The new 2016 MacBook Pros introduced by Apple introduced last week are not only pretty expensive but also a bit of a disappointment in terms of specs and features.
MacBook Pro 2016 Disappoints
According to Business Insider, the cheapest MacBook Pro 2016 is the base 13-inch model that comes with a price tag of $1,500. This model doesn't come with the fancy new Touch Bar, its specs are average and its price is too high for its configuration.
There are some creative professionals, including video editors, photographers, and graphic designers, who are disappointed by the specs of the MacBook Pro 2016 lineup. The biggest issue is the fact that Apple's new machines don't feature the latest Nvidia and Intel processors and offer only a maximum of 16 GB of memory. Another problem is that Apple discontinued nearly all the traditional ports, including the SD card reader and full-size USB ports.
Some pros are so disappointed by the new MacBook Pros that they are even considering a switch to Windows instead. There are indeed PCs that make worthy replacements for the MacBook Pro. When you can buy a Windows 10 laptop that is lighter, thinner and comes with superior specs for $500 less, why would you spend more on Apple's flagship?
I've compiled a few PC-based alternatives that can compete with MacBook Pro 2016, based on their specs, while keeping a lightweight, sleek design. Some of them can even outperform Apple's flagship laptop. Most of them come with powerful Intel latest generation Core i7 processors. Here are several Windows laptops alternatives you could consider from top brands such as Dell, HP, and Microsoft.
Dell XPS 15
When it's about balancing specs and price, the Dell XPS 4K Touch comes closest to the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2016. This all-around creative machine matches up the new 15-inch MacBoo Pro in both specs and price. It comes with a practical design and features a 15-inch 4K display for a price tag of $1,850.
The Dell XPS 15 has several advantages over the 15-inch MacBook Pro 2016. In not only comes with a touchscreen and 4K display but it also features 32 GB of RAM, a plus over MacBook Pro's limited RAM. Another pro to Dell XPS 15 is the fact that its ports include Thunderbold 3 and HDMI but also USB 3.0 ports and an SD card reader.
HP Spectre
The HP's Spectre is lighter, thinner and beautifully designed while coming with a lower price tag and better specs. One advantage is that it comes with one more USB-C port than the new base MacBook Pro 2016.
Among HP Spectre's specs are worth mentioning its Core i7 7500U processor working at a 3.5 GHz speed, 256 GB SSD storage space, 8 GB of RAM memory, 13.3-inch 1080p screen, 3 USB-C ports (one with Thunderbolt) and a weight of 2.45 pounds. Its price tag is $1,250.
Microsoft Surface Pro
According to CNET, for designers and artists, Microsoft's Surface Book can be a serious contender to replace their former preference for Apple MacBook Pro. Among the advantages of the Surface Book over the 13-inch MacBook Pro are included more ports (including an SD card reader), better graphics, as well as both the Microsoft Surface pen stylus and a touch screen.
But Microsoft's Surface Book has also some disadvantages. A top-of-the-line 13-inch MacBook Pro can prove to be smaller, lighter and cheaper. The MacBook Pro can charge with a standard USB-C power adapter and comes with Thunderbolt 3 ports and a faster processor.
