What Windows Laptop Is Equivalent to MacBook Pro 16"

Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 15:27

TLDR - what is a large screen Windows laptop that is equivalent to MBP 16" quality

I want to buy a lappie and have been trialling a few
About 6 months ago my Surface Book 2 just stopped powering on and I had to replace
Bought a Surface Laptop 3 15" and upgraded to Win 11 on start-up.
Well that was a mistake as it was AMD version and the drivers etc weren’t quite right - fast forward a bit now and all ok
But … keyboard not as good as SB2 and the screen isn’t quite either
The SB2 with WIn10 was way ‘snappier’ to use and I do notice this stuff
Lappie only has 8gb of ram and Windows stupidly allocates 2gb to iGPU so Windows running on 6gb which is just not enough for W11

I bought a Dell XPS 17 but sold it at a small loss - Big/heavy, OK performance but fans/heat and the keyboard was awful

After reading forums etc I thought Bugger it I will buy an M1 mac
Got the Mac AIr 13’ and it was lovely - good screen, good keyboard and snappy af
But the screen was too small, and I have to re-learn everything - so I did a return

So now - what should I buy?
I don’t game unless you count solitaire and sudoku
Occasional light photo editing or video or audio - stuff any pc should handle
So mostly looking for large screen 15" or bigger
Great keyboard and responsive with at least 8 hours battery

MBP 16" is the bench mark to meet and still in consideration
- if it was $2K instead of $3.5K I might have bought it already

What else can you recommend?
Thanks

Computing Computer Laptop

Comments

  • jv on 03/05/2022 - 15:28
    +2

    What Which Windows Laptop Is Equivalent to MacBook Pro 16"

    fixed…

    • Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 15:45
      +12

      Oh damn - I can't believe I am saying this but "you are right JV"

  • hellousyd on 03/05/2022 - 15:37
    +1

    Razer, Dell XPS and Microsoft Surface are the only devices that will even come remotely close to matching the 16" MacBook. Even then they only match the MacBook in certain aspects. For example:

    Razer - build quality
    Dell - screen quality
    Surface - no bloatware, build quality etc.

    You said that if it was 2k instead of 3.5k you might have bought it already. I'm not sure if you're willing to buy used, but you can pick up a 16" for pretty close to 2.2-2.4k in like new condition on eBay. Not too far off your original budget. If I were you I would go down this route. Also, 16" is pretty big. Are you really sure you want something that size? If you are using it as your main device I would rather get an external monitor, also 16" is not very portable or light.

    If I were you I would save up another couple hundred dollars (200-300) and purchase the 14" M1 Pro MacBook Pro using 10-15% cards. Good luck and I hope this helps!

    • Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 15:49

      Thanks for the answer
      I had the M1 air - I don't think the 14" will be much bigger relatively
      I have a 15" surface now and don't want to go smaller - for prolonged use I do plug into monitor

      I will definitely check the Razer - I though tthey were mostly for gaming

      16" MPB is around 2kg - still pretty portable
      I actually found the 13" air at around 1kg felt too light - LoL
      I don't think you can get an M1 MBP on ebay for $2K ish or I would buy it

      I guess with cards at 10% off I could get the 16" from Apple refurb store down to around $3K
      $2K isn't a hard budget

  • Diverse on 03/05/2022 - 15:43

    If not Apple, then Lenovo Legion 5 if your budget allows.

    • Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 15:50

      I will check them out Thanks
      What about the Legion makes it like MBP in your eyes?

  • Savas on 03/05/2022 - 15:54
    +1

    Dell XPS 15

    • Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 16:34
      +2

      I do have a soft spot for Dell but I would need to check it out - I bought an XPS 17 and the flat kb was awful

      • Savas on 03/05/2022 - 16:45
        +1

        sorry didn't even read your post.. i agree the fans are so annoying. I think the keyboard is good though ?

  • chrisn26 on 03/05/2022 - 16:20
    +4

    Nothing is "equivalent" to a macbook IMHO. Not having to mess around with the hardware, low level OS stuff like drivers is worth every cent. I'd rather use my computer rather than having to fix it all the time. You don't buy a car and expect to be wrenching every day. I think the biggest question is how much do you value your sanity?

