For years, the Mac vs. PC debate has been fueled mostly by subjective ranting; the platforms and the components were so different that it was impossible to compare fundamental characteristics such as performance.
But now that Macs are migrating to Intel processors, analysing Mac hardware versus PC hardware is a bit more like comparing (ahem) apples to apples. To that end, we're pitting the MacBook Pro against a number of PC competitors, stocking the laptops with Core Duo processors and a number of other high-end components and comparing them not only on performance and battery life but on characteristics such as design, features, and price. All to answer one fundamental question: if you configure a PC and a Mac with identical components, which laptop reigns supreme?
And now ... let's introduce the competitors in our first bout.
In this corner, we have the 15.4-inch MacBook Pro running Mac OS 10.4 and equipped with a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (T2500) processor; 2GB of DDR2 SDRAM (666MHz); an ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 graphics card; and a 100GB hard drive spinning at 5,400rpm. (Note: this is a different configuration than the one we reviewed in March.) In the opposite corner, the Acer TravelMate 8200, running Windows XP Professional and equipped with a 2.0GHz Intel Core Duo (T2500) processor; 2GB of slightly slower DDR2 SDRAM (533MHz); an ATI Mobility Radeon x1600 graphics card; and a slightly larger 120GB hard drive spinning at 5,400rpm.
These two laptops are as evenly matched as any two you're going to find. Only one can win. Let's ring the bell, and let the fight begin!
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Crynja
12/06/2006 02:44 PM
Nice article. I have a MacBook Pro and wanted to point out a few inaccuracies reported here. 1) Macbook doesn't have a dual layer DVD burner, it can only support single layer. This is a major gripe with the new model. The Powerbook's supported dual-layer but evidently Apple sacrificed it to go with the thinner enclosure. 2) The Macbook does have optical audio input and output. It also supports s-video through an adapter (in the same way it supports VGA). 3) The firewire port is a 6-pin, not 4-pin, allowing many devices to run without a power cord (e.g hard drives). I also got a better warranty and cheaper price than reported here by getting an education discount. In short, I really like my Macbook pro but can't wait for more native apps to close the performance gap under Rosetta emulation.
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john balboa
20/10/2006 11:04 AM
Im seasoned a web and graphic design guy that almost switched to Mac... I purchased a MBP just recently and loaded the same apps in my desktop: Photoshop, Illustrator, Maya, Cut Pro, etc... believe me or not, my Athlon 3600 machine beats the the MCP in performance using these applications, so I went back to the store and exchanged it with Toshiba P100 Centrino Duo NB @ 2Ghz.
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Philip
10/02/2007 06:44 AM
I am in England and have had my 2gig macbook 5 months now and wish I’d bought the vaio I was considering best thing about the macbook was it was slightly cheaper (after fitting factory 2g samsung ram) but…. it does crash just as often as my pc did most apps are no better than the microsoft ones word, excel etc don’t run as well as on my old pc its heavy and big the screen is rubbish compared to the Sony it arrived with a dead pixel (not enough to return it) I’ve had to learn to use a different operating system it whines with a high pitch it gets hot real quick and recently the screen flickers for 15 seconds when it wakes from sleeping now too I am looking forward to when I can afford my next upgrade and then I will be buying a sony. I think the thinkpads I had at work were better than this.
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Reelsmoker
14/03/2007 02:36 AM
Hello, Im looking at the Mac book Pro for video editing, Ive been informed to get a 17 with duo processors. Is there anything out there betterfor editing than the MBP. Imm looking at the new AD9000 from HP would that work for me. Thank you David.
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CHRIS
22/06/2007 11:14 PM
wow what a cool desing the acer is ALL MACS LOOK THE SAME LIKE APPELS
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chris
22/06/2007 11:20 PM
everyone get acer THERE REALLY FAST macs all look the same and the camera on the acer swivvles not like apple mac
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ppp
11/07/2007 02:32 AM
I just came from the shop with a brand new acer travelmate 6292, looks neat, has a lot of functions.. BUT THE SCREEN IS FLICKERING I tried to adjust the refresh rate, to no avail... I gonna bring it back what a drag
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Herbert
19/07/2007 03:46 AM
I have a 17" MacBook Pro. It's main problem is, that the thing get's that hot that it is impossible to rest your hands on its surface while typing. I would certainly not buy it again
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johndev
07/09/2007 05:20 PM
Not sure what Macbook Pro you have, mine does dual layer just fine!
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kerrierogers
28/10/2007 07:34 PM
I enjoy using an apple it fun, funky and fantastic, the wow reason being its easy to use and everyone that see it wishes it was theirs.
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Freddo
08/12/2007 08:39 AM
Apple is deffinitely an inovative company and, any good idea they come up with, gets copied next year by compeditors, take Imovie 6 months later windows releases Movie maker, or what about inbuilt webcams 6 a coouple of months later dell and sony have got them in their computers. This barbaric form of stubour copying discoust me
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looobz
08/02/2008 02:31 PM
Hey Peeps it's not an apple vs microsoft fight.... 2 laptops, both very good! offcourse different judging topics could have resulted in a different winner, like a slot loading drive or motion sensor, but the Winner is as states, let's not fight.... I luv apple but lets not be cry babies :)
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nnn
22/02/2008 04:57 PM
ok as laptops go i would say that mac make better laptops (apart from cooling) but im a PC person for pre intel macs where a much slower machine for things like video editing and high end graphics rendering (3d anination) but the gap is closing. but mac still has a way to go (and PC users should never install Vista)
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jricci
21/07/2008 06:23 AM
I have a IBM thinkpad t61. Considering Macbook pro. I am confused by this reveiw. ie battery time: 8 minutes difference? isnt that a draw. ie performance: Faster only for gaming: isnt that Apple on apps esp mm. PC on gaming? Cost difference: taking out added software? how much real difference? In end of day I see Macbookpro better computer, Acer better range of business apps. Did I miss something?
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