13" air vs new dell xps 13"

[LordVic]

I love how everytime a competitor to the Air is brought up, someone immediately spouts "NO OSX SO FAIL!!!!"

We never seem to argue the merit of the hardware platform anymore, always "it doesn't run OSx, so it's a terrible device"

people need to understand that with the modern Operating ystems available, the user experience is completely Subjective.

All the OS's do the tasks they're designed to do well, And it's purely a matter of personal comfort which you pick. The only exception is if there's a specific application for one, thats not available for another.

For my own personal preference, I prefer Win7. if i wasn't budget concerned, I'd have already put Win7 on my MBA and just moved on. There's nothign wrong with OSx. I find it enjoyable. But i find that I get more out of Windows for my own PERSONAL computing needs.

 

[boy-better-know]

It looks fugly to me, so do most Dell products, they just don't have the same appeal.

 

[jterp7]

It looks fugly to me, so do most Dell products, they just don't have the same appeal.

the main draw for the windows lappies is the ability to get a respectable GPU for gaming for well under 2k. I believe even Dell's base model XPS allows you to choose one. I realize its very unapple to...but they really should offer choices across their entire line (sans Air given thermal considerations) from the 13MBP to the mini

 

[KPOM]

I've been impressed with a lot of the Ultrabooks. Dell and HP have some very nice efforts, and surprisingly, aren't just copying the MacBook Air the way ASUS did with the UX21/31 line.

What's also nice to see is that many of the Ultrabooks announced have Thunderbolt ports. Once these notebooks hit the market, that should stimulate demand for Thunderbolt peripherals. I'd like to see more Thunderbolt displays, reasonably priced hubs (not Belkin's $300 one with no USB 3.0 support), and portable hard drives/SSDs.

 

[boy-better-know]

the main draw for the windows lappies is the ability to get a respectable GPU for gaming for well under 2k. I believe even Dell's base model XPS allows you to choose one. I realize its very unapple to...but they really should offer choices across their entire line (sans Air given thermal considerations) from the 13MBP to the mini

Absolutely, gaming would be the only reason I would buy Windows, but I am a Playstation fanboy and really don't like PC gaming. So I guess it was a personal comment, Dell does nothing for me, it just makes me think of plastic. 

 

[jterp7]

Absolutely, gaming would be the only reason I would buy Windows, but I am a Playstation fanboy and really don't like PC gaming. So I guess it was a personal comment, Dell does nothing for me, it just makes me think of plastic. 

yeah my 3 yr old quadcore GTX260 "gaming" machine still does fine right now. I wonder if an SSD would fix things, but I've been using the TB + air for both surfing and work for a while now. Only flash streaming will bring the air to its knees.

 

[something3153]

It's somewhat laughable that people are questioning the benefits of Mac OS. It's overall a more enjoyable and reliable experience. Plain and simple. I'd take a MacBook Air over any of the mentioned ultrabooks.

For some people. Personally, I rank OSes in the order of Linux, Windows, OSX. Fortunately for me, I can run the first two on (essentially) any hardware, so I get to pick the best hardware. Apple has come close on a few occasions, but the screen resolution has usually killed the deal.

To be fair, the big issue (to me) with the XPS 13z is that screen resolution. If they don't resolve that by the time IVB appears, I'll likely get the next HP Spectre. If Apple really puts a truly high-resolution screen into a 13-14" package this year, that will sell me. Viewing the hardware through the cold light of objectivity, Apple is on par with high-end PCs, but nothing remarkable, especially when price is considered.

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Absolutely, gaming would be the only reason I would buy Windows, but I am a Playstation fanboy and really don't like PC gaming. So I guess it was a personal comment, Dell does nothing for me, it just makes me think of plastic. 

Carbon fiber is very much not "plastic", at least in the sense you're implying.

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This is very important for me too. I want my computers to run smoothly and seamlessly without having to mess around with drivers, updates and what not.

