Windows alternatives to Macbook Pro?

[CurseTheSky]

That said : I believe the battery numbers are "relatively" accurate. Light web+iTunes browsing at 50% display got 9+ hours. This is like reading one website/text editing I think. If you prefer a brighter display you'll obviously get less, but not 2 hours vs the 9 advertised.
The multi-tasking test got 3.5 hours which considering it's Xvid playing with multiple flash ads in multiple safari windows at the same time is respectable.

That's a HUGE drop. It probably has a lot to do with OSX being very light on resources at idle / near idle compared to Windows, though. The Envy 14 gets 4-4.5 hours (some claim a bit more) when at idle / near idle, but it only drops down to 2.5-3.5 hours when doing something more intensive (like watching a video with multiple browser windows open). If the Envy 14 could run OSX, I would expect it to get somewhere around 6 hours of battery life.

 

[alkemyst]

I have used the MagSafe plug and I hate it. It falls out if I so much as look at the computer wrong. I don't need a plug that won't stay attached if I sneeze in the wrong direction. Your Applecentric opinion is neither necessary or solicited in this thread. This isn't a discussion on the virtues of Apple computers, this is a thread asking for advice on non-Apple computers.

Shouldn't you be updating your Steve Jobs scrapbook? Go away. I'm being serious. Leave this thread and don't come back. There is no need for your to respond to this thread. Your opinion is not required.

angry poster is angry.

Anyway you are somehow using the magsafe wrong...out of most of the people that have macbooks I know there technical ability is beyond poor. They never ever have issues of their plugs coming undone unless they do something stupid like walk away with it plugged it or trip over their cable.

Absolutely has to be user error.

 

[Zap]

Absolutely has to be user error.

Or something is broken. Maybe a magnet fell out?

 

[jihe]

That ASUS looks near perfect. You don't happen to know the difference between the UL80jt and UL80vt do you? The former doesn't seem to be available in my country while the latter is. Ordering from overseas isn't a big deal however.

ASUS has pretty bad screens.

 

[CurseTheSky]

ASUS has pretty bad screens.

Not all of their laptops do. The U/UL series sure do, though.

Actually, they're not the worst I've ever seen, but they're not very good either. The contrast is the biggest problem - deep blacks appear more grayish.

 

[Emulex]

that $1499 sony that was on sale at the microsoft store would be perfect. $1499 for a 3.01lb ssd free office 2010, man. that would have been perfect. 1 year warranty though. i'd never spend that much without a 3year.

 

[vbuggy]

angry poster is angry.

Anyway you are somehow using the magsafe wrong...out of most of the people that have macbooks I know there technical ability is beyond poor. They never ever have issues of their plugs coming undone unless they do something stupid like walk away with it plugged it or trip over their cable.

Absolutely has to be user error.

I'd agree that times I've been caught out when it has disengaged without my knowledge - e.g. when I've been unplugging a USB peripheral - is not entirely unknown, as opposed to situations where I've been caught out in the same way with a Windows notebook (0).

And honestly, I've never, ever had the sort of teething issues I've had with Magsafe requiring wasting my time getting an AASP/Store to look at it with non-Apple machines. And although I'm sure it happens, I've personally never tripped over a power cable or required Magsafe to work in all the years I've been using notebooks, if you see what I mean. I have common sense in terms of where I put stuff. For someone without any, I'd see it as an invaluable asset.

But those situations are if annoying, then relatively few. My only real practical beef would be that it restricts my freedom in terms of choosing aftermarket and flexible power options - or makes them more expensive, as to legally sell their wares third-party suppliers have to gut perfectly good Apple PSU's to get at the Magsafes.

And back OT, sure you can't extend your budget a smidgen, OP? I mean, it's going to be spread out over three yeasrs or so, right?

