Mac vs PC
It's a classic debate in the computing world. Which platform is better? Apple's Mac? Or a personal computer (PC)? Fanatics on both sides will adamantly insist that their platform is the superior platform. However, the truth is not so straightforward. Determining which platform is best truly depends on what the specific needs of the consumer are.
It should also be noted that this analysis will be based on what technology is/was available in the 2020s. Apple's approach to personal computing has seen a number of substantial changes over the past several decades before evolving into its current form (there are some older Macintosh models that have the "bulky towers" that can be found on a traditional modern PC).
In favor of PCs
Flexibility: PCs allow you to easily swap out hardware components within the computer itself. This allows the user to upgrade to more powerful components or to put in components to fulfill a specialized task. Since the individual parts are less expensive than an entirely new setup, upgrading the computer's hardware capabilities is more cost-efficient.
Cost: In general, PCs are less expensive both in their upfront cost and their cost to upgrade (detailed above). A dedicated consumer could cut costs even more if they buy the parts separately and assemble them on their own (thereby subtracting out the cost of labor).
Variety: PCs usually have a wider array of software to choose from primarily because PCs still claim a larger share of the overall market. There are also numerous different models of PC available from many different manufacturers to appeal to many different incomes and potential users.
In favor of Macs
Convenience: Macs come preassembled with most essential software already installed. A new buyer need only plug the computer into the wall or open the laptop to begin using the computer.
Reliability: On average, Macs tend to suffer fewer system faults than a PC. However, that is not to say that a Mac cannot experience a complete systems failure. Macs also tend to be more secure because anti-malware software is built into the operating system and there is less incentive to install large amounts of third party software (which could contain malicious algorithms). Although it is possible for Macs to become compromised by malware, Windows computers tend to be more vulnerable.
Consistency: The computers are assembled by the same company that writes the operating system, theoretically making it easier to receive technical support and allowing the operating system to make better use of the available hardware.
Ultimately, the question of which platform is "better" comes down to what you intend to do and how much convenience you're looking for. If you want a computer that doesn't require any assembly (either because you don't have the time or would prefer to do other things), get a Mac. If you want something for selectively high performance or something specialized (like high-level gaming), get a PC. Although Macs (on average) tend to be more expensive than PCs, it is possible to find PCs that are more expensive than Macs. For example (as of this writing), an OptiPlex All-In-One PC with 8 GB of RAM and a 256 GB solid state drive has an estimated value of $1699 (Source: Dell). An iMac with the same RAM, solid state drive, and screen size has an estimated value of $1299 - $1499 (Source: Apple). Although, a different PC model with essentially the same hardware (New Inspiron 24 All-In-One) can also be obtained for $679.99 (Source: Dell). Please note that these are retail prices, so you might happen across a good deal if there's a sale going on at a local retailer.
It should also be noted that you can purchase a PC that is preassembled. So, if you don't plan on swapping out hardware components within the computer itself, then it becomes a matter of personal preference and how much money you're willing to pay. If you're looking to buy a new computer, I would recommend researching your options so that you're reasonably satisfied with whatever you put your hard-earned money towards, especially if you're looking for a new PC over a Mac.
Both Macs and PCs perform well for general everyday use with Macs perhaps having a slight edge over PCs (as of this writing, and this is mainly due to differences in battery performance on laptops). However, PCs are highly popular gaming computers because of how inexpensive it is to upgrade or swap out the hardware within the computer. Most people involved in creative media (graphic design, movie making, and other digital multimedia) do prefer to have a Mac. As far as programming goes, I've personally found it easier to install programming tools on a Mac than a machine running Windows. In fact, the Mac comes standard with a Python 3 interpreter, but I would still recommend installing Anaconda if you plan on doing any serious Python programming. Furthermore, Macs are UNIX based, and all Macs come standard with a program that will allow you to remotely access cloud servers (Terminal). To achieve the same capabilities on a Windows machine, you'll have install a program like MobaXTerm or PuTTY. Though, if you're a serious and professional software developer (as opposed to a recreational programmer), a PC with Linux is the gold standard (detailed in later paragraphs).
I'm not going to compare the hardware used by each computer, because there's a good chance that such a comparison will be outdated in a few months and such a section will need constant revisions. If you're looking to compare processing units (e.g. M1 or M2 vs Intel) or RAM capabilities, you're probably better off reading reputable tech publications that are generally more up-to-date (though do watch out for potential biases).
Another platform that has recently entered into the market is the Google Chromebook, which uses Linux as it's operating system. While these computers are cheap and tend to be more resilient (security-wise) than the Mac, their functionality is much more limited. Very few software developers bother to create apps that can natively run on a Linux machine, and that is because Linux is not really intended to be a consumer grade operating system. In fact, most machines that run Linux are cloud servers (e.g. websites). And, as it turns out, most of the apps on a Chromebook are really links to web-based applications that are platform independent (they run the same on Windows, Macs, and Linux).
Most people who prefer Linux as a primary operating system are serious software developers (programmers), because Linux is an open source operating system that can be modified to suit the needs of the user. It is important to keep this in mind when buying a computer that comes with Linux already installed. To employ an analogy, marketing Linux as a consumer-grade operating system is like marketing home improvement tools to someone who rents an apartment. Sure, those tools are nice to have and can be useful in specific circumstances, but they're really intended for someone who owns a home and truly wants to upgrade their home or remake it in their own image. Linux is very much the same way; to the average consumer, it's a very niche and generally non-advantageous platform.
This was not intended to definitively settle any sort of debate or to act as an endorsement. The goal of this writing was to offer up a relatively unbiased synthesis of information that will hopefully be beneficial to anyone who took the time to read it. It's very easy to find articles, blog posts, and videos boasting the capabilities of one platform while belittling the capabilities of a rival platform. While these are entertaining, they're not very helpful due to their one-sidedness. My hope is to achieve some middle ground that properly informs people. Though, as is often the case with moderate stances on debates, I'm sure there will be people on both sides who will dislike or dispute at least part of what was said.