Apple needs a competitor for the Dell M2010?

[coday182]

The fully decked out MBP is nice but I still think that Apple needs a super laptop to compete with Dell's top end notebook. I love Apple and would rather have a MBP but still. The dell has some cool features like a removable keyboard. When I saw it I didn't even realize it was a laptop. Plus it can hold up to 4GB memory. Cummon Apple. Le'ts kick its butt with the Merom MBP!

 

[benthewraith]

The fully decked out MBP is nice but I still think that Apple needs a super laptop to compete with Dell's top end notebook. I love Apple and would rather have a MBP but still. The dell has some cool features like a removable keyboard. When I saw it I didn't even realize it was a laptop. Plus it can hold up to 4GB memory. Cummon Apple. Le'ts kick its butt with the Merom MBP!

Uh...you can remove the MBP keyboard.

 

[Mr. Mister]

I think he means that you can replace it with a selection of custom keyboards? Too lazy to read the Dell site. Of course you can remove the keyboard, you can in every single laptop ever manufactured, pretty much.

 

[AvSRoCkCO1067]

I think he means that you can replace it with a selection of custom keyboards? Too lazy to read the Dell site. Of course you can remove the keyboard, you can in every single laptop ever manufactured, pretty much.

My friend has one of those - it's a stupid feature, in my opinion, although it looks good on paper. You can actually take the keyboard out and use it around the room - just like a wireless keyboard. Why anyone would use it with a laptop is beyond me, though...

 

[stevo86]

this thing is just an expensive iMac that can't run OS X (legally). I don't understand why anyone would pay a $2000 premium just for the power of an iMac that can be folded and made "portable".

 

[extraextra]

The fully decked out MBP is nice but I still think that Apple needs a super laptop to compete with Dell's top end notebook. I love Apple and would rather have a MBP but still. The dell has some cool features like a removable keyboard. When I saw it I didn't even realize it was a laptop. Plus it can hold up to 4GB memory. Cummon Apple. Le'ts kick its butt with the Merom MBP!

The MBP has cool features like.. backlit keyboard! I don't see why you'd need to take the keyboard out and use it as an external keyboard. Then Apple would get a bunch of complainer's going, "My keyboard won't come off! A key fell off! It doesn't work from more than 2 feet! It overheats! The paint came off!" Like they need more problems.

Just buy the wireless one from Apple for like $50 or however much it is.

It seems more like a competetor to the iMac. It's close to 20 pounds, who the heck is going to carry that around.

 

[Jovian9]

How about?....
Apple doesn't need to compete with Dell in anything b/c there is only one company that makes computers that run with both OSX and Windows.....end of story. Regardless of specs and features a Dell cannot run OSX and XP.

 

[vv-tim]

How about?....
Apple doesn't need to compete with Dell in anything b/c there is only one company that makes computers that run with both OSX and Windows.....end of story. Regardless of specs and features a Dell cannot run OSX and XP.

This reasoning gets more ridiculous by the day...

 

[Eidorian]

The fully decked out MBP is nice but I still think that Apple needs a super laptop to compete with Dell's top end notebook. I love Apple and would rather have a MBP but still. The dell has some cool features like a removable keyboard. When I saw it I didn't even realize it was a laptop. Plus it can hold up to 4GB memory. Cummon Apple. Le'ts kick its butt with the Merom MBP!

Whoa...whoa... Apple needs a something to compete against the M2010? That hideous monster that doesn't deserve to be called a laptop?

It's a premium all-in-one desktop that you can carry with no benefits over a true laptop (MacBook Pro) or a desktop (iMac).

 

[Jovian9]

This reasoning gets more ridiculous by the day...

How so? Who else makes a computer that can run both? So where's the competition?

 

[vv-tim]

How so? Who else makes a computer that can run both? So where's the competition?

First off...
Who says running OS X is a needed (or event wanted) feature?

They may lack competition in terms of computers that can legally run OS X, but that doesn't mean they don't have competition. Your argument can -- to a degree -- can be compared to say... the first car company that had iPod integration. Yes, they're the only one that can integrate directly with an iPod... but that doesn't mean they don't have competition from every other car company on the other aspects of their product.

Apple was competing with Dell for my buck. They won because a MBP is pretty, not because it can run OS X.

And as it's been said a million times before... OSX86. I don't care about the "legality" of it, but for arguments sake... you can run OS X on most modern non-Apple computers.

 

[Jovian9]

First off...
Who says running OS X is a needed (or event wanted) feature?
........

Regardless of whether it is needed or wanted it IS a feature and is the first of its kind. One of the biggest issues about Apple computers was the stigma that it couldn't run Windows apps or be compatible with Windows Office files, etc. Now someone can do both. I'd say that is a pretty big leap forward.

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=2641916#post2641916

The price/performance ratio of a Dell is much better, no doubt.

