There are many reasons people choose the computers they do. Since their introduction, Mac and PC have competed for customer support. For years Apple has excelled in ease of use, durability, and customer satisfaction. PC on the other hand, has stressed Zen attributes such as patience, non-violence, and system error 32. Each system has its own advantages and shortcomings. Which of these is really the best digital recording platform?

While Apple’s fan base and product image is built around creativity, one must not totally discount the usefulness that PC has to offer. Both operating systems may use the majority of DAWs and home recording equipment available. Many of the professional level applications (Pro Tools and such), feature comparable functionality in both iterations.
While Apples come stocked with Garageband (and the rest of iLife) for creating home music programs, it packs a heavier initial price. On average Mac cost allot more that PC equivalents. Even today, the base Mac still requires around $1000 to take home. This means a larger price-tag, but it also allows you to run Mac or Windows as you operating system.
One advantage to PC is extension capabilities. While PCs offer the ability to swap soundboards and other parts, the majority of hardware in Mac is factory set. This means if you already have studio PC equipment, it may not function with a Mac.
The antithesis of this is true. While PCs are very expandable in the hardware department, factory stocked they commonly fall a little short of recording machine. This means finding not only hardware, but software for recording. If you get a Mac, you are ready to begin recording immediately (through the internal speaker that is). Combined with an interface and some mics, and your studio is ready to go. While you are able to achieve a much more tailored and custom studio with PC, you will spend allot of time gathering resources, which you could spend making music.
Check compatibility of existing gear. If you already have software and equipment for recording, it would be best to make sure your computer will function with it. Mac can run the majority of DAWs and other music production software (Logic, Cubase, Pro Tools, Nuendo), but lacks the functionality to many recording apps (Sonar, Audition) and some popular DAWs.

Check compatibility. If you work with others using Macs, or PCs, it would probably be best to ensure your recordings may play on their machines (and vice-versa). A few years ago this may have restricted which computer you would choose. Now, file conversion allows allot more compatibility.
It is important to remember that sound wise there is no best option. The audio recorded on a Mac is equivalent to that recorded on PC. The main differences is in usability. If you are more comfortable with one system over the other it is probably best to stay with what you like. If you have little to no experience with computers, or recording it would probably be easiest to begin with a Mac. While they may be more expensive, Macs are much easier to use and are stocked ready to begin recording (you just need to supply the gear).

Tags: home computers, DIY music studio, mac vs. pc