There are multiple ways that you can use different VR and AR platforms. From using your smartphones or using something more complex such as the CAVE2.
The simplest way to use AR is by with a smartphone. With a smartphone, you can you apps such as Quiver or Spacecraft AR. Some of the advantages of this are that it is simple to use and they cheap to get. These apps are also very simple to use. Merely point at the area you want and it will do its thing. So simple that a child can use these apps. These apps are very useful at displaying as well as displaying that information in a clever way. VR apps like StarTaker shows the location of the planets and information about them. While 360 VR shows users 3D video to show documents.
Some of the disadvantages of is platform are that it is very limited. Since phones are not very powerful, they can not do much. With an app such as Quiver or Spacecraft AR, you are limited by either looking at simple shapes or information. This goes the same with 360 VR where it is just a video where you can turn the camera around 360 degrees. If a developer is trying to do something mediocre for VR, this is the right platform for them, otherwise
Image Source:: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tBYm53L79YY
If we looking to use something that is a lot more powerful than a cellphone, then the VIVE is the machine for that. This platform is powerful enough to render 3D models and process information. Here you are able to play 3D games with this platform. With the controls, you can move around and interact with anything that can be interactive with. Developers can make software for this platform a lot easier because it more powerful than a cell phone and they don't half to worry able the limitation.
The disadvantage of this, however, is that for one, the user gets easily sick from using this form of VR. Its sorta likes being in an airplane or car, if you make the interactive software spin around in the air like with google earth VR it make them feel like they are spinning 2000 feet in the air. This platform is also cost a lot and not a lot of people can afford it where a lot of people nowadays has a smartphone in their pockets.
HoloLens is also interactive like the VIVE. The difference between the VIVE and the HoloLens is that instead of being surrounded by a fully 3D space, the HoloLens take the real environment that the user is using and adds 3D/2D Object to it with the headset. One of the advantages of this is that you can just use your fingers to move and interact with the objects. This platform is really good for a work station because you can use it displaying information, 3D object as well as overlays for a real-life object. For example, you can use the HoloLens to make 3D models of a CT scan overlay over a patient to see the damage. Because you can see most of your environment, you're less likely to get dizzy or knock into stuff.
This disadvantage of this that like the VIVE, you have to wear equipment over your head to use it. Another disadvantage is that it cost a lot of money. The cheapest cost of this would be around 350 dollars. Controlling the HoloLens is a lot harder than the VIVE since you have to use your hands and pitch your hands. With VIVE, you have a controller, which is one-to-one.
Some of the advantages of this platform are that powerful like VIVE and you don't have to wear equipment over your head. All the user has to wear are 3D glasses. This is one of the main differences with this platform is that it's in 3D using 3D TVs. The 320 views of monitors let you see everything and you have room to move around without knocking into stuff.
One of the biggest disadvantages to this is that it is the most expensive out of all the platforms. It requires a lot of TV screens to use. It was also very warm in the Cave as well because of all the TVs. The 3D effect also causes motion sickness just like the VIVE. This is also one of its kind where it located in only one play and hard to find anywhere else.