Then toss in difficulties getting repeatable, comparable, representative and broad-based benchmark results for cross-platform comparisons. But it doesn't need to worry about compatibility with partner systems and myriad different components. Mac OS has long been more efficient than Windows and that's only improved now that Apple owns its entire food chain. Plus, differences in operating systems complicate things. But it means that at the high end we're still in sort of a MacBook holding pattern when it comes to comparisons with heavier Windows options. We haven't yet had a chance to test out many of these next-gen models, but it's safe to assume that Apple's M1 processors will be facing some stiff competition.Īnd thus far, Apple hasn't even launched an M1 MacBook with a discrete GPU, though its integrated graphics seem to scale up to compete with current low-end Nvidia and AMD graphics up to about the RTX 3070 and Radeon RX 6800M, and definitely improves on previous Intel-based Macs though neither is really surprising. We're starting to see Windows models featuring Intel's new 12th-gen CPUs, which has the same hybrid core architecture as Apple's M1 chips, as well as new mobile GPUs. That's an almost impossible question to answer.įor one thing, it's a moving target. But if you also want to save hundreds of dollars, it's worth considering.Ĭommonly asked questions Which is faster, a MacBook or a Windows laptop? And while its battery life isn't terrific, its performance can certainly keep up.Īnd a great lower-cost alternative is the Dell Inspiron 16 Plus, which doesn't head to the front of the line primarily because of its lower build quality, and I'm assuming that if you're looking for a MacBook Pro equivalent you want the metal chassis, better screen and higher-end components. It's heavier than the MacBook, but not much bigger, especially given its larger 17-inch screen. Dell's PremierColor software isn't perfect, but it gives you more control over screen settings than most I've seen, and it has two Thunderbolt 3 controllers to make your external drives happy. The Dell with the 4K screen option delivers that, and it's not as reflective as the OLED screens I've seen.

If, like me, you're not a fan of OLED screens for photo editing - they're not optimized for Adobe RGB and aren't great at tonal range in the shadows - then what you need is a laptop with a good IPS display.

Paint on mac equivalent