Significance:
No matter how good a Mac may be, there could be any number of reasons why you may be 'invested' in Windows making switching an impractical proposition. Or vice versa for that matter, but probably more prevalent with Windows.
Software
Maybe you have an investment of Windows software. While there could very well be Mac OS X compatible alternatives of whatever software you have, unless they're freeware, it may all have to be repurchased. With a large collection, this could be costly.
Couple of caveats though: (1) Some larger software developers may have cross platform deals where you can swap for a nominal fee, and (2) Macs can run Windows too, so potentially, you can still keep running all your Windows applications anyway.
See
'Windows; Macintosh edition'.
Hardware
Maybe you already have a decent PC that's new or upgraded recently. While peripheral hardware (e.g. printers, cameras) will usually transfer from one platform to another without much of a problem, internal hardware parts (e.g. graphics card) are less likely to be able to be easily incorporated into a Mac model of integrated design and only basic upgradability.
See reason 2 –
'Macs aren't upgradeable'
– and
'Which Mac?'
for a closer look at current Mac models their levels of upgradability.
Knowledge
Maybe you have an investment of knowledge in that you're so used to Windows, you'd be wary of giving it up for something new and different. Understandable, particularly if you're not that confident with computers. Familiarity is a comfort. Some people relish the challenge and are always on the lookout for pastures greener; others are more cautious and wary of the unknown; "Better the devil you know that the devil you don't!"
However, if there's one thing that has traditionally been synonymous with Mac OS, it's 'ease of use!' That is of course relative, and what's easy for one person, may be unfathomable to another. And not just computer newbies either. Even computer enthusiasts can become ingrained within one way of working, and find it impossible to adapt to anything which even slightly deviates from their comfort zone.
See reason 13 –
'Macs are difficult to use'.
How much this would effect you, you may not know unless you try. But to reiterate again, Macs are just PCs, and as such, can run Windows too, so the transition to OS X can be a sudden or as gradual as you feel comfortable with.
Are you happy?
Or maybe you're simply happy with what you have. Never had a problem with your Windows PC, and therefore no compelling reason to look elsewhere. If that's you, then great! Why are you bothering to read this site?
![[grin]](images/smiley-grin.gif)
If you know your way around OS X, and know just as much about how to use it as you do Windows, then your choice is clear. You go with whichever you prefer and fits your needs best. Or use both of course to take advantage of the benefits of each.
But on the assumption that you're not as knowledgeable about Macs as Windows, how can you be sure you're not missing something worthwhile? Being happy with what you have doesn't necessarily mean you wouldn't be happier with something else.
Could a Mac be the answer to a problem you didn't know you had?
