I need your help. L521X vs MBP

Hey guys, I work for Best Buy's PCHO (Computer/Tablet department aka PC hoes).

They've usually have me zoned in the mac section and I was even offered a job in the Apple store of Manhattan, though I didn't take it because I am like a Bi-sexual when it comes to computers. Sad it is, but oh well. I don't know what computer to go for at all.

I've used XPS basically my entire life and it's treated me well. I currently have a XPS M1530 and I love it but it's time for an upgrade. Since I've graduated high school nearly 3 years ago, I've been stalking the dell site for something new. The L502x was too bulky for me so, I didn't go for it. Later on came the Z series which, I thought was going to be amazing. But playing with the 14Z in my job when we were selling it also I chose to not go for it and wait another generation. Now the XPS 13 I fell in love with, however I wished for a 15 inch version. NOW that they actually have one, I wanted the computer very bad and even have the money for it saved up. However I've read up on the issues (I was planning to buy the i7 with the 32G mSATA) and I'm completely hesitant again.

Now, I've been working for Best Buy for nearly 8 months, as said before I'm zoned in the Mac Shop we have. Usually demoing, and playing with the Macs to show customers that it is a great computer. To be honest, I became comfortable with the Mac's multi-gestures but still can't get used to the OS. >.>
The MBP-R is an amazing computer but why buy a Mac if I'm going to go for windows. I can use boot camp, but if I wanted a windows computer I personally think it serves no purpose to buy a Mac.

Now my question to you L521X owners is what should I buy. I am in need of a computer but given that the XPS has issues according to what I've read, I'm scared to buy it. I can easily buy a USB adapter for the wifi but resorting to that kind of sucks. I'm also willing to wait for a fix, but I don't want to wait too long. We have a retina display for an open box and my apple lead is so desperate to get rid of it he was going to give it to me for 1850. Sounds fantastic but, the computer has a couple scratches and last time I bought an open box mac (for my cousin) it ended up failing and I had to return it.

So what should I do guys?

My main purposes for a computer is for Photo/Web Design, Pixel art and animations. Some of the programs I use are mainly for Windows and I do play some games which again I'll need Windows. T.T

 

Well it definitely sounds like you want a Windows computer...

Regarding the time for a WiFi fix, Bill guessed that it would be a factor of weeks and not months or days, but that still leaves the possibility of within a month (1,2,3 or 4 weeks) or just under 2 months (5,6 or 7 weeks--since he said it wouldn't be months, plural, that leaves us under 2 months). So, going by that (and hopefully Bill will answer me tomorrow), you could either hold out until new computers have the fix already installed, or you can buy it and hope you have one that will be okay for you until you get the fix (some systems are not as affected as others).

 

In general I think the MBP, and especially the rMBP is holistically a better machine. As far as consumer laptops go, the L521X is decent, though.

That being said, since you've already narrowed down to these two, I think there are really only two factors, both of which you've hinted at:

If price is a concern, buy the Dell.

If price isn't a concern, but native OS is, then go with whichever one you need.

Both machines should fine for the tasks that you've listed.

 

I'm sure you're aware, but it might be useful to others...

With bootcamp on a mac, you won't benefit from nVidia Optimus technology... Meaning you'll be stuck with nVidia, with no switching to Intel on lower workload... Thus eating your battery life!

IMHO, running windows only on a mac is not a really the best move!

 

I've also heard Macbook's Bootcamp drivers are pretty terrible. So you'll get reduced 3D performance, battery life, etc.

I had the same quandry but the fact that dissuaded me is Apple really has very little incentive to support Windows 7 properly. Windows 8 will be out soon and it's entirely possible it'll take months to get full Bootcamp support.

 

---

Officially, of course you're right...

However, most drivers (if not all) designed for Windows 7 will work on Windows 8. I haven't tried myself, but I suspect Windows 8 will probably work ok on bootcamp as of right now.

Woking well however, knowing how good fruity drivers are, is completely another matter.

