Right now, I’m in the market to buy a new laptop. However, I’m going to work in an underdeveloped country for a long time, and I need a new laptop to type out articles while I’m there. From what I hear, the place I’m staying is pretty dusty and muggy.
With that in mind, I narrowed my choice down to two very respectable laptops:
I’m primarily focused on the build quality and durability over specs (though I’m looking to spend approximately $1000 dollars, so I would imagine the 800$ Thinkpad would be more robust internally than the Mac after upgrades).
If you have any firsthand experience with either laptops (or are really knowledgeable about the models), please give me your opinion of which laptop I should choose. Remember, I'm looking for build quality, reliability, and sturdiness over all else. Scratching is expected, and I'm not one to sob over a scuffed chrome lid of a macbook or dinged lenovo - just as long as it won't die out on me under extreme conditions.
Additionally, if you were a PC maniac who recently converted to the apple OS, tell me your story too; is it more reliable, easier, intuitive?
Thinkpads are known for their reliability and durability. You can't go wrong with the Thinkpad. Don't buy a Apple, it's overpriced and it's not anymore reliable than a cheap laptop.
I'm about to switch to a macbook really soon. The unibody and the aluminum will definitely gives a great durability to the book. However I believe you should opt for Lenovo. There laptop is so damn durable. I got one for work(I'm an ex-ibmer) I treat it like trash and it still look the same as original.
I never own a macbook, but I can't imagine to abuse one
Why not get a toughbook? One of the rugged or semi-rugged models of laptops would suit you well if you're going to to be in a third world country and performance is an issue.
I've owned a white macbook for about three months prior to buying the thinkpad x61t that I use now.
Thinkpads are indeed known for their durability, and their keyboards are the best as far as laptops go. They won't be as durable as those rugged laptops of course.
Anyway I've used Mac OS X for 3 months and it was terrible experience. A friend of mine made a list of the "flaws" in the OS including inability to cut files (ctrl+x), inability to create a new text file from right click menu, very slow for Microsoft word, Finder (absolutely terrible compared to windows explorer), and more. The only reason I would use Mac is for TextMate. Read this: http://www.xflaws.com/2009/01/mac-os-x-is-not-user-friendly-these_27.html
Make sure if you do get a 15", get WSXGA+ (1650x1080).
On June 17 2009 11:35 ghermination wrote: Why not get a toughbook? One of the rugged or semi-rugged models of laptops would suit you well if you're going to to be in a third world country and performance is an issue.
Well, because a Panasonic toughbook cost $5000 and up. Apart from the rugged shell, there is not much going for it.
On June 17 2009 11:51 Kentor wrote: I've owned a white macbook for about three months prior to buying the thinkpad x61t that I use now.
Thinkpads are indeed known for their durability, and their keyboards are the best as far as laptops go. They won't be as durable as those rugged laptops of course.
Anyway I've used Mac OS X for 3 months and it was terrible experience. A friend of mine made a list of the "flaws" in the OS including inability to cut files (ctrl+x), inability to create a new text file from right click menu, very slow for Microsoft word, Finder (absolutely terrible compared to windows explorer), and more. The only reason I would use Mac is for TextMate. Read this: http://www.xflaws.com/2009/01/mac-os-x-is-not-user-friendly-these_27.html
Make sure if you do get a 15", get WSXGA+ (1650x1080).
The flaws you listed are easily fixable but you need to know a bit about scripting. Finder is awesome! common, you get coverflow in a file manager; what more do you want!
There is no need to get a WSXGA+ screen. Just remember, better screen, crap battery life.
On June 17 2009 11:51 Kentor wrote: I've owned a white macbook for about three months prior to buying the thinkpad x61t that I use now.
Thinkpads are indeed known for their durability, and their keyboards are the best as far as laptops go. They won't be as durable as those rugged laptops of course.
Anyway I've used Mac OS X for 3 months and it was terrible experience. A friend of mine made a list of the "flaws" in the OS including inability to cut files (ctrl+x), inability to create a new text file from right click menu, very slow for Microsoft word, Finder (absolutely terrible compared to windows explorer), and more. The only reason I would use Mac is for TextMate. Read this: http://www.xflaws.com/2009/01/mac-os-x-is-not-user-friendly-these_27.html
Make sure if you do get a 15", get WSXGA+ (1650x1080).
The flaws you listed are easily fixable but you need to know a bit about scripting. Finder is awesome! common, you get coverflow in a file manager; what more do you want!
There is no need to get a WSXGA+ screen. Just remember, better screen, crap battery life.
you're not funny at all
definitely get a matte screen (anti-glare) not glossy (vibrant view). also the t400s is coming out which is thinner and lighter...
On June 17 2009 11:51 Kentor wrote: I've owned a white macbook for about three months prior to buying the thinkpad x61t that I use now.
Thinkpads are indeed known for their durability, and their keyboards are the best as far as laptops go. They won't be as durable as those rugged laptops of course.
Anyway I've used Mac OS X for 3 months and it was terrible experience. A friend of mine made a list of the "flaws" in the OS including inability to cut files (ctrl+x), inability to create a new text file from right click menu, very slow for Microsoft word, Finder (absolutely terrible compared to windows explorer), and more. The only reason I would use Mac is for TextMate. Read this: http://www.xflaws.com/2009/01/mac-os-x-is-not-user-friendly-these_27.html
Make sure if you do get a 15", get WSXGA+ (1650x1080).
