what would I gain/lose by getting a mac?

I got the xps m1530 about a week ago. I'm moderately disappointed. I was furious to discover that the webcam was useless, but I've calmed down over that issue. I'm disappointed that the the computer runs so hot and makes my hands sweat all the time (yes, I've read about undervolting). Vista seems to be working ok, but I've had a few freeze-ups and it just seems terribly cumbersome, what with the horsepower a system like this has (2.2 gh, 2gb ram, high end nvidia card).

Several friends are pushing me to get a macbook pro. However there are some things I like about the xps. I like the keyboard a lot and the screen. Also I think the HDMI port is very useful.

So my question is, which I hope can be answered sincerely without offending mac or pc lovers/haters, what would I gain or lose (other than about $300 more) by returning this dell and getting a macbook pro instead? Up to now I've resisted getting colonized by the Apple empire. I appreciate your opinions.

 

all depends on what you plan on doing with the mac. If you are a gamer be warned pc games are not mac compatible and any software you have for pc will likly not work on the mac!!!!

 

Apple sucks .

Really, I think buyers of majority Apple products are victims of marketing .

XPS M1530 is great notebook. My friend has it and I like it so much I even photographed it and put in avatar .

 

A right mouse button?

Are you planning to run Windows on the Macbook, or are you contemplating switching to Leopard? Here's a link (from another thread to a comparison between the XPS M1530 and a MBP.

http://skattertech.com/2008/03/dell-xps-m1530-vs-apple-macbook-pro/

 

The only game I play is chess

 

Why dont you get an M1530 and dual boot OSX Leopard and Vista on it that way you get the best of both worlds at half the price... better screen resolutions with the M1530 as well.

 

Another thing that annoys me about the xps is the constant clicking and chirping and whirring of the hard drive. Frigging distracting when you're trying to work!

 

Definitely I would not run vista on the macbook pro. If I get a mac, I will be emigrating away from Bill Gates land forever (except for MS Word I guess, lol). I mean isn't Leopard what it's all about?

 

You can still right click. So why does that matter.

 

OK, but bear in mind that emigrating away from Bill Gates land involves immigrating to Steve Jobs land. And Steve Jobs land is enclosed in a way Bill Gates never dreamed of. You're buying into the entire "Apple Experience", which is to say the experience Steve Jobs wants you to have.

Of course, if that appeals to you then I'm sure the MacBook Pro will make a fine alternative to the XPS. Apple makes some nice stuff.

 

PC enthusiast here. Don't think for a second that by leaving Vista/XP in the dust that you are going to say goodbye to all of your troubles.

Macs and their OS have big problems as well. Its just that many have not heard about them for a couple of reasons.
1) Their install base compared to PC's is pretty small. But that is growing now.
a) this is a big reason why MAC can toute that there are very few - if any viruses for MACs.

2) APPLE actually moderates the threads on their forums and will either freeze or delete any posting that they think can cause a problem or make some bad press for them. Of course stuff eventually leaks out - but their market machine does a pretty good job of keeping problems on the hush hush.

You also will not be able to purchase a larger battery.
There are far fewer apps for mac then for PC
They are very costly.
And other then the "cool factor", why would you buy a mac to run PC stuff on? (noted that you don't want to run Vista on a mac). On top of that M/S is supposed to come out with a new 0/s in late 2009, so u'd have to probably have to repurchase boot camp all over again to work with it?

Anyhoot, just my 2 cents.
Teslas

 

If you aren't gaming, don't get a Macbook Pro....it wouldn't be worth it.

I would suggest either an ASUS W7S, or straight-up Macbook, or even the Sony Vaio SZ..

 

Guys, you really haven't answered the OP's question.

Switching to a Mac isn't necessarily going to help you. Apple laptops are just as prone to overheating and all the issues that other laptops have. In my opinion, you should either:

A) Exchange your unit for another one. The XPS's review ( http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=4135&review=Dell+XPS+M1530) doesn't reveal any heat issues with the model.

or

B) Return the unit and look at the alternatives. That means all manufacturers, not just Apple. I think you'll be disappointed by the price-performance ratio that Apple offers for its laptops anyway.

Btw, it sounds like most of your problems are software issues. I suggest that you simply do a clean install of Vista. If the problems persist, return the unit.

 

I'm one of a few who switched to Mac and then switched back. I found both OS's have their strengths and weaknesses. I also found i'm actually more productive on a Windows machine than a Mac because all the programs I need are Windows based.

I also realized that software is usually much cheaper on a Windows based machine as opposed to a Mac as prices drop faster for Windows based programs. I remember a couple of years ago buying Tiger Woods 2003 for the PC for $0.99 cents. I saw the Mac version at a store for the full asking price of $39.99

I also dislike the Mac fanbois with their holier than thou attitude which is a reflection of the company if you watch their commercials. Apple sells nice gear but I can usually find a comparable system for far less.

