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MBP or Dell XPS.....

K

kmjones

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jul 30, 2007
11
0
Just wondering which would be the better buy. They are close in price so thats not a big deal, but could I config XPS to run OSX ? Dell has superior hardware and I'm having a tough time deciding.... I know this is a mac forum so it will be slightly bias but what are some advantages disadvantages between the two.

Thanks,

Kevin
 
You can't get the XPS to run OS X. But you can get OS X to run XP. Seems like an easy decision to me.

Get the MBP. No question about it. And I'm only slightly bias, ultimately the best computer should be bought and the Mac is the better computer.
 
kmjones said:
Just wondering which would be the better buy. They are close in price so thats not a big deal, but could I config XPS to run OSX ? Dell has superior hardware and I'm having a tough time deciding.... I know this is a mac forum so it will be slightly bias but what are some advantages disadvantages between the two.

Thanks,

Kevin
Click to expand...

I had a similar delema when I was picking out my computer, about 3 weeks ago. I went with the macbook pro for a few reasons.

I like the look better
I like Mac OS X and can't stand vista
Pretty Similarly Priced

That was enough for me, try configuring both as close as posiible and post the specs and prices.
 
Eidorian said:
Tell me more about this superior XPS line..
Click to expand...

right right, sorry im comparing the mbp 15" 2.2ghz + 2gb ram to the XPS 13" config with top of the line hardware (graphics, proc, hdd speed, size). I currently have a G4 powerbook, but I got screwed in alot of my engineering classes because I couldnt run the apps (virtual machine only ran at like 400 mhz). I know the core2 line can boot windows ect so I know it wont be a problem. There is no way to run OSX? obviously I love the OS but I also really like the new XPS.

Kevin
 
Do let me warn you. Vista is really pretty crap. Looks aside and all, it just isn't a completed OS and it is not very snappy. If you do go with the PC get XP installed on it.
 
I do agree with you on the Dell XPS 1330 line, those are some niice 13.3" laptops... but you can't run OSX on PCs without a lot of hacking but even then, it still isn't fully functional (can't use your extra features that came with the XPS). MBPs are awesome though and if I was presented with the MBP or XPS 1330 I would still go MBP. OS X is just too awesome and if you like the glitter of Vista or need XP you can still install it with an Apple made program (bootcamp).
 
kmjones said:
right right, sorry im comparing the mbp 15" 2.2ghz + 2gb ram to the XPS 13" config with top of the line hardware (graphics, proc, hdd speed, size). I currently have a G4 powerbook, but I got screwed in alot of my engineering classes because I couldnt run the apps (virtual machine only ran at like 400 mhz). I know the core2 line can boot windows ect so I know it wont be a problem. There is no way to run OSX? obviously I love the OS but I also really like the new XPS.

Kevin
Click to expand...
Upgrading the M1330 is an expensive prospect even with an education discount. You'd get a better value from the 2.2 GHz MacBook Pro.
 
techlover828 said:
I had a similar delema when I was picking out my computer, about 3 weeks ago. I went with the macbook pro for a few reasons.

I like the look better
I like Mac OS X and can't stand vista
Pretty Similarly Priced

That was enough for me, try configuring both as close as posiible and post the specs and prices.
Click to expand...

here are the specs:
My Components
Tuxedo Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Slim and Light LED Display with VGA Webcam
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
Speed: 200GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
 
kmjones said:
here are the specs:
My Components
Tuxedo Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Slim and Light LED Display with VGA Webcam
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
Speed: 200GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
Click to expand...
You're still looking at over $2,000 for that.
 
kmjones said:
here are the specs:
My Components
Tuxedo Black
Intel® Core™ 2 Duo Processor T7500 (2.2GHz/800Mhz FSB, 4MB Cache)
Slim and Light LED Display with VGA Webcam
2GB Shared Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM at 667MHz
Speed: 200GB SATA Hard Drive (7200RPM)
CD/DVD burner (DVD+/-RW Drive)
128MB NVIDIA® GeForce™ 8400M GS
Intel Next-Gen Wireless-N Mini-card
Built-in Bluetooth capability (2.0 EDR)
85Whr Lithium Ion Battery (9 cell)
Integrated Sound Blaster Audigy HD Software Edition
Click to expand...

The MacBook Pro still has a better GPU....
 
Here's what I came up with

XPS M1710 - $3,133
17" WUXGA
C2D 2.33
Win XP Pro
2GB RAM
160GB 5400rpm HD
8x DL-DVD Burner
256MB GeForce™ 7900 GS (Closest thing to 8600M in 17" MBP)
Intel Pro Wireless a/g, Dell Bluetooth

MacBook Pro 17" - $ 2,899
17" WUXGA
C2D 2.4
Mac OS X
2GB RAM
160GB 5400rpm HD
8x Superdrive
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Airport, Bluetooth

(Italics mean these components were upgraded)
No additional software (A/V, office, etc)or external components (Monitors, TV tuners, printers, etc) were added.

