What Windows Laptops Compare To These Macbooks?

[jvivlemore]

I'm thinking of taking the plunge into Apple Macbook Pro. I have an iMac I purchased last year and have always been a PC guy. I bought my iMac to do audio production which and because "it looked cool" ... yeah I'm one of those

The laptop will be used for some light Photoshop work and also mobile DJ work so I need something with a good processor and memory. I have a 2004 Dell Inspiron 6000 now and it's just a tad too slow but not too bad. Obviously, Anything I get will be a HUGE improvement. The only thing I would really like is the backlit keyboard or lit keyboard since I use my laptop in dark places quite a bit.

I've looked at the following models (1 New, 1 Refurbed). They each have very minor differences but there's a price savings with the refurbed. My question to the experts and pros on here is this (without turning into a "i hate apple" or "apple is better" war). If I went Windows Laptop what would I need spec wise to equal these macbook pro specs? I want to see how much cheaper a windows laptop would be since I know it would be to help decide what I get. Also, Any thoughts or models, brands, etc you suggest would be helpful too

I can buy this weekend if it's under probably 800 but will have to wait another few weeks if it's more than that. I'm also not in a hurry so that's not a factor either.

New (2.4ghz model): http://www.apple.com/macbookpro/specs-13inch.html

Refurbed (2.3ghz model with smaller HDD and no Thunderbolt): http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC700LL/A

and GO! Thanks everyone.

 

[fralexandr]

since you're mostly getting the notebook for music and photoshop, the most important details are probably the screen and getting a pair of quality headphones (if you don't already have one).
the only recommendation i have is to buy a decently sized SSD and replace the HDD (the upgrades are usually ridiculously overpriced)

you're looking for a ~13.3" notebook right?
that makes finding a good screen difficult. Apple might be your most affordable 13.3" notebook
http://www.anandtech.com/show/4205/the-macbook-pro-review-13-and-15-inch-2011-brings-sandy-bridge/10
the only windows option with a good screen at that screen size might be an expensive sony viao (like the viao Z).

there are relatively few notebooks with screens capable of accurate photoshop work though.

 

[M0RPH]

Dell Inspiron 14z for about 600-700 with similar specs (including backlit kb), even less at Outlet, potentially a lot less with a coupon.

 

[gsaldivar]

If you're looking for Photoshop performance, then compare the Macbook Pro to the Lenovo W520. This W520 is a 15.4" workstation-class laptop with USB 3.0, mSATA and removable Ultrabay slot (you can do an SSD + 2 hard drives if you want to). You get 4 RAM slots (not the normal 2) for up to 32GB of RAM. Also, the top display option on the Thinkpad is Full HD (1920x1080) whereas the Macbook Pro limits you to 1680x1050 at the 15" size.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG13u2enh0g

Good luck!

 

[Sunburn74]

HP envy is very comparable to the Macbooks. There are all sorts of specials and refurb units where you can get them for around 650. I own one and have been very pleased.

And of course, the Asus ultrabooks.

 

[Trader05]

HP envy is very comparable to the Macbooks. There are all sorts of specials and refurb units where you can get them for around 650. I own one and have been very pleased.

And of course, the Asus ultrabooks.

I agree too with HP Envys. I had an Envy 17", it was a little too big for me and overkill with specs, but they had great build quality. The only thing lacking on the laptop was the touchpad, it was pretty bad, but I use a mouse anyway. If the Envy 14 had the 1600x900 screen, i'd definitely go with that.

 

[Sunburn74]

I dunno. I love the touchpad. Be it I've never used a mac touchpad, but its a huge step up over what was bundled with my asus ul30vt which I didn't think was all that bad really; it just paled in comparison. Best part of the machine though is the keyboard. Worst part is that HP for the older models of Envys (arrandales with 5000 series gpus) isn't doing a great job keeping up with necessary bios updates and software updates. Its pretty easy to get the latest AMD drivers installed if you search forums, but the fact you have to search forums is a little annoying.

BTW if you ever see the envy side by side to the macpro 15 inch, they are equally thin and pretty similar outside of the etched design HP chose to use.

 

[Emulex]

i'd wait a few months for the retina display macbook pro (AKA AIR 15). i'm guessing 27" 2560x1440 15" 4lb thin monster.