The PC vs Mac debate has been around for more than 30 years. And while many are hardcore PC users and others are Mac Fan boys, there are some people in the middle who just want to use the best technology that works for them in their business and life and don’t really have an allegiance to either. Here are three reasons Apple computers can save doctors money.

1. More than capable hardware 
It's true that Apple computers tend to cost a little more out of the box, but make sure to compare apples to apples when comparing computer hardware. Often times, a standard iMac without modification can run a dental practice as a server or as a workstation. While a low-end PC will probably need additional memory, RAM or a faster processor in order to actually work in your practice. Which drives the price up and up. And do you really want your business (remember you are running a business), built around the ‘lowest cost option' when it comes to the foundation of your practice (computer hardware/software technology)? That reminds me of a quote from the famous astronaut Alan Shepard – ‘it’s a very sobering feeling to be up in space and realize that your safety was determined by the lowest bidder on a government project’. He had no choice. He was stuck with the cheapest option, but you have a choice. Check out this article by the American Customer Satisfaction Index on personal computers to see how your computer stacks up.



2. Lower IT Costs And Fewer Viruses
Doctors seem to have accepted that their software freezes up and their practice needs an IT geek on speed-dial in order to run a successful, technology driven practice. And while this is good for the IT consultants of the world, it's not so great for the average doctor. It's not uncommon for a PC user to pay thousands of dollars per month in IT consulting to just keep the computers running from bugs and viruses (not to mention the cost to set it all up). The vast majority of Mac users do their own IT and either have zero IT costs or less than $1,000 per year. That doesn't even take into account the toll on your practice from down time and frustrations you feel when your computers aren't working. Here’s a CNET article on PC vs. Mac security.

3. Macs just last longer 
If you're a PC user, ask yourself, when was the last time you kept a PC longer than 3-4 years? Admit it, if you can get a PC to last more than four years, you feel like you won the computer lottery. One obvious reason Macs tend to last longer is that they tend to cost a little more, so they should last longer because they're made better. But another significant reason is that Apple makes both the hardware and the operating system. They control it, they build it, test it, perfect it. There are no bridges, drivers, patches, or work-arounds that get wonky. It's all built by one manufacturer to work seamlessly together.

At the end of the day, every doctor should consider the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) when buying a computer (or anything for that matter). Often times, we get hung up on the initial upfront cost and forget to consider everything that happens AFTER day 1. Next time you buy a computer, take into consideration the TCO and make the best, most educated decision for your practice. Learn more.