Help Me Decide: Macbook Pro OR XPS M1530!

Hey it's my first post on this forum. I hope you can help. So here's the deal. I've been pretty darn set on a Macbook Pro for a while now, but then I decided to compare it to other 15" laptops. I then found this comparison which has been driving me crazy:

http://skattertech.com/2008/03/dell-xps-m1530-vs-apple-macbook-pro/

It proves to a certain extent that the dell is better than the apple! I didn't think it was that good when I saw it at first. I need a laptop pretty soon, so help convince me to buy the Macbook Pro!!!

 

You get a backlit keyboard, led backlit screen (not sure if the dell has the same or not), you get leopard.

 

I was asking the same question a while ago, I chose M1530, why?

With Dell you get much more:

+ Much cheaper (machine in my sig cost 925$+tax, while similar specced MBP costs 2300$+tax).
+ Better support (at-home service + accidental warranty, no need to go to an Apple Store and have them sent to depot because they don't have the necessary part. With Dell, technician comes to where you are at your convenience with the part required. With complete care, if anything happens accidentally, you get a brand new up to date model).
+ Many hardware extras (fingerprint reader, 8-in-1 card slot, HDMI + VGA + S-Video ports (don't need to carry around a dongle like MBP if you need VGA output)).
+ More choices (you can have a LED 1440x900 screen (same as MBP) or have upto WUXGA (1920x1200) if you want, 9 cell battery option and much more).
+ Can run both OS X and Windows as well.

With Apple you get:

+ Backlit keyboard
+ Better support for OS X
+ Slimmer (but runs much hotter) case.

 

Apple have better build quality
Apple support is great

BTW if you want Windows for most of your work, then don't buy MAC

 

not to thread jack, You can put OS X on a windows box?? In theory I see its possible, but I never heard of that (Time to google).

Also to bigspin: Even if you are a heavy windows user, can't you just use boot camp on the MBP?

EDIT: Didn't realize this is my first post, Sorry I'm a long time lurker (March 2007 as you can see)

 

Just my 2 cents: If you REALLY want to use mostly Windows software, and if you are into gaming ... then the Dell is probably a better choice.

IF you use your notebook primarily for internet, photos, iTunes, and office applications ... the MacBook Pro is hard to beat. They are reliable, sturdy, and yet have a fairly thin form factor ( a big plus in my book).

I use both a Windows PC (& notebook), but my "GO TO" notebook is the 15" MacBook Pro. It's a wonderful machine ... stable, easy to travel with, and just about perfect in every way. (And, I even game on it, although I've decided to just stick to a few games available for Macs ... I use my desktop for more serious gaming).

 

You can't put OS X on Windows PC(Violate the Apple EULA)

You can use boot camp & I also doing it,but only for gaming & lite windows only application works.BTW there are plenty of other Notebooks available for Windows only users.

 

The guy made some mistakes in his comparison (Could be updates though)

-The m1530 has a better GPU 8600m GT gddr3 (With a mid end card like the 8600 ram size won't matter after 256)
-Better processors in m1530 now
-LED screens on the m1530 now
-9 volt batt. lasts longer than MBP (It is bigger though)

Also, IMO 3 usb ports+firewire 400 is better than 2 usb ports+firewire 400/800

Though the actual system specs don't matter much actually, it's more the OS...

In vista my m1530 idles with ~45% ram being used,
In ubuntu on the same notebook it's more like 5%

Don't macs use less resources? If they do you're actually getting better hardware, even if it's the same part.

 

LOL, this MBP or Dell thread again huh?? I would recommend the OP taking a look at the most recent Consumer Reports, he'll get his answer right there as to which computer to buy.
Consumer Reports rates the Apple MBP top and the Dell XPS 1530 quite low. Both are pitted against one another for features and overall quality and worth.

 

Um, the Macbook Pros also use the GDDR3 8600M-GT, the base 15" with the 256mb model and the top 15" and the 17" with the 512mb version.
MBPs also use the Penryn Core 2 Duos, 2.4ghz for the base 15" and 2.5ghz for the others, with a 2.6ghz option.
The 15" Macbook Pro has had an LED backlit screen for almost a year now, and the optional 1920x1200 17" display is LED backlit as well now.

