MacBook Pro alternatives

[Ethosik]

So I specced out an Alienware 17":

1. i7-6700HQ
2. 32 GB DDR4
3. 512 GB SSD + 1 TB 7200RPM HDD
4. GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5

Price: $2714

A maxed out Alienware, which is known for being expensive, (maxed out for now, GTX 1080 coming soon) "gaming" laptop is cheaper. I remember the days when a top of the line "gaming" laptop would go for $4-5K. Now these "gaming" laptops are cheaper than the MBP. Just in case some of you don't know, these powerful "gaming" components can be used for other things as well , now please keep telling that spending more money on the MBP makes more sense because it's a "professional" laptop while an Alienware is a "gaming" laptop. That makes me laugh so hard.

Keep in mind, I'm actually a mac fan. The thought of going back to windows sucks as I genuinely enjoy macOS much more than windows. It's just hard for me to logically rationalize paying more money for a drastically weaker computer just so I can surf the internet longer unplugged.

I'm curious to see how this thing sells, especially with the younger crowd (who are a big part of Apples customer base, but also happen to like gaming a bit more than the older crowd) as I've never seen top of the line gaming laptops be so cheap, even cheaper than a MBP.

Unfortunately, they said one of the reasons they raised the price was because sales were down. Raising the price typically means less people will buy it. Raising the price when the competition is blowing you out of the water performance wise for less money will also lead to less people buying it (hence this thread). I wouldn't be surprised if Apple just cans the MBP in a few years from lack luster sales as they don't really seem to care about the Mac anymore (despite how much they say they do care.) That's just sad.

With Apple, you do not pay for JUST the hardware. If you are doing that when you buy a Macbook Pro, then no wonder why so many people are upset. I get it for the ENTIRE PACKAGE. macOS, Final Cut, Logic, Garageband, ... THIS is why I get Apple systems. I can take a hit on the hardware they provide because the software is incredible.

And guess what? Everything I mentioned is used for "GASP" pro use! I can do work on my iMac with 8GB of RAM. 16GB is not the end of the world as people here make it out to be.

 

[tmiw]

Apple probably will lower the price in a year or so. The first-gen bugs (which there will be) will also likely be ironed out by then too. It might be worth re-evaluating the new models then.

That said, the upcoming Razer Blade does look nice. And the Stealth too.

 

[enzoshadow]

So I specced out an Alienware 17":

1. i7-6700HQ
2. 32 GB DDR4
3. 512 GB SSD + 1 TB 7200RPM HDD
4. GTX 1070 8GB GDDR5

Price: $2714

A maxed out Alienware, which is known for being expensive, (maxed out for now, GTX 1080 coming soon) "gaming" laptop is cheaper. I remember the days when a top of the line "gaming" laptop would go for $4-5K. Now these "gaming" laptops are cheaper than the MBP. Just in case some of you don't know, these powerful "gaming" components can be used for other things as well , now please keep telling that spending more money on the MBP makes more sense because it's a "professional" laptop while an Alienware is a "gaming" laptop. That makes me laugh so hard.

Keep in mind, I'm actually a mac fan. The thought of going back to windows sucks as I genuinely enjoy macOS much more than windows. It's just hard for me to logically rationalize paying more money for a drastically weaker computer just so I can surf the internet longer unplugged.

I'm curious to see how this thing sells, especially with the younger crowd (who are a big part of Apples customer base, but also happen to like gaming a bit more than the older crowd) as I've never seen top of the line gaming laptops be so cheap, even cheaper than a MBP.

Unfortunately, they said one of the reasons they raised the price was because sales were down. Raising the price typically means less people will buy it. Raising the price when the competition is blowing you out of the water performance wise for less money will also lead to less people buying it (hence this thread). I wouldn't be surprised if Apple just cans the MBP in a few years from lack luster sales as they don't really seem to care about the Mac anymore (despite how much they say they do care.) That's just sad.

I'd love to see you using that thing on the airplane. What's the point of comparing spec of a oversized brick to an ultra portable? I guess it only make sense to you, because you shop your gadget by paper spec.

