Can't Decide: MBP 13 inch vs Lenovo t450s

[Bankaimadness]

Ok I been doing research and the T450s seems to be a bit better?

I went to Lenovo.com and did a configuration. Choosing the ips panel 1920x1080 resolution, the t450s came out at about $953.

While the basic MBP 13 inch is $1,099 with worse specs and a bit heavier.

3.5 pound for the t450s vs the 4.5LB for the MBP 13 inch.

Well specs aside there is still build quality.

How is the build quality for the T450s vs the MBP 13 inch? Anyone here have a feel of the two computers?

 

[blaine07]

Your asking this on a MacBook forum said; opinions might be biased.

 

[Bankaimadness]

Your asking this on a MacBook forum said; opinions might be biased.

Well I do have an account here and I am too lazy to ask in a more neutral forum because I have to create an account. :/

Right now I rank build quality/portability/durability a bit over specs.

That's why I am considering a MBP since I have heard that Apple computers are high quality. HOw does it compared to the thinkpad line in that regard though?

 

[AustinIllini]

Like any debate between two unlike things, it all comes down to what fundamentally makes them different...

OPERATING SYSTEM

I would choose OS X 100% of the time (my work machine is a Windows notebook).

 

[Bankaimadness]

Like any debate between two unlike things, it all comes down to what fundamentally makes them different...

OPERATING SYSTEM

I would choose OS X 100% of the time (my work machine is a Windows notebook).

Two unlike things? These two "unlike" things are still both computer. I just want a computer with good quality.

Yes, I am leaning towards OSX because it looks a lot better than Windows 8.1. ( A TOTAL MESS COMPARED TO WINDOWS 7).

But the specs are abysmal compared to the thinkpad. However, since I am not a heavy gamer I don't really think it matters that much besides the resolution/ips panel that the t450s have over the MBP.


So right now I want build quality/durability. Which will satisfy me more?

 

[ilikewhey]

spent another 200 bucks and get a retina model

the new retina is 2 generation ahead in cpu. 14nm vs 22nm

 

[yjchua95]

Two unlike things? These two "unlike" things are still both computer. I just want a computer with good quality.

Yes, I am leaning towards OSX because it looks a lot better than Windows 8.1. ( A TOTAL MESS COMPARED TO WINDOWS 7).

But the specs are abysmal compared to the thinkpad. However, since I am not a heavy gamer I don't really think it matters that much besides the resolution/ips panel that the t450s have over the MBP.


So right now I want build quality/durability. Which will satisfy me more?

You would be better off adding a bit more money to your budget and springing for a retina MBP.

It's a disgrace that Apple is still selling the now 3-year old non-retina MBP that doesn't even have an SSD. The lack of a retina display is also a major turn off, and so is the far heavier weight.

 

[CaptainChunk]

Yeah, comparing that Lenovo to a MacBook Pro model with 3-year old hardware is kind of silly. The fact that Apple is still charging $1,099 for that thing is lunacy. It's an $800 laptop at best these days...

The more appropriate comparison would be the base 13" Retina MacBook Pro and a Lenovo customized most closely to that model.

Base rMBP:
2.7GHz i5-5257U (3.1GHz max turbo)
8GB RAM
Intel Iris 6100 Graphics
128GB SSD
Retina Display (2560x1600)
$1,299

Closest T450s
2.3GHz i5-5300 (2.9GHz max turbo)
8GB RAM
Intel HD 5500 Graphics
128GB SSD
1080p IPS Display (1920x1080)
$1,151.10 (as customized)

The rMBP is a bit more expensive (by about 11%) in this comparison, but...

1. It has faster CPUs with higher thermal thresholds (28W vs. 15W parts) and they're able to maintain faster clock speeds for longer periods.

2. Apple uses the top-spec Broadwell i5 chips with Intel's best integrated GPUs.

3. Apple currently has the fastest SSD in the business.

4. The Retina Display has the Lenovo's IPS display beat on resolution and pixel density.

5. NOBODY makes a better multi-gesture trackpad than Apple.

On a side note, the rMBP weighs about the same as the T450s at 3.5 lbs. Neither would be considered ultralight, but they won't beat up your shoulder.

A lot of people bash Apple for being expensive, but when compared fairly on a spec-to-spec basis, you'll find that this isn't always the case.

 

[z31fanatic]

The only reason to choose the classic MBP over the Lenovo is if you really really can't do without OSX. Otherwise the Lenovo is a much better buy.
But if you want a MBP, you should add $200 more and get the base MBP with the Retina display.
The cMBP is a joke especially at that price. You'd have to be really uninformed to buy one.

 

[yangchewren]

Yeah, comparing that Lenovo to a MacBook Pro model with 3-year old hardware is kind of silly. The fact that Apple is still charging $1,099 for that thing is lunacy. It's an $800 laptop at best these days...

..............

On a side note, the rMBP weighs about the same as the T450s at 3.5 lbs. Neither would be considered ultralight, but they won't beat up your shoulder.