The flaws you listed are easily fixable but you need to know a bit about scripting. Finder is awesome! common, you get coverflow in a file manager; what more do you want!
There is no need to get a WSXGA+ screen. Just remember, better screen, crap battery life.
you're not funny at all
definitely get a matte screen (anti-glare) not glossy (vibrant view). also the t400s is coming out which is thinner and lighter...
Even though I've been a Mac user for my entire life, I would advise you to get that PC. You specifically mentioned abusive treatment and I don't think abusing a Mac (even in a Unibody shell) is a good idea.
Mac OS X is awesome though. Won't go further than that because every time Mac vs PC threads come up they tend to start holy wars.
I'm on a thinkpad right now and I've used macs extensively in the past.
Cost-wise, you can get a thinkpad with similar specs for around 2/3 of the price of a mac if you catch a sale, which they have very often. Thinkpads are very durable, and you can use the laptop as a writing surface without a problem. That being said, macs are also very durable, I've witnessed many times people dropping their macs, but never witnessed any problems. I've also had a friend who dropped a macbook into a lake (long story), and it still works.
Macbooks are GREAT if you are a developer. You can practically see it as a very polished version of Ubuntu. The design is not as intuitive as they make it to be. Some things are definitely better, but some just seem to be different for the sake of being different. As well, the unibodies get quite hot, to a degree that'll probably have an impact on your balls.
Overall, both notebooks are great, if price is not a concern, I'd get a mac because it does look better; otherwise, get the IBM.
Thanks for the advice so far - judging from what's been said, i'm about 70% set on the lenovo - great keyboard, matte screen, and familiar os interface seems like a good deal.
i'm going to post on an apple forum and see if i can get any veterans on that site to give me an unbiased opinion: if a few apple vets say to get a lenovo for my situation, then i'm set. thanks guys
On June 17 2009 13:34 Kentor wrote: uhhhh how can you get an unbiased opinion on a mac forum? teamliquid is pretty unbiased from what i've seen.
oh i know teamliquid is unbiased, and that's why i'm leaning strongly to lenovo right now - that being said, i wouldn't mind someone who fanatically knows the macbook pro's strengths inside and out to try to deter to me otherwise.
do i expect any replies in lenovo's favor? no. but maybe i will hear it out of the horse's mouth that thinkpad is the way to go, and THAT would be the frosting on this delicious lenovo cake TL has baked.
On June 17 2009 13:28 Makiva wrote: Thanks for the advice so far - judging from what's been said, i'm about 70% set on the lenovo - great keyboard, matte screen, and familiar os interface seems like a good deal.
i'm going to post on an apple forum and see if i can get any veterans on that site to give me an unbiased opinion: if a few apple vets say to get a lenovo for my situation, then i'm set. thanks guys
If you're after a great keyboard, even the base model of MacBook Pro has keyboard backlight - I've used this feature when I used my dad's MBP and its really helpful if you do a lot of typing in low-light conditions.
If you need a good Apple forum, go to MacRumors - very little fanboys there.
On June 17 2009 13:34 Kentor wrote: uhhhh how can you get an unbiased opinion on a mac forum? teamliquid is pretty unbiased from what i've seen.
oh i know teamliquid is unbiased, and that's why i'm leaning strongly to lenovo right now - that being said, i wouldn't mind someone who fanatically knows the macbook pro's strengths inside and out to try to deter to me otherwise.
do i expect any replies in lenovo's favor? no. but maybe i will hear it out of the horse's mouth that thinkpad is the way to go, and THAT would be the frosting on this delicious lenovo cake TL has baked.
TL is a gaming community and these always favor PCs over Macs.
On June 17 2009 11:51 Kentor wrote: I've owned a white macbook for about three months prior to buying the thinkpad x61t that I use now.
Thinkpads are indeed known for their durability, and their keyboards are the best as far as laptops go. They won't be as durable as those rugged laptops of course.
Anyway I've used Mac OS X for 3 months and it was terrible experience. A friend of mine made a list of the "flaws" in the OS including inability to cut files (ctrl+x), inability to create a new text file from right click menu, very slow for Microsoft word, Finder (absolutely terrible compared to windows explorer), and more. The only reason I would use Mac is for TextMate. Read this: http://www.xflaws.com/2009/01/mac-os-x-is-not-user-friendly-these_27.html
Make sure if you do get a 15", get WSXGA+ (1650x1080).
u sir have the best link i've seen thus far!
@OP get thinkpad... i just tested one today and those r HOT
I don't think Thinkpads have back lighting. Mine has this crappy little light bulb at the top where a webcam would normally be.
I must mention the buttons on a Thinkpad feels much better than those on a macbook (IMO). The Thinkpad mouse buttons are soft and the keyboard feels much closer to a non-laptop keyboard. However, Thinkpad touchpads aren't so great (not a problem if you use a real mouse).
On June 17 2009 13:34 Kentor wrote: uhhhh how can you get an unbiased opinion on a mac forum? teamliquid is pretty unbiased from what i've seen.
oh i know teamliquid is unbiased, and that's why i'm leaning strongly to lenovo right now - that being said, i wouldn't mind someone who fanatically knows the macbook pro's strengths inside and out to try to deter to me otherwise.
do i expect any replies in lenovo's favor? no. but maybe i will hear it out of the horse's mouth that thinkpad is the way to go, and THAT would be the frosting on this delicious lenovo cake TL has baked.
u r asking for too much dude. this is the internet, lucky u even got this far.
EPT
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