i'd question the accuracy of that data - if Square Trade is using only machines that have their warranties, the sample size may not be statistically valid.
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cant decide: base MBP 13" or HP Envy 14 Beats?
- Thread starter petp
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Either machine will do just fine - the question is what features does one have that the other doesn't that are must haves for you? One advantage of the MBP is that you can add Win7 via Bootcamp (if you want a native Win box) or a VM and have both options available. In addition, Wine and Crossover add the ability to run some Windows programs w/o installing Windows.
The one thing I dislike about my MBP is the two USB ports are so close together that plugging in two devices can be problematic because there isn't enough clearance between the plugs; resulting in the need for a hub or two usb extension cables.
Personally, for the same money, the MBP would be a better machine overall; especially if you plan to go with a 15" later - the resale value will lessen the impact.
I've never had luck with HP laptops and I do not know anyone who has had one for more than 2 years. The test cited is questionable for numerous reasons, but it does indicate some general trends. IMO their laptops are the least rugged and actual hardware pieces break easily (ex: plastic latch that is used to close it, button used to open it, screen tightness, cracked case, dead pixels, etc).
If longevity is a preference (which for most everyone it is), go for a MBP. Also, the touchpad on the Envy STINKS. I've also never liked the display much although I hate screens with native resolutions over 12xx by 8xx as I can't see anything so I am biased.
I got up to about $2900 before I felt that I had the options the same as the i7 MBP w/ Apple Care (except the Envy is quad core)...so price isn't all that different.
If longevity is a preference (which for most everyone it is), go for a MBP. Also, the touchpad on the Envy STINKS. I've also never liked the display much although I hate screens with native resolutions over 12xx by 8xx as I can't see anything so I am biased.
I got up to about $2900 before I felt that I had the options the same as the i7 MBP w/ Apple Care (except the Envy is quad core)...so price isn't all that different.
HP won't hold the value. Yes its a much better value and cheaper. Much faster CPU and graphics card and you can probably get a 300 off 1299 coupon and make the gap even worse. Im not going to use the reason that Apple>HP like you see in any thread with questions like this. That doesn't always hold true and there are many cases were people should not buy an apple. HP, especially consider its med/upper level notebooks only now, is not a bad choice on the PC side. It just won't hold value at all. No PC laptops ever do with rare exceptions.
Do you use your laptop for work? If so, what applications do you use for work and/or what do you need to be compatible with? This is all that matters.
I'll never forget how dissapointed those analysts were when we told them they dont get macs. They sit next to all these designers with spiffy new mac pros and macbook pros. They get Lenovo W510s. Reason? The W510 is a higher powered machine than any laptop Apple sells right now. Also, these guys used excel all day long. It doesnt make sense to burn up a parallels lic for someone who is always in windows. Just give them freaking windows.
I'll never forget how dissapointed those analysts were when we told them they dont get macs. They sit next to all these designers with spiffy new mac pros and macbook pros. They get Lenovo W510s. Reason? The W510 is a higher powered machine than any laptop Apple sells right now. Also, these guys used excel all day long. It doesnt make sense to burn up a parallels lic for someone who is always in windows. Just give them freaking windows.
You know Excel runs on Mac too right? Whats the point in buying them a top spec computer if they are running Excel anyway?
I went to the Micro Center site and the base Macbook Pro was $999. I was wondering why it's so cheap? Is it refurbished, because it seems new. How is it so cheap? The only reason I'm asking is because I don't trust online retailers that I have not heard of from a wide variety of consumers. I once ordered a pair of Jordans and saved $40 and ended up with a pair of shoes worth nothing.
Microcenter has offered the 13" MBP at that price for awhile. That's their standard price.
Excel on the mac has historically not supported the full range of features that the Windows version does. I havent had time to put office 2011 thru its paces yet, but 2008 for example does not support the same level of macros that the Windows equivalent does.
Also, when doing serious number crunching with Excel in a VM on a mac it becomes really apparent that you are only running on a VM. It may not seem slower for casual use, but when its grinding the gears you wish the extra abstraction layer of Parallels/Fusion wasnt in the way.
There are other apps which are different, better or only on windows. So If I was buying a laptop, I would evaluate what apps I need, then pick my laptop.
Realistically most suites that exist on both platforms are substantially different. EG of all the key commands I got used to in Photoshop on the PC about 75% dont exist on the Mac. (I used to work in print publishing in a PC only shop, really!).
Same goes for office. The mac and pc versions are developed by completely differnent teams and share very little in common. They should change the name of the mac suite entirely. Especially after how bad Entourage 2008 was!
One of my mates has a Hp Envy 15" i7, and compared to my Macbook Pro 13" it seems kinda slow.
My Macbook Pro is 100% standard, i have installed both Windows 7 and OSX on it. In Windows 7, the boot time, load times, and the screen seems a lot better on the Macbook - and this is gets better when running OSX.
When running a game like League of Legends (Both running Windows 7) the Envy gets HOT in around 30 minutes. The Macbook stays pretty cool, but the fan makes a bit more noise. The loading time is quicker on the Macbook, but both seems to be pretty similar in-game.
I know League of Legends isen't a "high-performance" game, but the Macbook runs it fluid
Ps. The touchpad on the Envy SUX compared to the one on the Macbook. Even this is enough to choice the Macbook + the extra battery.
My Macbook Pro is 100% standard, i have installed both Windows 7 and OSX on it. In Windows 7, the boot time, load times, and the screen seems a lot better on the Macbook - and this is gets better when running OSX.
When running a game like League of Legends (Both running Windows 7) the Envy gets HOT in around 30 minutes. The Macbook stays pretty cool, but the fan makes a bit more noise. The loading time is quicker on the Macbook, but both seems to be pretty similar in-game.
I know League of Legends isen't a "high-performance" game, but the Macbook runs it fluid
Ps. The touchpad on the Envy SUX compared to the one on the Macbook. Even this is enough to choice the Macbook + the extra battery.
A powerbook g4, a large ipod, and a small ipod aren't going to a decent laptop for web-browsing.
They are NOT refurbished. How do they do it successfully? Not sure. But they've been doing so for quite a while.
Microcenter is a long time brick and mortar store chain. The store near me has been there since before I moved to the area fourteen years ago.
Although I think they do offer some degree of online sales, they are primarily brick & mortar, which is perhaps why you've not heard much about them as an online retailer.
Since the Macbook Pro 13" deal is in-store only, it really doesn't matter. You'll have the opportunity to check out the box and so for as you're standing at the register handing over your credit card... assuming you can physically get to a Microcenter store. If you can't, then the deal isn't available to you.