I think I might be losing my nerve..

I have been wanting to purchase a thinkpad T61p for some time. I love the look of the thinkpad and the hardware is quality. The updated macbook pro is out and I have to say, it seems as good if not better then the thinkpad. Cost is not an issue. Windows and OS-X are also not an issue as I will either dual boot (lenovo) or triple boot (apple) and be using linux 90% of the time. Windows for gaming and powerpoint. I prefer the smaller size of the thinkpad but who knows when it will be released, and if it will be released with a 14 inch screen. The macbook pro is available now and i can try out a new OS. I am struggling with a decision and could use some advice.

 

I have not seen the new MBP's but I have been a fan for awhile now of OS-X. As I see it here are the pro's of the new MBP's:

* way better screen from everything I've heard
* bit better GPU's
* Magnetic power cord

And the pro's of the T61:

* Excellent keyboard
* Wears well (I've had thinkpads that are 3+ years old that still look virtually new)
* Has the best trackpoint around
* Excellent build quality

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Con's of the MBP:

* Does not wear so well
* Drivers and keyboard can be ackward with windows (the 1 mouse button and no track point annoys me)
* I've heard lot's of scary stories about hardware issues (these could just be the anti-mac rhetoric though becuase I've never had issues)

Con's of T61:

* Lenovo customer service is awful and don't expect it to ship anytime soon, even if the T61p comes out this week I wouldn't expect it on my doorstep till late july or august.
* Screen is not all that great compared to the Apple Screens

 

Good question - I'm in the same boat as you. I use Linux 98% of the time for personal computing. I use a work-issued Thinkpad every day for work (XP Pro). While it's one of the best machines I've ever used I couldn't imagine paying my own dough for one. Let's be honest, they're kinda dull, especially compared to a Macbook Pro. But that's just my opinion.

I set out wanting the MBP months ago and have been saving money. Now that it's finally here I'm not sure I want to buy it. I got my wife a white Macbook so I'm familiar with OSX. I'm not all that excited by the OS. It's definitely nicer than Vista and KDE or Gnome, but I still see myself using Linux 98% of the time.

Price is not really an issue for me either. I can afford the MBP, but why pay the premium for OSX when it's sitting on a partition mostly unused and taking up space?

It is really really tempting to just walk into the Apple store tonight and take one home. I'd be on the same platform as the wife and have a freakin cool laptop - let's face it, the coolest there is. But a month down the road when the dust settles I feel I'd still prefer Linux, so that's what I'm sticking with.

Unless I happen to walk by an Apple store tomorrow and the radiant glow of the MBP hypnotizes me into buying it...

Greg

 

Get the MBP if cost is not an issue. Hell, get the $2499 with the faster processor and more video memory! Chances are that the T61p is not going to get a gfx card anywhere near as good as the Apple's 8600m GT. In fact, consumer gfx options have been really sad lately (x1300). Also, the T61 Thinkpads look kinda funny with that off-center screen (maybe it'll be remedied by the t61p). The MBP is just a better machine, unless you want the 14" SXGA+ standard-aspect T61p, which will obviously be more compact than the MBP.

Admittedly, Apple's hardware issues have become far more prevalent in the recent past. I'd definitely spring for AppleCare. Same goes for the Thinkpads, since they by no means have squeaky clean reliability records. Trackpoint is also a selling point on the T-series, if you're a believer. I love it on the x60s! However, Apple's multi-touch trackpad is awesome! Why use a third button to scroll up and down with the trackpoint nub when you can just slide two fingers around on an Apple trackpad with complete directional freedom? Also, the Apple Pro-level laptop keyboard is almost as revered as the Thinkpad one, but just for different qualities. You should try them both out to see which one suits your typing style. I like them both.

Finally, you need to be extra careful with the MacbookPro. The case is made of Aluminum and, as such, it's going to be more fragile than the Thinkpad's plastic. I would definitely still go for the Macbook Pro over the T61/p. Now, if you were considering between a Macbook and an X60, then I'd have a different opinion...

 

I have one thing that really kills the Macbooks IMO....the Keyboard/Mouse

The keyboard is horrible to type on and is one of the worst keyboards I have used for prolonged periods of time (a few people I know and my uncle has one). It is hard to home row type on and the keys wiggle all about on ALL of the ones I have used. Also the touchpad is akward feeling and does not have a good overall feel IMO. The "gestures" are also available on lots of other touchpads these days and have been for a good while, it is nothing new by any means.

They are nice to look at, but the Keyboard and Mouse just do not work well for people who cannot just sit back with a cup of coffee searching the web and looking at email but actually need to get lots done!

This is all personal preference though, so if you like it go ahead and love it, but for me it is just the pits and really hard to use.

 

Macbook Pro feels less sturdy than the Macbook. Its kinda weird but the MBP build quality just isnt up to snuff. I would expect much better quality for such an expensive machine. Thinkpads are still the best bet.