If you want to switch because of Bill Gates then prepare to bow towards the West 3 times a day and pray to his Holiness Steve Jobs. This place is cool for Mac people but go to any other Mac forum and if you type Imac instead of iMac or if you don't call Windows, Windoze or a PC a Pee Cee then you'll have hell to pay.

I'm better off sticking with XP and Vista, thank you.

 

All the issues mentioned above with the XPS 1530 have not occurred on my system, which has barely been off since I got it on Monday. It runs quieter then any other electronic machine in the house, even during gaming. Also I've been able to keep it in my lap quite comfortably for protracted periods of time (2+hrs) without it heating up. The system is much cooler temperature-wise then my previous laptop (a Gateway). That system I was never able to keep in my lap for more then five or ten minutes.

I am perfectly satisfied with my 1530 and would recommend it to anyone else. That said, I used a Macbook at work last summer and liked some of its innovations. Frankly, go with what will make you happy.

 

That's interesting. Thanks for that information. My 1530's fan is blowing like crazy right now. The cpu temperatures seem to hover between 47 and 60. The GPU core gets up to 70 and that's when the fan kicks in. I definitely cannot keep it on my lap for long.

 

You would gain a Mac. You would lose any self-respect and dignity.

 

Dell does the same on their forums. This is nothing new, why would a company let people post information on its forums that can be detrimental...

I use both Windows and MAC OS. The MAC was purchased to replace a Windows Media Center and there's no going back on this one.

To the OP, the most important thing you will loose from switching to MAC is the BSOD...

 

Why are you intimidated by people who don't know how to use a mouse with two buttons? At worst, if they bull rush you all you have to do is hold up any shiny, reflective object that is either totally white or totally black and they'll all stop and unzip their pants.

 

I would like to see solid evidence of this.

Alot of your gripes about the m1530 are also problems that can happen to show up on a Mac. Just google macbook pro overheating, clicking harddrive.

Honestly it sounds like you just need a new unit. If you are worried about heat and you do not require discrete graphics, I would go for a laptop with integrated graphics, like the Inspirons or Latitudes. Not only will it cut down on heat, but it will also lengthen your battery time.

The biggest difference between a Mac and a PC is the OS. Are you willing to learn a new operating system? Are you willing to deal with a new set of software? Bootcamping Windows presents it own set of challenges. It comes down to software. The differences between the hardware and build quality for your uses are minimal and unsubstantial at best.

 

Haha that was amazing. I lol'd.
That aside, I find my XPS m1530 just as aesthetic as a Mac... and I hate Steve Jobs and like Windows... and Vista runs beautifully on this computer...

 

I'll probably have my account terminated for this... My post was removed overnight by Dell.

-----Original Message-----
From: US_Dell_Forums_Support [mailto:[email protected]]
Sent: March-09-08 12:54 AM
To: ###################
Subject: Dell Community Forum Terms of Service Violation (KMM67065027I57L0KM)

Hi Perry Rhodan,

We are writing in reference to your post in the Dell Community Forum,

Board: XPS Laptops
Date: 03-08-2008
Title: Samsung satisfaction 1680x1050

This post is not consistent with the permissible uses outlined by the Terms of Service (TOS). Information located in the TOS…"including, but not limited to, content that is unlawful, harmful, threatening, abusive, harassing, defamatory, libelous, invasive of another's privacy, vulgar, profane, sexually explicit, obscene, racially or ethnically offensive or otherwise objectionable."

In compliance with the Dell Community Forum TOS, the post will be removed. You can find the Terms of Service located at the following link: http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums/terms

As the original author, you can repost without the questionable/objectionable content. For your convenience, the following is a copy of the original post:

"Today I went the the Dell kiosk with my 1530 1680x1050 Samsung panel to compare it to the demo unit.

Do Not Accept a 1680x1050 Samsung panel in your M1530 no matter how good you think it looks. With the 2 laptops side by side I could cleary see how poor the angles on the Samsung are. The brightness and clarity of the screen are also poor on the Samsung. And it's grainy to the point where whites are gray and glitery.

Dell, you are screwing your customers who are paying a premium for your XPS laptops.

I am beyond mad on this issue" title="Smiley Mad" />"

We understand some situations are unintentional and our efforts at this time are to inform users of situations that could lead to DCF posting privileges being revoked.

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what piece of software were you trying to use the Webcam with?

Why would Dell delete such a well written post? I'm glad I got to read such an informative and object review of Dell's LCDs.

So you are right. Dell Moderators do delete posts. I stand corrected.

 

if you goto the mac you'll gain some pride... you're eyes will be please.

if you stay w/ the pc you'll pockets will be fuller...