Do I take this to mean you don't install updates for OSX?

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Same here. I believe that's the number one proof that OSX is simply superior: we've ALL used both, and we've ALL opted for OSX. That's iron-solid proof right there that customers speak with their wallets.

Except that I've used OSX and come away wondering what the big deal is. Pretty hardware, but the OS drives me batty. Ubuntu's use of some of their OS elements has me thinking about putting W7 on my current laptop.

 

[gentlefury]

For some people. Personally, I rank OSes in the order of Linux, Windows, OSX. Fortunately for me, I can run the first two on (essentially) any hardware, so I get to pick the best hardware. Apple has come close on a few occasions, but the screen resolution has usually killed the deal.

To be fair, the big issue (to me) with the XPS 13z is that screen resolution. If they don't resolve that by the time IVB appears, I'll likely get the next HP Spectre. If Apple really puts a truly high-resolution screen into a 13-14" package this year, that will sell me. Viewing the hardware through the cold light of objectivity, Apple is on par with high-end PCs, but nothing remarkable, especially when price is considered.

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Carbon fiber is very much not "plastic", at least in the sense you're implying.

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Do I take this to mean you don't install updates for OSX?

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Except that I've used OSX and come away wondering what the big deal is. Pretty hardware, but the OS drives me batty. Ubuntu's use of some of their OS elements has me thinking about putting W7 on my current laptop.

Use it for work and you will understand why its so good. I personally use mostly OSX and Linux and I think they are both world ahead of windows.

 

[boy-better-know]

[/COLOR]

Carbon fiber is very much not "plastic", at least in the sense you're implying.

Personal view pal, don't take it so personally.

 

[alphaod]

If you need OS X, then you don't really have a choice.

If you don't care about your choice of OS, then I would consider whatever gives your best bang for the buck so to speak.

 

[cirus]

Does it run OS X?

No?

FAIL!!!!

So even if dell made an ultrabook that was 10x faster with the equivalent of a GTX 580 and 20 hour battery life, a 3D holographic projector, controlled by your thoughts it would still fail?

It can't run OSX because apple said so. What you are saying is that no matter WHAT dell does this XPS 13 will still fail?

Dell can't make it run OSX, give them credit they are competing the best they can.

 

[KnightWRX]

If you need OS X, then you don't really have a choice.

And unless you're running some kind of OS X exclusive application (aside from Apple's own, is there really such a beast ?), then you don't need OS X. You probably want OS X, but that's a different matter alltogether.

 

[theSeb]

And unless you're running some kind of OS X exclusive application (aside from Apple's own, is there really such a beast ?), then you don't need OS X. You probably want OS X, but that's a different matter alltogether.

And that's what it comes down to at the end of the day. Many people enjoy using OSX. I also don't mind using Win7, but I find myself missing features, like virtual desktops.

 

[ericDylan]

So even if dell made an ultrabook that was 10x faster with the equivalent of a GTX 580 and 20 hour battery life, a 3D holographic projector, controlled by your thoughts it would still fail?

It can't run OSX because apple said so. What you are saying is that no matter WHAT dell does this XPS 13 will still fail?

Dell can't make it run OSX, give them credit they are competing the best they can.

While I see your point, it is moot. If Dell had all of those amazing features, Apple would likely have them as well. All manufacturers have the same general technology available to them. We already know Apple makes quality computers, so it usually comes down to software. Most people that have used both OSs would likely choose OS X given a choice.

And unless you're running some kind of OS X exclusive application (aside from Apple's own, is there really such a beast ?), then you don't need OS X. You probably want OS X, but that's a different matter alltogether.

Why is that a different matter? People buy what they want. If what they want is OS X is what they want, then they will buy Apple products--not Dell. This is the basis of the entire discussion.

And that's what it comes down to at the end of the day. Many people enjoy using OSX. I also don't mind using Win7, but I find myself missing features, like virtual desktops.

