Dell 13" vs MBP 13" Comparison

[SDColorado]

Laptop Magazine posted a good comparison between the Dell XPS and MBP 13" models

https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/...er&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190124-ltp

 

[jrichards1408]

ive got the dell xps 13. great machine

 

[SteveJUAE]

Laptop Magazine posted a good comparison between the Dell XPS and MBP 13" models

https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/...er&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=20190124-ltp

Dell great display with touch but what about pen support ? and just a little low on the battery endurance else silver white nice option I liked a Sony's sparkly white finish from a few years back

 

[SDColorado]

Looks like there is a touch model available, but perhaps they didn't use that as a comparison model since Apple has no option? I assume the touch model has pen support? Or is that not always the case?

 

[sunapple]

I’m sorry but I take issue with calling that “bezel-less design”. And I think that the white plastic look is very 2006, yet it still wins on design? I know I sound like a total fanboy lol.

I like that the XPS has way more storage, but than it appears to be 5x slower. Old model or simply cheaper? Probably still good quality I assume.

All-in I think it’s fair how the total score came out and calling the MBP expensive is no overstatement. It’s a preference of software mostly anyway.

 

[SDColorado]

I’m sorry but I take issue with calling that “bezel-less design”. And I think that the white plastic look is very 2006, yet it still wins on design? I know I sound like a total fanboy lol.

I like that the XPS has way more storage, but than it appears to be 5x slower. Old model or simply cheaper? Probably still good quality I assume.

All-in I think it’s fair how the total score came out and calling the MBP expensive is no overstatement. It’s a preference of software mostly anyway.

I hear ya on the "bezel-less" design. It is a bit of a stretch. White seems to be the new black though. Razer and others are doing it as well. I am not sure I am sold on it, but I think people are getting tired of black and gray aluminum.

I am not a Dell fanboy, at least not anymore. Last Dell I purchased as in 2003, but damned if it doesn't still work

 

[SteveJUAE]

Looks like there is a touch model available, but perhaps they didn't use that as a comparison model since Apple has no option? I assume the touch model has pen support? Or is that not always the case?

Only the 4k panel is touch

Info on the pen:

Dell Active Pen - PN556W
The Dell Active Pen is designed for high performance and a natural writing experience that you can enjoy with compatible Dell tablets or 2-in-1 notebooks. With pen pressure sensing, draw straight lines and miniature letters (3mm) with precision and accuracy. The small size and comfortable design of the Active Pen make it your essential, on-the-go accessory.

Nothing special
[doublepost=1548432954][/doublepost]

I’m sorry but I take issue with calling that “bezel-less design”. And I think that the white plastic look is very 2006, yet it still wins on design? I know I sound like a total fanboy lol.

I like that the XPS has way more storage, but than it appears to be 5x slower. Old model or simply cheaper? Probably still good quality I assume.

All-in I think it’s fair how the total score came out and calling the MBP expensive is no overstatement. It’s a preference of software mostly anyway.

Funny I find it quite refreshing to offer something different to shades of grey and as simply shown in one example of the review CPU or SSD speed is not everything. Why reviewers use some rendering or conversion speed as a measure which probably the vast majority of users are not even doing, is more bragging rights than real usage add it to the 4x4k

However yet again completely fluffed over is the touch screen where Apple cant even compete and its convenience and practicalities at times should not be so casually understated

By chance something that started as a challenge as some wag suggested that laptops could not perform AR furniture placements like some IPhone app got me going just a couple of days back.

A quick search of the Android store showed a similar app that can run in most good W10 emulators and within a half an hour I was up and running with such ease I offered my builder friend to do mock ups of his empty show houses for advertising furniture packs

It's more than just software thats the difference these days

 

[maflynn]

And I think that the white plastic look is very 2006

It seems that its the latest fad, if you will. Other makers are embracing the white color scheme. Its not my cup of tea

 

[sunapple]

White seems to be the new black though. Razer and others are doing it as well. I am not sure I am sold on it, but I think people are getting tired of black and gray aluminum.

Funny I find it quite refreshing to offer something different to shades of grey [...]

I have a blue XR, so I do like 'something different' for a change, but the XPS (inside) is still plastic. Is saw it has a weave to it on the inside, kinda reminds me of fake carbon fibre you sometimes see on some cheap products. They could've gone for an aluminium unibody with a white shade like only the outside has now.

 

[SteveJUAE]

I have a blue XR, so I do like 'something different' for a change, but the XPS (inside) is still plastic. Is saw it has a weave to it on the inside, kinda reminds me of fake carbon fibre you sometimes see on some cheap products. They could've gone for an aluminium unibody with a white shade like only the outside has now.