Honestly, I chose the Apple over the Dell, but only because I had the money at the time. I enjoy OS X much more than Windows (except for gaming) but the price difference is really hard to justify. Good thing I'm not married yet :]

You stated here that you chose an Apple computer over a better price/performance Dell. You can enjoy OSX and use Windows for gaming. Apple convinced you so why should they need to compete with Dell when they are gaining lots of attention with the current line-up?


https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=2609685#post2609685

You can buy a copy of Mac OS X and it's legal under "fair use" laws, whether it violates the ToS or not.

And generic hardware (Intel only I believe at this time) is running 10.4.7 fine.

If that's the case why did you not buy the Dell to save money and install OSX on it?

Oh wait:

https://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?p=2591792#post2591792

Holy cow... this "research" is so skewed it's NUTS!

First of all... I configured a Dell E1405 (which I believe is the same as a 640m) to the same specs as a MacBook and with the 30% coupon (common all the time, sometimes go up to 40%) it's $750 shipped.

$750 vs $1099. That's a $350 premium. Now... the E1405 has a few benefits over the MacBook. It's cooler, cheaper, and can use an extended battery. The MacBook, however, has an iSight camera -- though I rarely use mine -- and looks amazing.

I'd still pick the MacBook... but yeah.

You added a whole lot to that Dell that shouldn't be there -- including the extended life battery. The extended battery gives you 7+ hours of battery life on the E1405, that's a whole lot more than you get on a MacBook.


That said, I'm a huge mac fan. I paid $2000+ for my MBP because I love the design of Apple, not the price.

The MacBook does show a great value if you factor in design, but if aesthetics aren't important, Dell still beats Apple hands-down for price.

Unfortunately... they don't LOOK better

Aesthetics are everything sometimes

You are obviously very knowledgeable about computers. I've read quite a few of your posts and you seem to have a lot of experience with computers. Yet aesthetics were what led you to a Mac. The PowerBook didn't look much different than a MacBook Pro yet you bought a MBP which does have the capability of running OSX and XP and according to some of your posts you do run both. You joined the MacRumors community recently which is also the post X86 announcement of Macs. If Apple can convince you to buy a computer than they can convince lots of "lesser-knowledgeable folks" to buy one as well because of not only the better aesthetics, but dual-booting OSX/XP and competing performance (similar Intel processors which used to be a big issue b/t Apple and PC makers). Why should they make a laptop that is going to cost over $3k just to compete with a high-end Dell laptop? (which is what this thread originally was about) They are obviously doing something right.

 

[vv-tim]

You are obviously very knowledgeable about computers. I've read quite a few of your posts and you seem to have a lot of experience with computers. Yet aesthetics were what led you to a Mac. The PowerBook didn't look much different than a MacBook Pro yet you bought a MBP which does have the capability of running OSX and XP and according to some of your posts you do run both. You joined the MacRumors community recently which is also the post X86 announcement of Macs. If Apple can convince you to buy a computer than they can convince lots of "lesser-knowledgeable folks" to buy one as well because of not only the better aesthetics, but dual-booting OSX/XP and competing performance (similar Intel processors which used to be a big issue b/t Apple and PC makers). Why should they make a laptop that is going to cost over $3k just to compete with a high-end Dell laptop? (which is what this thread originally was about) They are obviously doing something right.

I wouldn't touch a mac before they moved to Intel. I looked into the price/performance ratio of the IBM chips and it was horrible. I ended up with a Sony Vaio over a G4 PowerBook or iBook. It was 1/2 the price and double the performance of the G4 Powerbook, sadly.

With the move to Intel, Apple finally got a chip that is GREAT. That's what motivated me to look at Apple. They were one of the first people with a Core Duo. I loved my Pentium M and the thought of a dual core Pentium M = <3.

The prettiness of the MBP made me ditch the Dell E1405 that I'd purchased two weeks prior.


By NO MEANS am I with the original poster. That Dell 20" monstrosity is completely pointless... it was neat as a concept computer but I wasn't honestly expecting it to be a real product. I'd take a 20" iMac over it any day.

 

[thegreatluke]

This?!?

No offense, but I think that's one fugly computer.

Eight speakers?
Wireless keyboard?
20" screen?

Twenty minutes of battery life?

 

[Chone]

I wouldn't touch a mac before they moved to Intel. I looked into the price/performance ratio of the IBM chips and it was horrible. I ended up with a Sony Vaio over a G4 PowerBook or iBook. It was 1/2 the price and double the performance of the G4 Powerbook, sadly.

With the move to Intel, Apple finally got a chip that is GREAT. That's what motivated me to look at Apple. They were one of the first people with a Core Duo. I loved my Pentium M and the thought of a dual core Pentium M = <3.

The prettiness of the MBP made me ditch the Dell E1405 that I'd purchased two weeks prior.


By NO MEANS am I with the original poster. That Dell 20" monstrosity is completely pointless... it was neat as a concept computer but I wasn't honestly expecting it to be a real product. I'd take a 20" iMac over it any day.