After a friend of mine got an M1530 I've had a good opportunity to do a side by side comparison with my 15" Macbook Pro, and I've found that whilst the Dell is a good notebook, physically the Mac is much nicer, uses higher quality materials and seems to have a better build quality. Put simply, the Dell feels cheap in comparison to the Mac. Not to mention the swathes of black plastic on the underside of the Dell.
That, and OSX is a nicer operating system to use than Vista in my opinion. Plus the Dell does come preloaded with all the bloatware and software trials that you don't want/use.
If you can afford it, go with the Macbook Pro.

 

man...it's like comparing orange and apple (luckily I have both )
ask yourself a question, do you use Leapard or Vista more?
Leopard is "runable" on PC but you will be facing lot of hardware compality problems there. plus it is gonna be slow because of emulation.

 

I'm a Windows user who was recently faced with the same decision some time back, and in the end I got the MBP due to the fact that it was only about US$150 more for a similar configuration, but in trade-off I get better build quality, a slimmer and lighter notebook (including charger), and a much more stylish one. Sure, the XPS M1530 looks great, but almost nothing looks prettier than the Apple logo.

Anyway I've been rather content with it up till now, but I ran into some minor problems which really made it hell for me, and at some point in time I almost wanted to smash my MBP up. Some hardware utilities just don't seem to want to work with Macs for some reason, like RivaTuner and umm...this fan control program for Windows. It's not a big deal, but it can be a real ***** when there are no alternatives. Heck, if it weren't for nTune there would be no way I can overclock my MBP in Vista.

Another killer problem that I faced was that my notebook kept dropping it's WiFi connection to my school's 802.1x network under XP. My home connection was fine, my connection to WiFi hotspots were fine too, and in Leopard there weren't any problems either...but it just had this stupid problem in XP. None of the IT technicians in my school could help me...Apple kept blaming the problem on Windows, Microsoft kept blaming the problem onto Apple, and because of that ONE problem I had to downgrade my OS to use Vista.

In conclusion...well...
They're both good machines, except that one has better build quality and has Leopard too. However if you're going to run Windows most of the time, there's a chance you may face some problems that no one else can help you with, and you'll spend days...weeks just ripping your hair out trying to solve it.

 

but bootcamp isn't emulating right? or am i wrong? Also will you have trouble with the isight camera and stuff with bootcamp with XP? (are drivers included for XP?)

and congrats on 1k posts.

 

@angrydoy, everything are nice and smooth on bootcamp, you will need to burn a driver CD before installing XP.

 

First off WOW, thanks everyone for replying. I didn't expect such a large response, notebook review rocks!!!!

So pretty much it seems to me that everyone is also arguing around the same points I had mentioned. Both seem to be good but people are disagreeing on small things. So I'll try comparing both computers even further over the next few days, otherwise I'll just end up flipping a coin! haha

Unless someone has some complete decisive conclusion to make me go with one of the two!

 

Just go into an Apple Store, spend 2 hours on a Macbook Pro, see how it feels, and then go down to a Best Buy or whatever and spend 2 hours on a Dell.

I've quickly seen the build quality difference which is gigantic between the two.

It's your choice in the end, but if you really need one decisive argument, I think it's this:

Virus, spyware, worm, trojan free web browsing.

 

I went with the Apple when trying to decide between the two. I've been more than satisfied. Gorgeous machine.

The build quality is truly superior to that of Dell's. (My sister recently purchased the M1530)

 

this was my decision last summer between the macbook pro and the m1330.

as mentioned, go to an apple store and spend time on the mac then use the dell. you will see a difference and the macbook pro is really a pleasure to use. almost a year later, it is still awesome that im using os x! i was worried at first that my mac wouldnt be compatible with a lot of things but i was wrong. it works with my home network, my school network and other things. i havent even loaded windows onto it because i havent run into anything which i wasnt able to do on my mac (but if you needed windows, bootcamp is an excellent option which is like running a dell machine!) i also love the fact that it came with no bloatware, and i dont have to load any virus software on it. no slowing down over time like a lot of my pcs have!

all in all, it just depends if you are comfortable using leopard vs. vista

good luck!

 

I purchased an m1330 last August and have been using it until just over a week ago. At that time I decided I wanted to try OS X so installed it on my Dell and within two days, I knew right away that I wanted to switch. A couple days after that I went out and bought a Black MacBook and haven't looked back.

