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I have no issues with battery and Mobile Tech Review, Lisa (a very honest reviewer) calls it the Energizer Bunny saying that she couldn't kill it even trying.

As far as letting objects in no one has reported that as being an issue, oh but hold on! There are numerous reports of MacBook screens cracking from things as simple as a piece of paper or staple getting between the screen and lid... Think about that for a moment. The Surface Book weighs very little and there is nothing to get in the way of it being portable. You are grasping at straws to try and prove the MacBook superior. Given its many issues this is a lost cause. People are not calling Microsoft because of something as basic as a keyboard failing.

Again all of the things you are complaining about are subjective. They are not actual issues unless you make them so. Oh the other hand MacBook... T2 chip reboots, keyboard failures, cracked screens, loose ports, what am I missing? Oh yes speakers crackling... And you know what if you don't want a Surface Book, but a straight up laptop, there is always the Surface laptop. What does it tell you that Microsoft, a company that just started with hardware offers more options than a company that has been in the game for years?

Not subjective. The hinge does not allow for the device to fold completely. It creates a thick bulge.
 
Even though I decided to purchase a Dell XPS 15 two years ago to replace my 2011 MBP, I still have wanted a MBP ever since still and that still hold true today. That doesn't mean that I regret my XPS decision, because I don't - it was $1000 cheaper than the comparable MBP - but I still can't help checking out MBPs every so often. It often feels more premium than my XPS, I miss macOS and its software, and I miss the integration with iOS (calendars, iMessage, continuity, passwords, apps). Having a Windows laptop while having everything else Apple feels like it goes against my nature and also my stance on privacy, but again, $1000 in my pocket.

I'm not sure whether there will be a MBP in the next 1-2 years that compels me to sell my XPS and buy one, or if I'll just use the XPS till it drops and then get a MBP, but I do see myself going back to MBPs, and therefore back to all Apple, in the future, hopefully when these reliability issues are worked out, maybe the touchbar will be optional, and when the MBP provides a better value. For my use cases and what I like in my technology, it's still the best laptop out there, but the value wasn't and still isn't there for me yet.
 
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Even though I decided to purchase a Dell XPS 15 two years ago to replace my 2011 MBP, I still have wanted a MBP ever since still and that still hold true today. That doesn't mean that I regret my XPS decision, because I don't - it was $1000 cheaper than the comparable MBP - but I still can't help checking out MBPs every so often. It often feels more premium than my XPS, I miss macOS and its software, and I miss the integration with iOS (calendars, iMessage, continuity, passwords, apps). Having a Windows laptop while having everything else Apple feels like it goes against my nature and also my stance on privacy, but again, $1000 in my pocket.

I'm not sure whether there will be a MBP in the next 1-2 years that compels me to sell my XPS and buy one, or if I'll just use the XPS till it drops and then get a MBP, but I do see myself going back to MBPs, and therefore back to all Apple, in the future, hopefully when these reliability issues are worked out, maybe the touchbar will be optional, and when the MBP provides a better value. For my use cases and what I like in my technology, it's still the best laptop out there, but the value wasn't and still isn't there for me yet.

If I was going to switch from using Mac laptops (and objectively, I should), the Dell XPS 15 9570 would be at the very top of my list. It's just about perfect.
 
Not subjective. The hinge does not allow for the device to fold completely. It creates a thick bulge.

And that is not an issue. It in no way interferes with the use of the device. The device wasn't designed to close because the computer is in the top part and the hinge has to support it. It is a part of the innovation (true innovation) that allows it to do what it does, dethatch into two parts. Just because you don't like it or have no use for it doesn't make it a problem.

All of the issues I listed on the Mac side interfere with it's use. This is particular true if it is off at the shop being repaired.
 
Windows is just so....so square, the file system, cmds and platform are make for i donna soulless users?
The os is a flat uninspiring experience and too much text, especially with Outlook mail the notifications are annoying and everything is to make a buck!
Oh.....this is my experience after 12 days using windows 10 at work!

Now do i buy a new mba 2018 or new mbair 2017?
 
Not subjective. The hinge does not allow for the device to fold completely. It creates a thick bulge.

I guess a bulge is in the eye of the beholder? I mean it does bulge, but I never found it to be annoyingly thick. Just thicker than the other end, but these things are subjective. You say thick, I say it’s just thicker.

It’s a decent trade-off for being able to remove the display and use it as a tablet or take it off, flip it around and re-attach it in studio mode.

I don’t own a Surface Book myself, but I do admire the concept of the design and think that there are a lot of things MS got right. Looking forward to seeing what they do with the Surface Book 3 this October.
 
Windows is just so....so square, the file system, cmds and platform are make for i donna soulless users?
The os is a flat uninspiring experience and too much text, especially with Outlook mail the notifications are annoying and everything is to make a buck!
Oh.....this is my experience after 12 days using windows 10 at work!

Now do i buy a new mba 2018 or new mbair 2017?