A lot of people bash Apple for being expensive, but when compared fairly on a spec-to-spec basis, you'll find that this isn't always the case.

This was a very nice and accurate comparison! I agree that both laptops present good and equivalent value for their price.

Being an owner of two T4X0 series laptops, I would like to add two more points in favour of the rMBP:
-2 X thunderbolt ports, this goes an extremely long way in future compatibility with new port standards as they are essentially PCI-E.
-Significantly longer battery life on wifi 9 hours vs 5.5 hours.

And 3 points in disfavour of the rMBP:
-No built in ethernet port, must get a USB 3.0 or adaptor for that
-No sim card slot, if you don't want a dongle and wish to purchase a WWAN card, the t450s will be awesome.
-SSD interface is proprietary on the rMBP vs an easily upgradeable 2.5" standard on the t450s

References:
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-ThinkPad-T450s-Ultrabook-Review.137248.0.html
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Apple-MacBook-Pro-Retina-13-Early-2015-Notebook-Review.139621.0.html

 

[Meister]

You should buy Lenovo until you learned your lesson to stay the **** away from windows.

 

[maflynn]

Well specs aside there is still build quality.

How is the build quality for the T450s vs the MBP 13 inch? Anyone here have a feel of the two computers?

Lenovo's is one of the better Pc makers, so the build quality is there. If you're getting a faster machine for less $$ then go for it.

Personally, with broadwell just around the corner, I'd hold off and see what apple does (and even Lenovo).

If you cannot wait, then go for Lenovo.

I really like what MS is doing with Windows right now. Windows 10 is shaping up to be a great OS, its tech preview that I'm running on my SP3 is rock solid. Seems to have less bugs or issues then Yosemite does. I don't think you'll regret the Lenovo though as I mention, I do think you may be better waiting if you can

 

[mbezzo]

Not sure if someone has already pointed this out, but the 13" retina is only 3.48 pounds (the 15" is 4.46) so weight is basically identical between the two. But, FWIW, I work at a place that exclusively uses Lenovo laptops and well, the build quality/feel on the Macs is way better. The plastic is just... cheapy and they're super bendy. The trackpad has improved (T440 is maybe worst trackpad ever!) but it's still got NOTHING on Apple trackpads

 

[bubulol]

Lenovo's is one of the better Pc makers, so the build quality is there. If you're getting a faster machine for less $$ then go for it.

Personally, with broadwell just around the corner, I'd hold off and see what apple does (and even Lenovo).

If you cannot wait, then go for Lenovo.

I really like what MS is doing with Windows right now. Windows 10 is shaping up to be a great OS, its tech preview that I'm running on my SP3 is rock solid. Seems to have less bugs or issues then Yosemite does. I don't think you'll regret the Lenovo though as I mention, I do think you may be better waiting if you can

+1, i had Lenovo Thinkpad on the past, great perf, rock solid...
Along Vaio and Dell, they are dedicated toward pro, that's mean its way better than any windows laptop for general public
And another +1 for W10, i am looking forward to install it with bootcamp
OSX + W10, it will look good and cover all my needs

 

[CaptainChunk]

Personally, with broadwell just around the corner, I'd hold off and see what apple does (and even Lenovo).

Hmmm...The two machines the OP is comparing are dual-core and are already equipped with Broadwell.

 

[leman]

Are you talking about the non-retina model? Of course get the Lenovo.

 

[glenthompson]

Ok I been doing research and the T450s seems to be a bit better?

I went to Lenovo.com and did a configuration. Choosing the ips panel 1920x1080 resolution, the t450s came out at about $953.

While the basic MBP 13 inch is $1,099 with worse specs and a bit heavier.

3.5 pound for the t450s vs the 4.5LB for the MBP 13 inch.

Well specs aside there is still build quality.

How is the build quality for the T450s vs the MBP 13 inch? Anyone here have a feel of the two computers?

I used IBM/Lenovo laptops for years at work. For Windows laptops I think they are about the best you can get. Would I buy one now? No, I'm very happy running OS X and have no desire to return to Windows. The few times a year I have to use it just reinforces why I switched to the Mac.

Yes, you will find laptops with better specs and pricing than a Macbook but you won't find a better combination of hardware and software.

 

[Bankaimadness]

Not sure if someone has already pointed this out, but the 13" retina is only 3.48 pounds (the 15" is 4.46) so weight is basically identical between the two. But, FWIW, I work at a place that exclusively uses Lenovo laptops and well, the build quality/feel on the Macs is way better. The plastic is just... cheapy and they're super bendy. The trackpad has improved (T440 is maybe worst trackpad ever!) but it's still got NOTHING on Apple trackpads

Plastic is cheap?

YOu are talking about Lenovo thinkpads right?

 

[Samuelsan2001]

This

Yeah, comparing that Lenovo to a MacBook Pro model with 3-year old hardware is kind of silly. The fact that Apple is still charging $1,099 for that thing is lunacy. It's an $800 laptop at best these days...