Also, not all drivers for windows are provided yet, by fruity, for the retina MBR... As far as I've heard...

 

the drivers won't let you have higher than a 1400x900 resolution which has to be scaled. Needless to say it looks like crap and the performance is crap also. Since it is running Intel i can only assume Apple doesn't want to improve the drivers.

your best bet is to go the visualization route. Parallels is pretty good. I had it when i sold my soul to Apple last year and when you installed a windows program it would show up as a mac app and would launch in it's own window.

 

first of all................there is no laptop in the world who beats the new Macbook Pro Retina.............NADA!
*ive tried it a couple of times....and the screen and everything its mind blowing


so if you want the best...go for MBP Retina.....................otherwise......Xps 15 is good

 

I'm becoming less and less a fan of Dell, but the MBPr is all catchphase hocus-pocus for the uninitiated such as yourself. I've played with it (which is what you do with any Apple device) and zoomed in, and adjusted the rez, and looked at the display within various programs and apps, and there's nothing special about it. Nothing at all. The viewing angles are atrocious, see here... http://www.notebookcheck.net/typo3temp/pics/6513c7f631.jpg

...and to top it off it overheats like a baby throwing a temper tantrum, doesn't even have the industry-standard Kensington lock slot (which is a dealbreaker for many), and you get the abominably childlike MacOS to dabble on. Don't teach the teacher. There is a reason they teach the class.

 

+1 long time dell supporter, just got a mbp retina last week and LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE IT. 5.5 hours in windows with full brightness at full res during development is AMAZING. Never had a mac before but VM fusion will let you run your bootcamp in macos, and obviously you can just run in bootcamp. In mac with bootcamp as vm I can get 7 hours of development (vs2010 and sql, multiple browsers and office) on a single charge and NO slowdown.

Half the weight/size of my xps 15, way better screen... the only downsides is I could have bought 3 dells for the price of my configured mbp and no upgradeability.

 

I checked it to the PCWorld and I am not attracted to Mac Pro at all, the sound is worse than L521x and the speakers are covered with grill, it reminds me how much dust was collected by my XPS 16, at least Mac Pro is not black. (I turned the volume all the way up and is better L521x)
The guy I was talking with said when brought it, it was very hot at the bottom of the LCD.....On the other hand I do not think that is that easy to remove the back cover to clean up the fans (i think has two).
I went to find out more about it, but I do not see me getting it very soon. I could get it anytime, but i do not like it. Retina display, I have no words, its perfect.
I RESPECT those who find it useful.

 

Seriously why would you buy a broken laptop? The new XPS 15's wifi doesn't work and it also throttles with no definite fix for either! Just people hoping for a fix, but there is no confirmed timeline, so could take months, seriously buy the mac or find a different windows machine

 

What are the wifi problem and throtting problem indeed? I have a L521X, I don't have wifi problem (I am using it now, do you mean the signal is weak?)
And what is throtting problem?

 

strange, after working on high gamut screens for over a decade I find the MBP'r screen entirely average. whitepoint sucks, and colors are still off.
if you discount the obvious resolution hike and go for actual output quality, numerous screens and laptops beat it. and in the $2500-3K range the likes of Dell and HP workstations with the 10 bit IPS screens decimate it, granted their made fir a more pro market.

 

EVERY MBP Retina review says the same. The screen is extremely good.
,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,
as for my first reply.....
didnt say Macbook Pro retina was best on everything....i said Macbook Pro retina was the best laptop in the world....he he (just playing a bit)

anyway....................the new IPS screen on MBP retina is about 50% better then xps 15
the new Unibody chassi is also better, but i also like the new xps 15 chassi.
the sound is better on OLDER xps 15 (not the new one...no way)

heat issues...............both MBP retina and new xps 15 gets pretty warm under heavy load... BUT....MBP retina has dual fan system, (which always is better)

the wifi on MBP retina is better
the battery on MBP retina is WAY better

just look at the perfection inside a MBP....very nice




there you have it.

 

So what? The non-retina version should be really bad, then. How people could have bought them until last month?