    • Noblejoker on 03/05/2022 - 16:32

      Whilst valid I think this is a little overstated. Modern windows does require some update restarts but not much
      The counter point for someone switching is re-learning some of the processes
      I find kb shortcuts (esp. Ctrl +Z X C V) - the dock - and file storage locations the hardest to adapt to

      • justdigi on 03/05/2022 - 16:38

        You do realise Ctrl ZXCV, dock and file storage locations are the same between macOS and windows 11, right?

        • omeallynile on 03/05/2022 - 16:55

          I’ve used both and I don’t really think so! The Ctrl/Cmd thing is easy, unless you jump between the two.

          Not massive hurdles all round but not the same

          • justdigi on 03/05/2022 - 19:08

            @omeallynile: If you use their dumb default folders they are. Pictures, documents, downloads, music etc etc and they’re backed up to iCloud on Mac, onedrive on windows.

            • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/05/2022 - 22:05

              @justdigi: I use Onedrive on my Macbook.

              • justdigi on 04/05/2022 - 07:08

                @BewareOfThe Dog: I also use one drive on my Mac. My point was I switch between a PC at work and Mac working from home seamlessly, as I have all the same applications and shared cloud storage. The differences are small and for the OP to say they ‘can’t get used to Mac’ is disingenuous at best.

          • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/05/2022 - 22:07

            @omeallynile: I just use a MX Keyboard on my desk. Easy, and I set it up. Plus it takes a snapshot, which is easier than the 3 keys on MacOS I can't remember.

    • qvinto on 03/05/2022 - 16:59
      +1

      Agreed. I bit the bullet and changed and the Mac is so much more reliable than any windows laptop i owned in the past. Took a bit to adjust but now i prefer the Mac as it is much more stable and reliable.

  • qvinto on 03/05/2022 - 16:58
    +1

    I would just save a bit more and go for the MB16. I previously had the SB2, SB3 new Dell XPS 15 and have an $8K HP Zbook Studio from work. In comparison they are all pretty crap compared to the Mac - the SB is really underpowered, the XPS 15 9510 and Zbook get hot and have poor performance on battery. If you definitely can't stretch it to get the MB16 then out of those laptops I tested the 4k IPS XPS 15 9510 was probably the best. You can buy a new one on ebay for about 2500. I got mine from these guys below and it was new Dell stock with no warranty issues. There is 10% off at the moment now too so you can get it for under 2500
    The OLED model has a pixelated screen due to the touch screen overlay. This is visible on white backgrounds and was annoyign to me so i went for the IPS model

    https://www.ebay.com.au/sch/leotardibm/m.html?ssPageName=STR…

  • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2022 - 17:40

    There isn’t one

  • Hugh G Rection on 03/05/2022 - 19:38

    nothing, lol

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/05/2022 - 21:28

    I just saw this article in my suggestions about 10 minutes ago. Digital Trends. It's American, but may help.

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 03/05/2022 - 22:05
    +2

    Admittedly, I am not an Apple fan, however I do own and use an M1 MB Pro, with a 32" screen. I prefer Windows as an OS, as well as Android (I have a Galaxy Fold 3). I have been selling Apple products for 32 years, and Apple for a Retailer are the worst company I have ever dealt with. They make companies like Sony, Panasonic, Teac, Coopers, Lion-Nathan look great! They have the worst Profit margins, no staff discount(unless you work at an Apple store), and the worst customers (sorry fanboys).

    MacOS is very illogical (worse than IOS), however I use the MB Pro and iPad for music, which is extremely good, (though I had a few issues with on of the plugins, causing it to crash). You can run Windows on it (though I don't, as I have a dual boot Ryzen 7 system, running windows 10 and Catalina). The Ryzen would beat most Mac Devices under $5000, however , when I saw the specs on the M1, and compared it to my Ryzen, I was blown away.

    This is an amazing device, with the only Negative being 2 USB-C ports, No touchscreen support, MacOS (I can see the hatemail coming now - chill :)) and only being able to use 1 external display, though there is a workaround using Displaylink.

