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If the MacBook Pro didn't have Mac OS X, would you still buy it at the same price?
- Thread starter iAppleseed
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I've seen some posters who've mentioned they only run Windows on their MBPs. Don't really see the point myself but hey-ho, each to their own.
No.
I love Apple's design, I love their hardware quality, I love their seamless simplicity, etc. BUT... the main reason as of why they can charge a substantial premium for their hardware is their fantastic operating system. Sames applies to other Apple products such as the iPhone: it's all about the iOS, not about the phone itself.
For example: the MBP 17" specs are *not* worth $2500, especially if compared to PC alternatives. Hadn't it sport OSX, there's no chance Apple could charge such a huge premium for their machines.
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Umm, a lot of other computers other than Apple can run it, you just have to plan and more than likely build it yourself.
As to all the claims of battery life, I think that's more current gen. a base Macbook is far from long life in the battery department. A lot of current gen Windows boxes have gotten much better on battery life.
I'm agnostic really. Apples build quality and QA are second to none, even including the whiners you see in these forums. Their lack of enterprise features and their walled garden approach to the OS and app distribution would have Apple users up in arms in a second if MS tried it. Heck, MS already has with WinRT and Firefox, and look where that's going. Both have a place and we should just be thankful we have options.
I know it's obviously possible, however it's not as easy as just sticking the OS X disc in, so most people won't even know it's possible/can be bothered to do it. Also you won't get a unibody aluminium case.
It does not exist. MacBook Pros ship with Windows. And since OS X does not exist, the Multi-touch trackpad is rendered useless. Hardware is exactly the same. So is the price.
No, I wouldn't. The only reason I own a Mac is for OS X. If there was no OS X, I would choose something else… I don't like maybe a Thinkpad? (I've owned a couple already; I love Thinkpads)
The worth of OS X is not necessarily the same as the price it's sold for.
The worth of OS X is not necessarily the same as the price it's sold for.
The macintosh would just be a PC or being a personal computer.
What makes this computer more significant is the "OS" also known as Mac OS X.
What makes this computer more significant is the "OS" also known as Mac OS X.
I think he means a ripoff in terms of that you'll pay to much for a MBP without OSX.
Personally, I like the design, trackpad and stuff a lot-- but without OSX it would just be a 'laptop'... A nice one though...
When you buy a MBP you buy it because you want or need the package.. I use mine a lot for music (Ableton, Traktor) which the MBP in combination with OSX runs really well (stable, ease of use, I can depend on it). If it would just run Windows I don't think it would give me a lot more other than a nice lit up apple logo on a DJ booth, which although it looks nice does not make me a better DJ ;-).
As some have said it's a package, I can run OSX in virtualization but it's just not finessed like the hardware and software is in apple products. In terms of machines, there is strong competition today and some competitors are making products which are better in design and much more affordable. I buy apple for the package of OSX and nice design and good quality, though we are seeing apple slowly being overtaken buy others which is good IMO.
For me, it's largely about Mac OS X, though I typically upgrade for features, such as Thunderbolt, 'retina' display, etc. However, while the design helps, I think OS X is the real motivating factor for staying with Apple computers. When a new Mac user says to me, 'I can't imagine going back to Windows' (as a few have), it's pretty clear that they're talking about more than the sleek design of their blade-like MacBook Air. It's little wonder that Apple is only charging $20 for its next operating system, because we all pay for it in the so-called 'Apple tax' when we buy our computers in the first place.
Windows is not a bad operating system by any measure, but it serves a different purpose. There's a sterility to the Windows environment, but it's not without its strengths. I just feel that the fluidity of working within Mac OS X, and perhaps largely to do with the newer trackpad features, puts it in a league of its own. Would I buy a Mac at a premium if it didn't have OS X? That's like asking, 'Would I buy an Intel ultrabook?' My answer to both questions is 'no'.
Windows is not a bad operating system by any measure, but it serves a different purpose. There's a sterility to the Windows environment, but it's not without its strengths. I just feel that the fluidity of working within Mac OS X, and perhaps largely to do with the newer trackpad features, puts it in a league of its own. Would I buy a Mac at a premium if it didn't have OS X? That's like asking, 'Would I buy an Intel ultrabook?' My answer to both questions is 'no'.
I long for the day when there are choices in laptops and superior trackpads.
When I buy my next laptop in a few years this is going to be the #1 criteria (as it was when I bought the MBP I've now had for several years). What's the point of a laptop if you feel you need a mouse with it to be able to use it?
Windows based machines are getting better but still no one seemingly comes close.
When I buy my next laptop in a few years this is going to be the #1 criteria (as it was when I bought the MBP I've now had for several years). What's the point of a laptop if you feel you need a mouse with it to be able to use it?
Windows based machines are getting better but still no one seemingly comes close.
Respectfully... You have no clue, making a statement like you've made without having the facts is a mistake. We all make them.
Fact is: Lenovo ThinkPad T series Laptops have a long reputation of over twenty years as the finest Windows Latops made.
I know, I use equally configured MBP's & ThinkPads daily... And have been for a very long time.
My personal preference is Apple and always has been. Yet the durability, performance, and high quality of a ThinkPad is every bit as good as Apple. The only true advantage if we ignore styling, is OS X and that's significant.
I upgrade each of my primary MBP's & ThinkPads yearly. Facts reveal I pay at least $1,000 more for a new MBP, than the ThinkPad of _equal_ configuration.
Bottom line? If not for OS X, I'd have never spent the tens of thousands of dollars I have on Macs.
I am a fiercely loyal Apple computer user, enthusiast, engineer.
Oh believe me I do have a clue.
First off one of my criteria is design so clearly Lenovo equals epic fail in that department I even had a thinkpad for business and I felt it was a plasticy piece of crap quite frankly.
So show me the 17" quadcore lenovo with discrete graphics that gets 8 hours battery life weighs under 7lbs offers a great keyboard and trackpad and is under an inch thick. Ah wait there are no thinkpads that meet are exceed those specifications.
How bout a 15" quadcore with discrete graphics 7 hour battery life with a ultra hi def display that weighs under 5 lbs and is les than .80 of an inch thick.
Apple 1 Lenovo 0
So who is truly clueless?
First off one of my criteria is design so clearly Lenovo equals epic fail in that department I even had a thinkpad for business and I felt it was a plasticy piece of crap quite frankly.
So show me the 17" quadcore lenovo with discrete graphics that gets 8 hours battery life weighs under 7lbs offers a great keyboard and trackpad and is under an inch thick. Ah wait there are no thinkpads that meet are exceed those specifications.
How bout a 15" quadcore with discrete graphics 7 hour battery life with a ultra hi def display that weighs under 5 lbs and is les than .80 of an inch thick.
Apple 1 Lenovo 0
So who is truly clueless?
I am part of a committee where we finalize computers for a University. Looking at Ultraportable Dells & Macbook Airs and Macbook Pros and Dell Inspiron, there is less than 2% difference in price.
All other companies make lower end computers, Apple doesn't. That's the only difference. No other computers have such nice trackpads, or magsafe, or OSX or wake up from sleep so fast or less prone to viruses.
So haters gonna hate.
All other companies make lower end computers, Apple doesn't. That's the only difference. No other computers have such nice trackpads, or magsafe, or OSX or wake up from sleep so fast or less prone to viruses.
So haters gonna hate.