/sarcasm.

 

Wow, it's so perfect that if a single chip of the ram will break it will be necessary to throw everything...
Comparing the image of Dell M4700 with rMBP, I don't see any of special in rMBP:

 

When it comes down to it, these machines are pretty much equal (if you are considering the $1700 version of the XPS and the $2200 MBRr). I think it just comes down to what OS you prefer and your price ranger. Overall, I actually like the keyboard and body of the 15 way more than any Apple laptop I've ever used... and the bottom has never gotten to the point where I can call it hot, but more so warm. And yes, I game.

 

Best of 2012 July.
Notebookcheck's Best of July 2012 - Notebookcheck.net Reviews

if you has a money mac is a good quality choice.

xps just a copycat from mac.

 

I have both machines. I have been Windows user all my life. MBP with Boot Camp is superior. I wish Apple will come up with a machine for Windows only and that will be the day.

 

I'm agree with that.. that thing overheats pretty nice!! you can cook with it. But the XPS has wi-fi/BIOS issues... If you choose Dell, you will have to choose between bios A04 and A06 (GPU performance or CPU performance)

PS.- I have a new XPS and I love/hate it.. hahaha I'ts a hard relationship xD

 

I guess MBP i'ts a great laptop but tooooo overpriced, there is a Zenbook U500VZ and seems to be a great option for you but well, Its not as good looking as MBP or XPS...Price? I don't know...
If you really need a Windows laptop and dell hasn't fixed the issues yet, you'll have to search another one. But if you don't NEED a windows laptop, just buy the MBP!! But be carefull...you will not be able to make upgrades, never!!

Good luck bro!!

 

Thanks a lot dude!
Well, I just saved up enough for either one, I'm not really a fan of Asus since I had one before and it didn't really go so well.
As said before I play/demo and sell Macs everyday I work, but I need it for Windows and from what I hear the Retina Display, doesn't have good display drivers for Windows. I don't know if it's true but I would assume so since I doubt Apple would want Windows on their products.

With that being said, it renders the beautiful resolution useless and with windows as an operating system, the trackpad won't be as great.

Leaving my options with the XPS 15. I'm buying the computer through Best Buy so would Bill still send that Wi-Fi dongle to me or would I need to buy it?

Also my internet isn't that good because we use a hacked Modem momentarily, so the download speed is like 4.89 and the upload isn't even at a 1.00 so it doesn't really matter does it? Unless the XPS would cut that in half then I don't know what to do.

 

It's not only a speed problem. I was barely able to get connected to the wifi several meters away from the router. If you don't want to use the laptop only next to the router, there will be a problem.

 

Well if I have a USB adapter wouldn't that help? Also it depends if my model has the issue. If it doesn't then I'll be alright.

Shame that I need to resort to that but what else can I do.

 

Oh comon' seriously OSX is not childlike! The beauty of the system is that it is simple and easy to use for the uninitiated, but you can open the hood if you really want to. I am using OSX for the first time and love it! For more advanced users there is terminal.

@OP I am probably one of the best placed people on here to qualify your decision. I did just what you are asking and have not regretted a minute of it. The moment I started up the Mac, I just had to sort out my wireless then login in to iCloud after that I was at the desktop. All my contacts, email, calendars etc were already configure. Even my bookmarks and logins were all there!

As to the hardware, well Dell have issues with their fan profiles and like to ramp up and down. Also this XPS 15 has serious, serious wifi issues just click the link to my review in my sig and check my channel also. Finally, any time you launch a music or video app the cd keeps making an ejecting sound ( itunes etc ) which is bloody annoying! The Mac on the other hand is silent, even when watching Youtube and it maxes out my wifi with full 100mbps. Only thing I don't like is you cannot force 300mbps in 2.4ghz mode, you can only use that it 5ghz.

Oh and don't waste your money on a rMPB, wait for the 2nd generation to iron out all the bugs. Not only that but it is way overpriced and certainly not much faster than entry 15" MBP.

