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macbook pro vs. dell workstation m90

post #1 of 20
7/31/07 at 1:54am
Thread Starter 
hey guys, i need a laptop for a mandatory program in the architecture major and i was told to purchase a dell m90 with the following specs
  • Intel Core2 Duo T7400, 2.16GHz/667Mhz 4MB L2 Cache, Dual Core
  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional
  • 100 GB HD (7200 RPM)
  • 2 GB DDR2 SDRAM
  • NVIDIA Quadro FX 3500M 512MB OpenGL
  • Dell Wireless Intel 3945 WLAN (802.11a/g)
  • 24x CDRW & 8X DVD+/-RW
  • 17” Wide Screen WUXGA
  • 9-cell Primary Battery
  • 3 Year Dell Next-Day Onsite Parts & Labor Warranty + CompleteCare
  • LoJack theft deterrent and tracking device locates lost or stolen computers
and that laptop starts at $2778
im considering substituting the dell with a macbook pro with the following specs


 MacBook Pro, 15-inch, 2.4GHz




Accessory Kit



2GB 667 DDR2 SDRAM - 2x1GB



SuperDrive 8x (DVD±R DL/DVD±RW/CD-RW)



160GB Serial ATA Drive @ 7200 rpm



MacBook Pro 15-inch Glossy Widescreen Display



Backlit Keyboard/Mac OS - U.S. English



2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
along with the applecare protection plan which comes to a total of $2673
what should i buy?
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post #2 of 20
7/31/07 at 2:04am
Two things advantageous to the Dell...

NVIDIA Quadro FX 3500M 512MB OpenGL
3 Year Dell Next-Day Onsite Parts & Labor Warranty + CompleteCare

The latter is the only reason I suggest anyone ever get a dell to be honest.

The MBP will definitely get the job done IMO. The Quadro will likely be a bit better for CAD work though. ANd IF something does happen to the MBP, which don't get me wrong in general they are VERY good quality and in my opinion much better quality than the Dell, you will have to send it off and be stuck without a laptop for a period of time, whereas with the Dell you have a 24Hr Onsite Warranty, so worst case scenario is 48 hours of downtime typically, but usually not more than 24Hours. If the downtime is that important than the dell would have to win it, but otherwise, and because oyu are a student it likely isn't, I might look at the MBP.

Seablade
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post #3 of 20
7/31/07 at 2:11am
Thread Starter 
Quote:
Originally Posted by seablade View Post
Two things advantageous to the Dell... NVIDIA Quadro FX 3500M 512MB OpenGL 3 Year Dell Next-Day Onsite Parts & Labor Warranty + CompleteCare The latter is the only reason I suggest anyone ever get a dell to be honest. The MBP will definitely get the job done IMO. The Quadro will likely be a bit better for CAD work though. ANd IF something does happen to the MBP, which don't get me wrong in general they are VERY good quality and in my opinion much better quality than the Dell, you will have to send it off and be stuck without a laptop for a period of time, whereas with the Dell you have a 24Hr Onsite Warranty, so worst case scenario is 48 hours of downtime typically, but usually not more than 24Hours. If the downtime is that important than the dell would have to win it, but otherwise, and because oyu are a student it likely isn't, I might look at the MBP. Seablade
i called up apple earlier today and the rep said that i would be able to bring it into an apple store and have them try to fix it if its things wrong with their stuff and not that i spilt coffee on the keyboard. is there still really a difference?
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post #4 of 20
7/31/07 at 3:20am
Quote:
i called up apple earlier today and the rep said that i would be able to bring it into an apple store and have them try to fix it if its things wrong with their stuff and not that i spilt coffee on the keyboard. is there still really a difference?
Yes. There is a limit to what they fix onsite if memory serves. For instance if there is a problem in the LCD, they won't do much on site I do not believe. You can still drop it off there, but they will then send it off to be repaired. On the other hand my sister in law had her Dell laptop LCD go out and the next day there was a tech on site at my parents house out in the boondocks(So not within 200 miles of the nearest city, much less apple store) replacing said LCD. Even I hesitate to replace LCDs on laptops and I have been doing hardware work for many years, so the fact they could get someone to do it out there was kinda impressive. Seablade
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post #5 of 20
7/31/07 at 6:05am
Well, here's what you do if your compy dies. Go to the computer lab and finish up there. It's good to keep a USB thumbdrive handy.

Also, I'm thinking you may not need to pay the premium for the nice workstation graphics card in the Dell. May be worth your while to check out systems that other people own that can run your software okay ... just to make sure the Quadro isn't overkill.