 

Like mxl180 said.


Except with an Apple you might also gain some annoying ass trips to the Apple store. Went there to test out a buncha cases with my ipod classic and ten minutes there made me want to start hitting people.

Full to the brim, reminded me of a few frat parties at Radford.

 

LOL. I know exactly what you mean. Apple does make nice stuff, no doubt. I don't particularly care for the hardware/software limitations surrounding the "Apple Experience" but you can't deny that much of their stuff is very nice.

But the smarmy elitist attitude of many hardcore fanbois (and their willingness to overlook any flaw and pay any price and any bauble with an Apple logo) kind of turns me off. I guess I just personally wouldn't want to be mistaken for one of them by toting around a MBP, even if it did run Windows.

To the original poster...as RingLeadr suggested, get what makes you happy. It's just a laptop. It need please no one but you.

 

I don't think you are going to be too happy with a MBP if you think your M1530 is hot. The aluminum case conducts the heat so much more than plastic and the fans really don't like to run, you got to force them to run. The OS is stable, but then again so is Vista. Just different strokes for different folks. Both work fine depending on what you do.

If you do switch, don't drink the Kool Aid. Contrary to popular belief, Steve Jobs isn't the second coming of Jesus. He is actually a real dick.

 

You are probably going to lose a few hundred bucks. You will also need to buy a copy of windows if you want to game or some other windows only thing.

 

You're welcome. I do not mean to contradict what you said, I just wanted to try to provide a different point of reference for those reading this thread, and hopefully you will settle on the system that will be the best for you.

 

You know what's amazing? Go to the Apple forums on here. It's like a bunch of brainwashed zombies. The threads on the first page (I didn't look any further) are of two varieties:

1) Congratulate yourself for having an Apple. Threads like "Apple dominates high-end laptop market ...hooray!!!" And "You own an Apple ...hooray!!!"

2) You own an Apple ...now what? Threads like "what other accessories should I buy? ...hooray!!!" And "Does anyone have any money, because I'm now broke ...hooray!!!"

When I was a kid, I did the obligatory stint working retail and every now and then we'd get some customer who was crazy. They'd spend no money, constantly be trying to run scams, and always be complaining about something. I always wondered why they didn't go to our competitors. I feel that way about a number of people on the Dell forums because it's like 80% of the threads on here are either 1) complaints about how incredibly poor and sucky the XPS line is or 2) demands that Dell give people free things and/or money for buying an XPS. I have no idea what people are talking about because, yeah, I got a bad screen ...I also was allowed to keep returning them at no cost until I got one I liked. I literally could just keep doing it. And the one I kept is totally awesome. Basically, anyone who is complaining about it should get an Apple. I mean that. Get a freaking Apple. And then go to the Apple forums. And stay there. Congratulations, you're one of the chosen and annointed few. You own an Apple. You're special. We suck. Stay there.

 

Nice rant

 

Hey fueradeljuego...if it's not a MBP specifically that you want, have you ever checked out the ASUS M50sv-a1? It's a really nicely spec'd notebook for a couple hundred less than a similarly equipped M1530...depending on the day's deals of course. It's not as thin as an XPS...it's more along the lines of the 15.4 inch HP's.

I'll be ordering that very notebook in just a few days, I think.

 

surprisingly, i haven't got a single BSOD on vista ever....... after using it for a year.... vs the multiple bsods on xp...

i haven't heard of using mac as a personal dvr..... maybe i should google

 

If you spend any time on Mac forums, you'll see complaints about MBPs running very hot. You'll also see some complaints about kernel panics (which is equivalent of BSOD), keyboards not being responsive, poor LCD panels, warped cases, noisy drives, problems with software updates, etc. In other words, Macs can have issues just like PCs -- notwithstanding all of the Apple advertising. No question that MBPs are very nicely designed and the Mac OS is a nice OS. But I haven't had one BSOD with Vista, and I find it very responsive. My machine boots very quickly. The GPU of my M1530 operates in the same temp range as yours, which is cooler than the two MBPs I had and returned.

I agree with your post about the poor webcam in the M1530. I don't use it much, so I don't really care.

 

My m1530 never gets hot to the touch. Either you have a dud or you have sensitive skin. The mbp won't solve the issue because they are notorious for overheating. I've touched a mbp under stress and trust me... It was much hotter than the m1530.

 

mmmm, leopard is nice, but I would definitely have vista on it as well.

tell you what though, if I could get my hands on leopard cheaply (which just doesn't happen, same with vista) I would definitely install it alongside vista.

look, if you're getting too many problems, email dell about it! just see what they say! just don't call otherwise you'll have a very long, exasperating chat with an Indian call centre. If you've got a dud, get it sorted.