If you didn't have your MacBook Pro, what would you go for?

[HonestChicken]

I'd opt for a Surface Book, mostly because I did

Solid design, premium feel, no crapware installed. Great all around computer.

No buyers remorse, short of that its running windows. I don't mind Windows, and prefer it for a number of situations, but I also like OS X.

I wish they have a 15" Surface Book. The only reason I went for MacBook Pro is because neither the surface pro nor surface book have 15".

 

[ihatetoregister]

I'd opt for a Surface Book, mostly because I did

Solid design, premium feel, no crapware installed. Great all around computer.

No buyers remorse, short of that its running windows. I don't mind Windows, and prefer it for a number of situations, but I also like OS X.

By curiosity Maflynn : was it your first experience with Windows ? If you, did you always have a windows machine in addition to your Mac ? Or at gap (i.e. mainly used xp/vista then now Windows 10).

How's the stability compared to macOS ? What do you use Windows for ?
Sorry, plenty of question but I'm interested in someone's opinion who seem fairly rational

 

[maflynn]

By curiosity Maflynn : was it your first experience with Windows ?

Nope, I've used PCs from MS Dos 2.11 days and even got my hands on Windows version 1.0 back in the day

did you always have a windows machine in addition to your Mac

At work all the time, at home, it was a combination of emulation of windows (back when Macs were on the PPC), virtualization and PC laptops.

How's the stability compared to macOS

I'd say probably a bit more stable, I've held off on upgrading to Sierra, but windows 10 has been rock solid for me.

What do you use Windows for

Work, and also my personal stuff, which includes LightRoom, PS, etc.
[doublepost=1484568356][/doublepost]That's not to say that Windows 10 doesn't have its annoyances or peculiarities, because it does.

 

[febLey]

I think a Surface Pro 4 or Dell XPS 13. Maybe a ThinkPad X1 Carbon.

If I could choose another Mac modell it'd be a 12" Retina MacBook.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

I would go for a XPS 13 or a carbon based on reviews and run Linux not windows. However macs are available and are the best laptops money can buy so I'll stick with them thanks.

 

[JackieInCo]

I would go for either a Surface Book or another Surface Pro. I have a Surface Pro 3 already. Windows has gotten to be pretty amazing once again so I can easily see myself going back to strictly Windows computers.

Before I bought my first Mac in 2007 which was a 15" MBP, I had owned only HP laptops and desktops although my first real computer was a Packard Bell in 1993.

 

[maflynn]

and run Linux not windows

The issue with Linux, is that you still have to dig into conf files and muck with stuff to get things to work, and in the past, I've had great difficulties upgrading to a newer version. Perhaps things have settled down or I was using the wrong distro, but I was rocking with Fedora for a while and before that Ubuntu.

Then there's the whole argument about available software, since an operating system's job is to run apps, the lack of apps available compared to Windows or OS X, is such that my continued use of Linux was not sustainable.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

The issue with Linux, is that you still have to dig into conf files and muck with stuff to get things to work, and in the past, I've had great difficulties upgrading to a newer version. Perhaps things have settled down or I was using the wrong distro, but I was rocking with Fedora for a while and before that Ubuntu.

Then there's the whole argument about available software, since an operating system's job is to run apps, the lack of apps available compared to Windows or OS X, is such that my continued use of Linux was not sustainable.

Yeah but I don't use my computer for work it is home use only so I can easily use a current version of mint and Linux compatible freeware for all my needs. I do get that this is not an option for those using their machines professionally but I am not so I can.

 

[jlc1978]

Pencil, paper and electric typewriter.

Seriously, I have a work Windows machine and while Windows has come a long way I still find it easier to use MacOS rather than Windows. If I had to us something else I'd look at one of the top of the Lenovo business oriented machines or something similar because durability is critical for my use.

 

[Queen6]

I'd say probably a bit more stable, I've held off on upgrading to Sierra, but windows 10 has been rock solid for me.

Same I am finding Windows 10 to be more stable than OS X of late. Yet to see a major problem as yet on Windows 10 and Surface Book, last two days have seen several App`s crash, culminating with a full on lockup requiring a hard reset tonight on my 2015 rMB, which is frustrating as I am currently working in an isolated area with extremely limited connectivity, with any data loss being problematic.

Seriously considering abandoning OS X for my professional usage, as I only have issue when working and never see any problems with regular casual use when at home. I can only think it`s related to usage & workflow as same hardware (3xRetina) all behave the same...

Q-6

 

[maflynn]

Seriously considering abandoning OS X

I really do like OS X, while I do think they've been rushing some versions out the door, I still like working with it. On the hardware side of things, I do love the design, and while I'm not sure about the Touch Bar, I do think the laptop as a whole does feel solid. My problem is price. I cannot justify spending over 2,500 dollars on a base 15" MBP The price comes closer to 3k once you add in the ancillary expenses and taxes.