The more appropriate comparison would be the base 13" Retina MacBook Pro and a Lenovo customized most closely to that model.

Base rMBP:
2.7GHz i5-5257U (3.1GHz max turbo)
8GB RAM
Intel Iris 6100 Graphics
128GB SSD
Retina Display (2560x1600)
$1,299

Closest T450s
2.3GHz i5-5300 (2.9GHz max turbo)
8GB RAM
Intel HD 5500 Graphics
128GB SSD
1080p IPS Display (1920x1080)
$1,151.10 (as customized)

The rMBP is a bit more expensive (by about 11%) in this comparison, but...

1. It has faster CPUs with higher thermal thresholds (28W vs. 15W parts) and they're able to maintain faster clock speeds for longer periods.

2. Apple uses the top-spec Broadwell i5 chips with Intel's best integrated GPUs.

3. Apple currently has the fastest SSD in the business.

4. The Retina Display has the Lenovo's IPS display beat on resolution and pixel density.

5. NOBODY makes a better multi-gesture trackpad than Apple.

On a side note, the rMBP weighs about the same as the T450s at 3.5 lbs. Neither would be considered ultralight, but they won't beat up your shoulder.

A lot of people bash Apple for being expensive, but when compared fairly on a spec-to-spec basis, you'll find that this isn't always the case.

This is a perfect comparison and Apple has them beaten hands down on specs and build quality, get the rMBP.

 

[Bankaimadness]

After looking at the Retina display 13 inch, the decision DEFINITELY got a whole lot harder.

It looks really good and portable but is the retina resolution really that much better compared to say a 1920x1080 IPS screen on a 14/12.5 (Looking at the Thinkpad x250 too which weight in at around 2.88 lb!!!!!!!)

Would I be able to notice significant difference?

Also I would prefer a matte screen that the Lenovo thinkpad has. THe mbp retina has a glossy display IIRC.

I got a spare Samsung EVO SSD at home so I can cut the cost of the Lenovo thinkpad under $1000.

Right now specs don't matter as much for me than Build quality and durability. I just want a computer that can take some punishment (Traveling/and such).

I don't think a fast processor is going to matter much if I am just using the laptop for youtube, excel, work, and etc. I am not producing videos or going to be playing much games on it.

Correct me if I am wrong though.

 

[iamnotme]

Well as far as the screen goes, I had a Dell inspiron 14 7000 for a year and a half before I got my 13rMbp. Once you use the retina screen for a while, looking at a dell screen is pretty bad. It's not only about resolution but also colour depth. Mac screens are light years ahead of anyone else.

 

[scaredpoet]

After looking at the Retina display 13 inch, the decision DEFINITELY got a whole lot harder.

It looks really good and portable but is the retina resolution really that much better compared to say a 1920x1080 IPS screen on a 14/12.5

Yep.

Would I be able to notice significant difference?

Yep.

Also I would prefer a matte screen that the Lenovo thinkpad has. THe mbp retina has a glossy display IIRC.

It does, but you can also get an ant-glare matte cover for it.

Right now specs don't matter as much for me than Build quality and durability. I just want a computer that can take some punishment (Traveling/and such).

Both should be capable of taking abuse just fine, though the Lenovo will likely show wear much more prominently.

The Lenovo has a plastic outer casing, but the inner support frame is still metal, so the structure should remain intact even if the outer case looks bad/crumbles/cracks.

The Macs are unibody: the metal exterior IS the support frame.

I don't think a fast processor is going to matter much if I am just using the laptop for youtube, excel, work, and etc. I am not producing videos or going to be playing much games on it.

Correct me if I am wrong though.

You have to take into account not just what you're doing now, but what you might be doing in the not too distant future.

 

[Vilacr]

Lenovo X1 Carbon

Have you looked into the lenovo X1 carbon? Really nice windows laptop.

 

[TLmac]

You should buy Lenovo until you learned your lesson to stay the **** away from windows.

Just have to say this made me chuckle!

Windows 8 has easily taught me to hate it!!

I've always had computer/Windows issues but never as bad as with Windows 8!!

 

[Reidan]

We purchase primarily Lenovo at work. Even so, I have 2 Windows Laptops for work, a T440 and a 2 year old Dell Latitude. And I am typing this reply on a 2015 13" rMBP, which is my personal laptop.

Between the 3, the touch pad on the Lenovo sucks. I like the new Apple Force Touch pad best, and even the Dell way more than the Lenovo. The Lenovo is loose and extremely inaccurate. Once you get the mouse pointer on target, most of the time the act of pressing in to click makes the mouse pointer move. I hate it so much that I will not use it and keep 2 mice (wired and wireless) in my bag.

I have used a Carbon X1, some better than the T series, but not much.

If I were making the decision between the a T450 and a rMBP. The touch pad alone would make the decision for me. Without even taking the other features that others here have already discussed.

Edit to add: The issue is not just with my T440. It happens on every T440 and T540 that I have ever used.