Mac Pro or Dell XP: All things being equal, does it just come down to preference? (VANITY)

January 30, 2010 | This Just In

[This Just In]

We're still shopping for the right laptop. It is quite an investment, and with so many choices and options, where does one begin. Naturally, the first questions is one of function. What will we be using the laptop for. Gaming? Small business? There is also the price tag to consider.

Our interest lies in two main functions which involve academic studies as well as recording music. With so many brands/models to choose from, it appears that the most widely used laptops are the Mac Pro and the XP. Between these two choices, which would you recommend and why?

TJI

[Paladin2]

Laptops are a PITA. Batteries relatively quickly crap out. My puppy chews through the external powersupply cords (twice) and blows out the p/s supply identification circuitry on the MB. They are easily stolen and tough to repair, muchless cheaply at home.

Borrow one when you really need one.

[US_MilitaryRules]

Mac. I getting sick and tired of virus’s.

[PhiloBedo]

MacPro. The Dell may be good hardware, but running Windows 7 (which is still trying to copy the feel of the Mac OS), it still lacks the plug and play, user friendly interface.

Spend a few more dollars and get a Mac.

[max americana]

Do you mean Dell XPS or Dell with XP? I just bought a new Dell Inspiron 5 mos. ago with XP on it and it’s been swell.

[romanesq]

+1. Current models have a seven hour battery and new ones may be announced shortly.

Why go through the windows nightmare of every attack of garbage? Waste of time and mone.

[HangnJudge]

Spend a few more dollars and get a Mac.

Ditto

[This Just In]

Fortunately we do not have puppies, although, our children can be destructive when it comes to household electronics.

Borrowing won’t due, especially when it comes to college studies. I do appreciate the reality check.

[KKing]

I think you meant the Dell XPS. Freepmail me if you want more help on what to buy.

I own both (but work for one) and may be able to assist.

[This Just In]

Yes, I meant to type XPS.

[rabscuttle385]

Forget the Dell.

Get a Lenovo ThinkPad (R, T, or X series) with a 9-cell battery option and maxed-out RAM.

Or...a Mac. Any Mac will do just fine.

[RightOnTheLeftCoast]

I use and own both (plus Linux, plus Sun).

My Mac laptop, 3.5 years old, never gives me trouble. My Windows laptop, slightly newer, needs to be wiped to the bare metal and everything re-installed. Nothing but trouble on my wife’s and kids’ Windows laptops; not a single support incident since switching them to Macs a couple years ago. Not one.

You won’t need costly and performance-sapping antivirus utilities with a Mac, and it comes with a wonderful backup utility (Time Machine).

And if you need a question answered, just go to your local Apple Store and talk with one of their genius staff. Expert advice, free, spoken in English.

No comparison.

[Vermont Lt]

Mac Pro is a little overkill for what you are doing. But, I would still recommend the Mac over a dell just about any day of the week.

[Crusher138]

Go Mac.

With the Mac you can use VMWare Fusion and run Windows, having the best of both worlds.

[This Just In]

Thanks, RightOnTheLeftCoast.

I should point out that there isn’t a computer store which sells either brand within a few hundred miles from us. We’re in a rural location, so everything will be done over the internet.

[dr_who]

Sure does.

[Paladin2]

I agree with the thinkpad choice of a few years ago. We had them at work doing data acquisition in vehicles and they were quite reliable. Based on that experience my son bought a used T42 and has been happy for the last two years (though he caught a virus that required a wipe and complete reload of XP).

I'm the Dadministrator for our family.

[RachelFaith]

A Mac while having a slightly higher initial cost will be CHEAPER when you factor in personal time lost to viruses, ad ware, extra software and plug and pray items. Not to mention the Operating System Crashes, lags and bloatware.

A Mac will have NONE of these headache additional costs. And a Mac CAN run windows in Bootcamp or Virtual Machine if you need some uber special app that just doesn’t have a good alternative in a mac version.

Pay NOW or really really pay for it later... that’s the choice.

I have a 3 year old macBook Pro 17” and it STILL can be resold on ebay or craigslist for MORE than any equally or even better powered Dell, Sony, Acer Plastic PC laptop.

So, a MacBook Pro if you need portability or... if you need a desktop but not an Uber Powerhouse, check out the 27” iMac. All in one, wireless, one power cord to plug in and NOTHING ELSE needed. They do eve make a BAG for it, if you need to move it someplace from time to time.

Enjoy !

[aMorePerfectUnion]

I was a microsoft slave for 13 years. Today I’m free.

Mac, unless you are constrained by industry specific
software.

[This Just In]

A BIG SALUTE to all the great advice. Very helpful.

We have a desktop. With our recording work, we need a portable recording studio. Sounds like the Mac is our ideal option.

Now to sell one of my limbs.......maybe even two.......