As much as I want a MBP, and as much as my kids (they much prefer using a Mac of a PC) want one, I cannot justify spending that much money.
[doublepost=1484573499][/doublepost]

Yeah but I don't use my computer for work it is home use only so I can easily use a current version of mint and Linux compatible freeware for all my needs. I do get that this is not an option for those using their machines professionally but I am not so I can.

I do use my computer for work, I'm doing so now and I'm connected to my company via VPN. I'm currently using Windows on my iMac because OS X doesn't handle what I need to be done on VPN as efficiently as Windows does.

I tried using Linux and enjoyed it, but at the end of the day, I was running both Windows and OS X in Vmware sessions. I had to ask why I am accepting subpar performance of the environments I need just to run Linux. I may circle back and use Linux but it will be solely for nerdy playing around stuff

 

[Queen6]

I really do like OS X, while I do think they've been rushing some versions out the door, I still like working with it. On the hardware side of things, I do love the design, and while I'm not sure about the Touch Bar, I do think the laptop as a whole does feel solid. My problem is price. I cannot justify spending over 2,500 dollars on a base 15" MBP The price comes closer to 3k once you add in the ancillary expenses and taxes.

As much as I want a MBP, and as much as my kids (they much prefer using a Mac of a PC) want one, I cannot justify spending that much money.

For me the price is not the issue as the hardware pays for itself in a short period of time, it`s more related to stability and usability combined with the features that can bring an edge and or accelerate the workflow etc.

Been a long time, equally for me things are swinging more & more to Microsoft, both hardware & OS. Certainly aspects of OS X I prefer, however these systems "pay the way" therefore I will always purchase the best for my needs. If I opted for a new MBP I would be looking at the high tier, possibly BTO. I will revisit the MBP on the next up date as fewer issues, the more inclined I will be to purchase, although I rather suspect the "writing is on the wall"

Like you I am a veteran of Windows so it holds few surprises, just took some time to get up to speed with "10" as have really not used Microsoft`s OS in anger since windows 7 ruled the roost. Windows 10 is far from perfect, equally to coin a phrase "it just works" at least for me Reality is windows is more complex beast to deal with, however once the system is setup well, I have always found issues to be rare.

I can see where Microsoft is going with Windows and also understand Microsofts constraints, similar to Apple although I feel the destinations are very different...

Q-6

 

[WhiteWhaleHolyGrail]

SB with performance base or something from the Lenovo Thinkpad Carbon series. I like solid builds combined with high specifications across the board. I'm still not convinced I can stomach Windows yet though.

 

[BarracksSi]

I got my MBP as I started college this (2016) last fall. I got it just a week before school started because I was having trouble deciding if a laptop was necessary (I found out that yes, a laptop was a VERY wise choice lol). Before deciding to jump on a new MBP, I had every intention of using my iPad with a wireless keyboard!

If the workload allows it, an iPad seems usable as a main (or even sole) computer:
https://brooksreview.net/2016/12/evovling-ipad-desktop-usage/

 

[maflynn]

For me the price is not the issue as the hardware pays for itself in a short period of time, it`s more related to stability and usability combined with the features that can bring an edge and or accelerate the workflow etc.

I am price sensitive, perhaps more so in 2017 then I was 5 or 10 years ago. Mostly because I'm married and have children which causes more demands on my available resources.

I brought my kids up too well, in one sense - They really like OS X and Macs and hate the fact when I bought a Surface Book

 

[Queen6]

I am price sensitive, perhaps more so in 2017 then I was 5 or 10 years ago. Mostly because I'm married and have children which causes more demands on my available resources.

I brought my kids up too well, in one sense - They really like OS X and Macs and hate the fact when I bought a Surface Book

Dig that, love the kids, hate the school fee`s what to do but turn more coin More seriously the cost doesn't bother me as long as the computer delivers, which generally requires just a little homework on my behalf...

So far very impressed with the Surface Book, certainly keenly awaiting Surface Book 2, and rather hoping Microsoft expands it`s hardware line up, would love to see their take on a 15" class portable...

Q-6

 

[jerryk]

Probably a Surface 4 Pro. Considering buying the Surface Pro 5 in April with Kaby Lake, etc. Right now I carry 15" rMBP and a iPad Pro 9.7. I would love to reduce weight and number of devices I carry.
[doublepost=1484581542][/doublepost]Enjoy

I am price sensitive, perhaps more so in 2017 then I was 5 or 10 years ago. Mostly because I'm married and have children which causes more demands on my available resources.

I brought my kids up too well, in one sense - They really like OS X and Macs and hate the fact when I bought a Surface Book

Good thing is they can get cheaper when they grow up. So more money for goodies.

Just push the kids to be at the top of the class so they can get scholarships. And if they are in STEM, they can get paid to go to graduate school. But then they will not like OSX so much and want Linux.

 

[dyn]

I appreciate your opinion on the wording! Though, I will explain to you why I'm asking.