I would recommend seeing both systems in person. Pick one up and hold it to see how sturdy it is. Aren't the Dell M's generally better built than the average Dell laptop as well?
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post #6 of 20
7/31/07 at 9:59am
Thread Starter 
the quadro is the only choice i have when it comes to the dell, i have no choice in the matter and i live in nyc and plan on staying here for school so i have two apple stores to my convience
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post #7 of 20
7/31/07 at 6:44pm
The precision m90 is built off of different parts for sure, and there are some reviews up if you do a search for them on the build quality. The general consensus seems to be that dell takes care of their premium business computer customers. And don't underestimate completecare coverage. For example should you say accidentally drop the laptop or spill something on it one day, apple doesn't cover you and you're left with a bunch of repairs you'll need to end up paying out of your pocket which will definitely add up. Dell will not only send a tech to fix it up for you, but worst comes to worst they just give you a brand new one with your old hdd I believe if you've selected that option with their precision line.

Sure apple has you covered on lots of other things, but it can't match dell when it comes to fast and reliable service that'll help you in those accidental moments in life.
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post #8 of 20
7/31/07 at 8:41pm
Thread Starter 
whao now im so completely confused. whatever im buying i get a student discount but i would rather try and find some kind of warranty for the mac and then see because there is a 3 lb weight difference between the laptops. does anyone know of any that can be bought?
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post #9 of 20
8/1/07 at 12:25am
Apple offers the Applecare warranty which extends your coverage from 1 to 3 years but it does not cover accidental damage.
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post #10 of 20
8/1/07 at 12:28am
Thread Starter 
is there something that i could purchase that would?
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post #11 of 20
8/1/07 at 12:46am
a rider from an insurance company. Either homeowner's or even your auto policy insurance company. Just for instance. I got an HTC windows based phone from Centennial, and they dont offer insurance for it. Which sux considering the phone was over $400. So, i talked to my Insurance agent, and for 5 bucks a month, which is about the same as the insurance offered on the crappy razr's, i was able to get accidental damage and loss replacement.

You might want to check that out as an option. Not sure about the turn-around time as i haven't had to use it.
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post #12 of 20
8/1/07 at 1:04am
Thread Starter 
well considering the fact that im still under 18 i dont really have insurance of that type yet so is there any other option?
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post #13 of 20
8/1/07 at 1:45am
There are 3rd part company's like safeware that can give you laptop insurance. I've asked around for it for my own interest and people seem to be satisfied with it overall.
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post #14 of 20
8/1/07 at 2:58am
Quote:
Originally Posted by trillence View Post
well considering the fact that im still under 18 i dont really have insurance of that type yet so is there any other option?

I am not sure that being under 18 precludes you from being eligible for that type of insurance(Though I will honestly say I did not get renters insurance immediately after moving out at 17 so I can't be sure). Besides the point, renters insurance if you are going to college can be well worth it as it doesn't cost much per year and will come in handy if someone steals your stuff.

Seablade
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post #15 of 20
8/1/07 at 10:13pm
Thread Starter 
so what would you guys buy if u were in my position?
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post #16 of 20
8/2/07 at 12:36am
Personally, I'd go for the dell since it seems like a solid system that should last a while, and gives the better coverage in terms of warranty.

Again I'm mostly basing this on the fact that because the dell was the recommended as the laptop to go for, it seems like you'd probably be spending your time in a non-OSX environment. I mean when it comes down to it of course you can always dual-boot.

Chances are if you're a mac kinda person or are just interested in what it has to offer, go for the mbp. I think another easier way to decide is to find out if first off if it's even okay to get the MBP over the dell since you mentioned the dell was the suggested. choice.
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post #17 of 20
8/2/07 at 4:17am
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post #18 of 20
8/2/07 at 4:52am
Being a new Mac user, I'd say go for the Mac, but honestly, in the end it is up to you and your school. If I were in your position, I'd have to go for the MBP. Why? Well, I own one.

On the other hand, like Seablade, I'd only recommend Dells for their superb warranty. If you do anything to your system and it is broken, Dell will make you happy. That's the thing. Plus, your school might require you to have the Dell.
As said before in this thread, the professional lines from Dell are higher quality, so quality shouldn't be of the highest concern.

Another factor you might want to consider would be the screen size and the weight. With the Dell being a 17'', my only gripe would be with the size. Since I like carrying my laptop around, I like it to be at least somewhat portable. With a 15'', you have a compromise of power and portability. Good luck with your choice!
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post #19 of 20
8/3/07 at 12:52am
Thread Starter 
it seems that you basically own the mbp that im thinking about buying k3v. are you able to run windows on it without any problems?
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post #20 of 20
8/4/07 at 6:52pm
Most of the time they dont fix any thing on the Genius bar. They will send it. I had a problem with my keyboard on a powerbook even for that they said we have to send it away. I was without a computer for a week. If I were you I would get the Dell because of one reason Dell deals with Business customers more than Apple so they get your computer problem solved as soon as possible. Like when my Latitude had some problems Dell mailed a similar configuration computer to me by Overnight Fed Ex and all I had to do was swap the HD and send the old computer back. Apple deals with more consumers so their approach to solving problems is different. Also if your school is recommending that you get that particular system get that than any other system.
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