PC vs. Mac in Schools

We've all seen them...the Mac ads on TV tauting the simplicity of the Mac over the PC, and the Windows ads that demonstrate the affordability of the PC over the Mac. (Personally, I love the Mac ads...never fast-forward through those on TiVo!) But should slick advertising be the reason you buy one type of computer or another?

I just read an article titled, "The Mac vs. PC Debate has Never Been Clearer," and it got me thinking about the reasons school districts choose one over the other. Years ago, when the district I work for rolled out new computer labs in all of its schools (there were only 3 schools at the time), a questionnaire was sent out to parents in the district, asking them which platform they would prefer to see in their child's school. The majority of the votes were for Windows PCs. This is not surprising, as approximately 90% of households with computers have PCs instead of Macs. The percentage might even have been higher back in 1997, when the survey was done. Back then, Macs were primarily found in schools and businesses that dealt with a great deal of graphics. Do we now regret the decision that was made 12 years ago? Let's compare the pros and cons of each.

Windows: Most homes that have PCs have Windows PCs, so students are already familiar with its interface. Software used at school would have the same "feel" as software used at home, and might even be the same software used at home (MS Office, for example). Students and teachers can work on projects at home and at school, because they have the same platform in both locations. Teachers have PCs at home, so they would be more comfortable using the computers with students as well. Windows PCs cost less than Macs, and there is no shortage of "cheap parts" available to repair and maintain them. School technology budgets can buy more hardware and stretch those tax dollars more easily. However, Windows PCs are susceptible to viruses, so extra money and manhours must be spent preventing or removing them. Newer versions of software may not run on older operating systems, and vice versa, so upgrading the OS and/or the software requires additional cost/manpower. Windows also needs to have updates and "service packs" installed regularly -- another time-consuming process.

Mac: Macs do not get viruses (or so I've been told). Because Macs are favored in school settings, there is quite a selection of educational software available. Macs are especially suited for applications related to graphics and video production -- another selling point for schools. Not a huge choice of models to choose from, so the process of purchasing computers is simpler. Apple does not come out with a new OS every two years, so the computers and software in the schools don't become obsolete as quickly. However, Macs cost more per machine than PCs. Students don't have prior experience with the Mac OS before coming to school, so some students may struggle a bit with basic tasks -- at least at first. Teachers may not be familiar with the Mac, so they might be reluctant to do a project with their students in the computer lab, and won't know what to do if something goes wrong. Students (and teachers) cannot take their projects home to work on, because they don't have a Mac.

I'm sure I have not included all of the pros/cons to both platforms here; feel free to add more in your comments. Both platforms have their strengths and weaknesses. And, of course, there is "brand loyalty" -- both platforms have their devotees that will defend their choice of computer to the end.

So, is one platform better suited for education than another? In this age of web-based applications, is the platform we use relevant anymore? Should the decision be based solely on monetary cost? What about cost of support (money and time)? I would love to hear your opinions on this, whether you prefer Macs or PCs. What does your school use? If you had a choice, would you stick with what you have, or switch, and why? What do you see as the pros/cons of each? Please share your thoughts -- I'm looking forward to hearing from you!