I hear you, G5 was such a beast in terms of performance-per-watt that they were stuck a whole gen behind with G4 since putting G5 on a laptop would have probably burned a few people's laps.

But now with Intel, Apple has some very nice machines, not only in terms of performance and design, but the fact X86 processors opens up a whole new world, a world of easier porting, better virtualization, windowsxp, unification.

I tell you the more and more Apple computers resemble PCs but with the "Apple touch" and Mac OS X, they will become the top choice for pre-built computers, BAR NONE.

 

[jordansampson]

its pretty ugly but its ment as a portable desktop (as is the MBP). The removable key board is a great thing to have if you have it docked with an external mon.

not saying apple should do this but it not a "bad" feature.

 

[Jovian9]

I wouldn't touch a mac before they moved to Intel. I looked into the price/performance ratio of the IBM chips and it was horrible. I ended up with a Sony Vaio over a G4 PowerBook or iBook. It was 1/2 the price and double the performance of the G4 Powerbook, sadly.

With the move to Intel, Apple finally got a chip that is GREAT. That's what motivated me to look at Apple. They were one of the first people with a Core Duo. I loved my Pentium M and the thought of a dual core Pentium M = <3.

The prettiness of the MBP made me ditch the Dell E1405 that I'd purchased two weeks prior.


By NO MEANS am I with the original poster. That Dell 20" monstrosity is completely pointless... it was neat as a concept computer but I wasn't honestly expecting it to be a real product. I'd take a 20" iMac over it any day.

Right on. My main argument is against the 20" Dell from the beginning. We are in agreement on that which is all that counts with this thread

 

[GoCubsGo]

The fully decked out MBP is nice but I still think that Apple needs a super laptop to compete with Dell's top end notebook. I love Apple and would rather have a MBP but still. The dell has some cool features like a removable keyboard. When I saw it I didn't even realize it was a laptop. Plus it can hold up to 4GB memory. Cummon Apple. Le'ts kick its butt with the Merom MBP!

I can't wait for a 18.5 pound Apple notebook too!
I'm giddy with excitement!

 

[kingkezz]

This?!?

No offense, but I think that's one fugly computer.

Eight speakers?
Wireless keyboard?
20" screen?

Twenty minutes of battery life?

You beat me to it. I'm scared to find out the battery life on this thing. And it weighs nearly 9kgs. It looks more like a un-customisable desktop to me. Look how thick it is. Not to mention the 4k base price.

No thanks.

 

[GoCubsGo]

You beat me to it. I'm scared to find out the battery life on this thing. And it weighs nearly 9kgs. It looks more like a un-customisable desktop to me. Look how thick it is. Not to mention the 4k base price.

No thanks.

For apple to compete they'll need to glue 5 mbp's together and then it'll at least weigh as much.

You never know how much you'll regret buying a laptop that is more of a desktop replacement and then having to lug it around. If you need a laptop it should be something you can hold all day if you have to on your shoulder. If you want a desktop, buy one for about 1/2 the price.

 

[killr_b]

How many of those fugly machines do you think they'll sell at a good margin??? Not after they find out nobody wants one and they have a 50% off sale...

If Apple is going to make a power play in the personal computer industry they need to build machines that 50-80% of people will want to replace their Dell. That means ma and pop need to look at the Apple next to the Sony, Dell and HP and think to themselves, "this looks like a computer I can handle." 'Cause let's face it, computers scare most people.

Apple's current laptop offerings are a tad expensive, but most switchers I talk to on the street feel it's ok because Apple gives them a better product and better service (genius bar) than the competition. And almost everyone of them said they wouldn't have switched if they couldn't have the XP security blanket.

The models available cover a wide range of users because Apple keeps everything so unified. You have a better chance of making a sale with fewer, broad based products than with a multitude of specialized products.

 

[mkaake]

I can't wait for a 18.5 pound Apple notebook too!
I'm giddy with excitement!

They're durned close at 22 lbs... of course, if you can settle for a 17 inch screen, they've got this thing beat hands down at 15.5 lbs...

Check it out!

 

[steamboat26]

wow, does dell actually think that it is supposed to compete in the portable market?
My mini is more portable than that, and a lot less expensive too. And i can remove the keyboard from my desk, and it will still work

 

[vv-tim]

wow, does dell actually think that it is supposed to compete in the portable market?
My mini is more portable than that, and a lot less expensive too. And i can remove the keyboard from my desk, and it will still work

Let's be fair... your mini is NOT more portable... because you have to throw in an Apple 20" cinema display and speaker system as well.

This Dell thing is INTERESTING... It's not meant to be a laptop, really. It's meant to be a portable desktop. I don't think (though I could be wrong) that it even has a battery.

I think the biggest problem with the Dell is the pricetag.

 

[steamboat26]

Let's be fair... your mini is NOT more portable... because you have to throw in an Apple 20" cinema display and speaker system as well.

I could make it portable, with a battery,
or check this out...mac mini mod
..and its probably still lighter than the dell