Speed Racer

My Mac is better than your PC, you pout, sticking out your tongue in triumph. Fight back and forth all you want, but the May issue of Popular Mechanics compares the two computers and their operating systems and for all the right reasons, Mac comes out on top.

As the fourth largest computer manufacturer in the world, Apple wins popularity for its iPod, but is often looked at as a second choice for computers because Macs are on the pricier side and aren’t always compatible with non-Apple products. But would you put out the cash for something faster and better?

Taking a closer look at the OS X Leopard on the new iMac in comparison to the Gateway One, running Windows Vista, the Mac scores a half-star higher than the PC in user rating. The battle of Macbook versus Asus M51SR, the Macbook’s battery lasted three hours and 13 minutes, the PC only an hour and a half. Each laptop user rating scored one extra star higher than the desktops, but the Mac was still a half-star ahead.

And when it comes to speed? There’s no question. Both Macs started and shut down and and launched programs quicker than the PCs. However, the PC did beat the Mac several times when considering the minutes needed to install programs, such as Microsoft Word and Adobe Photoshop. But really, how often do you do that—in comparison to everything else? Saving a few seconds and minutes when turning on and shutting down your computer can definitely add up.

One installation secret for Mac and PC users: Vista runs better on a Mac! OK, Mac lovers…we know you’re not surprised. [Popular Mechanics]