Transform Your Small Business Operations: Switching from a PC to a Mac

Quick Tips / February 15, 2023 / Thanny Schmitz

For most people, sticking with Windows just feels natural. After all, if you had to learn your way around a computer in the 90s or 00s, you most likely did so on Windows. But now, 84% of the world’s top innovators, including SAP and Target, deploy Mac computers at scale. So as a business owner, it might be time for you to reevaluate and decide if sticking to Windows devices is the best strategy for your business.

In this article we will go over the main reasons why you should adopt the Apple ecosystem and what you should keep in mind when deciding to make the switch.

Two computers side by side: the one on the left is a PC containing the Windows logo on its screen, and the one on the right is a MacBook with the Apple logo surrounded by icons that relate to the 8 reasons why the Mac is better for small businesses.

PC vs Mac

Switching from a Windows PC to a Mac computer may seem daunting at first, but it’s actually not as difficult as it may seem. Apart from the similar basic functions that allow Windows users to perform the same tasks on macOS seamlessly, many popular apps essential to run a small business are available for both Windows and Mac computers.

However, Mac devices have proved to be a much better choice for small businesses over time. Thanks to factors like Total Cost of Ownership (TCO), sleek design, elevated user-friendly interface, enhanced security features, and more, Mac computers have become a symbol of productivity and innovation.

According to this survey by Vanson Bourne, a global third-party market research firm, 79% of Mac users claim they cannot be as productive on other systems as on a Mac, while 97% say that working on a Mac increases their productivity, and 94% affirm that it increases their self-sufficiency as well. 

In summary, although there may be a learning curve, switching from a Windows PC to a Mac computer is not as difficult as you may think and poses more benefits than challenges for you and your team. So let’s dive deeper and look at eight reasons why switching from PC to Mac will transform your business. 

List of the Reasons Why You Should Switch from PC to Mac for Your Small Business

1. Total Cost of Ownership (TCO)

Contrary to the popular belief, switching from Windows to Mac can actually save you money in the long run. We agree that it may be a more significant investment at first, but when you put its lower costs in basic services, application licenses, security features, and hardware repairs in perspective, it becomes clear that Mac computers have a lower total cost of ownership (TCO). And that’s one of the reasons why they are considered the best laptops for small business.

According to the Total Economic Impact Study by Forrester Consulting, the Return of Investment (ROI) of Mac for business is massive. The study claims that using a Mac can save businesses about $843 per computer on an average three-year lifecycle. 

That’s because, among other things, Mac devices don’t require as much support and maintenance as PCs do. They tend to have fewer software and hardware issues, which means you won’t have to spend as much on fixing them. This value alone is worth paying for, as over time it can save big money on repairs, maintenance, and labour costs for the IT department. A durable and reliable IT infrastructure is a massive boost to pretty much any modern-day business, and Mac can help achieve that.

Plus, not only do Mac computers last longer, but they also hold their value better. When time comes to upgrade or resell, you’ll be able to get a higher percentage of what you originally paid. 

2. Ease of Use

Perhaps one of the first concerns that small business owners have when they think about switching from Microsoft Windows PCs to Mac computers is that their team will struggle to adapt to an entirely new system. However, one of the defining concepts of the Apple ecosystem is it is “user-friendly”.

Photo of a half open MacBook under colourful lights

Source: Unsplash

Despite being more expensive than PCs, Apple devices reign supreme because of their user-intuitive nature and long-standing popularity. With Mac computers, there is no complicated setup process, which makes them the ideal tool for businesses. Not only are Apple products visually appealing, their interface is widely known for being intuitive and easy to use, and they also help companies put out a tech-savvy and trendy image. This is why professionals in a variety of sectors prefer to work with Mac.

If this wasn’t enough of a selling point, Apple is also committed to supporting customers transitioning from Windows, offering a whole page dedicated to helping people navigate the switch.

3. Security 

It is no secret that cyber security is a top priority for small businesses. Companies with less than 100 employees tend to be more frequent targets of cyber attacks than large companies. According to a recent report by the cloud security company Barracuda Networks, employees of small businesses experience up to 350% more cyber attack attempts than employees of larger enterprises.

A big difference between Mac and PCs is that Mac devices have shown time and time again to be much less vulnerable to viruses and hacking than Windows PCs.

Mac computers are often more secure because of the following reasons: 

  • macOS is based on Unix, which can be more difficult to exploit
  • Protection from malware and viruses is built in
  • Fewer Apple products compared to PCs, so there are fewer viruses created to target macOS

That’s why Mac computers are more resilient against cyber attacks than Windows systems and tend to offer a more solid defence. In addition, Mac has a reputation for a high level of security since Apple has full control over the hardware and software, making it easier to implement new security components such as the latest feature – passkeys

4. Mac Has Great Build Quality

Mac computers (and Apple devices in general) are known for being reliable, high-performance devices with a strong build quality. Unlike Windows PCs, which are built by many different manufacturers, Mac is built and sold by Apple. This tighter hardware control leads to fewer problems, which results in better stability. Not only do they last a long time, but they rarely run into faults or performance issues. This is especially important for small businesses. With employees constantly using the computer, it’s important to have a sturdy device that can withstand wear and tear. 