 

[Pootmatoot]

I'd love to see you using that thing on the airplane. What's the point of comparing spec of a oversized brick to an ultra portable? I guess it only make sense to you, because you shop your gadget by paper spec.

Yes, I'd have thought the Razers/XPS etc would be sensible option if the MacBook disappointed... a 17" gaming slab is such a radically different use-case as to be in a different universe.

It's portable in the sense of "it can be moved". They're cheaper in a bang-for-your-buck sense because the cost is in the miniaturisation and cooling in ultrabooks.

 

[spacebro]

These days there isn't enough room on a plane to open a 15", forget opening a 17". You need a 13" or smaller if you want to fly.

 

[David58117]

These days there isn't enough room on a plane to open a 15", forget opening a 17". You need a 13" or smaller if you want to fly.

Or just a book/podcast or something.
[doublepost=1478233402][/doublepost]

Well if you go that way I hope, for your sake, their QC has gotten a lot better. I had an alienware years ago and all it did was constantly lock up or blue screen. Alienware kept sending me driver updates in the hopes of solving it and eventually I gave up.

Was fun playing games while it lasted, though.

Same if you go with Apple.

I had a rMBP that had the screen peel, then when I was looking into replacements, there was an issue with the dGPUs failing.

So for anyone who goes with an Apple laptop, I hope the QC has gotten better (and that they don't require a lawsuit and years to go by before they address the problem).

 

[dallas112678]

Yes, I'd have thought the Razers/XPS etc would be sensible option if the MacBook disappointed... a 17" gaming slab is such a radically different use-case as to be in a different universe.

It's portable in the sense of "it can be moved". They're cheaper in a bang-for-your-buck sense because the cost is in the miniaturisation and cooling in ultrabooks.

My 17" example was merely pointed to show the large shift in performance to dollar we are seeing around the industry, other than Apple of course. The idea I was getting at is, laptops that used to be significantly more powerful than the MBP but also cost an arm and a leg more than a MBP, are now cheaper than the MBP.

The Razer 14" has 2.5x the graphical performance and is essentially the same size and weight of the MBP, it's also much cheaper.

 

[cmaier]

Or just a book/podcast or something.
[doublepost=1478233402][/doublepost]

Same if you go with Apple.

I had a rMBP that had the screen peel, then when I was looking into replacements, there was an issue with the dGPUs failing.

So for anyone who goes with an Apple laptop, I hope the QC has gotten better (and that they don't require a lawsuit and years to go by before they address the problem).

I have had both those problems with my MBPs. They fixed both of them free of charge, and it took just a few days each time. Never did get my problems resolved with my Alienware. Or the HP I had before it.

 

[tx2005]

I get the frustrations people have, but at the same time, let's not act as if Apple products being priced high is anything new. Macbook Pros are great laptops, but you've always been able to get a Windows laptop with better specs cheaper. This isn't something that is suddenly happening in 2016.

It's all about choices and what your needs are. If you need bleeding edge specs for work or gaming, then get a Windows laptop. If that isn't a requirement and you like OS X, then get a MBP.
[doublepost=1478237487][/doublepost]

The idea I was getting at is, laptops that used to be significantly more powerful than the MBP but also cost an arm and a leg more than a MBP, are now cheaper than the MBP.

I don't know where this idea that somehow MBP were priced within or below competitors came form. Apple products have always been higher priced. I remember back in 2006 I was pricing out a Macbook because I wanted a new laptop. The one I wanted, because I wanted to do some gaming, was around $3500. I ended up getting a fully loaded Dell, with better specs, for around $2500.

So again, this is nothing new.

 

[fs454]

Besides a truly "Pro" system, would need to have a Xeon processor and Quadro graphics. The Macbook Pro has never had this.

Complaining about graphics on 1) an Apple system and 2) on a laptop is just ridiculous. Apple has never provided the best gaming experience, even with Bootcamp the hardware has NEVER been the best for gaming. These systems are for doing work, not for gaming. I have used gaming laptops in the past. Not worth it.

Unreasonable for you to assume that we're asking for GPU power for gaming. I'm sorry your specific use case doesn't require the GPU, but you are not the only customer on the planet.


