8 Smart Reasons to Ditch Your Windows PC for a Mac

Years ago, the differences between Windows and Mac were stark and easily understood (remember the commercials). Far beyond the design, people could talk about all of the different programs they used, how secure Macs were, price points, and other clear comparisons. Today, things are a lot fuzzier.

Applications like Office and Adobe Suite are fully cross-platform. Security is a more complicated issue these days, and Macs are slightly less of a deterrent than they were. Even device price points exist at a variety of ranges on either side. So what reasons remain to switch from Windows to Mac? We think it's time to provide an updated list for those who are still making the decision: Continue reading to learn 8 of the smartest reasons to switch to a Mac.

8 Avoid Recurring Costs

When it comes to paywalls, Mac is a far more attractive option than Windows. Microsoft has been slowly putting its services – including the full version of Office apps – behind paywalls like Office360 and advanced versions of OneDrive.

It's becoming increasingly difficult to find Windows services that don't have ongoing fees attached. Not so with Mac. You get an appreciable amount of storage with iCloud for free, and all of the Apple products you need are either included in the operating system or available for just a one-time fee. If you don't like monthly charges, come over to Mac.

7 Better (and Easier) Display Choices

Thanks to Retina screens, no air gaps, and the latest anti-reflective coatings, Apple screens tend to take the lead even when resolution numbers are the same as Windows versions. The display quality is simply better overall, especially at the middle tier of products. We also really like how simple Apple displays are to choose between. MacBooks, iMacs, and other devices have clear options laid out for size and display, and you don't have to review the screen specs on dozens of products to make a great choice.

6 Better Ecosystem, iOS Integration

Windows doesn't really have a mobile ecosystem these days. If you want to use mobile devices with Windows, you are stuck with Surface tablets, or hoping that your latest Android device is compatible. Over on the Mac side, the experience is far better. iOS and macOS work together seamlessly, no matter if you are using an iMac, MacBook, iPhone, or iPad. There's something for everyone, and you don't have to worry about compatibility issues when moving from mobile to desktop.

5 Safer Updates

It has to be said: Windows updates have a troubled history. Actually, it's not even history – the latest Windows 10 update bricked computers just for running apps like Chrome or Cortana and, as of writing this, Microsoft still hasn't released a fix. Mac updates, by comparison, are smooth, easy to predict, largely free of bugs, and entirely free. Basically, you just don't need to be afraid of updating to the latest OS version (but you can easily get access to beta versions if you like to live a little dangerously).

4 No More Drivers!

One of the old advantages of Mac is that there aren't any drivers – those pesky Windows software installations needed to run various processes and new peripherals.

Remember how one of the most common suggestions for fixing a Windows problem is to, "Reinstall or check the driver"? Yeah, Macs still don't have that problem.

The software needed to run Mac accessories is included on the accessories themselves and automatically integrated into the OS. That means there are no drivers, and therefore no driver problems. It makes managing your computer system quite a bit easier.

3 Great Free and Included Apps

It may have been a while since you checked what apps come with Mac systems right out of the box. The list includes Mail, Contacts, Calendar, Reminders, Maps, Messages, Photo Booth and Photos, iTunes, iBooks, iMovie, GarageBand, Keynote, Numbers, and Pages ...and that's just a portion of the list. You get a whole lot of stuff for free, no matter what you plan on using your Mac for, which sounds like a pretty good deal to us.

2 Top Notch Customer Support

Apple's customer service is direct, filled with clear instructions, and available for live chats whenever you need. Because of the self-contained nature of the Mac ecosystem, it's usually easy to find the answer you are looking for, or locate other people in the community who have had the same problem and what solutions they have come across. In addition to the digital Help Desk, you can also take your device into the nearest Apple Store for an in-person visit with a professional. Upgrades for more professional support are also available.

1 Longevity and Resale Value

Apple products are famous for their durable materials and design. Yes, that improves longevity, which is nice, but it also has another welcome benefit: Reselling and refurbishing. If you want to switch Mac devices, you can usually find an option to trade it in or resell it for an appreciable amount, because that device has lost relatively little value compared to a Windows machine. If you are looking for a great deal, then you can also find plenty of professionally refurbished models online for cheaper prices than buying new.