PC vs Mac for video editing

Seconding Andrew Yoole's sentiments about clients and Macs.  As someone who has only ever used PCs (mainly because I really struggled when I had a Mac in a workplace 20 years ago) I know my way around Windows.  I do wonder how much simpler crossworking would have been if I'd forced myself to get used to Mac OS.

My opinion is largely prejudiced because I've been learning Unity and got to the app making stage only to discover I cannot produce apps for iOS without access to a Mac.

You wouldn't get anything here except an opinion, no right or wrong. My opinion: you get the pros of both Mac and Windows (mentioned above) if you order a custom build from a reputable builder. My experience with PugetSystems.com is so good I don't ever want to buy from anyone else. They ask each customer what their apps and workflow is. And they build something for you without upselling. At the same time they are respected for their rigorous hardware testing and they have high quality standards for components. Hardware support for life. No, I don't work for them. But their pages and pages of reviews say also people use the machines for decades.

I personally recommend a Windows PC if you purchase a new machine now. The reason is it takes more time to optimize and stabilize After Effects on M1 Mac. Adobe guys would know when it happens.

This topic often starts wars, so as somebody who uses both platforms regularly, I'll try to be as non-partisan as possible.

Personally, I prefer Mac OS over Windows, and the majority of clients I work with are primarily Mac based, so its just easier to work in the same environment.

PC Positives

More power for your money

Larger range of hardware to choose from

Greater ability to customise hardware, including overclocking etc

PC Negatives

An OS built to accomodate endless hardware configurations is inherently less robust.  I've always had more stability issues on Windows hardware compared to Mac.

Greater range of configuration options means more things can go wrong

Security - viruses and malware are more common in Windows than Mac environments.

Mac Positives

Premium build quality - every Mac I've owned has lasted more than a decade. (I'm typing this on a 2013 iMac that I still use for broadcast TV production every week.)

Unparallelled after sales service, especially if you have access to an Apple store

Industry standard - there are more Macs in the film/video industry

System stability - Apple's limited range of hardware options means the OS is better tailored for specific configurations.

Mac Negatives

More expensive - there is no low-budget Mac market like there is in the PC world.  (But you get what you pay for.)

A more contained ecosystem - occasional issues with file exchange/distribution to PCs

Less upgradeable and serviceable than build-your-own PC systems

For my money, Macs give me less trouble and more longevity, which justifies the extra cost.  That's my 2 cents.

Now let the wars begin!  🙂