PCs vs. Macs. (price/performance comparisons of five Macintosh and eight IBM PC clone computers) (Hardware Review) (includes executive summary and related article on test methodology) (Evaluation)

For years, the choice for MIS professionals between Macintoshes or PCs was a black-and-white issue. If the majority of end-users required graphics and desktop publishing software, the platform of choice was Macintosh. If they used predominantly business applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, and databases, MIS leaders chose PCs. There was never any reason to compare the two platforms.

Times have changed, however, and end-users aren't willing to work with a platform that doesn't meet their needs. Prices for both PCs and Macs continue to fall. In addition, PCs have become easier to use with the advent of shells and operating systems, such as Windows and OS/2, that sport graphical user interfaces (GUIs). This has resulted in more multiplatform enterprises that use a mixture of PCs and Macs -- a phenomenon that is sure to become the norm rather than the exception. In a survey of 5,000 InfoWorld readers, 65 percent use only PCs in their enterprise and 30 percent use a mix of Pcs and Macs. (See "Survey results" chart, page 81.)

In this comparison, we tested five Apple Computer Inc. Macs and eight Pcs varying in CPUs and configurations. We looked at Apple's Color Classic, LC III, Iivx, Centris 650, and Quadra 950. From the PC arena, we evaluated AST Research Inc.'s Bravo 4/25s and 4/66d; Compaq Computer Corp.'s ProLinea 3/25s, 4/25s Model 120 and Model 240, and Deskpro 4/66i and 66M; and Dell Computer Corp.'s 433/M Information Station.

We matched the two platforms based on price to see which would give you more bang for your buck. Apple threw a curve a couple of weeks ago when it cut prices on some of its desktop systems by more than 30 percent. This is a drastic turn of events; Apple is now leading the price cutting and not just following the PC vendors.

We evaluated these systems for performance, running benchmark suites based on four applications that offer both Macintosh and DOS/Windows versions. In addition, because ease of use, setup, and support are such key issues, we have taken a close look at the advantages and shortcomings of each platform.

CONVERGENCE. When Apple first introduced the Mac, everything was proprietary and built-in; you could only upgrade memory and an external floppy drive. Then Apple introduced the Mac II, which allowed users to upgrade and change components themselves. Newer systems included NuBus slots for add-in cards, increasing the options for expandability. Faster processors also made an appearance.

PCs, on the other hand, have always accommodated component devices and expansion slots. Many systems also include built-in video, floppy and hard drive controllers, and serial and parallel ports.

Before the introduction of Microsoft Corp.'s Windows, Apple's operating system alone held the GUI advantage because of its Human Interface Guideline. All third-party software developers strictly adhered to this guideline, which resulted in a consistent interface among all Mac applications. What kept the Mac out of the business mainstream, however, was its high price compared with PCs. In addition, the preponderance of business software was written for the PC, and it was difficult connecting a Mac to a non-AppleTalk network.

Apple lost some of the GUI advantage when Microsoft introduced its Common User Interface (CUI). PCs running DOS with Windows became easier to use than DOS-only software because vendors had a standard to which they could adhere. CUI resulted in Windows programs with consistent interfaces.

Today, the two platforms are converging at …