Justifying Mac vs PC for business

I have an iMac at home but my employer is strictly PC-based. I'm the manager of communications and marketing, and we use a creative agency to develop our materials. I'm due for a laptop upgrade and some in our IT group support my desire to switch to a MBP, but the management isn't as ready to make a switch. Since so many apps and files are now transparent between Macs and PCs, I can't really make the argument that having a PC limits my ability to open and work with files that come through from the agency, photographers, etc.

Clearly, I recognize that the photo manipulation that I do myself would be far simpler on a MBP. What other sound business reasons can you suggest? I would certainly like to end up with a MBP, but if there aren't really any more compelling business reasons, then I can't very well argue for one. Thoughts?

Posted on Jan 21, 2008 9:42 AM

Jan 23, 2008 2:48 PM in response to Aussie Susan

Another note I'd like to add to this discussion is that it is difficult to engage Apple from a corporate level. I'm the IT Director for a large'ish company (3500+ global employees). I recently contacted Apple to get a pilot machine to do some testing on the feasibility of switching to Macs. While they will send me a machine that I can return in 30 days, I have to put this on a credit card (I understand they don't want to lose money).

Also, when it comes to dealing with other vendors discounts are key (particularly in the corporate arena). I bought $500,000 worth of laptops for the US portion of my business last year from Dell - and I get a decent discount from them for my business. When I inquired to my new Apple representative about discounts I got the "we don't really discount things here at Apple" speech. Unfortunately for us, cost is going to be a real issue.

Now to those of you that say that the Apple machines are cheaper for TCO - you may be right. However, that's a tough model to accurately produce if you don't have prior Apple experience.

Anyone have real data on the costs of Apple vs. PC in corporate environments?