Apple has gradually established a firmer foothold in the world of consumer electronics, revolutionizing the world of technology with music players, mobile devices and other multimedia products. Their aggressive marketing has also helped establish Apple products as something for "trendy" or "hip" consumers, compared to the staid and stodgy Microsoft.

However when it gets right down to it, most computer buyers simply want to know if a Mac computer is a worthwhile investment over a PC. Below are a few comparison points that might help consumers look past the advertising.

Variety and Price

It's generally taken for granted that Macs are more expensive that most PCs, however price comparisons have shown that in order to get the performance, power and accessibility of a standard Mac, one would have to spend nearly as much or more on a PC. Price concerns regarding Macs likely result from the fact that Apple simply offers fewer Mac models compared to what can be found on the PC market, meaning users are more likely to find budget-priced PCs. Still, if price and variety are major concerns, users may be more likely to find something they want in a PC.

Accessibility

Mac computers are generally well-regarded for their ease-of-use, but users may be surprised to know newer Windows models have developed interfaces and functionality that rival the accessibility of any Mac. Additionally, users have become flustered at certain non-intuitive Mac features. Windows has also had the advantage of time, meaning more applications, devices and electronics link seamlessly with PCs, while it can be a struggle to integrate other multimedia with Macs. Still, less malware has been developed for Mac than Windows, meaning the computers may need less Mac repair, and they generally remain ahead of the curve on accessibility.

Performance

In terms of hardware, Macs and PCs are actually built quite similarly. In terms of value, some high-end Macs are actually more cost-effective than the most high-performance PCs, and because Macs are built in house, their quality is less of a concern, making for fewer calls to a Washington, D.C. Mac repair specialist. At the same time, performance itself also depends on the number of programs and add-ons a user installs, making this category a bit of a wash.