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Windows Equivalent of the Macbook Pro?
posted in Hardware
1
#1
0 Frags +

Hello, I've been looking into different laptops these past days. I'm looking for a laptop that's around $1,000 (maybe slightly more). Decent battery life and having decent specs are my main priority; I've looked over the Macbook Pro and found its specs and battery life to be fitting, but the issue is I heavily prefer Windows over Apple. I plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and my own personal needs (occasional TF2, web browsing/watching videos, good for typing as I'll do a lot of that).

Any recommendations?

Hello, I've been looking into different laptops these past days. I'm looking for a laptop that's around $1,000 (maybe slightly more). Decent battery life and having decent specs are my main priority; I've looked over the Macbook Pro and found its specs and battery life to be fitting, but the issue is I heavily prefer Windows over Apple. I plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and my own personal needs (occasional TF2, web browsing/watching videos, good for typing as I'll do a lot of that).

Any recommendations?
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#2
5 Frags +
AtrocityI plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and my own personal needs.

Does this include gaming on it?

[quote=Atrocity]I plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and [b]my own personal needs[/b].[/quote]
Does this include gaming on it?
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#3
3 Frags +
TwistedAtrocityI plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and my own personal needs.Does this include gaming on it?

Should've been specific there, but some occasional TF2 perhaps (maybe once a week/month, depending on how busy I get)

[quote=Twisted][quote=Atrocity]I plan to use this primarily for schoolwork and [b]my own personal needs[/b].[/quote]
Does this include gaming on it?[/quote]

Should've been specific there, but some occasional TF2 perhaps (maybe once a week/month, depending on how busy I get)
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#4
4 Frags +

If you're going to get a Macbook Pro, go for the retina. The normal one has a comparatively poor screen and is a worse value. You can easily use Bootcamp to use a Mac as a Windows machine.

On the native Windows side of things, the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, ASUS Zenbook, and Dell XPS 13 are all nice ultrabooks with high resolution displays and long battery life. Granted, they only have integrated graphics, but they might be able to run TF2 (especially with a graphics config). I'll need to see if there are any gaming benchmarks for the ULV i5 processors commonly found in ultrabooks.

I would probably advise against getting a "gaming" notebook, especially with your use case heavily weighted in favor of schoolwork. They tend to be much heavier, more expensive, and have categorically worse battery life.

EDIT: I *might* be full of shit with regards to being able to game on these notebooks. Here are benchmarks for the on-board graphics found in the Macbook Pro Retina (Intel Iris Graphics 5100) and the Windows ultrabooks (Intel HD Graphics 4400).

If you're going to get a Macbook Pro, go for the retina. The normal one has a comparatively poor screen and is a worse value. You can easily use Bootcamp to use a Mac as a Windows machine.

On the native Windows side of things, the Lenovo Yoga 2 Pro, ASUS Zenbook, and Dell XPS 13 are all nice ultrabooks with high resolution displays and long battery life. Granted, they only have integrated graphics, but they might be able to run TF2 (especially with a graphics config). I'll need to see if there are any gaming benchmarks for the ULV i5 processors commonly found in ultrabooks.

I would probably advise against getting a "gaming" notebook, especially with your use case heavily weighted in favor of schoolwork. They tend to be much heavier, more expensive, and have categorically worse battery life.

EDIT: I *might* be full of shit with regards to being able to game on these notebooks. Here are benchmarks for the on-board graphics found in the Macbook Pro Retina ([url=http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-Iris-Graphics-5100.91977.0.html]Intel Iris Graphics 5100[/url]) and the Windows ultrabooks ([url=http://www.notebookcheck.net/Intel-HD-Graphics-4400.91979.0.html]Intel HD Graphics 4400[/url]).
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#5
3 Frags +

First off, you can install Windows on a MacBook. Not sure if that changes anything.

Anyway. assuming you'll be playing games only occasionally, I would imagine that don't really care if it is outstanding spec-wise, right?

Lenovo ThinkPad X240: It's a ThinkPad, generally durable and reliable. Great battery life from what my friend says.

ASUS Transformer Book T300LA-DH51T: Detachable ultrabook with good battery life.

Lenovo IdeaPad Y510: No longer in production but can be found for like ~$900 on Amazon. Better specs than the others mentioned above, and apparently a decent battery life, however I can't confirm.

More information can be found here.

First off, you can install Windows on a MacBook. Not sure if that changes anything.

Anyway. assuming you'll be playing games only occasionally, I would imagine that don't really care if it is outstanding spec-wise, right?

[b][url=http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x240/]Lenovo ThinkPad X240[/url][/b]: It's a ThinkPad, generally durable and reliable. Great battery life from what my friend says.

[b][url=http://www.amazon.com/Transformer-T300LA-DH51T-Detachable-Touchscreen-Ultrabook/dp/B00EPGHAZ8?tag=teamfortresst-20]ASUS Transformer Book T300LA-DH51T[/url][/b]: Detachable ultrabook with good battery life.

