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Thinkpad vs Macbook

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By 12860682321
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So I'm going to major in Software Engineering soon and was wondering what laptop should I buy. I only want a laptop that can take notes, record lectures (maybe some video), capatiblity with all the software required for Software Engineering and a little bit of future-proofing. I've tried both Macbooks and Thinkpads in stores and love both of them in terms of their keyboard, trackpad and build quality. The only problem is which one to choose. I like to long battery life of the Macbook, but that can be easily improved with the Thinkpad with the extended battery life. Any advice. Thanks.

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Have you considered an ultrabook?

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Have you considered an ultrabook?

I went into Staples today and saw a Thinkpad with an "Ultrabook, inspired by Intel" sticker on it, so I would say yes.

"Rawr XD"

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I'd go with the Macbook. Super strong build, excellent battery life, and OS X is a great OS once you get settled in. It's hard to go back to Windows as your daily driver :)

You didn't specify Air or Pro, however. The 13" Air has ridiculous battery life, and of course the Pros have incredible screens.

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Macbook since you can easily run OS X and windows and Linux on it. This makes it compatible with all software.

 

You can make a hackintosh with the thinkpad but its likely a lot of crucial features will be missing due to lack of laptop support.

 

 

In the end its your choice but i think the macbook will give u more peace of mind with software compatibility so u dont have to buy both later...

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Go for the MacBook, if it's the Pro that's even better!


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What models where you looking at? Thinkpad carbon? MacBook Pro retina 13?

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What software will you be working with? That's a major question to selecting a machine for engineering work...

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Maybe wait for next-gen processors? Thinpad Helix is coming out next month, but it may not have the horsepower you need. 

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ThinkPad for life. Once you go Matt Black you never go back.

Also TrackPoint FTW!

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I went into Staples today and saw a Thinkpad with an "Ultrabook, inspired by Intel" sticker on it, so I would say yes.

X1 Carbon. There is also a T series ultrabook if I recall.

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Go for the MacBook, if it's the Pro that's even better!

They dont have a non pro now if I recall.

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They dont have a non pro now if I recall.

OP didn't specify which one so I generalized it.


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thinkpad for better keyboard,build quality and warranty.

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I think you need to figure out which OS you like more, Windows or OS X. Sure, you might like the design and all, but the software is the thing that counts when you are using it.. So choose wisely.

Else, I would recommend a MacBook if you are willing to spend a bit more. Although good Thinkpads cost the same, or even more...

I also think that the keyboard on Thinkpads are better than those on the Mac. Not by far though. With the MBP you get real mobile CPUs and not those trimmed-down 15W TDP models. Iris Graphics is a nice addition.

In the end, its all up to you.

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Have you considered an ultrabook?

I don't mine a little bit of weight, as long as the laptop is light enough for a 1km per day walk then I'm fine.

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I don't mine a little bit of weight, as long as the laptop is light enough for a 1km per day walk then I'm fine.

Do you need a quad core processor or a dedicated GPU at all?

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Build Logs: Anthrax (2016.02.14) | Chibi PC (2014.09.22) | ThePylon (2015.10.26) | Mystery Build #4 (????.??.??) | Mystery Build #5 (????.??.??)

The HID Liberator: A Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard Build Log | A Simple Mod: Silencing the EVGA 750Ti FTW w/ ACX

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Get a Macbook Pro or Macbook air. Thinkpads are good, but honestly they're pretty crap in comparison to what Apple has to offer. (CS major and X220 owner/daily user)

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Get a Macbook Pro or Macbook air. Thinkpads are good, but honestly they're pretty crap in comparison to what Apple has to offer. (CS major and X220 owner/daily user)

Has to offer in what way because i can name a large number of ways in which they are better.

UPDATED An enthusiasts guide to video feat. MPC-HC + madVR | NEW UPDATE Supertower Build Log: Anthrax 8.0 ~ 02/21 - Follow!

Build Logs: Anthrax (2016.02.14) | Chibi PC (2014.09.22) | ThePylon (2015.10.26) | Mystery Build #4 (????.??.??) | Mystery Build #5 (????.??.??)

The HID Liberator: A Cherry MX Mechanical Keyboard Build Log | A Simple Mod: Silencing the EVGA 750Ti FTW w/ ACX

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Has to offer in what way because i can name a large number of ways in which they are better.

Build quality, screen quality and res, trackpad, thinness, super easy OS selection (Bootcamp), speakers, warranty and support, webcam and mic quality, etc.

Thinkpads aren't very competitive on price either, especially here in Australia compared to Macbooks.

That's what I can think of in the time it takes me to type this sentence.

Edit: I should add that my father has a T430 and my step-mother has an E430, both also not very good compared to their Apple counterparts.

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