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Lobby High-Tech topic #299106

Subject: "Which laptop would you reccommend?" Previous topic | Next topic
obsidianchrysalis
Member since Jan 29th 2003
8740 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 06:27 AM

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"Which laptop would you reccommend?"


  

          

I'm in the market to buy a new laptop to replace my old in years but young at heart Dell Latitude. (I've had the Dell in 2012 when it was at least two years old then.)

I'm a Windows guy, and have been for some time, but I've always wanted an Apple.

I found a couple of Windows laptops that I'm digging.

The first one is a Samsung Ativ Book Pro 9.

http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-ativ-book-9-plus/

It's a light ultrabook with a 13.3" screen which runs at 3200x1800 an Intel Core M chip and 8GB RAM. It also comes with a SSD - either a 128 or 256 GB drive.

The other Windows laptop is the Dell XPS 13.

http://www.cnet.com/products/samsung-ativ-book-9-plus/

It has essentially the same specifications as the Ativ, although I like the look of the XPS.

Then there's the Apple MacBook Air and MacBook Pro.

http://www.apple.com/macbook-air/

http://www.apple.com/macbook-pro/

I have a Windows Phone and an old Surface RT tablet, so I'm invested deeply into Windows, but unless the Surface Phone is available on T-Mobile, and judging from T-Mobile's decision to pull Lumia's from its store it won't be, it's not likely I'll keep my Lumia. So I could go ahead and make the switch to an iPhone and MacBook of some model.
But I'm wanting to develop some web development / software development skills and there are simply many more options for programming tools using a Windows machine.

I take my laptop out of the house alot, so the physical size is important to me. It's a close #2 behind performance.

Some days the laptop would be used in a home office setup which may eliminate the Air because of the limited number of ports for a monitor or peripherals.

Most of the usage would be for digital development (web design & development, some app development), web surfing, the odd game here and there.

If you have an Apple and you switched from Windows recently, was the switch a big deal? Would you recommend to any Windows user to swap platforms?

If you've used any of the Windows notebooks, do you recommend either of them? I know the 'Retina' display is overkill, but I do plan on connecting the laptop to a monitor, which would give it a use.




<--- Me when my head hits the pillow

  

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Topic Outline
Subject Author Message Date ID
Apple's in a transitional year
Mar 07th 2016
1
Yeah, I'm gonna wait ujntil May probaby to buy the actual laptop
Mar 07th 2016
6
      true but I'd skip it
Mar 08th 2016
11
MacBook Pro running Windows via Parallels is the best move I ever made
Mar 07th 2016
2
This is what I'd want ideally, but I can't justify the cost.
Mar 07th 2016
3
      the Dell XPS Studio is what pushed me over the edge to Mac.....
Mar 07th 2016
4
      RE: the Dell XPS Studio is what pushed me over the edge to Mac.....
Mar 07th 2016
5
      I'm concerned about buying an Apple for the same reason
Mar 07th 2016
7
      RE: I'm concerned about buying an Apple for the same reason
Mar 07th 2016
9
      $1300???
Mar 08th 2016
10
           RE: $1300???
Mar 08th 2016
12
                Oh, I got the 4k screen though.
Mar 09th 2016
14
                     RE: Oh, I got the 4k screen though.
Mar 09th 2016
15
                          yes, way better
Mar 12th 2016
16
I'd avoid anything with a core M, if at all possible.
Mar 07th 2016
8
Take a look at the Razer Blade Stealth
Mar 08th 2016
13
Pi Day discounts on the XPS 13 & Surface Pro
Mar 14th 2016
17
I went ahead and pulled the trigger
May 08th 2016
18
Usb Bluetooth option is a good look
Jun 20th 2016
19
      I ended buying an adapter about a month ago
Jun 20th 2016
20
Macbook. RDF.
Jun 25th 2016
21

L_O_Quent
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Mon Mar-07-16 07:54 AM

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1. "Apple's in a transitional year "
In response to Reply # 0
Mon Mar-07-16 07:55 AM by L_O_Quent

  

          

we still don't know for sure what they're going to do with the Air line or if they'll even keep them so I'd wait at least until the next announcement this month before buying anything Apple. I'm not a Windows guy but the XPS 13 is the first windows laptop I've lusted over besides my weird attraction to the Surface Pro 4.

I'd most definitely stay away from the Air because with it's antiquated screen and the fact that it might disappear you'd be wasting money. Like I said before I'd just wait until the announcement this month before buying anything Apple. I have a 2015 Macbook Pro 13' Retina and I'm probably going to sell it if there are any major updates on the Macbook Pro line or a price drop on the Macbook.

The offspring :-D

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obsidianchrysalis
Member since Jan 29th 2003
8740 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 03:06 PM

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6. "Yeah, I'm gonna wait ujntil May probaby to buy the actual laptop "
In response to Reply # 1


  

          

I know the screen isn't the best, but if Apple did discontinue the model, maybe I could get a deal on one of the existing inventory of Airs.