But I didn't realize you were looking at the 1330. :D I just want the 17" MBP + WUXGA.
 
jdechko said:
Here's what I came up with

XPS M1710 - $3,133
17" WUXGA
C2D 2.33
Win XP Pro
2GB RAM
160GB 5400rpm HD
8x DL-DVD Burner
256MB GeForce™ 7900 GS (Closest thing to 8600M in 17" MBP)
Intel Pro Wireless a/g, Dell Bluetooth

MacBook Pro 17" - $ 2,899
17" WUXGA
C2D 2.4
Mac OS X
2GB RAM
160GB 5400rpm HD
8x Superdrive
256MB GeForce 8600M GT
Airport, Bluetooth

(Italics mean these components were upgraded)
No additional software (A/V, office, etc)or external components (Monitors, TV tuners, printers, etc) were added.
Click to expand...

He wants the 13" one not the 17"
 
techlover828 said:
He wants the 13" one not the 17"
Click to expand...

yeah 13" xps vs 15" mbp ..... I guess I'm just getting cold feet before I drop a boat load of cash! does win xp run at full speed while using bootcamp? also how bad is gaming on it? and my final question is why is the resolution so low on the mbp?

thanks,

kevin
 
kmjones said:
yeah 13" xps vs 15" mbp ..... I guess I'm just getting cold feet before I drop a boat load of cash! does win xp run at full speed while using bootcamp? also how bad is gaming on it? and my final question is why is the resolution so low on the mbp?

thanks,

kevin
Click to expand...
It runs Windows as fast as any other laptop with the same hardware. You might want to pick up some better video drivers though.

I'd check out the refurbished 2.2 GHz model for $1,699 unless you have an education discount.
 
Eidorian said:
It runs Windows as fast as any other laptop with the same hardware. You might want to pick up some better video drivers though.

I'd check out the refurbished 2.2 GHz model for $1,699 unless you have an education discount.
Click to expand...

yup I got the edu discount. Although I do not play video games too often, will Half-Life 2 run well on it?
 
kmjones said:
yup I got the edu discount. Although I do not play video games too often, will Half-Life 2 run well on it?
Click to expand...
It's just like any other Windows only laptop with the exact same specifications. I strongly suggest that you install different video drivers though. Apple's for the 8M series aren't that good.
 
Eidorian said:
It's just like any other Windows only laptop with the exact same specifications. I strongly suggest that you install different video drivers though. Apple's for the 8M series aren't that good.
Click to expand...

Eidorian : Link me up please :)

As for playing HL2, the game plays at full settings at a very stable FPS, the only time where I noticed a slow down was during the end with the level where you have to "get to the horseeee," but that's just a cluster----.

If you can, iPod + Printer + 2.2 GHZ MBP for $1800 (plus sales tax) is a great deal.
 
Aea said:
Eidorian : Link me up please :)

As for playing HL2, the game plays at full settings at a very stable FPS, the only time where I noticed a slow down was during the end with the level where you have to "get to the horseeee," but that's just a cluster----.

If you can, iPod + Printer + 2.2 GHZ MBP for $1800 (plus sales tax) is a great deal.
Click to expand...
http://www.laptopvideo2go.com/

http://www.omegadrivers.net/
 
Dude, I got my new 15" MBP about three weeks ago... you can NOT compare the quality of the MBP to the quality of a Dell. I am a hardcore computer user. First computer when I was 4, programming when I was 7, ran a 32 phone line BBS out of my bedroom when I was 9, setup my first Novell Network for a company when I was 12. I have used Dell's since they were first around up until my last XPS m1210.

The MBP BLOWS away Dells hardware. Fit and Finish and Build quality. If I was going PC I would go Dell but the Mac is such a nicer machine. Besides the fact that you can dual boot to either OSX or XP, or Vista and runt them VIA parallels as well. Come on, the MBP is a far supperior built machine and has way more functionality than a dell.

Not only that but I have never had XP run as smoothly as it does on my MBP when I do have to use it. Best of both worlds really.

Vista is a mess and XP is only there in case something comes up that is not available on a mac (Rare these days). But once you go OSX you will see how rediculous windows is and avoid it as much as you can...
 
But, one thing you can compare, to be the devil's advocate: to compare equally, find the 13" Apple notebook with the discrete graphics. The Dell notebooks are also slick; osx is not for everyone.
 
amusiccale said:
But, one thing you can compare, to be the devil's advocate: to compare equally, find the 13" Apple notebook with the discrete graphics. The Dell notebooks are also slick; osx is not for everyone.
Click to expand...

I own, and use, Macs and PCs. I hold no bias toward either. They both have their strengths and weaknesses. My current machine of choice is a Dell XPS M1210.

If you want a lot of power, in a small package, there are a lot of options out there, but none of them will have an Apple logo.
 
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