Hi All

Wanted to get some opinions between the Dell XPS 15 9560 and Macbook Pro 15, both the recent 2017 models. I'm looking for a powerful and sleek designed (yes I'm superficial that way) laptop, aside from normal computing use, mainly for:
- Image editing, some graphic design (but not video)
- Moderate gaming, not super heavy, but not light
- Watching HD video
- Something to last me the next 4-5 years, so don't mind spending a bit

[Edit: for context, I've been using the Macbook Pro 15 from 2012, and Macbook Air from about that time too)

My main considerations so far:

Macbook Pro 2017
Considering: i7 2.8GHz variant (16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, Radeon Pro 555 2GB etc)

Pros:
OS: I've been a Mac user for years, Windows 10 is alright but I really do like MacOS
Design: I still do like the Macbook design, compared to the Dell, which just looks slightly clunkier (although still nice). And I really like the Mac trackpads
Build Quality: I've generally never had problems with Macbooks, they're well designed and work well from the start, and I know they last

Cons:
Price for performance: Definitely more expensive, almost RM2k more for less specs. Then again, it is a different OS? I wouldn't mind paying a bit more as it is to last me a few years, if the performance difference isn't too significant?
OS: Mac OS is never good for gaming. Im Not really tied to any apps that need Mac OS.
Design: Ambivalent about the Touchbar, not dying to have it, but I may end up liking it if it helps

Dell XPS 15 9560
Considering: i7 3.8GHz, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD, NVIDIA GTX 1050 4GB, etc

Pros:
Price/Performance: You definitely get more for money
OS: More gaming options here.

Cons:
OS: Windows 10 is ok, but not my favorite, and the trackpad is not as good. I know these sound superficial, but these are the things I would use everyday so I'm worried they may get annoying fast
Design: It looks good, but (IMO) not as good as the Macbook, definitely looks clunkier
Build Quality: I have had bad experiences with Dell laptops before, having problems with new units out of the box. Sure, they fix it under warranty, but it is still a hassle. Also, do they last for 4-5 years?


Would love some opinions, especially from anyone who may have used one or the other, or even better, have decided between them, or switched from one to the other.

I suppose it comes down to:
1) Actually performance difference during use (I know the specs are different, but then they're different OS
2) Graphics card differences: is the Dell's NVidia GTX 1050 much better than the Mac's Radeon Pro 555?
3) Longevity: Which would last better over 4-5 yeats?

Thanks!

This post has been edited by toccata: Jul 11 2017, 03:58 AM

lol i guess that sums it up

Thanks for the feedback, good to hear from direct experience

Let me know how you like your 9560!

Yeah same, AW (I think thats what you meant) is too heavy

Thanks, I think I've 80% decided to go XPS, it really comes down to value for money, I can't bring myself to spend so much more for so much less with the MacBook

I think the only thing that's making me think about the 20% is the build quality and styling, I still prefer the MacBook. I saw someone's 1 year old XPS (the previous model but the exterior is about the same as the new one) and that carbon fiber looking finishing does look rather worn and feels a bit clammy/rough (compared to my 5 year old MB Pro which still looks great)

Am thinking the same (about the skinning the exterior!)

What issues? Can you post a link
I just ordered mine

Err I don't think you offered me a price?

A few people were PMing asking for outcome and opinions, so here's a short 1-month review:


Went with the xps, couldn't bring myself to pay so much more for less. Overall quite happy:

Pros: lots of specs, great screen (got the 4K one, didnt quite like the matte UHD one), nice design, good value for money

Cons: if you're coming from a macbook, then a lot of little things will get to you especially with daily use, eg trackpad (good for windows, but not as smooth as mac esp for gestures), overall smoothness of Windows 10 (one of the better Windows so far but still not as smooth as OS X e.g. multi-desktop, screen clippings, etc). And yes, it is annoying that you can't open it with one hand
Also had some problems when I first got it with the graphics drivers, because of an update downloaded by windows update - blue screens and flickering. Was fixed by manually downloading the latest intel drivers from Dell but it was bloody annoying


In summary, if you're a Windows user, I think this is the best all-rounder on the market right now, enough power to do everything from normal computing to image/video editing to some gaming, without feeling or looking like a brick.
If you're a mac user looking to switch, you will notice a bunch of small things wrt to the UI that will collectively annoy you over time, but I think nothing you can't live with.