<--- Me when my head hits the pillow

  

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L_O_Quent
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Tue Mar-08-16 04:13 AM

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11. "true but I'd skip it"
In response to Reply # 6


  

          

why have that low res of a screen? It ain't life

The offspring :-D

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FLUIDJ
Member since Sep 18th 2002
44604 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 08:55 AM

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2. "MacBook Pro running Windows via Parallels is the best move I ever made"
In response to Reply # 0


  

          

I ever made...

I have the 1st gen 15" MacBook Pro w/retina.
It's the base model too....
I recently upgraded the SSD to a 500GB and other than that...it's still going strong (knocks on wood).

Running Win 10 via parallels is easily done. I mainly use windows to run Autodesk Revit. And it runs just fine on a virtual machine.

Best investment in a computer i'd made in over 10 years. I'll likely never go back to a PC laptop honestly.



"Get ready..for your blessing..."

  

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Wonderl33t
Member since Jul 11th 2002
21405 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 10:52 AM

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3. "This is what I'd want ideally, but I can't justify the cost."
In response to Reply # 2


  

          

I just got a refurb of the brand new XPS 15 line. i7, 500 GB SSD, GTX 960, 16 GB RAM for $1300. The mac equivalent is probably 3 grand for that. For $1300, I am getting an i5 with integrated graphics, if that.
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FLUIDJ
Member since Sep 18th 2002
44604 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 01:30 PM

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4. "the Dell XPS Studio is what pushed me over the edge to Mac....."
In response to Reply # 3


  

          

>I just got a refurb of the brand new XPS 15 line. i7, 500 GB
>SSD, GTX 960, 16 GB RAM for $1300. The mac equivalent is
>probably 3 grand for that. For $1300, I am getting an i5 with
>integrated graphics, if that.

I had a Studio 17" model, top of the line, etc..etc..etc.... it was a refurb i'd gotten straight from Dell. Joint had just slowed to a crawl, needed so much tending to, screen was diminishing, etc...etc..etc.. meanwhile, the regular Macbook that my wife had purchased at the same time i'd purchased the Dell was STILL going strong...I was like...fck it...i'm tired of buying new laptop every year/year 1/2....

Four years later and i'm still good with this MacBook Pro.
I say all that to say, the cost is def. justified...but I DO understand the apprehension.


"Get ready..for your blessing..."

  

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Wonderl33t
Member since Jul 11th 2002
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Mon Mar-07-16 02:23 PM

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5. "RE: the Dell XPS Studio is what pushed me over the edge to Mac....."
In response to Reply # 4


  

          

Yeah. I've been on both sides. The laptop I just replaced is a 2010 MBP. So it was very hard to go Windows. No doubt I'll be back on the MBP train eventually.
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obsidianchrysalis
Member since Jan 29th 2003
8740 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 03:15 PM

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7. "I'm concerned about buying an Apple for the same reason"
In response to Reply # 3
Mon Mar-07-16 03:17 PM by obsidianchrysalis

  

          

I've been looking on eBay and finding a number of good deals for each laptop.

If I can buy an open box, refurbished, or 'gently' used Mac at a good price, I would lean towards buying the Mac.

For instance the Windows laptops retail for over $1,300 but I've found deals for each of them running at $800. The best deals on a MacBook Pro are around $1,000.

I wouldn't get access to the Mac ecosystem if I save the cash, but I'm on the dense if the benefits outweigh the coats involved.

<--- Me when my head hits the pillow

  

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Wonderl33t
Member since Jul 11th 2002
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Mon Mar-07-16 05:57 PM

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9. "RE: I'm concerned about buying an Apple for the same reason"
In response to Reply # 7


  

          

Yeah, mine was an eBay deal, too. If you can get a refurb MBP with good specs for $500 under retail, I think that's pretty good. I'll definitely check that out when the one I just bought starts to get long in the tooth.

I say go for it if you have the money. I am about to have 0 income for a minute, so I can't quite justify it.
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xangeluvr
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Tue Mar-08-16 01:04 AM

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10. "$1300???"
In response to Reply # 3


  

          

damn, nice find. my friend just got it for $1500. i got mine for $1800, but i got it a while back. we all have the same config.

GamerTag and PSN: PokeEmAll

  

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Wonderl33t
Member since Jul 11th 2002
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Tue Mar-08-16 04:15 PM

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12. "RE: $1300???"
In response to Reply # 10


  

          

Yeah, I was surprised. Especially since that model just came out in like October. I figured it can't be in that bad of shape since it's a brand new line. It looks like the same seller I bought from still has one http://www.ebay.com/itm/DELL-XPS-15-9550-6TH-GEN-i7-6700HQ-3-5GHz-16GB-512GB-SSD-1080P-INFINITY-EDGE-/262316133072?hash=item3d13428ad0:g:APMAAOxyLm9TFQbk
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xangeluvr
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14. "Oh, I got the 4k screen though. "
In response to Reply # 12


  

          

That list says 1080p.