Think you got it wrong the cheaper option is single piece Ali, Glass/carbon and Magnesium are generally more expensive options and as usual touch screens are much stronger/resilient More than just software

White hot: Inspired by runway trends, the rose gold and frost versions of the new XPS 13 debut an authentic arctic white woven glass fiber palm rest developed specifically for Dell. Our design team worked tirelessly to get the details just right—carefully crafted backlighting, UV- and stain-resistant coating to prevent yellowing and staining, and coordinated packaging and accessories.

Stunning strength: The XPS 13 is cut from a single block of aluminum, so it’s more durable than a machine that’s pieced together. Carbon fiber, inspired by the aerospace industry, and woven glass fiber of the palm rest, allow for maximum strength and minimal weight. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 is twice as damage resistant compared to competitive products.

 

[sunapple]

Think you got it wrong the cheaper option is single piece Ali, Glass/carbon and Magnesium are generally more expensive options and as usual touch screens are much stronger/resilient More than just software

White hot: Inspired by runway trends, the rose gold and frost versions of the new XPS 13 debut an authentic arctic white woven glass fiber palm rest developed specifically for Dell. Our design team worked tirelessly to get the details just right—carefully crafted backlighting, UV- and stain-resistant coating to prevent yellowing and staining, and coordinated packaging and accessories.

Stunning strength: The XPS 13 is cut from a single block of aluminum, so it’s more durable than a machine that’s pieced together. Carbon fiber, inspired by the aerospace industry, and woven glass fiber of the palm rest, allow for maximum strength and minimal weight. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 is twice as damage resistant compared to competitive products.

Right, different options, had no idea. I guess I have to see it in person, the white plastic looking one looked bad to me on video.

 

[SDColorado]

Right, different options, had no idea. I guess I have to see it in person, the white plastic looking one looked bad to me on video.

White is certainly not for everyone, including me. But you do still see people in the Mac section clamoring for the return of the white MacBook, so there is a market

 

[SteveJUAE]

Right, different options, had no idea. I guess I have to see it in person, the white plastic looking one looked bad to me on video.

I'm in agreement with you, SDColorado and Maflynn it's not my colour preference but that does not stop me appreciating the materials and the design effort I'm sure my wife would like it

Its like the SP and Surface GO detachable KB they are probably best in class technically and also dare to be different

The Surface Magnesium case allows for complex curves that are probably cost prohibitive on normal Ali uni bodies and have a different feel.

The Sony Z series turned out some of the best all carbon shells whilst Apple were still in white plastic and when the MBA was the thinnest headline grabbing the Z series like for like was higher spec and lighter. Sony turned out some amazing colour variants over the years and its a shame they gave up.

Now a black SB3 emmmmmmmmm

 

[Queen6]

Not a fan of white notebooks either, although I don't mind them deviating from the typical black/grey etc. New ASUS StudioBook S looks nice Turquoise Grey & Rose Gold trim, as does SB6 in Black.

Not sure about fabric finishes, although my Switch 5 is holding up well so far. Cleans up ok anyway

Q-6

 

[SDColorado]

Not a fan of white notebooks either, although I don't mind them deviating from the typical black/grey etc. New ASUS StudioBook S looks nice Turquoise Grey & Rose Gold trim, as does SB6 in Black.

Not sure about fabric finishes, although my Switch 5 is holding up well so far. Cleans up ok anyway

Q-6

I only have the Surface Pro as an example of fabric finishes. When I purchased it I was happy for the removable keyboard as I figured I would likely have to replace it soon. But surprisingly it is holding up well and cleans up nicely with a bit of Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara cleaner. I was sure I would be on keyboard #2 by now, but so far so good, despite mostly outdoor use. I have had everything on that from dirt to dust to ashes to bbq sauce to whiskey and beer to marshmallow residue from s'mores. My wife is *really* into s'mores. Gourmet s'more to be exact. No Hershey's chocolate and stay puffed marshmallows for her. Nope hahaha

White seems to come and go. My wife was really into the white for a while and had a white phone, white iPad and would have definitely purchased a White MacBook Pro had they had one at the time. But lately she is back into Space Gray, Black, and other darker colors. She wants either a black or the maroon colored SP6.

 

[Queen6]

I only have the Surface Pro as an example of fabric finishes. When I purchased it I was happy for the removable keyboard as I figured I would likely have to replace it soon. But surprisingly it is holding up well and cleans up nicely with a bit of Sonax Upholstery and Alcantara cleaner. I was sure I would be on keyboard #2 by now, but so far so good, despite mostly outdoor use. I have had everything on that from dirt to dust to ashes to bbq sauce to whiskey and beer to marshmallow residue from s'mores. My wife is *really* into s'mores. Gourmet s'more to be exact. No Hershey's chocolate and stay puffed marshmallows for her. Nope hahaha

White seems to come and go. My wife was really into the white for a while and had a white phone, white iPad and would have definitely purchased a White MacBook Pro had they had one at the time. But lately she is back into Space Gray, Black, and other darker colors. She wants either a black or the maroon colored SP6.