Well beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and I can assure you that as an artist I am anything but soul less. But your comment is very typical of many Mac users. You care so much about how the operating system looks. I think Windows looks fine, but to me it is all about how it works. I work, play, paint, and game with no issues. It has a fantastic sub system for 3D, it allows me a wide variety of choices of hardware. Those are the things that I care about. I don't start up or wake up my systems to look at them.

And what do you mean everything for a buck? Last time I checked Apple is the king of bleeding their users, Apple care, dongles, adapters, no fast charging, etc…
 
I guess a bulge is in the eye of the beholder? I mean it does bulge, but I never found it to be annoyingly thick. Just thicker than the other end, but these things are subjective. You say thick, I say it’s just thicker.

It’s a decent trade-off for being able to remove the display and use it as a tablet or take it off, flip it around and re-attach it in studio mode.

I don’t own a Surface Book myself, but I do admire the concept of the design and think that there are a lot of things MS got right. Looking forward to seeing what they do with the Surface Book 3 this October.

The point is that the device makes compromises. The hinge is not as good and functional as a regular laptop hinge. It doesn't mean it can't be used or doesn't serve a purpose, I'm making the point that the device has design compromises because of its 2-in-1 nature and how they chose to design it.

Some quotes about the device:

"So long, wobbly fulcrum hinge. Hello, 15-inch beauty."
The original Surface was wobbly: the hinge combined with the heavy screen created this problem. The new SB2 is better. But it doesn't change the limits on the degrees of motion, which affects its usability, or that it creates a bulge that affects is portability and causes a large gap and extra thickness to the device.

"My only concern is the weight distribution. It feels like it can be easily tipped over, and this is probably why the hinge stops where it does; to prevent that."

"I do wish the screen would tilt farther back like a surface pro because it is not comfortable to type on a short desk while standing".

A much better design is by Lenovo on their Yoga line. That hinge solves the problems that the Surface Book hinge creates.
 
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I, unfortunately, had to abandon ship.

Went to an XPS 15 as I found a great deal at Best Buy for an open box model. Have to say I am enjoying it so far, especially for the price.

The build quality is the best of the PC world and is just 75% there to an Apple product, but besides that, it does everything very well. Its battery life is great, it's keyboard is ok, the performance is nice, Windows is Windows, but to save $2000 on a device for the same specs is great.

I'm still saddened - I love my iPhone and have been a huge Apple fan since the iMac G3, and I used only Apple laptops since the black MacBook in 2006, but... they lost me.
 
I, unfortunately, had to abandon ship.

Went to an XPS 15 as I found a great deal at Best Buy for an open box model. Have to say I am enjoying it so far, especially for the price.

The build quality is the best of the PC world and is just 75% there to an Apple product, but besides that, it does everything very well. Its battery life is great, it's keyboard is ok, the performance is nice, Windows is Windows, but to save $2000 on a device for the same specs is great.

I'm still saddened - I love my iPhone and have been a huge Apple fan since the iMac G3, and I used only Apple laptops since the black MacBook in 2006, but... they lost me.

And you’re still hanging around here...

I give it three months until you’re back here, ditched it and Windows, and asking us which Mac to get...
 
And you’re still hanging around here...

I give it three months until you’re back here, ditched it and Windows, and asking us which Mac to get...

It’s because I love Apple, and what the company stands for. But their laptop lineup just wasn’t made for me this year, and unfortunately I’m moving across the world for a new job and don’t have time to pray that Apple revolutionizes their laptops.
 
Check Thinkpad series as well..specially X1 Extreme..you will be impressed. Much chepaer than MBP and best part is you can upgrade every part.

Is the reason for the Thinkpad recommendations tied to Unboxing Therapy recommendations in anyway?

The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.
 
Is the reason for the Thinkpad recommendations tied to Unboxing Therapy recommendations in anyway?

The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.

I see you're technically asking questions, but it's pretty clear that you are not a person interested in learning anything.
 
People gloss over or discount or forget that Mac OS X IS multi-touch. You use the trackpad to do this, and it's way more efficient than touching the screen with gorilla arms.

iOS and the mediums its perched on (iPad, iPhone) is a blown up iPod Touch that sucks for productivity. It does not compare in any respect to a Mac. The multi-tasking on it is a joke and absurd: the userflow of making two Apps split screen is as awkward as being strip searched.
just want to give my opinion..Touch screen is really helpful sometimes. I do stock market trading and i have a surface book. it is very very convenient in drawing trend lines and do some technical analysis. it is really handy. I never owned a Macbook or pro, i owned other non touch laptops.
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Is the reason for the Thinkpad recommendations tied to Unboxing Therapy recommendations in anyway?

The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.
this is the first time i am hearing something bad on 'Build quality of thinkpads'. Clearly you never used new gen Thinkpads. try getting your hand them in your local store.

i am not aware of that 'Unbox Therapy' thing until now..just googled it after your comment and i think he took wise decision.
 
The battery life has been noted as being substandard.

Actually, SB2 battery is way above the average. I’ve used one for almost 2 weeks, and the best part was battery life.

The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.

Have you actually used or even touched X1E?
Best build quality out there. And the most durable.
 
