For as long as we can remember, the Mac vs. Windows debate has been a hot topic among many communities. Some say Mac is the King of the world when it comes to productivity and work, while others claim Windows is the better option.
Since print-on-demand is a trending business that many people are opting for, the Mac vs Windows debate has also made its way here. It is a difficult question, mostly concerning priorities and individual preferences. We will discuss that in detail so you can make a comfortable decision. So, if you are considering buying a new computer for work, continue reading.
Why Choose Mac for Design Work?
Many users prefer Mac PCs for several reasons. However, many stay away because of the price tag on Mac laptops, studios, and all-in-one PCs. Still, no one can deny that the Mac is a powerful device for any work. Here are the reasons why you should choose a Mac for design and print-on-demand work.
Excellent Hardware
Mac PCs offer robust, secure, and top-quality hardware and processing power you cannot find in any other PC. The latest M3 line of Apple Silicon chips has tons of potential and shows the tremendous capability to breeze through any design-related work. It offers more powerful CPU, GPU, and RAM options.
The standard M3 has an 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU, and up to 24 GB of unified memory.
The M3 Pro can have a 12-core CPU, an 18-core GPU, and up to 36 GB of unified memory.
The M3 Max comes with up to 16-core CPU, 40-core GPY, and 128 GB of unified memory.
You can even go for the standard M3 because the latest Apple silicon chips are highly powerful. On top of that, the stunning Liquid Retina XDR display of Macs is second to none. It offers extreme dynamic range, specular highlights, incredible details, and vibrant colors that help you design and edit images with high accuracy and detail.
Finally, Apple has further optimized its hardware and software to consume less battery, making its computers highly battery efficient.
Moreover, it offers great multitasking and blazing-fast speeds in every work. Apple’s highly optimized operating system maximizes productivity.
Useful Services
Apple provides a range of useful applications and programs, especially for designers, businessmen, and creative individuals. Software like Adobe Creative Suite, Affinity Designer, and many more are optimized for Mac and perform well in every way.
User-Friendliness
Apple’s formidable operating system, MacOS, offers a simple and user-friendly interface ideal for graphic design and print-on-demand work. Everything runs smoothly, and it is easy to explore and find things of interest. Moreover, Apple’s ecosystem makes sharing and compatibility easier if you own other Apple products. Also, MacOS is highly secure, so you can browse and work stress-free.
Great Design
If you are looking for a sleek, stylish, and lightweight laptop that you can easily carry around, there is no better choice than Macbook. The simple and contemporary design encourages creativity and productivity and improves the design process.
Why Choose Windows for Design Work?
Windows computers are the choice of the majority for more than one reason. The most significant one is the price range they come in. You can get a Windows laptop for as low as $500 and it goes all the way up to even $3000+. It is all up to your choice. Here are the top reasons you should go for Windows for design and print-on-demand work.
- Compatibility
Windows computers are highly compatible with any software, tools, and devices. Moreover, they have multiple points to connect peripherals, and there are tons of options for accessories. Also, some software is especially for Windows, and if that is important for your client or boss, you must work with a Windows computer.
- Easy Availability
Windows laptops are readily available, and in case of an accident or something that happens to your desktop or laptop computer, you can find many repair shops that work with Windows computers. Moreover, Windows computers have a high user base, so it is easy to find one if you are low on budget and need a second-hand machine.
- Cheaper Price
The most significant advantage of Windows computers is their price tag. You can find a Windows laptop capable of running print-on-demand software and tools for as low as $500 (maybe even less if you use a second-hand machine). On top of that, Windows accessories are cheap and highly accessible.
- Customizable
The best part of Windows computers is that they are highly customizable. If you are low on storage, you can always swap your existing storage for a bigger one, and if the HDD is not cutting it for you, you can swap it for an SSD and enjoy faster speeds. Not only that, you can also do this with RAM to increase MHz or the total amount.
If you work with a desktop computer, you can switch everything, including the processor, GPU, motherboard, power supply, etc.
If you have no restriction on budget, you can get the best-in-class Intel or AMD processor. The best for Intel is Core i9 14900k with 36 M Cache and up to 6 GHz of memory, and for AMD, you can choose the latest Ryzen 9 7950X3D with 128 MB of L3 Cache and up to 5.7 GHz memory.
Also, you can choose between the best GPUs from Nvidia or AMD.
The best Nvidia card is the RTX 4090 with 24 GB of GDDR6X memory, and for AMD, you go with the Radeon RX 7900 XTX with 24 GB of GDDR6 memory.
Finally, you can switch your motherboard to the latest modern architecture with high RAM support. The four-DIMM motherboards can support up to 256 GB of memory, while a dual-DIMM motherboard can support up to 128 GB.
So, whenever something is not enough, you can head to a tech shop and change it for a better one.
Best Print-on-Demand Software for 2024
Now that we have given you a brief insight into the advantages of both Mac and Windows platforms, let’s move on to the best print-on-demand software for 2024.
- Canva
Canva is one of the most popular and influential design software. It offers a user-friendly interface, a large library of templates and designs, and several collaborative features. These features make designing and print-on-demand work easy and simple. On top of that, it offers a free version with some limits, but nothing a beginner would find disturbing.
- Printful
Printful is another excellent web-based design tool for creating amazing and engaging designs for your print-on-demand business. It is easy to navigate, learn, and use, provides high-quality prints, and offers a wide range of custom branding options. Printful also does not charge monthly fees. However, it does have a small product catalog.
- Photopea
The next option we have is Photopea. It is a beginner-friendly tool with an easy-to-navigate and work-with interface. Moreover, it is one of the best editing tools and offers a range of unique features and functionalities. Still, Photopea also has some limitations. It may seem slow and complicated to some users, and some beginners and amateurs may find it limited.
- Inkscape
Inkscape is a handy and accessible vector-based design tool. It is also free and fully featured and offers a robust community and ecosystem. It has several great placement and path tools and a very helpful website. However, it may cause some issues on Mac and may be difficult for some users.
- Placeit
Lastly, Placeit is a powerful design platform that is easy to learn and use. It offers over 90,000 templates and mockups and an extensive library of assets. Overall, it provides a great experience. Some drawbacks of Placeit are that its software may seem slow sometimes, and the content library needs to be updated more often.
The software and tools we mentioned here are ideal for beginners and newcomers in the print-on-demand business. However, if you are a professional and these software are not cutting it for you, you can choose to go with the Adobe Creative Suite. However, the software we mentioned is free, while Adobe software and tools come at a high price.
Final Takeaway
Choosing between Mac and Windows is difficult, but it wastes time. It all comes down to personal preferences and the requirements. Although the latest Mac computers are faster, more secure, and more powerful, Windows computers are much cheaper and easily accessible.
You can do excellent print-on-demand work on both operating systems and run your business.
So, what will it be for you?
Liam Carter is a lifelong tech enthusiast and PC aficionado with over 8 years of experience exploring the ever-evolving world of technology. From building custom rigs to reviewing the latest laptops and gaming peripherals, Liam brings a hands-on, practical approach to his content.