Switching to PC
Hey Everyone,
After 10 years with apple I've decided that I can't keep buying computers that can't even run excel properly, and I've decided to get a PC (laptop). Not too concerned about money, but wanted to get some suggestions for computers in general, CPUs, Hard Drives, etc.
Also, looking to make this computer a beast for modeling and wanted to know what softwares people recommend (obviously Office, Adobe... I like Macabacus)... any suggestions?
Thanks
Very interesting, normally it's the other way around. And especially since we're talking laptops where apple reign supreme.
P.S Not an apple fanboy, currently running a high end custom built gaming PC. I'm just here to let you know that Apple makes superior laptops all around. Whatever excell problems you speak of can be remedied by setting up a virtual windows OS using something like Parallels. It's really easy, youtube it.
Get the macbook pro.
-Lifetime windows user
Thanks for the advice. I've been considering getting the macbook pro and using a virtual machine, but I have a few worries. First, will I be able to use an external keyboard so that I can use all of the shortcuts/hotkeys (particularly TTS and Macabacus ones). Also, will partitioning my computer make it slower overall? Finally, will the standard (upgraded to 256 GB) macbook have the capacity to run this, or will I have to go for a more expensive model?
The 2015 XPS 13 line is phenomenal, excellent resolution, trackpad and keyboard, paper-thin bezel, and I'm pretty sure you can plunk down a few hundred more to juice up the CPU / HD / RAM. Another solid option is the Zenbook line from Acer. Both have great build qualities for a PC (still haven't found anything that matches a MB in that area) and are quite reliable. Let me know if you need any links or have more questions.
The XPS 13 is probably my frontrunner right now, but I'm starting to think the Lenovo Y50 touch would be a better deal. It has better RAM (16GB), an i7 instead of an i5 CPU, and a 512GB SSD. Am I looking at these the right way?
On a technical basis, yes, you're looking at it the right way. My only gripe with Lenovo is the design (personal preference- I probably would have loved the look of the Y-series in high school but not now) and build quality. The extra power is definitely nice, but just ask yourself if you're going to optimize 16GB vs 8GB. Important to note as well that i7 doesn't necessarily mean better than i5- you should make sure to check out a comparison of the two specific processors. And of course the extra space is nice as well, can't deny that.
As the others are saying, the Thinkpad line is also the leader in business laptops. I think in order to narrow down the vast selection of seemingly very similar options you should decide what you want it for- is it for business, travel, school, gaming, or some combination of the above? Do you care how it looks now, or 2-3 years down the line when you might be in a conference room or meeting?
thinkpad all the way. Really solid computers. I think there is a recent thread on thinkpads that you should take a look at
I have the 2015 XPS 13. I would advise against the touchscreen. The extra resolution is impossible to use effectively because noone programs for that high of a resolution, and it eats up battery life. I would go with the normal 1080p screen one. Its a great computer though.
Not true anymore. If you've got a touchscreen installed Office 2013 adds an option on the top which modifies the ribbon format and mouse settings(i believe) to make the interface friendlier for touch screen users.
Anyways if money isn't an obstacle your best bet is probably to get a custom-build laptop from these guys:
https://www.falcon-nw.com/laptops
I use a similar laptop (same components) purchased from a company that makes them cheaper(at the expense of durability). They're fantastic for power business users. You get every feature you'd need: fast performance, a lightup keyboard so you can work on a dark plane or at night, and any kind of port you're likely to use.
For individual components you're going to want in any system you get, it really doesn't matter as much as it used to. Most mid-line computers can handle anything you throw at Excel. To be completely safe I'd recommend at least i5 series processor and 16GB of Ram. I also recommend getting a computer that boots off a Solid State Drive. If you haven't used one before you're going to be amazed at how little time it takes to boot the system and at how fast applications (excluding games) will generally load. On my system it takes about half a second to start any MS Office program.
Just be advised that when I say you're going to pay out the ass for a Falcon NW system, I mean it.
Not that I am currently in the market for one right now, but how much are we looking at for the Falcon?
I'm overall a "mac guy" too, but I do like Lenovos a lot. Really solid machines.
I use a Lenovo x1 Carbon and really like it. Ultra thin/light and has the feel of a macbook
Lenovo X1 Carbon.
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