 

Yeah, you were my only lead on the L521X before you returned it xD

But, I wanted an i7 8gb computer. It's the same price as the retina display. So regardless I'd be paying that much for a mac. As for Windows I need to know how it works. I really don't plan on using OS X. D;

 

There is a new competitor:

Asus Zenbook U500VZ

http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?p=8812739


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I am a command line warrior, day job as a unix admin and I was suckered into buying a MacBook Pro 15 last year....Risco, the OS is childlike in that anything that is for advanced users is crippled. Their bash shell is modified and many standard unix tools are not available for it and you could forget about installing anything from source because the incompatible libraries make that an excersize in futility...heck you can't even copy paste the standard way, cmd+c in the Finder....

once you start doing more advanced things you will soon find that apple crippled allot of things and force you to download 3rd party apps via thier app store to fill the void

let me tell you that i've seen the light and Win 8 is it...contacts,calender email and all you mentioned is already input there and even my Xbox stuff too with my LiveID

Full Disclosure: My XPS is fully working and if I do have the wifi problem it is not apparent cuz my ISP limits my speeds anyways

 

I would avoid the L521x if you game at all. The GPU and CPU can't be used at the same time because of thermal throttling due to inadequate cooling and it doesn't sound like they're doing much about it.

I returned mine after screen, fit and finish, Wi-Fi and throttling issues. As far as we can tell EVERY unit has the Wi-Fi and throttling issues and quite a few have screen issues too. It's not a machine for enthusiasts, there are just too many issues with the L521x.

P.S. I also don't recommend the Mac, if you're a Windows person it's not a good option.

 

Woops, needed to update my sig. I have 8GB of ram now, only cost me £35. The CPU is an i7. :thumbsup:

Maybe I will get frustrated, but for now everything works fine.

 

Love my dell xps 15. The wifi is not all that bad as some make it seem. It's fast, smooth, quiet too. I have owned MacBook pros, and MacBook airs. Overpriced maybe, but compatibility with IT type of work yes. I need a solid windows based laptop and this was it.


Sent from my New iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

Dell xps sent back. Mbp 15 ordered. Done with this crap.


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Wow, that was a sudden change of heart?

 

FWIW (not much, really...)

- It seems to me connection reliability in WiFi depends heavily upon other-interference, and your base station. My l521x has solid connectivity to my router (never dropped yet, 1st or 2nd floor) but the data speed falloff is horrid (next to router ~5MBps up to about 10 ft away; 30 ft away drops to ~1.2MBps; dial-up-modem-like upstairs). The WiFi dongle Bill/Lorna had sent to me is ~10MBps all over the 1st floor (haven't tried it yet on 2nd). I have also used my machine at Panera Bread on their WLAN w/o issue (but slow), and Starbucks WLAN (again, solid but slow). My trivial home-test runs at 80-100 MBps over the wire, for comparison.

- For those wanting more-advanced/better traditional POSIX environment support: Have you installed/used the 'macports' editions of things on your machine? The standard BSD shell environment on MacOS is definitely more limited/customized by Apple, however the macports stuff is basically the recompile of the standard source stuff. Just takes disk space.

- I honestly believe that if you want to run Windows, don't buy a Mac - I know that people do that and run it fine for them, but it just seems like a silly extra cost. Driver support for Windows is always a crucial thing, and with Apple as the effective sole driver source there's just never going to be first-class work on it for Windows installs. If you've really got the hots for having the Mac, yet need to play Windows games, get a $500 Windows desktop for the gaming. Lots more upgradability for the video card front (as if you're that active a gamer you'll need to track for better video hardware every year or so at least).

Of course, some people have plenty of money to spend on a new $2k machine every year, I don't. That colors my opinions.

 

Yep, was within my return period and had to make a decision especially since Dell has been non-responsive on any fixes or even sending me the WIFI adapter. So I sent it back.

 

Fair enough, it was similar for me. Once I realised that the fix was not going to be forthcoming any time soon, and the replies from Bill started to dry up, I decided to send it back.

