Mac v PC – Which is Better for Remote Work Technology?

Summary: This article explores how to decide whether a Mac v PC is better for your remote work. If you are still uncertain about which is best for you, contact your remote IT support specialist for custom advice.

Remote work continues to expand. For employers, there are clear advantages, but also limitations and concerns related to remote work technology. For employees, remote work is much more convenient and, for many, leads to increased productivity from the personalized comforts of a home environment. Also, during the workday, home offices afford many employees fewer distractions and greater concentration.

From the employer's perspective, remote work can present substantial savings on fixed office space costs and other overhead, such as heating, cooling and cleaning. The epic shift to remote work has been a win-win for most businesses and their employees who have made the change. One of the issues in remote work technology is knowing which devices are compatible with existing network technology, and which secure options for conferencing and telephony are available. Understanding the differences between the two operating systems can help you avoid costly mistakes and compatibility issues.

The Difference Between Macs and PCs for Remote Work Technology

Macs

Macs have several distinguishing features that make them particularly good for remote work:

• Less Susceptible to Viruses and Malware – Macs usually do not fall victim to the types of cyberattacks that afflict PCs, especially if employees apply updates as soon as they are released.
• Superior Reliability – Macs don’t break down as often as PCs. That reliability makes them perfect for remote work.
• Better Battery Life – Mac batteries tend to last longer than those on PCs. They maintain better battery health and charging capacity, a bonus for devices used during field operations or travel.
• Exceptional Customer Service – Apple has always made excellent customer service a priority. When working remotely, it is comforting to know that first-class customer service is available for solving your computer problems.
  • Apple is both a stellar technical support partner and your computer vendor. That unique partnership is worth a lot and no one knows your Mac better than Apple. Period.
• Higher Resale Value – Macs retain their value over time, unlike most PCs. If you regularly maintain your Mac, you will likely be able to sell it for more than you’d expect.
• Beneficial Factory-Installed Software – Macs have lots of great “bells and whistles” included that are valuable to remote users.
• Outstanding Graphics and Sound – Macs have always been the computer of choice for graphic designers, videographers and sound engineers. They offer high-quality audio, graphics and video functionality.

The Downside of Macs for Remote Work

Macs are great. However, feature for feature, they are more expensive to purchase, set up and repair than PCs. Also, although the situation has improved over time, some software is still not compatible with Mac computers. Furthermore, many devices and peripherals such as monitors and keyboards are not designed to work with Macs, and you could encounter compatibility issues when using them.

PCs

Although Macs have a phenomenal record for remote work, there are several advantages to using PCs:

• Variety of Software Options – For Windows-based PCs, there is a wide variety of software possibilities to support remote work, such as Microsoft Office.
• Market Familiarity – If you are more knowledgeable about PCs than Macs, you are more likely to be able to troubleshoot common problems that arise.
• Setting Up Windows-Based PCs Costs Less – It is generally less expensive to purchase a PC than a Mac.
• More Built-In Security Features – Although PCs are more susceptible to viruses, the overall built-in security right out of the box is solid, which is another favorable consideration.

The Downside of PCs for Remote Work

• More Vulnerable to Cyberattacks – As mentioned in the section above, PCs are more likely to be infected by malware and viruses. It is worth noting that cybercriminals are less interested in attacking Macs. And remember, if a remote device that is logged onto your network becomes infected, other computers on your network might be at risk.
• Not All Software Is Compatible with Windows PCs – Although there is more software available for PCs than Macs, some programs might not be compatible with a PC. Take the time to decide which applications are most important to you and research compatibility issues before purchasing a new computer.
• Customer Service Varies by Vendor – Ideally, your computer should be backed by a reputable company. However, not all customer service departments are created equal.

Evaluating Mac v PC for remote work, it is essential that you research both options and decide which is more likely to suit your individual or company’s needs. Some industries use one operating system almost exclusively, such as the design world’s preference for Mac products. Examine the tasks you know you will want to perform remotely and prioritize what is most important for your job. After gaining a better understanding of your needs, you should weigh your selection's costs vs. the benefits.

Remote and hybrid work technology is here to stay, and improving every year. However, many users don’t know all of the technology issues related to remote work or how to solve them. Purchasing the wrong items wastes productivity and money. Consider getting help from a professional IT consulting service for your home office setup to avoid costly mistakes. IT experts can consult with you to fully understand your remote work technology needs and help you make an informed decision about the strategic differences between Mac or PC and which one is best for your small business. They can also ensure that you have the proper hardware, software, network and peripherals to provide a productive remote work environment, whether a work-from-home office, during business travel or from field locations.