 

[Emulex]

my kid cried when she knocked the magsafe (first macbook i've owned) out. i had to explain it was okay - it wasn't a pc. it didn't damage the connector like a (pc) or common device. she is 4. she has no idea what magsafe is. and yes it was my fault for putting the laptop in a position for that to happen.

it just struck me as very odd that she immediately cried like she knew she did something horrible. i've never had her yank a wire out at home (maybe at her daycare?) - i've most certainly wrecked a few boards by doing stupid things like walking off or just not paying attention.

really wierd story. we had to show her and explain how magsafe worked so she'd calm down. that's some crazy stuff there man. crazy.

 

[TheStu]

I'd agree that times I've been caught out when it has disengaged without my knowledge - e.g. when I've been unplugging a USB peripheral - is not entirely unknown, as opposed to situations where I've been caught out in the same way with a Windows notebook (0).

And honestly, I've never, ever had the sort of teething issues I've had with Magsafe requiring wasting my time getting an AASP/Store to look at it with non-Apple machines. And although I'm sure it happens, I've personally never tripped over a power cable or required Magsafe to work in all the years I've been using notebooks, if you see what I mean. I have common sense in terms of where I put stuff. For someone without any, I'd see it as an invaluable asset.

But those situations are if annoying, then relatively few. My only real practical beef would be that it restricts my freedom in terms of choosing aftermarket and flexible power options - or makes them more expensive, as to legally sell their wares third-party suppliers have to gut perfectly good Apple PSU's to get at the Magsafes.

And back OT, sure you can't extend your budget a smidgen, OP? I mean, it's going to be spread out over three yeasrs or so, right?

I think I have needed it once, but my sister needs it all the time. She has 5 kids, and although the cable is generally out of the way, accidents happen, and it has been umplugged plenty of times. When she had a PowerBook, she eventually just gave up having it in the living room, it would get knocked out and all over the place, but with the MacBook she doesn't have to worry as much.

Plus, since it can come loose easily, if someone's leg hits it, it doesn't really slow their stride enough to make them possibly trip or stumble. Also a good thing with children.

 

[vbuggy]

I'm sure that many people find that catering for the dumbest potential outcome and/or user a very desirable everyday part of some aspects of the Apple systems.

Me, not so much.

I'd rather the actual ability to function of the machines in truly portable situations were as sweated-over as the outside form factor (& the cute, idiot-resistant touches). But that's just me.

 

[alkemyst]

I'd agree that times I've been caught out when it has disengaged without my knowledge - e.g. when I've been unplugging a USB peripheral - is not entirely unknown, as opposed to situations where I've been caught out in the same way with a Windows notebook (0).

And honestly, I've never, ever had the sort of teething issues I've had with Magsafe requiring wasting my time getting an AASP/Store to look at it with non-Apple machines. And although I'm sure it happens, I've personally never tripped over a power cable or required Magsafe to work in all the years I've been using notebooks, if you see what I mean. I have common sense in terms of where I put stuff. For someone without any, I'd see it as an invaluable asset.

But those situations are if annoying, then relatively few. My only real practical beef would be that it restricts my freedom in terms of choosing aftermarket and flexible power options - or makes them more expensive, as to legally sell their wares third-party suppliers have to gut perfectly good Apple PSU's to get at the Magsafes.

And back OT, sure you can't extend your budget a smidgen, OP? I mean, it's going to be spread out over three yeasrs or so, right?

magsafe was an answer to those that use their laptops as mobile take everywhere devices usually used in mixed social environments.

Most really don't think of their laptops as an asset, but just a tool like their wallet, phone, etc.

 

[TheStu]

I'm sure that many people find that catering for the dumbest potential outcome and/or user a very desirable everyday part of some aspects of the Apple systems.

Me, not so much.

I'd rather the actual ability to function of the machines in truly portable situations were as sweated-over as the outside form factor (& the cute, idiot-resistant touches). But that's just me.

What's your opinion on cars with backup sensors, or rear facing cameras? Automatic side doors and rear hatches, auto sensing wipers, assisted cruise control, regular cruise control, seatbelt reminder beeps, automatic turn signals, GPS navigation systems and a host of other 'idiot-resistant touches'?

Some people seem to want function at the cost of form (you seem to be one of them), others want form at the cost of function (you seem to argue that would be Mac users), and finally, some like myself want a combination of the two. It isn't a crime to want something that looks nice and works well.

