Which Windows Laptops Cost as Much as a MacBook Pro?

In the realm of high-end computing, premiums are often paid for premium hardware and software, particularly from brands like Apple. However, there are several Windows laptops that can rival the macOS-exclusive MacBook Pro in terms of price and performance. This article explores the affordability and competition among popular Linux workstations, hybrid notebooks, and entry-level servers that cost as much or more than a MacBook Pro.

HP ZBook Firefly 15.6 Inch G8: A Pricy Competitor

When comparing prices, the HP ZBook Firefly 15.6 Inch G8 and the MacBook Pro are remarkably similar in terms of cost. In India, the MacBook Pro starts at INR 122,900, whereas the HP ZBook costs INR 133,999. Despite the slight price difference, the HP ZBook stands out due to its superior performance and tailored design for professionals.

The HP ZBook Firefly G8 is a professional-grade laptop, designed to meet the demands of creators and engineers. It features an 11th Generation Intel Core i7 processor, 16 GB of RAM, and a 1 TB SSD. Additionally, it comes equipped with Intel Iris X integrated graphics, a dedicated NVIDIA T500 4 GB GDDR6 GPU, and a nearly borderless screen. The long-lasting battery life makes it ideal for prolonged use and on-the-go productivity.

Microsoft Surface and Dell XPS: Overpriced but Reliable

Microsoft Surface and Dell XPS are other high-end Windows laptops that often command prices in the same range as a MacBook Pro. These devices are known for their premium build quality and reliability, making them attractive alternatives. However, their build and performance are on par with MacBooks, not necessarily better, but equally matched in many cases.

Are You Still Confused?

If you're still uncertain which laptop to choose, we recommend checking out the latest blogs on the Tech4Growth section of DQIndia's website or the NextGenIT section on CIOL's website. These resources provide comprehensive comparisons and insights from industry experts.

Mac Book Pro Specifications: A 16-inch Model Maxed Out

For those familiar with the specs of a fully maxed-out MacBook Pro, the 16-inch model with an Intel processor is an interesting comparison point. With 8 TB of SSD, a Radeon 5600 Pro GPU, 64 GB of RAM, and a 2.8 GHz i9 8-core processor, the price can easily exceed INR 65,000. Similarly, a fully decked out Origin PC EON17 also costs around INR 65,000 or more, featuring an i9 8-core processor at 3.5 GHz, 64 GB of RAM, and 8 TB of SATA SSD and 2 TB of NVMe SSD, along with an RTX2080 8 GB GPU.

Performance and Features: An In-Depth Comparison

The MacBook Pro boasts a smaller yet better display, particularly with its 4K resolution, although the EON’s 4K display is still impressive. The MacBook Pro edge offers faster storage with more capacity. However, the EON PC EON17 has a superior cooling system, leading to better benchmarks due to reduced thermal throttling. Its video card is also vastly superior, with 8 GB of SSD storage being slower than the Mac, but 2 TB of NVMe SSD for the operating system is more competitive.

In terms of portability, the MacBook Pro is lighter and more portable, while the EON17 is faster but more power-intensive, requiring a power adapter. The EON PC uses a desktop processor, while the Mac's processor type is uncertain. The choice ultimately hinges on form factor and operating system preferences. When both are fully maxed out, the systems are within 50 dollars of each other.

If you're doing a lot of GPU-demanding work, the Origin PC EON17 will outperform the MacBook Pro. However, if your primary need is all-day battery life, the MacBook Pro is a better buy. Additionally, the Origin PC is significantly more upgradable, with room for additional SSDs and NVMe drives. It also has a more versatile connectivity setup, including 4x USB 3.1 A ports, 2 USB C ports (one Thunderbolt 3 and one mini DisplayPort), and an HDMI port, as well as a wired network interface card.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to form factor and operating system. These systems are within 50 dollars of each other when fully spec’d out, making the choice a matter of personal preference and specific needs.