MacĪpple’s build quality is second-to-none. I would recommend going with a smaller size (14 inches or less) for mobile uses such as school. Windows machines can be made out of plastic or metal or a combination of both. Also, the form factors and prices range widely, with anything from a $250 netbook to a $2,800 souped-up gaming machine. Granted, not all of the machines are the highest quality, but the selection is there nonetheless. Many manufacturers including HP, Dell, Asus, Acer, Lenovo, Sony, Toshiba, and Samsung make Windows machines. The biggest plus about Windows-running hardware is the sheer number of machines available. I realize that this is a controversial argument, but it’s one that has to be had in families purchasing a new laptop for students next year.

Windows is better for certain things, and Mac is better for others. Both operating systems are great, and both have their drawbacks.

Mac OS is slowly becoming more mainstream (although Windows still holds the vast majority of market share), and Windows is starting to look and feel better. An argument that once was very simple has become much more complex as both operating systems evolved.