Apparently some machines are not up to your exacting standards, but not all of us can afford to buy every laptop under the sun, or need to. Not all of us require the what, 10? different laptops that you apparently use on a regular basis, not all of us are perfect users that make no mistakes and have $10,000 to burn on a single system (implying at least to me, that even if you happened to make a mistake, which is of course impossible, you have common sense and drop your laptop, it is at worst a momentary inconvenience) and only need/want one, have a budget and need to actually compromise.

Also, some of us, apparently neither you nor the OP mind, but some of us don't mind the 'idiot resistant touches' and don't necessarily feel that they are at the cost of other things. My point there being that I don't think that there was a meeting at some point where they said 'OK, we can either have a MagSafe or a second hard drive. A hidden sleep light or a quad core.' Could Apple have put one into the MBP13? According to them, no. According to Sony, apparently yes. Could they have done it and still sold it for $1200? I have no idea, maybe, maybe not, Sony sure doesn't.

If someone other than the OP thinks that I am being, I don't know, overly pushy or whatever, or too fan-boy-y or something, let me know. I like Macs, I prefer Macs, I think they are some of the best looking laptops out there, and for what I do, and used to do, it is more than enough machine. I don't consider myself to be stupid or a sheep and in fact think that Windows 7 is some of Microsoft's best recent work, and really enjoy using it compared to everything that came before. I offer my opinion based on personal experiences, and admittedly do tend to speak when I feel that someone is speaking out of ignorance rather than anything else. That was what I thought the OP was doing, I have heard other people that haven't used Macs say plenty of ill-informed things and I just feel that if I happen to have either a differing viewpoint, or a more factual perspective that I should offer it.

I understand that you feel strongly about certain things but, and this is just me, you do have a bit of a smug/superior/grating attitude to your posts. You, based on the posts of yours that I have seen, seem to have a wealth of experience with a wide variety of devices, heck I would bet that you even have a laptop just for playing solitaire, and it is the best damn solitaire playing machine on the market. And that is great, your opinion and experience are welcome. But as I said, you come off a bit superior, just try adjusting your tone or delivery maybe.

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

I like Macs, I prefer Macs, I think they are some of the best looking laptops out there, and for what I do, and used to do, it is more than enough machine.

Then go talk about them in another thread. I am specifically asking for information about non-Mac computers. Can I not just ask for some buying advice on things I personally prefer without you Mac sycophants chiming in with your unwanted two cents? This is what I prefer. Get over it, and GTFO of the thread. This was never intended as a discussion on the virtues of a power plug I don't personally like. This is a buying advice thread. That's it. Go away. You're not wanted here.

 

[TheStu]

Then go talk about them in another thread. I am specifically asking for information about non-Mac computers. Can I not just ask for some buying advice on things I personally prefer without you Mac sycophants chiming in with your unwanted two cents? This is what I prefer. Get over it, and GTFO of the thread. This was never intended as a discussion on the virtues of a power plug I don't personally like. This is a buying advice thread. That's it. Go away. You're not wanted here.

I thought you got your advice? Aren't you going for the Envy 14? They are apparently quite choice, if you can afford it, I highly recommend picking one up.

 

[erikistired]

I thought you got your advice? Aren't you going for the Envy 14? They are apparently quite choice, if you can afford it, I highly recommend picking one up.

nice reference!

 

[Zap]

But as I said, you come off a bit superior

[drum roll] Like a Mac user? [/cymbal crash]

Okay, let's not turn this into another Video forum where two sides bicker endlessly.

 

[vbuggy]

[drum roll] Like a Mac user? [/cymbal crash]

Okay, let's not turn this into another Video forum where two sides bicker endlessly.

Ironic, isn't it. The lower-lip-trembling action starts as soon as someone like me comes to the table.

I've had a quick look on the HP US site and they have a starting config for the 8540p at $1300 (WH251UT#ABA).