Two half-open MacBooks back to back on a dark background.

Source: Apple

Plus, Mac computers come with a number of features that can be beneficial for your business, like the Retina display. If you have employees who work with visuals, such as photographers or designers, the retina display will be a game-changer.

5. Seamless Apple Integration

Another big difference between Mac and PCs is that Mac integrates perfectly with all Apple devices. You can easily sign in to iCloud, and any information from your iPhone or iPad appears automatically on your Mac. Features like Handoff, AirPlay, AirDrop, and Screen Sharing have become staples of Apple devices and can make it easy to transfer data between them. This is especially beneficial for small businesses, as it helps streamline processes and increase productivity. 

View from the top of five Apple devices, including a MacBook, an iPhone and an iPad, lined up side by side.

Source: Apple

In addition, in June 2022, the number of iPhones surpassed the number of Android phones in the US. Also, Apple Watch has been the number one smartwatch in the world for the last seven years. That means you likely have more employees using iPhones and Apple Watches, so it makes sense to offer them the best Apple experience with a Mac. 

Plus, Mac computers come with a number of features that are specifically designed for people who work on the go, such as the ability to use iCloud and Handoff. Overall, the compatibility between Apple devices is a big plus for small businesses. 

6. You Don’t Need a Support Team

If you’re running a small business, the last thing you want to spend your time and money on is hiring a support team to manage your IT needs, something that PC users often need to deal with.

But when you rely on Mac for business, you don’t need to worry about that. 

Apple computers come with an easy-to-use interface, so you can manage your Mac without hiring an external support team. Plus, you can subscribe to Apple Business Essentials to get all the IT support you’ll need, from setting up, onboarding, backup, security, updates, and more, all included in the subscription. You can easily provide employees access to Apple services, set up device enrolment, and distribute apps, books and software — from one place. 

There are also plenty of online resources and forums that can help you troubleshoot any issues you may run into. When you purchase your Mac, make sure to extend the coverage and include AppleCare, as it will give you one-stop service and support from Apple experts.

7. Apple Silicon

In an effort to transition away from Intel chips used in Mac computers until 2020, Apple has developed and designed Apple silicon, a series of system on a chip (SoC) and system in a package (SiP) processors.

Photo of an Apple Silicon M2 chip

Source: Apple

Apple silicon chips, the most recent being the M2, aim to provide better performance and the highest possible efficiency with the lowest power consumption. But more than that, Apple silicon and the transition from Intel chips reflect Apple’s commitment to innovative custom technologies built to boost Mac computers’ capabilities even further. 

The Apple silicon power is another of a growing list of advantages of Mac for business owners that want to remain relevant in innovation-driven industries, or to simply benefit from its big battery life that makes the MacBook the best laptop for running a small business.

8. Good Integrations and Free Apps

If you’re a PC user because of Microsoft’s software (Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), and worry that you can’t use this suite anymore on a Mac, here’s some good news for you: the Apple platform integrates really well with Microsoft software suites, including Microsoft Office Apps, the Microsoft 365 environment (OneDrive, SharePoint, Mail, Contacts, Calendars), Microsoft’s Active Directory, and more!

Apple also has a wide collection of ingrained apps for Mac users, including iMovie for movie makers, GarageBand for music creation, the iWork suite for productivity, and Safari and Mail for web browsing and email. It is highly recommended that you try out Apple’s built-in apps and tools, as well as native applications that integrate seamlessly with Mac. 

Daylite, for example, is a great macOS native app built exclusively for the Apple ecosystem. It’s an award-winning CRM and productivity business app that empowers small businesses to get more done throughout the full customer lifecycle. From meeting prospects and taking control of your sales to managing the moving pieces on projects, all the way through to winning more repeat business, it’s all done in Daylite. 

Wrapping Up

Is Mac good for business?

We may be biased to say, but it’s clear that the answer is a resounding yes!

There are many reasons why Mac devices are considered the best laptops for small businesses and are being used by the world’s biggest and most successful organizations, excelling over Windows systems. One of the advantages of Mac is that it offers efficient and high-quality systems that can improve productivity and lead to greater user satisfaction. 

So if you’re running a small business, you should switch from Windows to Mac. From saving money over time, to seamless compatibility between Apple devices, Mac is the best choice for small businesses.

About the author: Thanny Schmitz is a seasoned copywriter and content strategist passionate about technology and entrepreneurship. With over a decade of experience, Thanny has been behind insightful articles and blogs that inform and spark meaningful conversations within the ever-evolving spheres of tech and small business success.

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