[b][url=http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/lenovo/y-series/y510p/]Lenovo IdeaPad Y510[/url][/b]: No longer in production but can be found for like ~$900 on Amazon. Better specs than the others mentioned above, and apparently a decent battery life, however I can't confirm.

[url=https://www.reddit.com/r/SuggestALaptop/comments/1cnrra/quick_pick_guides/cagu4kt]More information can be found here.[/url]
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#6
0 Frags +

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9530/pd?oc=dncwx1603h&model_id=xps-15-9530

it's like a macbook with dell written on the back

https://www.google.com/search?q=windows+equivalent+of+macbook+pro&rlz=2C1CHMO_enUS0537US0537&oq=windows+equivalent+of+macb&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l4j69i60.5376j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8

http://www.dell.com/us/p/xps-15-9530/pd?oc=dncwx1603h&model_id=xps-15-9530

it's like a macbook with dell written on the back

https://www.google.com/search?q=windows+equivalent+of+macbook+pro&rlz=2C1CHMO_enUS0537US0537&oq=windows+equivalent+of+macb&aqs=chrome.2.69i57j0l4j69i60.5376j0j7&sourceid=chrome&es_sm=122&ie=UTF-8
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#7
3 Frags +
MedixinLenovo ThinkPad X240: It's a ThinkPad, generally durable and reliable. Great battery life from what my friend says.

Can confim this is pretty damn nice. I got one from work, was able to play TF2 with a dual monitor setup at 120+ fps with my cfg and 160+ with just a single monitor. Battery life is pretty top notch too. Can't comment on the laptop screen though cause I've only have had it hooked up to a docking station with 1-3 monitors on it.

I have the i7 version at work to give you an idea
Windows 8.1

[quote=Medixin]
[b][url=http://shop.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops/thinkpad/x-series/x240/]Lenovo ThinkPad X240[/url][/b]: It's a ThinkPad, generally durable and reliable. Great battery life from what my friend says.

[/quote]

Can confim this is pretty damn nice. I got one from work, was able to play TF2 with a dual monitor setup at 120+ fps with my cfg and 160+ with just a single monitor. Battery life is pretty top notch too. Can't comment on the laptop screen though cause I've only have had it hooked up to a docking station with 1-3 monitors on it.

I have the i7 version at work to give you an idea
Windows 8.1
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#8
2 Frags +

Get a custom one from Sager if you know what parts are what. Great customization and absolute beastly machines for a fair price. If you want to do some gaming on it or in general want to make it your main machine, you'll want at least a decent GPU in it. Here's my recommendation, but be sure to check out the rest of what they have to offer.

Get a custom one from Sager if you know what parts are what. Great customization and absolute beastly machines for a fair price. If you want to do some gaming on it or in general want to make it your main machine, you'll want at least a decent GPU in it. [url=http://www.sagernotebook.com/index.php?page=product_info&model_name=NP7358]Here's my recommendation,[/url] but be sure to check out the rest of what they have to offer.
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#9
-1 Frags +

my macbook pro runs windows better than any windows laptop ive ever used, just food for thought.

my macbook pro runs windows better than any windows laptop ive ever used, just food for thought.
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#10
11 Frags +

How many $1000+ laptops have you used?

How many $1000+ laptops have you used?
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#11
1 Frags +

I have an Acer Aspire S7. It's pretty light, as powerful if not more powerful than a macbook pro, and has decent gaming performance to the point where you can play tf2. The only downfall is that is has a 13" screen.

I have an Acer Aspire S7. It's pretty light, as powerful if not more powerful than a macbook pro, and has decent gaming performance to the point where you can play tf2. The only downfall is that is has a 13" screen.
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#12
3 Frags +

MAC's are infamous for low spec high prices.

MAC's are infamous for low spec high prices.
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#13
1 Frags +

Dell XPS ultrabooks are awesome, Asus has some killer notebooks too. If you are not planning on gaming heavily on them both of those would be ideal.

Dell XPS ultrabooks are awesome, Asus has some killer notebooks too. If you are not planning on gaming heavily on them both of those would be ideal.
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#14
-4 Frags +

Just get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).

Just get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).
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#15
6 Frags +
vtableJust get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).

the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched

[quote=vtable]Just get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).[/quote]
the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched
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#16
SwiftyServers
0 Frags +
Dave_vtableJust get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched

Put up the fan speeds.