Because, I'm interested to hear what fellow users (who admire the OS, the build quality etc) of the MacBook Pro - which is why I'm asking them in particular - would choose, had now, they had to go to something else as many of us (I'm not the only one) won't be able to afford the new model due to the price incline and I'm putting serious thought into some worthy alternatives.

Some guys on here know more than me, so their opinions and perspectives are valued!

I though you might want to know that In my case it would be something like the Dell XPS 13" which is able to run Linux and Windows. From what I've seen from colleagues this is a very well build machine albeit heavier than a 13" MacBook Air or Pro. Dell also provides docks and you can use the other available USB-C docks (both USB and Thunderbolt ones). As for the OS, well, that's a different story. I'd pick something like Ubuntu, CentOS, openSUSE or Windows 10. Those are all good systems that are well supported (read: it is rather easy to find solutions to your problems with these on the internet). I'd probably use the default Windows install first and try out the others with VMware Workstation, then decide on the one I want to run full time.

 

[IngerMan]

iPad Pro

 

[jjjoseph]

I would go with NeXTcube running NeXTstep, a dual CPU BeBox running the latest BeOS or SGI indigo running IRIX. Those are my three dream machines.

 

[dpny]

I would go with NeXTcube running NeXTstep, a dual CPU BeBox running the latest BeOS or SGI indigo running IRIX. Those are my three dream machines.

I had to talk myself out of buying a NeXT cube off eBay a couple years ago. I did manage to install OpenSTEP in a VM, but once I got it running I realized there isn't a whole lot I can do with it. I'm not a programmer, there's no decent web browser, and and on.

But I absolutely understand your desire. I remember sitting down in front of a Next in 1990 or '91 and realizing what the future of computing would look like.

 

[MacInTO]

I had to talk myself out of buying a NeXT cube off eBay a couple years ago. I did manage to install OpenSTEP in a VM, but once I got it running I realized there isn't a whole lot I can do with it. I'm not a programmer, there's no decent web browser, and and on.

But I absolutely understand your desire. I remember sitting down in front of a Next in 1990 or '91 and realizing what the future of computing would look like.

Back in the day, the only thing cooler than a Mac was NeXT!

 

[SteveJUAE]

I am price sensitive, perhaps more so in 2017 then I was 5 or 10 years ago. Mostly because I'm married and have children which causes more demands on my available resources.

I brought my kids up too well, in one sense - They really like OS X and Macs and hate the fact when I bought a Surface Book

I can sympathies with this especially peer pressure having a Mac, Ipad and IPhone and all the other associated goodies Beats etc

This is why in some respects the MS destination is better IMO with 2 in 1's or their like in eliminating multiple devices that end up being used just 20-30% of the time and as fads and needs change with digitisers etc the MAC Eco can be a big drain,

I have 3 boys and it's cost plenty, even now with 2 well in to Adult hood they come knocking for my 1 year old hand me downs. Thank goodness that 2 of them now buy their own IPhones.

Strangely once my middle son entered the working world he suddenly realised what Windows was all about and has dumped his MBP simply as needs for students and working professionals are miles apart for him and now working fulltime for app development in heavy engineering he's even gone Android biased

For me I have always like the MBA 11" footprint and had 5 annual iterations from 2010 but swapped back to Sony as no screen update on MBA's, until the rMB came out, tried it for 6 months but was too low spec for my use so I bought a SP4 blind on 1st release as SB was a larger footprint although SP4 battery is on the low side with top spec, but no worse than some's experiences with new MBP

As you know the multi use even if only used 10 or 15% of the time is just a win win I look forward to the SB2 or SP5 as there is just far more gains with these devices IMO. Even the little $500-700 range 2in1's running a full OS are great value eg Samsung Tab Pro S or even the Lenovo Ibook is a fun thing.

Apple would have to develop something truly stunning and inspirational to draw me back and I enjoy being an early adopter

 

[Newtons Apple]

Just curious, as someone who recently gave this some serious thought..

What laptop would you go for if you didn't have your MacBook Pro?

*Other Macs / generations of MBP are excluded here.

I want to know... Surface Pro? ThinkPad? ...Chromebook?! LOL. Still though: what. and why?

Personally my response is this: Surface Pro 4 as it shares the build quality of the Mac and Windows seems to be the only good option for a daily OS (with Mac OS excluded ofc).

Surfacebook with performance base. Looked at one yesterday and it was very nice. May pull trigger today. The new MBPro has moved away from my needs.

 

[Queen6]

Surfacebook with performance base. Looked at one yesterday and it was very nice. May pull trigger today. The new MBPro has moved away from my needs.

Extremely pleased with my own Surface Book, good chance once the Performance Base is available in my area i`ll pick one up, as I always run primary & backup systems. Keenly waiting to see what Microsoft improves & adds with Surface Book 2.

More I use the Surface Book the more I am appreciating just what Microsoft has accomplished. In many respects the Surface Book is the notebook I had always hoped Apple would have produced being an absolute "productivity" powerhouse.

Q-6