Making a decision

When making a decision, you need to understand the requirements involved in order to make the RIGHT decision. Separate fact from opinion and you will be well on your way.

What’s the difference?

I will use and old question: What kind of computer should I get? Mac or PC?
If someone gives you and answer, they are giving you their opinion on what works for them.
The first part of the question should be answered with more questions. The original question is too vague to come up with a definitive answer. If someone immediately has a solution, it is what THEY believe to be true or what works for them. This does not always equate to the best decision for you.

Here are a couple of key questions I ask when asked this same question

1. What are you using today?
2. What are the pros and cons of what you have now?
3. Is there specific software / functions that you use?
4. What limitations are there to your current solution
5. Is there something you would like to do that is not available with what you have now?
6. When you look for help, who do you typically go to and ask questions to? What are they using?
7. In your core group of friends, what do they use?

Now we can take an objective look at delivering the solution that will make the MOST sense given the requirements. Here we are separating opinion from fact.

I have done a few tests comparing the Apple Mac platform with Windows based machines. Here are the key results in no particular order.

1. There is nothing that I can do on a Mac that I cannot do on a Windows machine.
2. There is nothing that I can do on a Windows machine that I cannot do on a Mac.
3. There are different applications and different ways of doing things.
   – Some are simpler on a Mac.
   – Some are simpler on a Windows machine.
4. They ALL get virus.
5. They All need maintenance (OS) and they All need updates (security & patches)
6. At one point or another they will ALL give you trouble – usually when you have the least amount of time to deal with it.
7. The Windows OS has greater flexibility with regards to the various hardware it can be loaded on.
   – Many more options to choose from.
8. The Mac hardware is limited in variations.
   – Provides better stability overall.
9. The Mac hardware simply rocks, especially the track pad.
10. Comparable configured systems
    – Will be similar in price
    – Windows machines are typically a bit faster with application loads, transaction speed.
    – Mac machines are much faster with file and data transfers.

The key decision factors

If you have an application that works only on one platform and this is a requirement, then go with that platform. There are options to virtualize and run a windows app within the Mac, this can get a bit tricky and add additional complexity.
If there is no specific app requirement, then look to your support network. If the people you depend on for help are all on one platform, then you should probably go with what is familiar with them.

Too many times I have seen people switch from one to the other for the wrong reasons – other people’s opinions. The same holds true for phones. Now we add in another OS, Android, to the mix.

Really boils down to what makes the most sense for what you need to do. Take an objective look and go get a new computer! 🙂

This is a very basic overview at making a technical decision. There are a few other tools I use along the way which I will write about on a later date. (Decision Matrix) It doesn’t matter what you choose, as long as you make an informed decision you should not feel any buyer’s remorse as you will be making the RIGHT decision.

As always – Truly Blessed!
-Dennis