- i5-520M
- 15.6" 1600*900 matte
- NVidia NVS 5100 - Notebookcheck puts it in the middle of Class 2.
- 2Gb
- 320Gb
- Lightscribe DVD+-RW
- 1x3 N wireless
- 73wh battery (which should result in a higher runtime than the Envy)
- 3/3/0 warranty (i.e. carry-in, 3 year)

Not bad IMO. The Elitebooks also usually have more flexible power options than anything else, with a variety of additional battery options. I usually order the Long Life batteries which have a 3-year warranty, but I'm not sure if the standard (1-year warranty) batteries have a history of giving out before then.

 

[alkemyst]

Then go talk about them in another thread. I am specifically asking for information about non-Mac computers. Can I not just ask for some buying advice on things I personally prefer without you Mac sycophants chiming in with your unwanted two cents? This is what I prefer. Get over it, and GTFO of the thread. This was never intended as a discussion on the virtues of a power plug I don't personally like. This is a buying advice thread. That's it. Go away. You're not wanted here.

From the "Yeah I am to be 'cool' and get a macbook without getting a macbook" poster.

If you hate macbooks, why buy a laptop like one?

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

From the "Yeah I am to be 'cool' and get a macbook without getting a macbook" poster.

If you hate macbooks, why buy a laptop like one?

If you bothered to read the OP you would know I'm seriously considering a MBP, but this thread is about the alternatives to that.

...Right now it looks like I might have to go with an MBP and install Windows on it, but I'm put off by a couple of things...

I'm not "too cool" for a Mac, I just want to make sure I'm getting the best laptop for my buck.

 

[Emulex]

you Always uplift an hp with a carepack. for $150 you can get the 3 years uplifted to carepack (better than standard service calls), ADR (spill stuff), DMR (you keep your ssd always), Computrace professional (awesome, burnt into the hardware).

You can drop the laptop a dozen times and keep your ssd's

 

[zerogear]

'That stupid fucking magnetic plug' is good and useful, and I have yet to hear anyone with an intel Mac say otherwise.

It unplugs itself, when you are using it on the couch/sofa, slight tug and the plug drops off. While it is a good idea, I personally don't have accidents with my notebook plugs at all that needs the irritating MagSafe plugs. I had a MBP that I sold for a few reasons, the MagSafe plugs being one of them.

Picked a Vaio Z instead

 

[TheStu]

It unplugs itself, when you are using it on the couch/sofa, slight tug and the plug drops off. While it is a good idea, I personally don't have accidents with my notebook plugs at all that needs the irritating MagSafe plugs. I had a MBP that I sold for a few reasons, the MagSafe plugs being one of them.

Picked a Vaio Z instead

I like the looks of the Vaio Z... but man, you want to talk $$. You do seem to get what you pay for, it seems to be quite fully loaded.

 

[Zap]

I've had a quick look on the HP US site and they have a starting config for the 8540p at $1300 (WH251UT#ABA).

- i5-520M
- 15.6" 1600*900 matte
- NVidia NVS 5100 - Notebookcheck puts it in the middle of Class 2.

That there is pretty much a guarantee that the screen will be at minimum better than the crappy ones found in typical 1366x768 consumer notebooks.

 

[jgigz]

Have you seen or considered the Asus N82JV?

Specs:

Intel Core i5-450M processor 2.4GHz with turbo boost up to 2.66GHz
4GB of DDR3 1066MHz SDRAM, 2 slots, 8GB Max; Nvidia G335M graphics with 1GB DDR3 VRAM
500GB Hard Drive (7200 RPM); Super Multi Optical Disk Drive; Wi-Fi 802.11 bgn
HDMI Port; USB 3.0 port; 8-in-1 card reader; 2.0MP Webcam8 cell battery (4400mAh)
14-Inch HD (1366x768) LED Display; Windows 7 Home Premium (64 bit) Operating System

It goes for ~$999 on amazon

http://www.amazon.com/N82JV-X1-14-In.../ref=de_a_smtd

Theres also a review of it that was posted not too long ago on anandtech

 

[GodlessAstronomer]

Looks like a good machine, but with a cheap, plastic chassis.