 

How often does Dell make "upgraded" versions of their XPS laptops? (for example l501x vs l502x) I need a laptop for college but I think I can wait for 6 months to year or so until I reach heavy programming courses in which the use of a personal computer instead of lab's computers would be more than an option in my career, sadly Dell is practically one of the best options for laptops in my country (if you compare 1st world parts vs price) so I would like to wait until Dell release a XPS15 upgrades and with all the problems fixed and maybe better prices. I can't afford a Macbook and I'm more a windows user with wishes to use Linux.

PD: I didn't post this in the owners lounge because some people would may take it as trolling and that's not my intention.

 

Aw man.... I already ordered the computer..I feel nervous as hell now..When I get it next sunday I will let you guys know how it goes.
I honestly don't get how all the reviews outside this forum say it's an amazing laptop D: Hopefully I'm lucky enough to say the same.

-Prays to God-

For what I use it for the MBP can't be an alternative for me and then there's that new 15 Asus..if this fails, that Asus is my only hope.

 

Jrmcr: no clue about update frequency, but honestly any late model pc will handle programming plenty fine.

If the app requires special hardware, that could be an issue, but then no notebook will help with that.

(I have been a professional code monkey since '90 - I think I know the discipline)


Sent from my brain using neurons fueled by glucose

 

Thanks for your answer but I forgot to mention I will also use the laptop for some gaming (gta IV, nfs hot pursuit, assassin's creed series, etc, maybe not in ultra but at least in high, and photo and video edition, not something very hard but I would like to use it.

 

I'm confident the XPS will be competitive for photo/video work, although a video transcoding that utilizes the gpu *may* trigger cpu/gpu throttling with the currently available BIOS - I don't know - my video work is mostly limited to trivial assemblies from my digicam and transcoding to smaller formats for loading on my iphone.

FWIW, I use Handbrake for transcoding, which fully loads the CPU with no throttling - the last video I transcoded was 1920x1080 source to 960x480 target and ran about 85 fps, with all four cores running about 2.9 Ghz. I was cruising the web while this was going on with no impact that I could feel.

Gaming behavior will depend on a few factors - how high you're pushing the output quality, how the game manages loading of the cpu/gpu, etc. In the main lounge thread there's significant discussion involving different games, but you'll need to surf most of the *many* pages to find the details. Short version is that some games run better on bios A04 (which throttles CPU under thermal load), some run better on A06 (which throttles GPU under thermal load), and there's a small number of vocal people that feel the notebook has insufficient cooling since it can not run both cpu & gpu at full boost for any useful length of time.

 

The throttling makes it totally unsuitable for gaming, you basically can't use the GPU without triggering it and it's quite severe. It has nothing to do with "full boost", the GPU can throttle down to 127Mhz (645Mhz is non-boost "normal") performance is fine if you don't use the GPU. Anyway, if you don't use the GPU it runs find, which is why some people who don't game are saying that they're not having issues, there is no reason they would.

 

Well I don't game, I use things like Adobe Photoshop and After effects. Would I be alright?

 

Sure, but if you don't do anything strenuous you can get by with the lowest end model and save the cash. But you will still very very likely have Wi-Fi problems.

 

Yeah that without a doubt I'm sure of but my internet at home is pretty bad so I don't really mind as much as the rest of you guys with super speed like internet.

 

Honestly, you can get a properly-working computer from several competitors for less. If you like the form-factor consider a HP Envy 15 or Sony VIAO S. The people who bought those don't seem to be having issues. The Sony is a particularly good deal for someone who doesn't game (the GPU is a little weaker, but that doesn't matter for non-gamers) you can get one for under $1000 .

 

I'm more and more considering HP ENVY 17-3270nr. The only problem is that it doesn't have m-SATA.

 

I don't know difference between 3270nr and 3290el, but 3290el that is imported in my country market has msata and moreover it has two 2.5" bay.

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I'm quite sure 3290 has 3D. But if both are based on the same hardware (except 3D dispaly) then 3270 should have at least m-SATA port.