Mac Book Pro Core 2 Duo VS. Dell, HP other Laptops

[nepaligurkha]

Hey,

I've always wanted a Mac, and i'm planning on getting a laptop soon. I was wondering how the 15" 2.16GHz Macbook Pro compares to other laptops, in terms of the same specifications and price? This might be the wrong place to ask this. But maybe u guys know of a website that compares a macbook pro to dell or hp laptops.

Thanks
-Tabha
(wow u guys even have a apple logo thing)

 

[quigleybc]

I would focus more on comparing OS X to Windows cuz that's where the heart of it lies...

specs are just numbers.

 

[nepaligurkha]

oh yea... no question about it OSX is like a thousand times better then windows
what i'm trying to do is prove to my dad that apple dosn't have their stuff like over priced i just wanna show him that same spec PC laptop costs almost the same

 

[rogersmj]

Well, just go configure one yourself and see. I just configured a Dell Latitude D820, probably one of the closest ones to the MBP, and once I put the same processor, hard drive, and memory in it as the base 15" MBP it came to $2052 -- more than the MacBook by $53, yet it's thicker, heavier, uglier, doesn't have a backlit keyboard, or a built-in video camera, or come with a remote.

I think that should pretty much convince him.

 

[suneohair]

Just price it out yourself. Go to Dell and do it, then do it at Apple.

A 1505, speced as close as possible will hit $1800. That is without a 2.16. They charge you more for the memory that should default (667), instead they stick 533 in there.

Not to mention is is bigger and not very attractive, although it tries to pull of the Ti look.

The Mac will be a bit more. No doubt. However, I personally think the Precision M65 is a better comparison. Since that is the only way to get a 2.16 in a 15.4. To be fair it does have a Quadro.

It is kinda tough to go spec for spec. The upgrade to a 2.16 in the precision is $340, so maybe carry that over to a 1505.

The Dell starts cheap, but look at what is in it. A 1.6 1MB cache dual core, heck it is branded as a Pentium instead of a core duo.

 

[whateverandever]

You *really* shouldn't come here asking the forum members here to judge fairly an Apple computer against anything else. They'll put the spin on it (as they have above, already) that Apple is not a premium system, and that it is a good value.

Well, it's not. Simply put... you're paying for a beautifully designed system that is quite capable (and if it's a selling point for you) runs OS X without problems.

Though people will configure their Dells and it will come out to high prices, they leave out the fact that you can apply 25% off coupons at Dell along with several other offers that get the price down dramatically lower.

Just last week Dell had a killer deal on an E1505. 2Ghz C2D (admittedly, lower than the MBP), 2GB of RAM, 1680x1050 display, 160GB HD, 8x DVD Burner, ATI X1400 (yes, lower than the MBP), extended life battery, and Windows Vista... now the real kicker: it came with a 24" desktop LCD as well. And how much did this cost? $1465.

So you had a machine that outspecs the lower MBP in ram, display, hard drive space, and (probably) battery life... and a 24" LCD ($600 value).

But that's at the cost of having a bulky, unattractive laptop. Some people don't mind that, some people do. Honestly, I don't think I'd be happy with anything less than a MacBook or MBP now that I've owned my MBP for quite some time... but man, that Dell deal was EXTREMELY tempting, haha.

Apple + deals = oxymoron.

 

[nepaligurkha]

ok yea.. i'll just configure something on dell and show him
yea i know whateverandever that i would get a pretty pro mac bias posting here. But yea i forgot dell has those coupons thing that brings the price down quite a bit for alot of their stuff.. Well whatever i really love osx... and pulse i could also run windows
thanks for the help
-Tabha

 

[MidnightMarmot]

ok yea.. i'll just configure something on dell and show him
yea i know whateverandever that i would get a pretty pro mac bias posting here. But yea i forgot dell has those coupons thing that brings the price down quite a bit for alot of their stuff.. Well whatever i really love osx... and pulse i could also run windows
thanks for the help
-Tabha

I'm also considering switching to a Mac.

I saw that Amazon.com is offering $150 rebates for the MacBook Pros. Maybe that'll help the comparison in your favor a bit?

 

[cy88]

ok yea.. i'll just configure something on dell and show him
yea i know whateverandever that i would get a pretty pro mac bias posting here. But yea i forgot dell has those coupons thing that brings the price down quite a bit for alot of their stuff.. Well whatever i really love osx... and pulse i could also run windows
thanks for the help
-Tabha

When buying a Laptop, more than likely you will be keeping it for a while.

It really depends on what is the priority here. Does your dad got a budget that he wants to spend? Or does he not care about money, just want something that "justify the price"?

