UX differences between Mac and Windows
It really is the age old question: are you team Apple or team Microsoft? Some of us use one for personal use, the other for business, so you may be a polyuser who switches between the two. Of course, what you require to meet your needs will depend on which hardware you choose. Read on to find out the key differences in user experience between Mac and Windows computers.
Different Shortcuts
You’ll have to get used to different shortcuts on the two models, something which can be frustrating if you use one in your personal life and another system for work.
Missing Delete Key
While I knew of this little quirk before I bought my MacBook Air, I didn’t think it would be a problem when I transitioned from Windows to Mac. A friend even warned me about the missing ‘delete’ key. That little friend in the top right hand corner is missing from a Mac keyboard. You’ll find your right-hand little finger desperately reaching for a key that does not exist.
It really is something you get used to and with a Mac, backspace does become your best friend. But if you really value your delete key, Mac is not for you.
Battery Life
The Macbook Pro consistently tops user-tested charts for battery life. This guide rates the MacBook Pro as ‘the longest-lived laptop we’ve tested yet’. It lasted an impressive 18 hours and 20 mins without needing a power source. Apple claimed the 2022 edition of the Pro had a huge leap in performance. It has an M2 chip which wipes the floor with most Windows laptops.
However, Windows laptops such as the Asus Xenbook 13 and Lenovo Chromebook Duet lasted 15 and 12 hours respectively – more than enough to do a day’s work remotely without needed to plug in.
Video Editing
It’s been a widely used trope that gamers and video producers prefer Mac. iMovie is where I cut my teeth on video editing and I’m yet to find software that’s more user friendly. When you think of silicone valley’s high flyers, you think of Mac – and with good reason. Its video editing software comes built in to most models. Currently, Windows does not measure up.
Microsoft Office
I see your point, I hear you say, but what about Microsoft’s well-known office software. Chances are you’ve been using this software since you were in primary school, playing about with Word and Powerpoint in the ‘computer suite’ as they were formally known. And who likes change? When we’ve been brought up on these programmes, it’s hard to switch your allegiances to something else. Undeniably superior to Mac’s offering of Sheets and Pages, Office software includes Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Plus, Office is compatible with most desktops/laptops the world over.
Different Ports
While HDMI ports come as standard on most laptops, this is missing from a MacBook Air. It’s one of the biggest downfalls of the model as Apple compromises on certain things to make its tech as lightweight and as thin as possible. This may have been a problem several years back, but now there are other ways to cast your screen to desktop screens or TVs.
If you want a laptop with all bells and whistles, avoid the Air and go for a MacBook Pro or a Windows model.
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