[quote=Dave_][quote=vtable]Just get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).[/quote]
the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched[/quote]

Put up the fan speeds.
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#17
-1 Frags +
tragicDave_vtableJust get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched
Put up the fan speeds.

don't forget to fix the thermal insulation:

http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/60/19/000201/macbook-thermal-grease.jpg

http://rixstep.com/1/20060521,00.shtml

[quote=tragic][quote=Dave_][quote=vtable]Just get the MBP, TF2 runs very well on OS X and the keyboard, touchpad and retina display are unmatched by other notebooks. You can also install Windows via Bootcamp, but it really isn't needed if all you're doing is TF2 (and you don't need anything that only runs on Windows, like the ESEA client).[/quote]
the obscene temperature issues are also unmatched[/quote]

Put up the fan speeds.[/quote]
don't forget to fix the thermal insulation:
[img]http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/60/19/000201/macbook-thermal-grease.jpg[/img]
http://rixstep.com/1/20060521,00.shtml
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#18
-1 Frags +
Dave_don't forget to fix the thermal insulation:
http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/60/19/000201/macbook-thermal-grease.jpg
http://rixstep.com/1/20060521,00.shtml
2006 has been the year of the rotten Apple

Good work detective

[quote=Dave_]
don't forget to fix the thermal insulation:
[img]http://cdn-static.zdnet.com/i/story/60/19/000201/macbook-thermal-grease.jpg[/img]
http://rixstep.com/1/20060521,00.shtml[/quote]

[quote][b]2006[/b] has been the year of the rotten Apple[/quote]

Good work detective
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#19
2 Frags +

yoga3 is gonna get announced in a week

yoga3 is gonna get announced in a week
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#20
1 Frags +

When I was shopping around for a new laptop in early 2013, there was no Windows equivalent to the retina MBP in terms of both specs and form factor. Closest you are going to find with similar weight and thickness is probably the Razer Blade, but even that makes Apple laptops look cost effective.

If you don't mind lugging around a brick I'm sure you'll have plenty of choice.

When I was shopping around for a new laptop in early 2013, there was no Windows equivalent to the retina MBP in terms of both specs and [b]form factor[/b]. Closest you are going to find with similar weight and thickness is probably the Razer Blade, but even that makes Apple laptops look cost effective.

If you don't mind lugging around a brick I'm sure you'll have plenty of choice.
21
#21
1 Frags +

I wish someone on the windows side of the market would come up with something similar to the macbook pro in build quality and looks. The only thing stopping me from getting one is the OS and the fact that bootcamp mars your battery life.

I wish someone on the windows side of the market would come up with something similar to the macbook pro in build quality and looks. The only thing stopping me from getting one is the OS and the fact that bootcamp mars your battery life.
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#22
-1 Frags +
panda__I wish someone on the windows side of the market would come up with something similar to the macbook pro in build quality and looks. The only thing stopping me from getting one is the OS and the fact that bootcamp mars your battery life.

what about the Razer Blade?

[quote=panda__]I wish someone on the windows side of the market would come up with something similar to the macbook pro in build quality and looks. The only thing stopping me from getting one is the OS and the fact that bootcamp mars your battery life.[/quote]
what about the Razer Blade?
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#23
1 Frags +

Honestly if your intention isn't to game all that often you'd be better served to buy a used laptop off of Ebay of whatever variety you so choose. If your current laptop/pc situation suites your gaming needs (since you're already on a gaming related website I assume you can play in some capacity right now) there's no reason to drop a bunch of money on a laptop that'll only be doing school work most of the time - and will *still* have difficulty running anything besides an 8+ year old game. Just pick up a used notebook on ebay for 130-200$. The battery life might be the only question there, but with the money you've saved it's not hard to acquire a proper battery. When sonny boy got to the point where he wanted to use my PC all the time that's the route I went lol, 132$ notebook off of ebay let him watch his youtube videos and PBS, and also play plants vs. zombies and minecraft lol. Then if you have more time for gaming, you'll have money laying around to buy a proper gaming machine - you'll get a lot more bang for your buck there.

Honestly if your intention isn't to game all that often you'd be better served to buy a used laptop off of Ebay of whatever variety you so choose. If your current laptop/pc situation suites your gaming needs (since you're already on a gaming related website I assume you can play in some capacity right now) there's no reason to drop a bunch of money on a laptop that'll only be doing school work most of the time - and will *still* have difficulty running anything besides an 8+ year old game. Just pick up a used notebook on ebay for 130-200$. The battery life might be the only question there, but with the money you've saved it's not hard to acquire a proper battery. When sonny boy got to the point where he wanted to use my PC all the time that's the route I went lol, 132$ notebook off of ebay let him watch his youtube videos and PBS, and also play plants vs. zombies and minecraft lol. Then if you have more time for gaming, you'll have money laying around to buy a proper gaming machine - you'll get a lot more bang for your buck there.
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#24
6 Frags +

mac book pro are the lesbian nwo secret weapon the 90c cpu will make u sterile death to men

mac book pro are the lesbian nwo secret weapon the 90c cpu will make u sterile death to men
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#25
0 Frags +

Sager is excellent. MSI also has some nice offerings.

Sager is excellent. MSI also has some nice offerings.
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