As far as build quality is concerned, there's no contest.....Apple wins hands down!! My m1330 creaks and groans when you open/close the lid, and even carry it around. My MacBook is a tank in comparison.

For me, going from the m1330 to MB meant I stayed at the same screen resolution however moved up to a LED screen instead of CCFL. With regards to the "extras" like a card reader and fingerprint reader.....I don't miss either of them.

Do I regret switching? Not a chance! Do I miss anything about my Dell? Nope! I would certainly recommend going with a MacBook/MacBook Pro to anyone looking for a new machine.

If you're worried about making sure your machine/documents are backed up and everything is kept safe, I have two words for you......Time Machine!!

 

The only advantage the Dell has is price.

If you can afford it, Apple is definitely the way to go.

 

Actually, there are versions of Leopard that will run natively on a Dell m1330 (for example) without any kind of emulation involved. Before I bought my MacBook I was running Leopard on my Dell.....and because of that, I went and bought a MB.

Incorrect. You can use your original Leopard install disks (disk 1) to install Boot Camp drivers once you have XP or Vista installed.

 

Thanks for the head up, I never knew that. The bootcamp kept asking me to burn a driver disk

 

Depending on what your Windows needs are, emulation software like Vmware Fusion or Parallels may be more than enough (and in some cases, more convenient as it doesn't require a reboot to go to Windows)

I personally use Windows just for a couple of small programs like Bitpim, Palm Desktop (I like keeping it on the Windows side for some reason) so Vmware is more than snappy enough for my needs.

 

I agree with asmallchild. Depending on what you need Windows for, it might be easier to just install it through VMware or Parallels.

I have mine installed via Boot Camp so I can either boot directly into Windows, or use that same XP install via Parallels.

 

"Hi, I'm a Mac....And I'm a PC..."

There's your answer!

 

They have the same GPU. Both have 8600 GT DDR3. Processors are all the same. So what are you talking about?

The question is, what OS?

I prefer the MBP because of the ability to have many operating systems, LEGALLY. You see, you can install Windows on a Mac, so that's good. However, you cannot install Mac OS X on a windows based machine.

 

Apple is really shooting themselves in the foot with this one IMO. Had I not installed OS X on my Dell, I wouldn't have had the opportunity to play with it and realize I loved it. Because of this, Apple made the following sales from me:

Black MacBook
Wireless Mighty Mouse
AirPort Extreme
AirPort Express x 2
.Mac subscription

That's almost $2500 which Apple made, simply because I was able to use OS X on my Dell machine. Can you imagine how many more potential sales are out there waiting, just because Apple won't open up their OS?

Yes I understand the reasons for not opening it up, but even sell an "unsupported" version to PC users with hardware "guidelines" to open the OS up to more people.

 

It all comes down to what OS is suited for You. If you chose Windows, for get the XPS and get the T61p

 

When I first bought my Dell, I was satisfied that I got a machine with comparable specs to the MBP for much cheaper. I don't regret my decision, but I'm defiantly getting something else next time; maybe the MBP or the T61. While my Dell has pretty much the same specs as the last gen of MBP, it's twice as thick, and with a student discount I could get the base MBP for not much more that I originally payed for the dell. The T61 is equally as appealing to me atm as well.

 

I'm not endorsing installing OSX on a PC in any way, but violating an EULA is not necessarily illegal. It's a violation of a civil contract that may or may not be enforceable.

 

No but if you run into trouble, Apple won't help you.

And of course there's always the possibility that if enough people do it, Apple will find some way to include software updates that brick these units. And again, when that happens, Apple won't help you.

If you're that curious about OS X, probably best to get a Mac of some sort.

If not, there are many other choices (and many more affordable choices) for a user who prefers another OS.

 

I'm not sure that you can update in the first place on hackintosh.

 

We won't really get into that field for now. Its really grey. But the official policy of NotebookReview is discussion on running Mac OS X on non-Apple hardware is strictly forbidden. Thanks .

 

Do you absolutely need windows on a regular basis? If so, then the answer is clear: go for the dell.

To be honest, they're both great machines and you can't go wrong with either. Although phone support for Dell is terrible, they get the job done...I know someone with the 13" XPS who spilt a drink all over the keyboard and Dell fixed it (bought the accidental warranty). Once, my dimension's (long time ago) HD died and they sent someone the next day (or the next few days, cant remember but it was quick) to change it for me, right in my own house.