Actually, SB2 battery is way above the average. I’ve used one for almost 2 weeks, and the best part was battery life.



Have you actually used or even touched X1E?
Best build quality out there. And the most durable.

Ok so I went on the Aus Lenovo site and specced the X1E as I want it and did a comparison spec on Apple with the 15” MBP.


The cost difference was $2000 !!!! That is mental........

There is a 20% re-stocking fee if you don’t like it though, and there is no way to use it before ordering.
 
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If I was going to switch from using Mac laptops (and objectively, I should), the Dell XPS 15 9570 would be at the very top of my list. It's just about perfect.

I just want to point out that with the exception of Mac keyboard and flex cable issues, a lot of the random problems people have here.. issues like speakers crackling, coil whine, etc.. are the same problems many have with comparable Windows laptops by Lenovo, HP, and Dell as well.

Is Intel the common denominator?

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/XPS-15-9570-Audio-crackling-and-popping/td-p/6105798

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/9z1dbc/does_anyones_x1_extreme_not_have_coil_whine/

Dell's XPS forums strike me as having the most unhappy customers. I considered the 9570 but stayed away after seeing all the complaints there. I guess unfortunately it's a bit of a lottery no matter what brand you choose.

I stayed away from MacBooks since the 2015 models thinking I wouldn't be happy with the new design, keyboards, and usb-c only.. but I'm really happy with my 2018 model so far.
 
Is the reason for the Thinkpad recommendations tied to Unboxing Therapy recommendations in anyway?

The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.

You are so way off with the build quality. Built with Mil spec for durability and tested for such unlike the MacBook. For me the design of the X1 Extreme is more pleasant and not cold metal like the MacBook. But that is subjective. And why would I want to spend over $1,000 more for the Apple logo anyway. Apple used to mean something, but today its just another computer company that charges an arm and a leg. I had the MacBook 15" 2015 model and it worked just fine but now Apple is just producing so many issue riddled system and costing more that I abandon Apple Notebooks for the X1. Almost 2 months with one and haven't busted yet, nor blue screen or anyother issuses with the OS.
 
And what do you mean everything for a buck? Last time I checked Apple is the king of bleeding their users, Apple care, dongles, adapters, no fast charging, etc…
 does not have repetitive pop ups about buying dell , HP and other brands toners, monitors and other products while using Mojave as windows 10 constantly does.
 
 does not have repetitive pop ups about buying dell , HP and other brands toners, monitors and other products while using Mojave as windows 10 constantly does.
You must have some type of adware installed on your system. I use multiple Windows computers every day and never see anything remotely resembling this. This is the sort of misinformation that prevents Mac users from even trying Windows, despite 90% of the world running on it.
 
 does not have repetitive pop ups about buying dell , HP and other brands toners, monitors and other products while using Mojave as windows 10 constantly does.

That has nothing to do with Windows OS.
That is bloatware installed by Dell, HP etc. Blame the OEM's. You can easily uninstall that bloatware or do a clean Windows install from the Microsoft site.
 
The Thinkpad X1 line are pieces of trash. They’re cheap plastic, break extremely easily, and have no redeeming qualities other than looking like a 20 year old laptop.
I have to disagree, I find the quality durability to exceed that of the MBP, its a solid feeling machine that I'm very confident that it will last for years to come. I had no such feeling for the 2018 MBP
 
I just want to point out that with the exception of Mac keyboard and flex cable issues, a lot of the random problems people have here.. issues like speakers crackling, coil whine, etc.. are the same problems many have with comparable Windows laptops by Lenovo, HP, and Dell as well.

Is Intel the common denominator?

https://www.dell.com/community/XPS/XPS-15-9570-Audio-crackling-and-popping/td-p/6105798

https://www.reddit.com/r/thinkpad/comments/9z1dbc/does_anyones_x1_extreme_not_have_coil_whine/

Dell's XPS forums strike me as having the most unhappy customers. I considered the 9570 but stayed away after seeing all the complaints there. I guess unfortunately it's a bit of a lottery no matter what brand you choose.

I stayed away from MacBooks since the 2015 models thinking I wouldn't be happy with the new design, keyboards, and usb-c only.. but I'm really happy with my 2018 model so far.


I'm actually less concerned about hardware issues (but I do think Apple has quality control issues) and more concerned about the keyboards and keeping my options open.

I have a MacBook as my travel computer, and until fairly recently, I owned a 2011 MBP as a workstation. Using my own MB and playing with other's current MBP's, I really don't like current Apple keyboards, even if I haven't run into any issues nor do I know anyone personally who has. I actually was supposed to upgrade my 2011 MBP in 2016, but didn't like the selection, so delayed, using PC towers instead. At this point, I'm playing with the idea that for the $$$ I've budgeted, I can get a fairly decent Mac Mini, add RAM and an external GPU later if needed, and compliment it with a decent i7/8th gen Dell XPS 15, HP Spectre, or Razor Blade 15, where again, I can add RAM, SSDs and double task the same eGPU.
 
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