From what I've seen, the Apple tax on each model changes, revision to revision, but the mid to low-range MBP is hit the hardest, i.e. the base 15" now. Ignoring battery life, of course.
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Comparable non-Apple laptops?
- Thread starter Apolloe
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The biggest problem with the Apple Tax now is the fact the PC markets prices are plunging. If we compare specs and price it seems like the Apple tax is pushing nearly a thousand dollars or more on average
I have researched this thoroughly. My angle is that I do NOT want a large laptop. 13-14" is my preferred size. 15" I consider too big.
Tom's hardware link: Utter nonsense. Some are too large, some are ugly (alienware), some are just plain junk (Dell).
IMHO the best alternative I could find (excellent build quality, good technology, reputable manufacturer, good design, reasonable price) is the HP EliteBook 8440w. For $1635 you get a pretty good package. Since I will never be assimilated, I would have to switch to Linux or try OSX86. Reading Ubuntu and OSX86 boards convinced me that I will go insane (or at least every one of my hair will turn white) if I go that route. And I do have a PhD in hard sciences.
The Asus is probably another reasonable alternative. Sony Vaio Z: No because it does not fit both an SSD AND an HDD. And it does not have a security slot?!?
Unfortunately with this last update Apple is forcing me to move to the dreaded 15" form factor.
Tom's hardware link: Utter nonsense. Some are too large, some are ugly (alienware), some are just plain junk (Dell).
IMHO the best alternative I could find (excellent build quality, good technology, reputable manufacturer, good design, reasonable price) is the HP EliteBook 8440w. For $1635 you get a pretty good package. Since I will never be assimilated, I would have to switch to Linux or try OSX86. Reading Ubuntu and OSX86 boards convinced me that I will go insane (or at least every one of my hair will turn white) if I go that route. And I do have a PhD in hard sciences.
The Asus is probably another reasonable alternative. Sony Vaio Z: No because it does not fit both an SSD AND an HDD. And it does not have a security slot?!?
Unfortunately with this last update Apple is forcing me to move to the dreaded 15" form factor.
Just gonna say that you can take out the optical drive and install a hdd/sdd if you want, although you need to buy a separate bay adapter. and it also has a kensington slot if that's what you're talking about.
apple has forced me into the 15" also and it doesn't work well because of the lack of ports and price for antiglare etc. have you considered a thinkpad t410/s. I just ordered a t410 and it has a smaller footprint and is only .2" thicker (w/ the lid closed) and weighs less than a 15" mbp.. 1440x900 display can be had in the t410 for under $1k and you get express card, esata and so much more.
I've seen the exact same thing. Been comparing it to a Lenovo T510 and Dell Precision 15". Both of those options cost more than the new MBP 15" i7! So I'm in the same boat as you, certainly can't see the Mac tax in evidence here. Oh, and this is without factoring in the student discount.
please merge with the links from my erlier post, as it has a review on there aswel, thanx
