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 MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | reply to Bit
Re: Just as I expected said by Bit:Some would say you're paying for superior software, superior design and better/friendlier customer service. I have one of Dell's brand new Studio XPS 1640's and the fit-finish is absolutely horrible, way worse than any MacBook Pro and far worse than my Lenovo X200T. Of course is was about 2/3 the cost of the MacBook Pro so I expect it to be crappier. So sure, it has the same 2.8GHz C2D, DDR3 and Radeon graphics, but the similarities in build end there. The studio line is cheap. The "presentation" of the Mac and the customer support (that I have experienced with my iPhone) is in fact top notch. However, you can purchase the same level of customer service if you so desire from Dell. And I urge you to take a look at the XPS line from Dell. The M1330 is an absolutely gorgeous piece of hardware, rivaling and surpassing anything I've seen in a 13" form factor from Apple.
I think what most Mac owners don't get is that as of Windows XP SP2 (minus Vista, but Win 7 is phenomenal), there is nothing compelling in OS X. Yes, I have a Mac Mini so I'm not speaking from ignorance. OS X was so much better than Windows when it came out, but it is stagnant. Windows quickly improved and closed the gap and unless Apple does something else ground breaking, OS X will start slowly losing market share again as has been evidenced by the decline in Macbook and desktop Mac sales, whereas others (HP and Dell) are accelerating. You'll always have a contingent of faithful buyers and you'll also have people who get so frustrated with Windows they shun it forever. But there are also people who use Linux on their desktop for God's sake ... that is a lesson in torture worthy of waterboarding.
Anyway, my point is, things have progressed to the point where a $500 Dell is just as capable as a $1299 Macbook. Sure the Mac may "look" prettier, but most people simply don't care. They want a functional device, not a fashion accessory and want to pay the least amount possible for it. Those who want to justify their purchase by clinging to old "PC's are cheap and unreliable" or believe the PC vs Mac commercials, well, people also believe the Mason's run the world. To each is own, but it's not exactly reality.  | | |
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 BitPremium
join:2009-02-19
00000
1 edit | My machine is a Studio XPS 16 so I don't know how much more upscale other XPS machines get. As for Dell support, I did purchase upgraded support from Dell Business for my servers and the support is horrible with long on hold times, endless having to go through hoops of tier 1 support and when they finally send out people they never have the correct parts.
And I couldn't disagree more with Windows vs OS X. I use both daily, both in business and at home and aside from CAD and Games, Windows XP and Vista are horrible...slow in operation, horrible ergonomics and very long boot and shutdown times. And they are unstable even in factory condition. It's a horrible cliche' but for me, OS X has always just worked. Windows 7 is a huge improvement but I don't consider it surpassing Snow Leopard in usability or speed, not anywhere close.
Aside from my Mini 9, I don't buy "cheap" Pee Cees. My Lenovo tablet was nearly $3K, my Studio XPS 1640 nearly $2K and my servers $4K each and none are stellar.
These types of discussions usually go no where. Everyone has their preference. As I mentioned, I use both every day and IMO, Apple's products are simply superior in build quality and operation, their service top notch and thus usually worth the extra money. But what I find is when you compare LIKE products in terms of same hardware AND form factor AND software suite, the price isn't that much different. | |
MattAll noise, no signal.Premium
join:2003-07-20
Jamestown, NC
kudos:12 | I won't argue because again, we have all Dell servers and the support has been stunning. We always purchase Silver or Gold level though. I have sent letters to support agents managers because they were so great. I had a drive fail at 2AM and they had a new drive onsite by 5AM. I couldn't ask for anything better.
And the pure XPS line is much better than the studio XPS line. Studio = budget.
And I agree with your last statement, these disagreements never go anywhere. I actually almost posted two links straight form the stock configuration comparing an XPS M1330 ($899) to the Macbook ($1299) just to illustrate that the only thing the Mac had better was a 9400M vs an 8600M, whereas the Dell had a faster processor, more RAM, and over twice the hard drive because I knew you're parrot out the "when you compare equal spec machines ..." but decided not to. | |
BitPremium
join:2009-02-19
00000
4 edits | In my experience Vista requires heftier hardware than OS X so in terms of speed it's like comparing horsepower. If you have a light car you are lightning fast with less horsepower than a really heavy car with a bit more power. It's like comparing processors by strictly GHz and nothing else. But I digress.
As far as Studio XPS, they're certainly priced higher than the XPS-M machines they're replacing and they're Dell's latest DDR3 powered notebooks. What do you consider a "pure" XPS machine? The Studio XPS offers some of the fastest processors, graphics and RAM in their mobile line up. Only their foot thick M17xx offer remotely comparable performance (with SLI graphics) but they're hardly a real portable.
My impression is they added the Studio name as part of the aesthetic redesign (the leather, backlit keyboard, revised trackpad, etc). I think the XPS Ms are going away and Dell will be left with Inspiron, Studio and Studio XPS as their consumer notebook brands.
»www.dell.com/home/laptops#subcat···avla=&a= | |
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