Also, literally everybody knows that you don't need a Xeon or a Quadro to do nearly any creative work. There are cases where it's needed but that's the true definition of fringe customers who are absolutely used to needing specialized hardware for dual precision FP. Those who simply need more than 16GB of RAM should not be lumped in.

 

[dallas112678]

I get the frustrations people have, but at the same time, let's not act as if Apple products being priced high is anything new. Macbook Pros are great laptops, but you've always been able to get a Windows laptop with better specs cheaper. This isn't something that is suddenly happening in 2016.

It's all about choices and what your needs are. If you need bleeding edge specs for work or gaming, then get a Windows laptop. If that isn't a requirement and you like OS X, then get a MBP.
[doublepost=1478237487][/doublepost]

I don't know where this idea that somehow MBP were priced within or below competitors came form. Apple products have always been higher priced. I remember back in 2006 I was pricing out a Macbook because I wanted a new laptop. The one I wanted, because I wanted to do some gaming, was around $3500. I ended up getting a fully loaded Dell, with better specs, for around $2500.

So again, this is nothing new.

You are right, apple has always been a bit higher pricing for their specs compared to competitors. I was always fine for that for the "experience". However, it's different now, because where the performance in all aspects used to be comparable for more money, the new MBP has components that are not even remotely comparable for more money.

Essentially, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this for the price if it included a 1060 card in it, which is mid range even though other computers are significantly cheaper. I hesitate because the MBP doesn't even remotely compete on that front.

Again, NOBODY IS ASKING FOR A GAMING GPU. We are asking for a MIDRANGE GPU. That's it. The reality of it is, the strongest option we have isn't remotely close to a mid range GPU with todays offerings.

 

[tx2005]

You are right, apple has always been a bit higher pricing for their specs compared to competitors. I was always fine for that for the "experience". However, it's different now, because where the performance in all aspects used to be comparable for more money, the new MBP has components that are not even remotely comparable for more money.

Essentially, I wouldn't hesitate to buy this for the price if it included a 1060 card in it, which is mid range even though other computers are significantly cheaper. I hesitate because the MBP doesn't even remotely compete on that front.

When has Apple ever put anything like the 1060 in? The 1060/1070/1080 are all new high end laptop cards. Apple has never put that type of hardware in a MBP. In terms of raw graphics power, they have always offered last year's tech at a higher price.

 

[David58117]

I have had both those problems with my MBPs. They fixed both of them free of charge, and it took just a few days each time. Never did get my problems resolved with my Alienware. Or the HP I had before it.

It actually took quite awhile for Apple to acknowledge both of those issues, and a lot of pressure from customers.

 

[osnola ibax]

In my experience, find a windows laptop with similar specs to a MacBook Pro (if you can), including screen resolution, same quality ssd etc and they are usually in the same ball park

 

[David58117]

In my experience, find a windows laptop with similar specs to a MacBook Pro (if you can), including screen resolution, same quality ssd etc and they are usually in the same ball park

Dell XPS15:

i7 Quadcore (6700HQ)
32GB RAM
1TB SSD

$2,500 at the Microsoft store.

 

[tubeexperience]

In my experience, find a windows laptop with similar specs to a MacBook Pro (if you can), including screen resolution, same quality ssd etc and they are usually in the same ball park

Really?

Dell XPS 15

Intel Core i7-6700HQ
16GB 2133MHz DDR4
15.6" 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge touch
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M with 2GB GDDR5
256GB PCIe Solid State Drive

$1850

 

[Pootmatoot]

Really?

Dell XPS 15

Intel Core i7-6700HQ
16GB 2133MHz DDR4
15.6" 4K Ultra HD (3840 x 2160) InfinityEdge touch
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 960M with 2GB GDDR5
256GB PCIe Solid State Drive

$1850

You could actually buy two of those for the nearest Mac equivalent in the UK... and both machines are more powerful than the Mac...

 

[Meever]

Was totally cool with paying a little more for Macs. They had amazing build quality. The software was leaps and bounds ahead of windows.

