Dell Precision M3800 Owner's Review

Actually he is right...The Intel drivers are pretty amazing in Linux. I use Linux on my laptops and almost always have the nVidia GPU disabled except when I do something that needs the additional power. Actually, if Intel made a powerful PCI-E GPU option for my desktop I would drop nVidia entirely for my Linux boxes.

 

Could you do a detailed comparison of the IGZO panel vs. Retina (rMBP15)?
Is it more/less/as glossy? I have a strong aversion to gloss and reflections
Are viewing angles that noticeably less wide?
So, yes, we are talking perceptions here. We already know the difference in specs i.e.:
3200x1800 15.6 IGZO 16:9 235PPI --vs.-- 2880x1800 15.4 IPS 16:10 220PPI

Could you also compare the touchpads? Is it as good as on the rMBP?

 

One clear advantage Apple will always have when you own and make the software and the hardware.

 

Apple does not make all software. Many third-party applications, such as chrome, adobe suite, and more, had and still have issues with the high resolution on the rMBP.

 

To some extent , Apple doesn't make Adobe Photoshop for instance.

Also don't forget that Apple doesn't like people upgrading the hardware of their computers.

The cons of a modern Apple laptop are too much for me.

 

My wife claims that MBPs have superior build quality and last a very long time. Sure enough - her current laptop has been around for 5 years and is doing fine. While my ASUS is falling apart after 4 years (no complaints as my asus cost half as much). Is this generally accepted wisdom?

My impression of dells was that they fall apart quicker. But I think some of you guys are convincing me otherwise.

 

Traditionally Apple has paved the way in terms of manufacturing methods and higher build quality.

PC manufacturers tend to dabble in the cheap and nasty category.

That's changed in the last few years as they've been forced to up their game because there's where part of the market has gone. Many PC manufacturers now make extremely high quality, well built laptops that are onpar with the MBP. Sony, Asus, Lenovo, Acer (!!!), Dell et al.

The Dell XPS15/M3800, is from all accounts, on level with the MBPR. I've directly compared the L521x XPS15 to my sisters rMBP. Both are incredibly sturdy and well built.

 

Generally true with Apple machines (the aluminum ones anyway). I've seen some that have been around a long time. There may be hardware issues – some early MBPs had the NVIDIA GPU failures that also plagued Dell and other manufacturers, and systems with mechanical hard drives could have a drive failure at any time – but now with everything being unibody and SSD flash memory, the MBP will probably be working as long as you care to keep using it in most cases.

With Dell, there is a wider variance. If you go with a cheaper system you will get something with a plastic chassis that is reasonably solid but will likely show its wear after a few years. Precision M4X00 and M6X00 are among their most expensive systems, with a chassis made of aluminum, magnesium alloy, and durable plastic in some parts. The things are built to last, and you probably won't find anything like them from Asus in that department. You also get ease of maintenance and upgradeability that you can't get from Apple anymore. It looks like the M3800 is also aluminum and magnesium alloy in places with carbon fiber for the bottom, it should hold up well too.

 

Dell makes a lot of products and with dell you generally get what you pay for as far as build quality goes. If you buy a $300 inspiron don't expect it to have macbook level durability, the cost cuts have to come from somewhere so they won't have the premium materials like aluminium, magnesium, or carbon fiber that make a system durable. The higher end dell stuff like the Precision, Latitude, and XPS brands are built very well and should last for years.

 

I hate how companies put ugly stickers for Intel, Windows and whatever other marketing term right on the laptop's face or back side. Even if I remove them, the area often remains sticky.

Does the m3800 include visible stickers on the machine?

Also, is this the exact same case and screen as the new xps 15? I was thinking about trying that in person as I wait for the release of the m3800.