This is exactly how I feel. I can use Win7, but, if I had a choice, I would not. I just enjoy OS X much more. It works better for me. So, for me, this Dell XPS does "fail".

 

[KnightWRX]

Why is that a different matter? People buy what they want. If what they want is OS X is what they want, then they will buy Apple products--not Dell. This is the basis of the entire discussion.

It's different because a "want" is not a "need". Sometimes, a "want" is quite harder to justify price wise than a "need" is.

 

[michaelz]

So even if dell made an ultrabook that was 10x faster with the equivalent of a GTX 580 and 20 hour battery life, a 3D holographic projector, controlled by your thoughts it would still fail?

It can't run OSX because apple said so. What you are saying is that no matter WHAT dell does this XPS 13 will still fail?

Dell can't make it run OSX, give them credit they are competing the best they can.

It's not about specs. That's why windows PCs are failing. All they know is specs... FAIL!!!

 

[jterp7]

It's different because a "want" is not a "need". Sometimes, a "want" is quite harder to justify price wise than a "need" is.

Not really. Only in the case of the 13" mba is this true. If u want to game the mac is not very cost effective. Otherwise they'd let u spec the base mbp with a 6970m

 

[gpat]

This is about OSX versus Windows.

If you prefer Windows, a Dell will suit you better, and probably get you better hardware for less money.

If you prefer OS X, you really have no other options beside getting a Mac, or watching the market for the craziest deal you can get in exchange for your OS of choice.

That XPS looks like a sleek machine, by the way. But it's not perfect. The black palm resting area looks like it can get greasy and gross (Apple didn't release a black Air because of that, I think), and.. WTF is with the font on the keyboard keys? It looks like something from a cheap science fiction movie.

 

[gentlefury]

And unless you're running some kind of OS X exclusive application (aside from Apple's own, is there really such a beast ?), then you don't need OS X. You probably want OS X, but that's a different matter alltogether.

Final Cut Pro (no not the new iMovie upgrade)

 

[LordVic]

Final Cut Pro (no not the new iMovie upgrade)

if you NEED it, then yes, that would be a very valid reason to go with OSx over windows as it is a platform specific application.

however, for the MOST of the users. it's a personal preference. Despite what everyones fanboyism says, Neither OS is really "better" than the other. they each handle things their own way, and which OS you want to use is generally based on personal preference.

Being this is a Mac themed forum, you will likely find more OSx fans here than windows.

But if you went to a Windows forum, you'll see the exact opposite.

Which OS is better is purely subjective and this is why I sit and laugh at most of the people who make claims that "OSx IS SUPERIOR OS" and "GOING TO WINDOWS IS A DOWNGRADE"

It's not about specs. That's why windows PCs are failing. All they know is specs... FAIL!!!

its completely about spec's. COMPLETELY. Operating system itself is 2ndary. If your computer isn't powerful enough for the tasks you're throwing at it, but has the OS you like, The computer itself is still "fail".

My desktop PC runs windows. has 16gb RAM, Quad core, dual 560ti's and i'm regularly transcoding DVD's and video files to mobile formats. it takes a ew minutes.

So according to your logic, because it runs windows. it's a crappy machine, and I should have opted for the more expensive, Apple computer, Ran my transcodes at less speed, just so i could have OSx.

 

[gentlefury]

if you NEED it, then yes, that would be a very valid reason to go with OSx over windows as it is a platform specific application.

however, for the MOST of the users. it's a personal preference. Despite what everyones fanboyism says, Neither OS is really "better" than the other. they each handle things their own way, and which OS you want to use is generally based on personal preference.

Being this is a Mac themed forum, you will likely find more OSx fans here than windows.

But if you went to a Windows forum, you'll see the exact opposite.