    Give it another go, but pay the extra if possible.

    One other frustration is learning new shortcuts (as you mentioned), minimise buttons being on the wrong side, however you can buy shortcut stickers. I have a Logitech MX Keyboard and Mouse, I use with it, and I programmed the shortcuts to use Ctl or alt instead of CMD. Add to that an App called Ubar, that gives you a windows style bottom taskbar.

    As far as price goes, remember that a Macbook, generally has a lifespan of 6 years, whereas a Windows device would be about 3 to 4. Also, the resale value on a Macbook 16 would be higher than an equivalent Windows device if you sell it second hand.
    Admittedly I still use an Acer 11in from 2014, but also a 2013 MB Air as backup.

    Furthermore, there might be new models announced, but later this year which will see price reductions. Otherwise, check the JB, OW, GG, HN sites, as well as Ozbargain to see if they are offering 10% off. Otherwise, you purchase from the Apple Education store perhaps as a 'student'?

    I can't believe I am recommending an Apple product as it goes against my beliefs (My Girlfriend just checked my temperature) though I have done it before on OzB.

    • eug on 15/05/2022 - 18:16

      As far as price goes, remember that a Macbook, generally has a lifespan of 6 years

      Unless you bought one on November 16 2020, the day before the M1 was released. ;)

      whereas a Windows device would be about 3 to 4.

      It depends on what class of laptop you bought and how you use it. A cheap home-user-grade machine can last a while if you buy reasonable specs (i.e. not a $500 JB HiFi special) and don't toss it around.

      More solid devices like a ThinkPad or Surface can last far longer. At work the oldest laptop we had was a ~10 year old ThinkPad which did its MS Office jobs fine. It was replaced a few years ago with a ThinkPad Yoga that's about 8 years old this year and is still being used today.

      Also, the resale value on a Macbook 16 would be higher than an equivalent Windows device if you sell it second hand.

      That's true, however if you're the type of person who buys a laptop and uses it to the ground, resale isn't important.

  • [Deactivated] on 03/05/2022 - 22:50
    +1

    Intel NUC X15 is pretty close and does not limit your software choices and expansion options.

  • eug on 14/05/2022 - 10:22
    +1

    If you're getting Intel, make sure it's a 12th gen processor. It's as powerful and sometimes more powerful than an M1, although the M1 uses less power.

  • forged on 15/05/2022 - 16:56

    If you're referring to the 16" M1Pro MBP, then no, I don't think any Windows laptop comes close overall.

    In terms of chassis feel and build quality, the Surface stuff is pretty comparable, imo. Dell XPS is fine, but not up to the same standard. Can't speak on the Razer or Intel stuff, give it a try and see what you think.

    The 120Hz, adaptive refresh rate, miniLED display on the MBP is gorgeous to look at, and pretty unique. miniLED is better than OLED for daily use (it's brighter and less reflective), good colour accuracy, and high refresh rate is always satisfying. I believe there are Windows laptops with miniLED, but they're niche and more expensive for now.

    M1 family is also unique when it comes to the combination of performance and energy efficiency. Intel's best mobile CPUs are faster, but are much higher power. M1 Pro/Max gets even more attractive when you consider they have pretty good graphics performance without needing a power hungry discrete GPU. End result will be that the MacBook runs cool, quiet, and the battery will last longer.

    For you, sounds like you'll enjoy the display, battery life and keyboard of the Mac. Unfortunately, it's targeted more as a pro device (unlike the 2016-2020 MacBook "Pro") and it's somewhat thick and heavy to deliver its high performance. Try one in store and see if you can stomach the weight; it's the only real downside (other than the price). All around it's the best laptop currently available, imo.

    You can get the base model 16" MBP for around $3.3k on AOC edu store, if that helps.
    If you're not in a hurry, there's been rumours of a 15" MacBook Air floating around for a while now. Sounds like it'd be exactly what you want, but it's not likely to be released before next year.

    • forged on 15/05/2022 - 16:59

      I also agree with the other commenters saying switching from Windows to macOS isn't a big deal; I've been using a Windows desktop and Mac laptop daily for several years now and after the first few months, grew comfortable using both.

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