| For many years, when a freelance graphic designer | | | | than PCs, which are notorious for their security flaws. |
| chose a new computer, Macintosh was the automatic | | | | There are considerations beyond the hardware and |
| choice. Macintosh computers provided the memory, | | | | software that a freelance designer needs to consider. |
| processing speed and storage necessary for large | | | | For example, Macintosh computers typically cost |
| design files. Most graphic design firms and printing | | | | more than PCs. However, once a PC is equipped with |
| companies used only Macintosh computers. Today, | | | | the appropriate memory, processor and graphics card |
| that trend continues but PCs are making inroads in | | | | to efficiently process graphic files, the cost is fairly |
| what used to be territory exclusive to Macintosh. | | | | similar. If a designer decides to switch platforms any |
| Therefore, the decision on what computer to | | | | graphic design software already owned must be |
| purchase is not as clear cut as it once was for | | | | repurchased under a new license which leads many |
| graphic designers. | | | | designers to stick with one platform. |
| Hardware is the first consideration of most freelance | | | | Aesthetics are often a consideration of many |
| designers. While PCs have been proven to rival Macs | | | | designers. Macintosh computers are designed to look |
| in terms of processing speed, some people claim that | | | | sleek and creative while PCs are typically more |
| Macs still process large graphic files more efficiently. | | | | standard looking. However, some of Macintosh's most |
| Also, Macintosh computers have a better | | | | originally designed computers are not suitable for |
| maintenance record than most PCs. However, when | | | | graphic design work, leaving a designer with the |
| a hardware problem does arise a Mac can cost more | | | | standard CPU tower, monitor and peripherals, though |
| to repair. | | | | perhaps in interesting colors. |
| Software is where the Macintosh shines compared to | | | | Finally, careful consideration must be given to |
| the PC. All the major graphic design applications are | | | | interactions with outside vendors and clients. Many |
| available for both platforms and run with similar | | | | printing companies and graphic design firms still have |
| speed. However, the Macintosh operating system has | | | | a strong pro-Macintosh bias and may reject native |
| historically been much more stable than the Windows | | | | files created with PC software. However, if you are |
| operating system and much easier for the end user | | | | submitting EPS, TIFF or PDF files, the difference in |
| to troubleshoot. Additionally, Macintosh computers are | | | | platform will be negligible. |
| far less susceptible to viruses, adware and spyware | | | | |