It is a question often posed, but rarely is it answered. Today is the day that the debate of whether using an Apple at College or a Windows PC at College is more suitable. This analysis will look at the Apple and Windows capabilities from both the academic and social/cool perspectives. Looking at the different features and overall usability is how I was able to determine the ultimate operating system and whether that is an Apple or Windows.

Apple hits a home run with anything designwise: If you have a presentation in college, and the likelihood is that you will unless you're a theater major, Apple is the only way to go with this one. Apple has programs that come with it that are superb and deal with DVD's, music, movies, and pictures. Apple easily organizes itself and it is a pleasure working with the system in general. While Windows has similar capabilities, the user interface is far more complicated than an Apple to achieve the same results. Now I don't know about you, but I don't seem to have hours upon hours to test out ways to do things on the Windows programs to see what works and what doesn't. Apple is very intuitive and you can be a pro after the first time you use it. Think about the simplicity of iTunes. Winner of round one goes to Apple, for its far superior ability to organize and place all the pictures I take during the weekend at random parties and the bar to be posted at a later point on Facebook. See more information about Mac's features here.

Windows is typically the default programming used in College type settings: Windows definitely holds the market share in regards to operating systems in the work place, but is this also true at college. I would say it is, but if anything, Apple is gaining a ton of momentum. Windows is still the default operating system though. At the University of Michigan, if you are going to be in the Business school you have to switch over to a Windows computer, because they require you to use programs that run on Windows. While it is possible to get around this switch, it still makes things a little tougher to have an Apple. However, as time goes on, the Apple becomes further and further integrated into what used to be Windows only programs. I like to think about Word, Excel, and Powerpoint when I think of this ease of usability these days. In this round, Apple and Windows push as the operating system to use at college. Apple is becoming more and more usable outside of personal use. It is being recognized by larger institutions like colleges and will only be a matter of time until there is full communication between the two operating systems.

Apple and its iPod: For a college student, getting an Apple is a great idea because it comes with an iPod Nano. Apple has done such a great job with the iPod that it has almost become an oddity that one may not have one of these music players. Getting one of them with the purchase of their computer seemingly feels like a bonus. While this is a great bonus, I shouldn't completely alienate Windows, because it too can work with iTunes and an iPod. Whether or not you have an Apple doesn't dictate whether or not you can have or use an iPod. Under these circumstances, the debate broached by the iPod results in a push for both Apple and Windows parties.

Apple targets College Students better: Apple seems to have a clear and distinct edge on Windows in regards to marketing as is illustrated by one of their recent marketing campaign ads below. Also, who doesn't love the iPod commercials? They are incredible! At the same time, they also know who their target demographic is. Apple has a whole section on their website devoted to helping College Kids. While it may not be very different from the rest of their website, it has a few deals here and there which make it appear as though Apple understands the College psyche. Microsoft's homepage is less inviting and doesn't have anything to do with College kids at all. Mostly about support and problems or issues that might arise while using their product. Because of Apple's knack to know their audience far better than that of Microsoft and the Windows operating system, Apple wins this round hands down!

Apple's Aesthetics: Apple has a look and feel that you just associate with coolness and stuff that will work. A lot of Windows users have become conditioned into the "blue screen of death syndrome." This doesn't help the image and feel of the Windows operating system. Apple has a fresh look to it that is sleek and silky in its design and really is a pleasure looking at. Windows has become monotonous and same-old same-old. In college having sweet looking stuff is critical. Apple is the only way to go in this round.

Finally, we discuss leadership and management: On Apple's side you have Steve Jobs. On Microsoft's side you have Steve Ballmer and Bill Gates. While all of these men are visionaries and were able to see the growth and impact that the personal computer could have on the world, the winner is clearly Steve Jobs. Jobs went head to head with a competitor that had a monopoly on the market. Talk about barriers to entry. He is gaining more market share in the personal computer division every day. However, what differentiates Jobs from Microsoft is his ability to diversify the functions of Apple. Apple moved into the Mp3 sector with the iPod and have performed incredibly with this product. I think Microsoft had something called the Zune. I am not sure if they have given up on this product yet. Beyond that, Jobs has moved Apple into other exciting fields like the cellular phone industry with the iPhone, and are soon to enter the Television industry with Apple TV. Jobs has the edge with this one, and therefore, if your in college and you want to stay on the cutting edge of what's fresh in the world around you, you can't go with anything either than Apple.

The choice is clear: At college there is but one option for computing software and that is none other than APPLE!

This post was originally written by Tyrone Schiff
University of Michigan · Organizational Studies · 07 Aug 2007