If budget comes first, you might want to go for dell to save him a few bucks. Their systems are not too bad for what they worth, it gets the job done. However if money is not an issue, then you should convince him on the fact that Mac does run OSX and it's something that you really want. It will also save you money on stuff such as Anti Virus software.

Also keep in mind the way Windows and OSX utilize system resource is different. Mac likes ram more, Windows tend to be more CPU intensive. With Windows Vista, it'll be a bit more graphics intensive as well. Therefore you are not comparing an apple to apple here if you are just comparing the hardwares.

Here's your resource to convince him on OSX/Mac: http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/

 

[taildragger]

Remember when you're comparing notebooks, its more than just number figures

Take into acct the actual quality of a screen. I have a dell UXGA monitor on my old 5150 that I'm workinh on here, its great except for some whites (they look dirty) and the screen on an MBP just looks like it gives better colors, at least IMHO.

Also, look at the build quality, that will be a huge factor in price, its the reason why a lot of the Lenovo notebooks are so expensive when compared to other laptops.

What are the types of components that they used, are they the cheapies that were just lying around, or are they high quality.

After saying all that, I will tell you that I will never buy a Dell again, I'm not against getting a PC, I'm still in debate as to whether switch to Mac or get a Lenovo T-60. The reason I won't buy a Dell is because of how often mine broke and how poorly Dell dealt with me, and how they would send techs to fix the wrong problems, the techs were even like "Your graphics card needs to be replaced, but they sent me with a new monitor instead". Dell laptops also don't seem to last long, they don't have the rugged feel to them that I like, especially since my notebooks travel a lot.

Do the research, look at all the options. I wouldn't say that Apple is overpriced, but they aren't cheap either. If you want something that is a good high quality machine, get a business class laptop. If you want a budget machine that might last 1.5 yrs of actually being used as a laptop, then get a budget laptop.

 

[BornAgainMac]

Remember that the Apple specs will be frozen until the next refresh. It is probably the same with Dell if they don't update every month or at least the price. You get the best deal when Dell / Apple come out with a new product refresh. Comparing a Macbook Pro when it just comes out to a Dell laptop that is 5 months old wouldn't be fair for example.

 

[mgargan1]

factor in the costs of the anti-virus software... the productivity software... the anti-spyware... all that jazz.

As mentioned earlier, keep in mind that the macbook does have faster memory, has a built-in webcam, which requires NO Drivers.

 

[iW00t]

I'm also considering switching to a Mac.

I saw that Amazon.com is offering $150 rebates for the MacBook Pros. Maybe that'll help the comparison in your favor a bit?

You sure? I thought the rebates ended on 27th Jan last month.

Edit: Oh they are back again! A hint that something's up soon!

 

[iW00t]

Here's your resource to convince him on OSX/Mac: http://www.apple.com/getamac/ads/

Yes, because we all know Apple's ads are such unbiased source of information.

I'd suggest talking to him and listen to what he uses his computer for first. Some people might actually need Windows for doing more than what we do with our toys, literally speaking.

 

[whateverandever]

factor in the costs of the anti-virus software... the productivity software... the anti-spyware... all that jazz.

As mentioned earlier, keep in mind that the macbook does have faster memory, has a built-in webcam, which requires NO Drivers.

Why do people always try to use this argument? It's stupid.

First off, you need to buy iWork or MS Office for a mac as well. So you can't use that "productivity software" cost factoring. Anti-virus and anti-spyware? Give me a break. If you're NOT a complete moron, you don't need either. In my 12+ years of heavy computer usage I've only gotten one key-logger EVER (and I knew I had installed it, haha). Anti-spyware? Just use Firefox and don't install random software off the internet.

And the built-in webcam does require drivers... they're just installed with OS X. Note that you have to burn a DRIVER cd to run your MB/MBP with Windows...

 

[whateverandever]

Take into acct the actual quality of a screen. I have a dell UXGA monitor on my old 5150 that I'm workinh on here, its great except for some whites (they look dirty) and the screen on an MBP just looks like it gives better colors, at least IMHO.

I imagine you're talking about a UXGA LCD laptop panel, and not a 24" Dell Desktop LCD. Because the 24" Dell is going to beat the pants off the MBP screen in color reproduction and brightness.

Not that I don't like the MBP screen. I think it's fantastic as far as laptop LCDs come... but I'd take 1920x1200 over it any day.

 

[00hkelly]

if you want to compare notebooks and read good detailed reviews http://www.notebookreviw.com is the place to go.
i love my macbook pro, the build quality is superb and they are extremely durable (i take mine to school every day) and they are powerful enough to cover everything you are going to want to do.

