Gap Narrows, But Macs Still Beat PCs

With Windows 7 and Mac’s Snow Leopard operating systems both available, it’s time for Walter S. Mossberg to drop some science on the arduous task of picking a computer. Things aren’t too different this time around: Macs are still more expensive, though “prices on Windows PCs are creeping upward.” And Apple’s OS X is still better than Windows, though with the exit of dreaded Vista “Microsoft has closed most of the gap.”

If you have the money, Mossberg writes in the Wall Street Journal, go Mac. The “built-in software still has the edge,” the machines “usually boot faster” and are free of “the vast majority of viruses,” and Apple’s stores offer “a better buying experience and strong post-purchase support.” Sure, PCs offer more variety, but bargain Windows netbooks are scarce, and Microsoft has pulled many of its bundled applications. Cough up the extra dough for a Mac now, and thank yourself later. (More Walt Mossberg stories.)