Buying a new laptop... Help!

[Fluffybakon]

Hi All,

 

I'm looking for a laptop to use for the next 2-3 years or so. I'm primarily going to be using it for a combination of general school crap (documents, powerpoints, email, etc.), programming, and running some reasonably graphically intensive applications. I'm not saying i need a 2080ti in my 3mm ultrabook, but if possible, an mx150 or a 1050 would be nice to have. However, i'd prioritize quiet operation over beefy performance, and asthetics are also important to me, as i'll be using it in a reasonably professional setting, so no T H I C C gaming laptops. 

 

Mostly i've been considering the Dell XPS 13/15, and (as much as i hate to admit it), the 2019 MBP. 

 

The XPS 13 seems to be the sexier of the three devices, though the least powerful of the 3 listed above. It's also the smallest. 

The XPS 15 is the most powerful (6 core CPU, 1050), but is heavier and larger (being a 15" device, which i'd rather not take)

The MBP seems to be the best balance of the two, featuring a nice design, good thermals, and good performance. However, it's a bit more expensive and i've traditionally been a windows guy. Any thoughts?

 

I'm open to comments on the above and any other recommendations

 

Thanks in advance!

 

-Lukas

[Super Spartan]

What's your budget?

[SenKa]

No need to be ashamed of the MBP, they are fantastic devices if you fit the usecase.

 

Also, the 2019 MBP is the most powerful with a Vega 20 and 8 Core CPU.

 

The only real downsides of the MBP are lack of upgradability and the butterfly keyboard issues, but the 2019 has improved upon the design greatly. If you can purchase the specs you need now, then go for it over the XPS. Just make sure all your apps have macOS versions or alternatives, as Apple hasn't taken bootcamp (windows on Mac devices) serious since Sierra. The drivers are horrid.

 

I have been a Macbook Air user for quite a long time, I only put mine out of service recently as I needed a touchscreen laptop with pen support so I could take proper notes in maths and legal classes on my laptop.

[Brooksie359]

Well the xps 13 doesn't have a dedicated GPU so I would rule that one out. The xps 15 seems like a pretty option tbh.