Macbook Pro 15, or Switch to Windows?

[badbilly]

Anyway, in my opinion the biggest disadvantage of a gaming laptop for you kind of work is the display. I'd assume that since you are in digital media business, image quality is important to you. Gaming laptops are rather lacking in that area since they focus on other things such as refresh rate. The M51 specifically has been shown to suffer from poor contrast, brightness, and its color coverage is not really competitive either.

Yes, I thought the display might be an issue. I have been told to look at the MSI Titan, as well as some others that have some better displays.

Dont get me wrong, I really dont want to switch to a windows OS, I was almost hoping people would say that the new Mac Book Pros were brilliant and for what they lack in performance, that make up for in ergonomics, usability, reliability, display and would still handle any 4-8k footage I throw at it, and also handle 3D animation.

 

[pshufd]

Yes, I thought the display might be an issue. I have been told to look at the MSI Titan, as well as some others that have some better displays.

Dont get me wrong, I really dont want to switch to a windows OS, I was almost hoping people would say that the new Mac Book Pros were brilliant and for what they lack in performance, that make up for in ergonomics, usability, reliability, display and would still handle any 4-8k footage I throw at it, and also handle 3D animation.

Lots of options for 4K here:

https://www.hidevolution.com/

 

[LogicalApex]

Battery runtime is not a real issue, as most editing/ animating is done from a hotel, airport, on the plane, where power outputs are. I would love a full workstation, but unfortunately cant lug that around.

Im not familiar about Alienware reliability, but I know gaming machines can make great animation stations.

I highly doubt you'll be using the 51M on a plane. Ignoring the complexity of trying to stow 2 power bricks that look massive and weigh over 3lbs somewhere to power it... I don't think any airplane power port is capable of 300W+ of output that this thing requires. It isn't meant for portability outside of LAN parties where people tend to bring full desktop systems so this still seems "light" when compared against that.

There are alternatives in the Windows laptop space, but this absolutely isn't one of them.

Comparing the 51M to a MBP is like asking if you should buy a sporty luxury car or a track ready sports car for your daily commute. Both are cars and both will get you from point A to point B, but they are not both built for the task you're planning to use them for...

I've honestly never understood the appeal of machines like the 51M. You'll come out a ton cheaper with more power and flexibility building an actual desktop computer if you're considering Windows. Even all of the "upgrade" power offered on the 51M is moot as you'll be hard pressed to find options made for its proprietary connectors or parts that its BIOS will recognize.

If I were you I would strongly consider building an eGPU focused setup where you're able to flip from power to portable on a dime without sacrificing much on either end.

 

[badbilly]

I've honestly never understood the appeal of machines like the 51M. You'll come out a ton cheaper with more power and flexibility building an actual desktop computer if you're considering Windows. Even all of the "upgrade" power offered on the 51M is moot as you'll be hard pressed to find options made for its proprietary connectors or parts that its BIOS will recognize.

If I were you I would strongly consider building an eGPU focused setup where you're able to flip from power to portable on a dime without sacrificing much on either end.

I understand the 51M is a big, bulky machine, and I am open to other options. Also, building a desktop is the last thing I want to do - I need a laptop, and with 6k to throw at one, which should be more than enough to get what I need. I need one with a good screen (retina or 4k), enough power to handle 4k footage editing and 3D animation. The 51M was one at the top of the list of many searches and reviews, which is why I set it as a benchmark.

Other options that rose to the top for me were the Predator Helios and the MSI Titan.

 

[leman]

Dont get me wrong, I really dont want to switch to a windows OS, I was almost hoping people would say that the new Mac Book Pros were brilliant and for what they lack in performance, that make up for in ergonomics, usability, reliability, display and would still handle any 4-8k footage I throw at it, and also handle 3D animation.

Well, they do, but for the software you use, a Windows machine would probably perform better...

 

[LogicalApex]

I understand the 51M is a big, bulky machine, and I am open to other options. Also, building a desktop is the last thing I want to do - I need a laptop, and with 6k to throw at one, which should be more than enough to get what I need. I need one with a good screen (retina or 4k), enough power to handle 4k footage editing and 3D animation. The 51M was one at the top of the list of many searches and reviews, which is why I set it as a benchmark.

Other options that rose to the top for me were the Predator Helios and the MSI Titan.

Would the 51M be a good fit for this? The display is a gaming display so it isn't focused on being a color accurate panel for professional work. There is always tradeoffs that need to be made and gaming displays trade color accuracy for things like fast response times and high refresh rates.

https://www.notebookcheck.net/Alien...-2080-Laptop-Review.414667.0.html#toc-display