you with Mac vs PC comparison, in order to help you make an informed decision about whether to buy a Mac or PC.
Mac vs PC Comparison – Whether to Buy Mac Or PC
Once upon a time there was a clear and well defined divide or distinction between PC and Mac users. Those who needed a computer bought a Windows PC and those who had money bought a MacBook – It was that simple!
However, currently the imaginary line between Windows PC and Mac is fading, mostly due to Windows computers trying to compete with Macs in the looks department and becoming as expensive as Macs.
Hence, the question “Should you Buy a Mac or PC” and search for terms like Mac vs PC, Mac Vs Windows PC comparison and similar terms is showing an increasing trend and becoming more relevant to consumers looking to buy computers.
You will find below a listing of both Advantages and Disadvantages of Macs and PCs, which should help you in deciding whether to buy a Mac or a Windows powered PC.
Advantages of Macs
1. The biggest advantage of Macs is that they are well designed, sleek and visually appealing. While Windows computers are trying to match Macs in the looks department, they are ending up costing the same as Macs.
Pc Gamer Mac Pro
2. Macs come preloaded with almost all the software required to prepare documents (Pages), run spreadsheets (Numbers), create presentations (Keynote) and basic Photo Editing and Video Production software.
In comparison, Windows computers these days are mostly being shipped with trial versions of Microsoft Office.
3. In general, Macs have acquired the reputation of being less complicated, easy to use and trouble free compared to Windows Computers.
4. Software updates on Macs are consistent, effortless and trouble free. In comparison, software updates on Windows computers end up
generating discussions and heightened activity on internet forums
5. Going by past data, chances of being hit by viruses and malware on Macs are less compared to PCs. This could be due to a variety of reasons, ranging from Windows PCs having a larger user base to Windows Software being more familiar and appealing to attackers.
6. All the pre-installed software programs on Macs come directly from Apple and appear to be well tested and optimized to work well on Macs. In comparison, Windows computers suffer from bloatware due to pre-installed software coming from multiple sources – Microsoft, Manufacturer and associated companies.
7. Apple products rank high in terms of quality and customer satisfaction. When you buy a Mac, there is absolutely no doubt that you are getting a product of the highest quality.
It is difficult for Windows Computers to match this level of quality and customer satisfaction due to multiple manufacturers trying to sell Windows computers in multiple configurations.
8. Macs work better and flawlessly with other Apple products. This means that you are better off going for a Mac in case you use an iPhone.
9. The customer support at Apple is consistent, transparent and better compared to Windows Computers. If anything happens to your Mac, you can head straight to the nearest Apple Store in your location and expect support both for hardware and software related problems.
Such level of support is not possible in Windows computers due to software coming from Microsoft and hardware being assembled by a variety of PC manufacturers.
10. Whether you like it or not, Macs appear cooler/trendier and people are willing to pay more for Apple products.
Advantages of Windows PC
1. The biggest advantage of a Windows PC is its availability at multiple price points. Since, Windows PCs come from different manufacturers in multiple configurations, there is always a Windows Computer that can match your budget.
In comparison, Macs are available in limited models and at fixed price points, which you may or may not be able to afford.
2. The second biggest advantage of Windows PC is its productivity software. Most Windows computers come preloaded with Microsoft Office which includes two of the most popular productivity software programs in the world – Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word.
3. In case you are a gamer, you have no option but to go for a Windows PC. Macs simply do not have the Processing power, RAM and high end graphics cards required to play PC games.
4. Windows computers are available in multiple configurations and allow you to choose from various types of Processors, RAM, Storage, Ports, Displays and other options.
5. In general, Windows Computers offer superior hardware at competitive price points. In comparison, Mac users appear to be paying a higher cost for comparatively lower level of hardware.
However, it needs to be mentioned that almost every component on an Apple product is optimized for better performance, tweaked to consume less power and generate less heat.
6. Accessories for Windows Computers are easy to find and available at competitive prices compared to Macs. This makes Windows computers cheaper to operate and run compared to Macs.
7. It is easy to upgrade, reconfigure and refurbish Windows computers. This aspect of Windows computers appeals to tech savvy users who enjoy such activities.
8. In general, more Software programs are available for Windows PC compared to Macs.
9. Windows Computers have better backwards compatibility compared to Macs. For example, it is not uncommon to find 5 to 7 year old Windows computers running the latest version of Windows 10 without any problem.
10. Windows community and user base is larger compared to Macs. This practically means that it is easy to get support and advice for software and hardware related issues for Windows computers.
Pc Gamer Vs Mac Pro 2020
Disadvantages of Mac
1. The biggest disadvantage of Macs is that they are expensive compared to PCs. However, as mentioned above, Windows Computers are getting expensive and the gap between MacBook Air and a comparable Windows Laptop is not that much.
2. The second major disadvantage of Macs is that most of the work related software like Microsoft Excel, AutoCAD, Timberline, Primavera and Accounting software is designed for Windows computers and not for Macs.
While Macs have their own version of Excel (Numbers) and Microsoft Word (Pages), these programs are no match for the Power and Versatility of Microsoft Excel and the practical functionality of Microsoft Word program.
While you can buy Microsoft Office made for Macs, it is not uncommon to come across users reporting missing features, problems and overall lack of power while using Microsoft Excel on Macs.
3. Macs are clearly not built for playing PC Games. Even the most advanced MacBook Pro does not have the processing power, RAM and the Graphics to play PC Games.
4. Using a Mac is fundamentally different than using a Windows computer. Those coming from Windows PC background to Mac will require patience to get used to the way Macs work.
In the first few weeks you may often feel like going back to Windows PC. However, once you get used to Macs you should be able to work as effortlessly on a Mac as you used to on a Windows PC.
Disadvantages Of Windows PC
1. Windows computers are clearly getting more expensive and most likely driving budget customers to consider using a Mac Mini or even MacBook Air which are now available at tempting price points.
2. Windows computers come pre-loaded with bloatware from manufacturers, which makes them slow and buggy. While those with technical abilities can easily get rid of this bloatware, average computer users are not really equipped to deal with this issue.
3. Due to their large user base, Windows Computers are considered as being primary candidates for attack by hackers and computer viruses. However, it is not difficult to minimize this risk by keeping the software on your computer updated and installing a good antivirus program on your computer.
4. Although the situation is improving, software updates on Windows Computers are still far from being trouble free.
Should You Buy Mac or Windows PC
As far as consumers are concerned, the decision to buy should be based on which platform really suits you better, while taking into consideration the purpose for which you are buying a computer and the budget allocated for your purchase.
For example, Windows PC is a better option in case your work requires the use of Microsoft Excel and other productivity or work related Software Programs. The same holds true, in case you are buying a computer for general and recreational use and your idea of fun is to play high intensity PC Games.
When it comes to budget, College students surviving on borrowed money are clearly better off buying a cheaper Windows PC or a Chromebook, instead of piling on more debt by going for an expensive MacBook Pro.
However, if you are working part time and having a MacBook makes you feel better (does it !!?..), make sure that you go for MacBook Pro and promise yourself that you will do better at both studies and work!
Image source: Apple, Microsoft