Top MacBook Pro Alternatives
True Apple aficionados are often unwilling to consider the possibility that worthy PC alternative exist, and nowhere is that more true than when considering the top MacBook Pro alternatives. The amazing Apple laptop has found a position of dominance in the thin and light but high-performance "sweet spot" of laptop computing. But for an objective consumer who wants the best in laptop design and performance, it may be worth taking a closer look at top alternatives before making a final purchase decision.
We've done some homework for you, scanning top computer review sites in order to compile a list of what we believe are the chief contenders for a place on the list of top MacBook Pro alternatives:
HP Envy14 - This MacBook Pro look-alike features a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 M450 processor, 4 GB RAM and a 500 GB, 7200 rpm hard drive, offering plenty of performance, memory and storage. Its 14" full high-definition LED widescreen display and audio system are among the industry's best. Unfortunately, the Envy is a relatively cumbersome 5.3 lbs. With last year's price reduction in the Envy line, prices do run slightly lower than the Pro. Let's leave it on the list.
Sony VAIO Z Series - This 13-inch ultra-portable runs up to an Intel Core i7-640 processor with up to 3.47GHz, using Turbo Boost, and features up to a 512 GB solid state drive and up to 8 GB of RAM. Wow! The series also has switchable graphics, backlit keyboard, support for multiple SSD drives, and a brilliant display. A Best of the Year winner for 2010 by PC Magazine, the svelte laptop is both beautiful and powerful. Sound familiar? It is much more expensive, however, than the MacBook Pro, with a base starting price of $1800. Prices go even higher with the inclusion of luxe features like Blue-Ray and built-in broadband. If you believe that top Pro alternatives should be comparably priced, the Sony may be out of contention. But if you like an absolutely stunning laptop with power to spare, don't mark it off your list too quickly.
Samsung QX310-SO1AU - Another look-alike, with the "edge-to-edge" look and unibody design of the Pro, the Samsung model operates with an Intel Core i5 460M processor, 4 GB of RAM and 320 GB of storage. It offers switchable graphics, a DVD burner, and a variety of ports. With power under the hood and a starting price comparable to the Pro, the Samsung QX310 comfortably earns a spot on the list of top MacBook Pro alternatives.
Dell XPS 14-inch - With a massive 6 GB of RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M graphics card, the XPS beats the Pro on storage and graphics right out of the gate. It also features an Intel Core i3-380UM processor and a 500GV 7200 RPM hard drive. Powerful stuff! Only slightly heavier than the Pro, the XPS also comes with a 9-cell battery and DVD burner. With comparable configurations to the Pro, its price is almost identical. On the list of top MacBook Pros alternatives, it has a firm spot.
Looking for top MacBook Pro alternatives seems like an oxymoron to many Apple computer enthusiasts. However, PC lovers can find some excellent laptops that will hold their own. Prices vary widely, so pay attention to the configuration you are selecting -- don't mix apples and oranges when you walk from a Mac system to a PC. That said, all the laptops described here sound like they are worth a test drive by the serious consumer who demands both style and power. For any of these top MacBook Pro alternatives, don't be afraid to take a second look.
We've done some homework for you, scanning top computer review sites in order to compile a list of what we believe are the chief contenders for a place on the list of top MacBook Pro alternatives:
HP Envy14 - This MacBook Pro look-alike features a 2.4 GHz Intel Core i5 M450 processor, 4 GB RAM and a 500 GB, 7200 rpm hard drive, offering plenty of performance, memory and storage. Its 14" full high-definition LED widescreen display and audio system are among the industry's best. Unfortunately, the Envy is a relatively cumbersome 5.3 lbs. With last year's price reduction in the Envy line, prices do run slightly lower than the Pro. Let's leave it on the list.
Sony VAIO Z Series - This 13-inch ultra-portable runs up to an Intel Core i7-640 processor with up to 3.47GHz, using Turbo Boost, and features up to a 512 GB solid state drive and up to 8 GB of RAM. Wow! The series also has switchable graphics, backlit keyboard, support for multiple SSD drives, and a brilliant display. A Best of the Year winner for 2010 by PC Magazine, the svelte laptop is both beautiful and powerful. Sound familiar? It is much more expensive, however, than the MacBook Pro, with a base starting price of $1800. Prices go even higher with the inclusion of luxe features like Blue-Ray and built-in broadband. If you believe that top Pro alternatives should be comparably priced, the Sony may be out of contention. But if you like an absolutely stunning laptop with power to spare, don't mark it off your list too quickly.
Samsung QX310-SO1AU - Another look-alike, with the "edge-to-edge" look and unibody design of the Pro, the Samsung model operates with an Intel Core i5 460M processor, 4 GB of RAM and 320 GB of storage. It offers switchable graphics, a DVD burner, and a variety of ports. With power under the hood and a starting price comparable to the Pro, the Samsung QX310 comfortably earns a spot on the list of top MacBook Pro alternatives.
Dell XPS 14-inch - With a massive 6 GB of RAM and a NVIDIA GeForce GT 425M graphics card, the XPS beats the Pro on storage and graphics right out of the gate. It also features an Intel Core i3-380UM processor and a 500GV 7200 RPM hard drive. Powerful stuff! Only slightly heavier than the Pro, the XPS also comes with a 9-cell battery and DVD burner. With comparable configurations to the Pro, its price is almost identical. On the list of top MacBook Pros alternatives, it has a firm spot.
Looking for top MacBook Pro alternatives seems like an oxymoron to many Apple computer enthusiasts. However, PC lovers can find some excellent laptops that will hold their own. Prices vary widely, so pay attention to the configuration you are selecting -- don't mix apples and oranges when you walk from a Mac system to a PC. That said, all the laptops described here sound like they are worth a test drive by the serious consumer who demands both style and power. For any of these top MacBook Pro alternatives, don't be afraid to take a second look.
