The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    MacBookPro 13" or DELL Studio XPS 13

    Discussion in 'Dell XPS and Studio XPS' started by adi87, Jun 9, 2009.

  1. adi87

    adi87 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Hey guys,
    with Apple slashing the price of the Mac Book Pro 13, I am in a dilemma between MBP 13" and Dell Studio XPS 13.
    Since I will not be using my laptop for gaming can you guys please help me deciding between the 2?
    [ I will be using it for movies, web surfing, college work - Matlab, Photoshop etc.]
     
  2. kkl1014

    kkl1014 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    23
    Messages:
    267
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Studio XPS 13. Identically specced, SXPS 13 is 1300 while Macbook is 1650.

    Core 2 Duo P8700 2.53 Ghz
    4gb DDR3
    500gb HD
    LED backlit LCD
    Backlit keyboard
    Geforce 9500M vs 9400M
    1 yr warranty
     
  3. adi87

    adi87 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    Ok.
    So are there any advantages of MBP over SXPS 13?
     
  4. Colbs

    Colbs Notebook Guru

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    57
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
    lighter/thinner i'm GUESSING. not sure.

    and then the whole "Mac's just work" thing. That's more of an operating system thing though haha. i was debating getting a mac for college, especially with the new slashed prices. they are still overpriced though haha
     
  5. swarmer

    swarmer beep beep

    Reputations:
    2,071
    Messages:
    5,234
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    205
    Sony SR series is my favorite 13" in this category... with Lenovo U330 being the runner-up (I haven't seen the U330 in person though).

    But the MBP 13" should be good too, if you like OS X. It is not that overpriced if you can get the student deal with the free iPod Touch.

    SXPS is a little heavy for a 13", and its touchpad is a little small... but it does have a fairly solid and sturdy feel to it... it's ok I guess, but not really my favorite 13-inch. If you're gaming, it's worth a look due to having more a powerful graphics option than other 13-inch laptops... but if not, then that won't benefit you.
     
  6. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

    Reputations:
    14,217
    Messages:
    15,406
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Hey!

    Since you are talking about 2 different models on a Dell dominated forum...

    I really think you should complete this: What Should I Buy FORM (Please Read Before Posting)

    And, then post it here:
    *What Notebook Should I Buy*

    By doing this, you are going to get opinions/comments/suggestions from all forum peeps! ;)


    Cin ;) :)
     
  7. kkl1014

    kkl1014 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    23
    Messages:
    267
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    There are port differences. FireWire 800 on the 13" MBP is certainly a plus over the FireWire 400 on the SXPS. But very few things use FW800, and those that do such as external hard drives, will benefit more from the eSATA port on the SXPS.

    SXPS has HDMI in addition to DisplayPort, while the MBP only has a proprietary form of DisplayPort that I believe does not support audio. If you plan on connecting your laptop to an HDTV at any time, then SXPS would be better in that regard.

    What you just have to consider is the smaller and lighter frame on the MBP. The build quality on those is supposedly amazing as well because of the machined aluminum chassis.
     
  8. David

    David NBR Random Reviewer NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    7,515
    Messages:
    8,733
    Likes Received:
    7
    Trophy Points:
    206
    As Cin suggested, it would be better if you filled out a FAQ and posted your inquiry on the "What notebook should I buy?" forum. Being in a Dell forum, you're likely to receive biased opinions.
     
  9. TexasEx7

    TexasEx7 Meat Popsicle

    Reputations:
    445
    Messages:
    2,378
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    55
    I like the SXPS 13, but lets not forget the MBP beats it in battery life as well.

    It would be an easier question if you had some information on what you intend to use it for, what you need out of it, what you want in a notebook.

    Otherwise, our answers are just going to be opinions on how we value certain uses, needs, and wants that we have.
     
  10. dman777

    dman777 Notebook Consultant

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    106
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    31
    don'y forget the screen is improved also on the macbook pro 13". i'd like to see how it compares to the sxps.
     
  11. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

    Reputations:
    14,217
    Messages:
    15,406
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    466
    Who knows maybe the awesome team of NBR Reviewers will do a comparison on both! :)


    Cin ;) :)
     
  12. adi87

    adi87 Notebook Enthusiast

    Reputations:
    0
    Messages:
    34
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    15
  13. Cin'

    Cin' Anathema

    Reputations:
    14,217
    Messages:
    15,406
    Likes Received:
    87
    Trophy Points:
    466
  14. nomoredell

    nomoredell Notebook Deity

    Reputations:
    49
    Messages:
    1,269
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    0
    likely so, i know studio 1340 dont have the latest lcd technology on it,
    just an average lcd. besides mac os is still many years ahead of windows 7 on graphics display abilities.
     
  15. ATG

    ATG 2x4 Super Moderator

    Reputations:
    3,306
    Messages:
    4,461
    Likes Received:
    344
    Trophy Points:
    151