WBTV 3 News, Weather, Sports, and Traffic for Charlotte, NC-PC vs. Mac: which is right for you?

PC vs. Mac: which is right for you?

By Kristen Miranda - bio l email

CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - Barbara Campbell is like so many of us in that she just isn't sure which computer operating system is right for her family.

"I own my own business so I have to have a computer that works well for that.  I do a lot of work with our family photos.  Of course, my kids have to be able to turn in their assignments and download iTunes," Campbell said.

That's where WBTV Cyber Expert Theresa Payton comes in.  She met Campbell at a local electronics store to help her decide whether a PC or a Mac is the best choice.

Payton says it's important to decide how your family will use that computer before you can decide which is the right option.

"First you have to decide what you can afford.  The Mac will always be more expensive when making an apples-to-apples comparison on the technology.  However, with that extra cost you're getting access to technical support and problem solving.  You have to pay extra for those kinds of things with a PC," Payton said.

A Mac, says Payton, is good for those who don't want to pay extra for in-person technical support, for those who do a good amount of photo and video editing, and for those who find parental control systems to be important.

A PC, she says, is preferable for people who use one at the office and want an easy transition to home, for people who do man financial and other similar reports, and for computer gamers because the best games are created for Windows systems.

After her shopping trip, Barbara admitted to having more questions than answers.  However, they were the right questions that she now has to go home to discuss with her family.  Once she figures out exactly how they will use the computer she can head back to the store to make a purchase.

For more information on some of the other "quirks" that make a Mac or PC preferable, please watch the story that aired on WBTV News at 6pm on Thursday.  It's here on this page.

If you're not sure if you need a laptop, a desktop, or both, watch our exclusive web clip, also here on this page, for Theresa's advice.