 

[iJawn108]

Will the dell also function as a bullet proof... something lol

http://www.engadget.com/2007/02/26/macbook-pro-takes-bullet-like-a-champ/

 

[Pressure]

Buying a laptop on a budget is a compromise between hardware specifications, design and cost.

Sure Dell computers are cheap compared to an Apple computer but Apple are not only selling you a laptop but an experience.

There is no doubt which computer is the most appealing with the better overall design and form factor.

If you want cheap, go Dell.

Apple is not about selling a system for cheap.

 

[dejo]

Remember when you're comparing notebooks, its more than just number figures

True dat. In fact, not for just notebooks either. For pretty much any kind of purchase. Besides quantitative, there's also qualitative factors to consider. Do not get mired in the numbers.

 

[XP Defector]

Dells are not bad notebooks, because Dell employ economies of scale, they can undercut Apple and not necessarily be 'cheap', contrary to what an Apple zealot might suggest. I used a Dell Inspiron for three years, and would still be using it now if my housemate had not urinated on the keyboard whilst under the influence of drugs. I liked it, it was a sturdy little notebook despite looking like a plastic brick.

For me, I don't care to much for Apples designs even though they are beautiful - in a year or so they'll look outdated, scratched and used. I care purely about specifications, size and weight. Whilst MacBooks DO deliver on these instances, though are obviously not going to be as cutting edge spec-wise or as cheap as thier more practical PC counter-parts. All that aside, OSX is worth the price difference. I admit to being a geek, but seriously, even opening a file or doing something mundane in OSX is a pleasure.

 

[Vegeta-san]

http://www.systemshootouts.com <-----A website that compares prices of a bunch of Macs against a bunch of PC's...And yes, you're welcome.

 

[mgargan1]

Why do people always try to use this argument? It's stupid.

First off, you need to buy iWork or MS Office for a mac as well. So you can't use that "productivity software" cost factoring. Anti-virus and anti-spyware? Give me a break. If you're NOT a complete moron, you don't need either. In my 12+ years of heavy computer usage I've only gotten one key-logger EVER (and I knew I had installed it, haha). Anti-spyware? Just use Firefox and don't install random software off the internet.

And the built-in webcam does require drivers... they're just installed with OS X. Note that you have to burn a DRIVER cd to run your MB/MBP with Windows...

Give you a break? Let me ask you something... what do you think the percentage of people who use PC's have problems with spyware and viruses? I mean, I know we're not all as gifted as you, but I have to believe it's pretty high, otherwise why would Symantec and McAfee be in that market?

Just because YOU don't have that problem doesn't mean that nobody else does...

As for iWork or Office, yes, you do have to buy those on either machine. I never once said anything about that... I was referring to ilife... the ability to easily and seamlessly make movies, songs and incorporate your memories with apps that recognize each other, and work together not compete with each other.

But I guess it all comes down to preference... you have your opinion, and are entitled to it, and i have mine. The poster asked for our opinions, and I gave him mine... enough said

 

[taildragger]

People still pay for virus protection and spyware software? You can find stuff for free that is better than Norton. So, I won't ever buy those costs as a fact to buy a mac over a pc.

That being said, I think that for a person just starting out with a computer, who is not computer savvy whatsoever, will do far better on a mac than a PC. Windows is easy to navigate, and if you take the time to figure out windows, its actually a good OS system. I've never been a real big fan of the Mac OS, but I'd rather have it on a laptop since, from what I understand, it uses less juice.

 

[EvryDayImShufln]

Why do people always try to use this argument? It's stupid.

First off, you need to buy iWork or MS Office for a mac as well. So you can't use that "productivity software" cost factoring. Anti-virus and anti-spyware? Give me a break. If you're NOT a complete moron, you don't need either. In my 12+ years of heavy computer usage I've only gotten one key-logger EVER (and I knew I had installed it, haha). Anti-spyware? Just use Firefox and don't install random software off the internet.

And the built-in webcam does require drivers... they're just installed with OS X. Note that you have to burn a DRIVER cd to run your MB/MBP with Windows...

I'll agree with you on one point: I hadn't needed to buy productivity software on my windows pc: I downloaded it all. Hell, even my copy of XP was downloaded.

Anyway my point is that there is NO WAY of avoiding this software unless your computer usage is very minimal (which I'm assuming yours is, as you are defending that point). You will get spyware very easily, P2P networks will often get you viruses or spyware (I know because I USE them) and even firefox won't protect you from all spyware. Any PC running spybot will most likely get several hundred hits of spyware and adware on their PC.

At least on a mac you don't need to worry about this. I won't argue that this is saving me money, though, as I already got my C2D MBP 2.33 for about 50% of the original cost.