Digital DJ Tips reader Felipe writes: “I’m a Colombian follower and a few days ago I started thinking about buying a new DJ laptop, and read your post 8 Little-Considered Factors When Choosing A DJ Laptop. But I can’t understand why everybody uses a Mac for DJing. I’m not a big fan of Mac, but I want the best for my DJing. Can you tell me what Macs have that make them so popular with DJs? What do they have that’s so special against Windows laptops?”
Digital DJ Tips says:
Ah, the Mac vs PC question. As we teach at the start of How To Digital DJ Fast, many DJs choose Macs because they just want something to do the job needed to be done by a computer in a digital DJ set-up, something that does it with the minimum of fuss. Macs fit the bill, because OS X is often felt to be an easier operating system to use that Windows for non-expert users.
With a Mac you are guaranteed a high standard of construction, and they have universal audio drivers so you don’t need to mess around installing ASIO drivers to get your computer’s sound card to work with them, as you have to for some hardware when using it with a PC. Macs are also pretty much free of computer viruses, unlike Windows.
Having said that, Macs generally cost more than similarly specified PCs, and as you say they are not to everyone’s taste. If you prefer using Windows, can’t afford a Mac, and choose carefully, there’s absolutely no reason why you shouldn’t DJ with a PC – and many DJs do exactly that. After all, the actual components inside are often identical.
The bottom line is that DJs want absolute reliability, because their performances are mission-critical and they don’t want the computer part of the equation to let them down. In my view, that’s why those who can afford it tend to end up using Macs. But it’s by no means necessary to do so.
So, Mac vs PC. What model of computer and operating system do you use to DJ with? What made you make your choice? Have you ever switched from Mac to PC, or the other way? What made you do that? Please share your thoughts and experiences in the comments.