The MacBook Pro Experience: A Surprising Comparison to Dell
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Chapter 1: A Shift to Mac
In a previous article titled “My Biggest Problem With Mac Laptops,” I discussed a significant design flaw I noticed in Apple’s mobile computers. Despite this, I found myself purchasing a 14-inch MacBook Pro after a series of frustrating experiences with various Windows laptops that presented multiple issues.
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Section 1.1: Battery Life Disappointments
In my experience, Windows laptops have generally offered lackluster battery life. While there are powerful models available, they often consume more power than they can sustain, resulting in less than satisfactory runtimes.
One Windows laptop I tried, the Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X, boasted a battery life of 14 hours, which was appealing in theory. However, in practice, it barely managed 4 hours even with the screen dimmed and power-saving features activated. After discovering that many users faced similar battery issues with this model, I decided it was best to return it.
Most of my Windows laptops have similarly underperformed in terms of battery life. Even when they could last a bit longer, it often came at the cost of diminished screen brightness and performance, making the experience frustrating.
Section 1.2: The Dell XPS 17 9710 Experience
Currently, I own a Dell XPS 17 9710, which I appreciate for its versatility in work and gaming. However, its battery life leaves much to be desired. While plugged in, it performs excellently, handling demanding applications like Blender and the Adobe Creative Suite effortlessly. Unfortunately, when I disconnect from the power source, I'm lucky to get around 4 hours of usage.
When using my Dell on battery power, I often find it necessary to keep the charger handy to maintain performance levels. Though the XPS is more powerful in certain tasks, such as rendering in Blender, the MacBook excels in battery longevity.
Chapter 2: The MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro
Switching to the MacBook has been enlightening regarding battery performance. The MacBook Pro 14" M1 Pro provides an impressive battery life that allows me to work for extended periods without being tethered to a power outlet. I can enjoy the full performance of the system without sacrificing brightness or refresh rate, something I frequently had to compromise with Windows machines.
The first video titled "Mac Pro VS 16" MacBook Pro M1 Max! HOLY SMOKES!" showcases the remarkable performance differences between these machines.
In macOS, there’s also a low-power mode to extend battery life, but I haven’t found it necessary for my tasks, which speaks volumes about the efficiency of the MacBook Pro.
The second video, "Kaby Lake Dell XPS 13 Review," highlights the strengths and weaknesses of another Windows option, further illustrating the competitive landscape.
PC laptops need to improve significantly to match the battery life and performance balance that MacBooks currently offer. As technology progresses, it’s my hope that we’ll see advancements that allow us to use our laptops for days without worrying about chargers.
I dream of a future where forgetting the charger at home won’t be a concern, and we can enjoy uninterrupted productivity wherever we go.