Which OS is better is purely subjective and this is why I sit and laugh at most of the people who make claims that "OSx IS SUPERIOR OS" and "GOING TO WINDOWS IS A DOWNGRADE"

I disagree. I like OSX for everyday tasks. I have windows 7 installed on all my macs but only use it for gaming. When I leave it on it is really annoying to work with. File explorer really sucks compared to Finder. Start menu is crap compared to spotlight. OSX gestures makes having a small single screen extremely fast and useable....windows is just a mess. Terminal is all unix commands...CMD is BS DOS commands. In every way OSX is far superior!

I personally use Windows, OSX and Linux on a daily basis for work, and I highly appreciate the speed and ease of use OSX provides. I personally would badmouth Mac until I started working in it...and I got to really love it.

 

[LordVic]

I disagree. I like OSX for everyday tasks. I have windows 7 installed on all my macs but only use it for gaming. When I leave it on it is really annoying to work with. File explorer really sucks compared to Finder. Start menu is crap compared to spotlight. OSX gestures makes having a small single screen extremely fast and useable....windows is just a mess. Terminal is all unix commands...CMD is BS DOS commands. In every way OSX is far superior!

I personally use Windows, OSX and Linux on a daily basis for work, and I highly appreciate the speed and ease of use OSX provides. I personally would badmouth Mac until I started working in it...and I got to really love it.

but again. this is all your personal opinion on how it functions. Completely Subjective. this doesn't mean one OS is better than another. Just for YOU it is.

And i will never tell you you're wrong. By all means, Everyone should be using what they are most comfortable using.

But telling someone else they're using a "fail" operating system. or a "fail computer" because it uses windows is pure fanboy

 

[gentlefury]

but again. this is all your personal opinion on how it functions. Completely Subjective. this doesn't mean one OS is better than another. Just for YOU it is.

And i will never tell you you're wrong. By all means, Everyone should be using what they are most comfortable using.

But telling someone else they're using a "fail" operating system. or a "fail computer" because it uses windows is pure fanboy

But if I prefer one over the other than I can say that one is better than the other. I am only concerned with my own personal experience. I don't get paid if you buy a mac. I couldn't care less. But I can express my opinion of which I think is best and why.

 

[LordVic]

But if I prefer one over the other than I can say that one is better than the other. I am only concerned with my own personal experience. I don't get paid if you buy a mac. I couldn't care less. But I can express my opinion of which I think is best and why.

I think my general statement didn't apply to you directly. i was using the general "you". more like the french "vous".

I would never tell another person that the OS they enjoy using most is a failure and that they're bad with computers cause they like one over the other. Or many of the other ridiculous claims you see thrown around places like these forums.

The statement you said here alone actually makes me believe ya do have a head on your shoulders

Yes, you can express your opinion. everyone can. There's nothing wrong with people saying "I like OSx better because..."

it's posts like the below quoted which makes the stereotype of the typical apple user being a starbucks resident hipster.

It's somewhat laughable that people are questioning the benefits of Mac OS. It's overall a more enjoyable and reliable experience. Plain and simple. I'd take a MacBook Air over any of the mentioned ultrabooks.

Same here. I believe that's the number one proof that OSX is simply superior: we've ALL used both, and we've ALL opted for OSX. That's iron-solid proof right there that customers speak with their wallets.

This is very important for me too. I want my computers to run smoothly and seamlessly without having to mess around with drivers, updates and what not.

The groups of people you listed make up an infinitesimal percentage of all Mac users. When I said everyone, I meant everyone. I have never met a person that has preferred Windows over OS X after having used both.

I believe Macs are better because the software and hardware are so deeply integrated. The software is made specifically for the hardware and utilizes the hardware much more efficiently.

Does it run OS X?

No?

FAIL!!!!

It's not about specs. That's why windows PCs are failing. All they know is specs... FAIL!!!

These people really need to examine their love affair with apple

 

[tom vilsack]

mods can you please lock this topic...when i started the thread i was simply ponting out design features of dell,and hoping that apple would take notice....i didn't want this to be a osx vs windows thing ect ect

guess i should have know better when i compared another computer to the air...

thxs