GamerTag and PSN: PokeEmAll

  

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Wonderl33t
Member since Jul 11th 2002
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Wed Mar-09-16 06:05 PM

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15. "RE: Oh, I got the 4k screen though. "
In response to Reply # 14


  

          

Oh ok. That's a good deal. How do you like it? Noticeably better than 1080?
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xangeluvr
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Sat Mar-12-16 06:39 AM

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16. "yes, way better"
In response to Reply # 15


  

          

>Oh ok. That's a good deal. How do you like it? Noticeably
>better than 1080?
>______________________________
>http://i.imgur.com/Gj5Wy56.jpg

as long as you don't mind glossy screens this shit is amazing.

GamerTag and PSN: PokeEmAll

  

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stravinskian
Member since Feb 24th 2003
12692 posts
Mon Mar-07-16 04:01 PM

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8. "I'd avoid anything with a core M, if at all possible."
In response to Reply # 0


          


Unless they've gotten a hell of a lot better since I was last looking at them (a year or so ago).

This depends a bit on what you're looking for, though. The core M is ultra-low-voltage, so it'll be more battery friendly and less hot, but there's a price in overall horsepower. If you're basically looking for a tablet with a keyboard, then the core M is probably a plus. But if you're planning on doing anything more intensive, then I'd lean toward the i3/i5/i7. These are probably getting rarer in ultraportables, though.

  

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TomWaitsInOkkervil
Member since Feb 07th 2009
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Tue Mar-08-16 06:43 PM

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13. "Take a look at the Razer Blade Stealth"
In response to Reply # 0
Tue Mar-08-16 06:46 PM by TomWaitsInOkkervil

  

          

Better specs than that Samsung at a similar price (i7-6500U, 8GB RAM, 128GB, 256GB or 512GB SSD, QHD or UHD screen)

  

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L_O_Quent
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Mon Mar-14-16 07:07 AM

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17. "Pi Day discounts on the XPS 13 & Surface Pro"
In response to Reply # 0


  

          

http://www.theverge.com/2016/3/14/11218782/microsoft-pi-day-dell-xps-13-discount

The offspring :-D

PSN & XBL: LOQuent

  

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obsidianchrysalis
Member since Jan 29th 2003
8740 posts
Sun May-08-16 07:37 PM

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18. "I went ahead and pulled the trigger"
In response to Reply # 0


  

          

TL;DR - Bought an HP which is cheaper and less powerful than the computers on my checklist before. Overall, my impression is good, although the machine doesn't have Bluetooth (??!!?)

The Dell Pi-Day deal might have gotten me to pull the trigger sooner.

I ended up getting a computer with less power than the XPS or Samsung Ativ. The machine that I settled on is a HP Pavilion with a 5th Generation Core i5 with 6GB RAM. Link below:

http://store.hp.com/us/en/pdp/Laptops/hp-pavilion-15t-laptop-m7h64av-1

The machine was cheaper than the models on my checklist.

One reason was that my finances changed and the thought of spending money when my finances were tight didn't appeal to me. Also, even though my usage habits might be on the high-end for a normal user, the machine I have now will suit my needs. For the most part, the most advanced thing I'll be doing is either playing game or writing web apps or using Photoshop or Blender, a 3d animation tool, for logos. So, it would have been nice to buy a Mac or a XPS, but if my finances change, which I hope they do in the next six months, I will save some money to buy an Apple product next time.

It's light, but the build quality is just okay. The old computer, and eight-year old Dell, might have been sturdier, but it was also heavier. My sister has a 2012 MacBook and that computer is heavier and sturdier. But Apple is the standard and the difference is noticeable but not significant.

The only problem I have is that the computer does not come with a Bluetooth capability. (!!! They still make you?? !!!)

The HP tech agent who talked me through the process of learning that the computer didn't have Bluetooth, pointed me towards a USB Bluetooth dongle. I'm still peeved about the lack of Bluetooth. But I have 30 days to return the computer and if my mind doesn't change, I'll return the computer.

<--- Me when my head hits the pillow

  

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final_prospect82
Member since Mar 21st 2007
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Mon Jun-20-16 07:19 PM

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19. "Usb Bluetooth option is a good look "
In response to Reply # 18


          

It does use a Bluetooth port but you can always get a Bluetooth adapter to turn 1 port into multiple ports.

And for the cost of adding Bluetooth to a laptop... It might be the cheaper option

happiness is a mediocre standard for a middle class existence - S. Williams

I don't not like you because you have dumb ideas about the world, I don't like you because you have other people's dumb ideas about the world. - Rjcc

  

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obsidianchrysalis
Member since Jan 29th 2003
8740 posts
Mon Jun-20-16 11:29 PM

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20. "I ended buying an adapter about a month ago"
In response to Reply # 19
Mon Jun-20-16 11:30 PM by obsidianchrysalis

  

          

It's worked out really well so far. Aside from a Bluetooth mouse, the Bluetooth isn't used much on my PC though.

So far so good with the computer. My usage is about the same on this new machine than the old one. I have played more games on this new laptop; I even bought Battlefield 4 and have played on and off over the past few weeks.

All in all, it's been a good buy so far.

<--- Me when my head hits the pillow

  

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jetblack
Member since Nov 14th 2004
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Sat Jun-25-16 10:03 AM

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21. "Macbook. RDF."
In response to Reply # 0


  

          

---
Stoicism and chill.
---
Stay +.
---

  

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