Windows vs. Mac

I would like to begin by adressing my opponent's case, and then I will move on to some of my own.PriceMy opponent shows that Macintosh computers generally cost more than Windows PCs, and claims that "while a higher price usually indicated superior quality, I'm not seeing the superior quality of Macs". I will now show that, with each of the comparisons my opponent offers, the Mac has features that make it worth it's price.He first compares the iMac against an eMachine computer, claiming that these have "roughly the same specs". These two computers do not have roughly the same specs, and I will explain why the iMac is more vaulable. Firstly, the iMac consists of a built in 21-inch display within the $1,199 price point, with a high definition webcam built in. With the eMachine, you would have to purchase an external display and camera. The iMac also has built-in speakers[1], whereas the eMachine contains none[2]. The iMac's processor is also much more advanced, as it is a quad-core (essentially four process in one) processor.Next, my opponent asks us to compare the iMac against the Dell Studio XPS Desktop[3], and says that the Dell has better specs than the iMac. I can apply the same arguments as stated previously when comparing against the eMachine. The iMac costs an extra $150, and for that price, you receive the built in display, high definition camera, and speakers.Finally, he asks us to compare the Compaq Presario Desktop[4] to the Mac mini[5]. Firstly, these are not comparable. The Mac mini prizes in its compatability as a desktop computer, being an inch and a half tall. The Compaq is 15 inches in height. The Mac mini also includes built in WiFi (802.11g) and Bluetooth wireless capabilities, as well as a dual-core processor. These additional features make the Mac worth the price you pay.ProgramsMy opponent says that to develop for the Mac, you need pay a $99/year enrollment fee. This is not true. The standard Apple Developer registration is completely free[6], and that includes the Xcode IDE for developers, as well as access to resources. My opponent goes on to say that to be published on the App Store, you must be enrolled. However, the App Store is not the only source of distribution of applications, it is merely a choice given to developers. They may also post their applications on their own websites, or use free Mac app distribution websites such as MacUpdate[7]. The Apple Developer program also includes free documentation, videos.CustomizabilityMy opponent states that Macs "lack hardware customization options, or at least easier options". This is completely false. All Macs include very simple hardware customizability when you buy it[8]. My opponent also claims that "Most other PCs can be opened, and new parts can be added, or parts be replaced at the will of the owner. Not so with Apple computers." This is, once again, not true. Many Macs, including the MacBook and the Mac Pro is designed to be able to be easily have its parts replaced, and there are many instructions available for how to disassemble Macs[9].Energy EfficiencyI'd like to move on to my own arguments now. Firstly, Macs are generally more energy efficient and environmentally friendly than PCs. Let's compare the two computers that my opponent discussed at the beginning of Round 2- the iMac and the eMachine. The iMac is Arsenic, BFR, mercury and PVC-free, contains highly recyclabe aluminum and glass, and meets both the ENERGY STAR 5.2 requirements and EPEAT GOLD[1]. The eMachine boasts none of these benefits, and even admits under its "Specifications" page that it does not meet ENERGY STAR qualification. Apple prizes in incredible environmental performance, and does everything they can to ensure energy efficiency[10].Software AvailabilityNext, I'd like to discuss software availability. On a Windows PC, the only software you are capable of running are those programs which are written for Windows, since Windows is the only available operation system for it. However, on a Macintosh, software exists including Boot Camp, Parallels Desktop[11] and VMWare Fusion[12] essentially allow a Mac, which runs Mac OS X, to also run Windows, and run all programs that only run on Windows. Therefore, a Mac has a greater amount of software available for it to run.Therefore, since Macs are worth their price, have a wider variety of choices for developers, are just as customizable as PCs, are more energy efficient, and have more software available to them, a Macintosh is better than a Windows PC.I await my opponent's response.[1] http://www.apple.com...[2] http://www.bestbuy.com...[3] http://www.bestbuy.com...[4] http://www.bestbuy.com...[5] http://store.apple.com...[6] http://developer.apple.com...[7] http://www.macupdate.com...;[8] http://store.apple.com...;[9] http://www.ehow.com...[10] http://www.apple.com...[11] http://www.parallels.com...[12] http://www.vmware.com...