This MacBook Pro is comically hostile towards power users. No pro wanted 17% thinner at the expense of mediocre GPU and a keyboard with bad tactile feedback. No power user asked for removal of the SD card reader for slightly loud speakers. To make matters worse they bumped the price a few hundred dollars.

I enjoy OSX and have been using it for decades for both recreationally and professionally. Now there are lots of great viable alternatives so I'm going to have to really reconsider my next laptop.

When my 2012 rMBP goes I'm not sure what my next laptop will be and as a massive apple fanatic it's a huge bummer.

 

[Ghost31]

Here are a couple of reviews of the HP Spectre so you can decide for yourself. The first one is a smackdown between the HP and new MBP:

The second one is a review of the HP with benchmarks, which include comparisons with the Pro:
http://www.laptopmag.com/reviews/laptops/hp-spectre-x360-13-inch

Wow. Just read the second link, could things stood out to me like:

"In addition to a revamped design, the Spectre x360 also features a new Intel 7th-Gen Kaby Lake CPU. You can choose either a Core i5 processor or a Core i7 chip like the one in our 2.7-GHz Core i7-7500u, 16GB of RAM and 512GB PCIe SSD-equipped review unit."

THOSE specs for $1200? Plus the keyboard is nice, it gets 10 hour battery life AND it has a 1080p webcam where as the macbook only 720? Jesus man... I think i'm officially a windows convert

 

[atlatnesiti]

what are good alternatives? Is the HP spectre x360 good?

There are NO alternatives!

 

[protoxx]

Dell XPS 15
I7-6700 (2.6), 1TB, 16GB, 4k display Nvida GTX960M 4.4#
$2200, $2000 Best Buy
(ram upgradeable to 32gb)

Dell XPS 15
I7-6700 (2.6), 1TB, 32GB, 4k display Nvida GTX960M 4.4#
$2600

MacBook Pro 15
7-6700 (2.6), 1TB, 16GB, 2880x1800, Radeon Pro 450, 16GB 4#
$2999

MacBook Po 15
32gb ram unavailable

 

[Ghost31]

Dell XPS 15
I7-6700 (2.6), 1TB, 16GB, 4k display Nvida GTX960M 4.4#
$2200, $2000 Best Buy

MacBook Pro 15
7-6700 (2.6), 1TB, 16GB, 2880x1800, Radeon Pro 450, 16GB 4#
$2999

"But it has windows. Derp "

 

[Fishrrman]

After reading up on the new 2016 MBPro's over the past week, I've come to the conclusion that the "best alternative" to the 2016 MacBook Pro is…

… the 2015 MacBook Pro !

(That's what I'll be buying…)

 

[leman]

Just in case some of you don't know, these powerful "gaming" components can be used for other things as well , now please keep telling that spending more money on the MBP makes more sense because it's a "professional" laptop while an Alienware is a "gaming" laptop. That makes me laugh so hard.

The sadly overused word "professional" has nothing to do with it. The Alienware makes perfect sense if you need a powerful desktop replacement but don't care much about mobility. The MBP makes perfect sense if you need a decently fast laptop that you will carry around a lot and work on the go. Different tools for different purposes. Don't forget that the Alienware is twice the size of the MBP, with approximately half the battery lifetime.

 

[raqball]

I picked up a Lenovo Yoga 910 yesterday and so far I am digging it.. Best Buy and the Microsoft Store both have them as part of their weekly sales right now (ends Sat night) for $1049...

I waited 4 long and agonizing months for the new Macbook Pro's.. I flipped between Chromebooks, tablets and desktops trying to make it to the Mac's release after my old Macbook died a horrible death..

I am a simple home user so the base model of anything is what I was after. Had the new Macbook Pro been the same $1299 I'd have it right now but at $,1499 I had to reconsider. It's not only the price that put me off but the fact they removed all the ports but 2... I did play with one in store and it's gorgeous and well built no doubt but....

The Yoga, after sales tax, ended up being over $500 less than the base Macbook Pro. That is quite a bit difference considering the Yoga 910 is more powerful and has has more ports. Sure the Macbook has the better screen and faster SSD but that's it.. In every other regard the Yoga demolishes the Macbook..

Apple is loosing it's way and the Apple Tax has gone to far this time..