I'm not so particular I just clean it with what's at hand, usually a damp microfibre cloth anything resists screen cleaner seems to work good enough. No idea what Acer covered the Switch 5's keyboard with, so far it's holding up ok no marks or stains etc. I'm of the mind that such devices are bought to be used, not lovingly stare at for hours on end so not I'm worried about a spot of wear & tear

White always tends to discolour in time nor in a graceful manner. Similar to glossy stuff I rather avoid, equally I don't think all needs to be dull grey & silver, see no reason not offer more colour options.

Q-6

 

[smirking]

I find it really interesting that even though the reviewer didn't like the MBP keyboard, he actually typed slightly faster on it without suffering a drop in accuracy. Typing is such a subjective experience. People get very emotional when presented with a new interface and judge it to be inferior in every way when in terms of their actual performance there may be no difference or they may actually perform better on the one they dislike.

I'm guilty of this too and used to justify my large collection of mechanical keyboards because I was more productive on them. I would do typing tests with keyboards I loved and ones I hated and found that whatever differences for me were minimal at best. I've stopped all that nonsense. I don't actually know if I type better on my favorite keyboard and I stopped caring. I certainly enjoy it more and that's enough for me.

Back to the article, it surprises me that the actuation force of the MBP keyboard is 61g. One of the reasons I like the MBP keyboard is because it doesn't cause me hand pain and my favorite mechanical is a feather light 35g switch. I would have expected the MBP to have a lower actuation force.

 

[SDColorado]

I guess I am not surprised by that. The keys are both shallow and firm. Not as firm as the keyboard on my Surface Pro I think, those may be in the 65g range of the XPS, but much shallower travel. Probably why I personally don't like the butterfly keyboard. I think it is the worst of things. Firm but too shallow travel & poor pitch. It isn't a "getting used to it" thing for me. I didn't like it for 2 years with the 2016 and don't like it after all this time with 2018. But keyboards are subjective. There is a keyboard for everyone and for everyone a keyboard. The butterfly keyboard just isn't for me.

 

[sunapple]

White seems to come and go. My wife was really into the white for a while and had a white phone, white iPad and would have definitely purchased a White MacBook Pro had they had one at the time.

I have to admit, I do like white. I know that contradicts what I’ve said before, but it worked well when Apple did it in the past. I owned a white MacBook, 4S and iPad 3.

And the 2005 prototype iPad would’ve been awesome too in that time:

https://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/1...-mockup-surface-in-samsung-lawsuit-documents/

 

[SDColorado]

I have to admit, I do like white. I know that contradicts what I’ve said before, but it worked well when Apple did it in the past. I owned a white MacBook, 4S and iPad 3.

And the 2005 prototype iPad would’ve been awesome too in that time:
View attachment 819420
https://www.macrumors.com/2012/07/1...-mockup-surface-in-samsung-lawsuit-documents/

I haven't seen one of those white XPS's in person, but the Frost White with the XPS and Razer Mercury White have some appeal because I guessing they are some sort of anodization? Perhaps they won't yellow/dull over time like the old white plastic MacBooks would.

 

[burgman]

Think you got it wrong the cheaper option is single piece Ali, Glass/carbon and Magnesium are generally more expensive options and as usual touch screens are much stronger/resilient More than just software

White hot: Inspired by runway trends, the rose gold and frost versions of the new XPS 13 debut an authentic arctic white woven glass fiber palm rest developed specifically for Dell. Our design team worked tirelessly to get the details just right—carefully crafted backlighting, UV- and stain-resistant coating to prevent yellowing and staining, and coordinated packaging and accessories.

Stunning strength: The XPS 13 is cut from a single block of aluminum, so it’s more durable than a machine that’s pieced together. Carbon fiber, inspired by the aerospace industry, and woven glass fiber of the palm rest, allow for maximum strength and minimal weight. Corning® Gorilla® Glass 4 is twice as damage resistant compared to competitive products.

Runway trends? Yeah that’s important to me wonder what marketing data they saw to make that design choice.

 

[SteveJUAE]

Runway trends? Yeah that’s important to me wonder what marketing data they saw to make that design choice.

Probably a mix of Sony/Apple/Vogue shame they did not opt for the Magnesium case like MS but that's maybe too much for them