The Great Debate

Macintosh vs. Windows.  It's a topic that is sometimes more strongly debated than politics or religion.  While there are plenty of hardcore Apple fans, PC fans are also quite prevalent.  Still, there are many that don't care what computer they use.

When people look at purchasing a computer, they will normally look by price range.  If your an Apple fan, you should know that you're not going to get anything for under $1,000.    On the contrary, most PCs are under $1,000.  Macs are pretty high-end computers, therefore selling for a higher price.  But if you were to compare a windows computer with similar high-end specifications, it's price is usually lower.  The market for computers running Windows is also much larger than computers running Macintosh.  Apple only offers a few different computer choices, while the PC world has hundreds of different options to fit your need.

Most Apple fans argue that their computers don't get viruses.  But in reality, this is just slick marketing by Apple.  Hackers want to infiltrate the largest number of users.  Since the number of PC users is quite large compared to Apple users, a viruses on PCs are more prominent.  But since the number of Macintosh users is growing, they should realize that they are not completely immune to hackers.

Macintosh is also quite a bit more easy to use than the Windows operating system.  But with Windows 8 being released, it makes the computer a bit more simple for new users.  But I still believe that Macs are more slick and easy-to-use.

The largest problem with Macs, is it's compatibility with other products and programs; as well as it's ability to be repaired.  The amount of software available to Macs is out shadowed by the millions of programs available to PCs.  PCs are also much more compatible with gaming.  Much of the computer gaming market is aimed at PCs rather than Apple products.  The biggest issue (I believe) with Macs, is the fact that they cannot be easily repaired.  Apple fuses their computer casings shut.  Although this offers a sleek look, it doesn't offer the same access to it's internals.  So if you need a new hard-drive in your Mac, you should probably just start looking for a new computer, or bring it to a special Apple Genius Bar and pay quite a bit to have them repair it.

As most of the people reading this have probably realized, I'm a PC fan.  I tried not to be biased, but it's quite difficult for me.  But in reality, really the only difference between the two is personal preference.  If someones an Apple fan, a PC fan isn't going to convince them to change their ways and vise versa.

The 4th Kind

The inevitable is happening.  In winter of 2013, Sony plans to release the PlayStation 4.  I never really thought a new console would ever even be needed.  I mean, how much better can the PlayStation 3 get?  Somehow they've found a way by adding several features that allow for a better experience for gamers.

The hardware in the PlayStation 4 is quite impressive.  It outmatches most High-End PC's RAM.  With better Random Access Memory (RAM) the PlayStation 4 will be able to play faster games, have greater Internet connection speeds, multitask, and not crash as much.  All models of the PS4 will also have a large hard drive to allow for more storage of games.

The PlayStation Network will also be getting a face lift with the new console.  The network will allow for you to use your real name, rather than a nickname like Buttercheese12.  This will allow for more of your friends to find you.  The PS4 will also be allowed to link to Facebook and other social media, so more of your friends will be automatically added to your system. A complaint about the PS3 was that only 100 friends could be added to your account.  This isn't the case with the new system.  With a larger storage drive, more friends will be allowed on your account.  PSN (PlayStation Network) will also be more popular and fun.  A share button is featured on the controller.  This allows players to take a screenshot or video of their game play whenever they want.  Then they can save their picture/video or upload it to different social media websites.

The most talked about change on the PS4 though, is it's controller.  A headphone/microphone jack is located on the controllers. Each system will come with a headset.  A touch pad is also a new feature on the new controllers.  It functions as an extra button, as well as has dual-touch input.  This will allow for fun, easy games that can be played with friends (like iPad games).  A light bar is located on the top of the controller.  This indicates different players as well as has some cool uses.  Different players are indicated by different colors on the LED light bar.  The sensor in the light bar also makes multiplayer gaming much easier.  The Console will detect where the controllers are located, and then place those people in the best spot on screen.

There you have it.  Those are the changes to the system I noticed.  I'm not too hip on the idea of a new console.  Mainly because I don't want to have to buy a new one and leave my PS3 in the dust.  I never really thought gaming could get much better than it already is, but I guess I was wrong.  Sony has figured out a way to make it better, your move Microsoft.