With some nagging (squeaky wheel gets the oil), Apple will do wonderful things.

If you want to try OS X, go to a store and play around with it for a good half hour. You'll have made up your mind after that.

Yeah, with the Dell you definitely get more "Stuff" for your money, but "features" aren't the same as "benefits". A whole list of features means nothing if they aren't well integrated or needed by the user. i.e. if you don't play games or edit movies, who cares if the machine has an integrated intel chip vs. an 8800 ?

 

I went to best buy to take a look at the m1530, and i gotta say it looks a lot cooler than any other windows laptop i have seen in a while. the style and body looks pretty awesome. I have seen macbook pros plenty of times and those also look quite neat but in a different way.

I still have not made up my mind. I have only used windows apps in the past, but most of those are available in mac versions on leopard. I am willing to pay more for the mac if it will get me something better, but I won't pay if it is just unnecessary. And for those of you that said i can run windows on leopard, wouldn't i need to go out and buy $300 vista again?!?

I am leaning onto the Dell XPS side as of now after my friend showed me how he is running Ubuntu along with Vista on it. I might be doing some programming, so if i have ubuntu that will pretty much cover the grounds to have leopard right?

Let me know if I am wrong!

 

That should be obvious though.

No, but the hacking community will be right there to figure out an answer. Take the iPhone for example.

For me, the best way to satisfy my curiosity was to install it and use it for a couple days. 30-60 minutes in an Apple store with someone looking over your shoulder isn't a feasible way to determine if a Mac is right for you....IMO.

 

Wait did you get a MBP? The Macbooks do not have LED screens I thought.

 

I don't see LED option for DELL 1530 in Switzerland, as well as 7200RPM disk, no wireless USB either I don't like to be dissed, so I will buy Dell when they will have the same options in US and in Europe.

 

Only the macbook pros have LED screens. The regular macbooks do not have LED screens.

 

Ubuntu is like OS X in that it doesn't really crash, and it doesn't get viruses. Plus, you can customize the hell out of it.

 

My mistake....I sincerely apologize.

When I compared my m1330 and MB side by side, the MB had a MUCH nicer screen. Whiter whites, and much brighter.....that's why I assumed it had an LED screen.

 

Uhh...what? I don't think running Ubuntu clears the way for you to install OS X on the Dell. Not legally anyway.

 

No need to apologize.

 

That is not what I meant. Sorry for not being clear before. I was saying that since I need some type of UNIX/LINUX to do my programming on, I could just install Ubuntu INSTEAD of OS X. So there would be no reason to have to deal with OS X at all. And as a bonus Ubuntu is 100% free!

 

There is a serious MINUS for Dell - Windows operating system. I no longer cut corners in this part

I ordered Dell in the past because it was cheaper and had this great warranty. But it was bulky, screen was horrible and was quite noisy. Vista was also not an option. Now, I am a happy user of MBP.

Tell us more about what are you going to use laptop for. Because if you need Windows a lot, then go for... HP. It is cheaper than Apple, a bit more expensive than Dell but you will be satisfied with a quality of hardware.

 

Null point seeing as the Dell runs Linux better than the Mac.

 

I've heard from quite a few people that while the build quality of the M1530 is fairly good among Dell's line, it really doesn't hold a candle to that of Apple's.

I guess you really do get what you pay for.

 

Going on the assumption that the m1530 is built to the same standards of the m1330, I completely agree that Apple wins hands down for build quality.

My m1330 creaks and moans when you open the lid or even move it. My MacBook is a silent brick.

 

A friend of mine works for Dell and don't recommend m1330. There are too many issues with them. Starting with build quality.

For me it is very simple - you get what you pay for. If you can afford it and are all right with Mac OS, then buy Macbook Pro which is a real 1 inch thin beauty. Otherwise, stick to Dell and you will be all right too.

I believe it is worth paying for details like MagSafe connector. I almost lost my teeth because of Dell adaptor cable. And don't spend too much time on the research. I lost 3 months and even had a thought about going with an ultra cheap Vostro!

 

I'm going to chime in again and say the MagSage connector is amazing! Why haven't all laptop manufacturers gone to such a plug??