Many customers compare the pros and cons of different laptops when trying to decide which one to purchase.
This technique can provide a more objective basis for purchasing, as both the benefits and drawbacks of the laptop are emphasized.
Additionally, this method helps customers get a sense for how one product matches up with another similar product. This is important since many laptops are so similar to each other when taking basic specifications into account, yet so different when they are actually used.
In this article, we juxtapose two laptop models, specifically the Dell XPS 13 and the Apple MacBook Pro. First, we offer an overview of each laptop. Then, we compare the features of each laptop. At the end, we offer our final thoughts on the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro.
An Overview of the Dell XPS 13
The Dell XPS 13 laptop has a 13.3-inch touchscreen and can be transformed into a tablet.
This laptop starts at $799.99 and is available in a silver color.
That price reflects the XPS 13 model that uses a 7th generation Intel i3 processor, has 4GB of RAM memory, and has a 128GB hard drive. However, the Dell XPS 13 laptop is also available up to the 8th generation of the Intel i7 processor.
Additionally, this Dell laptop runs the Windows 10 Home operating system.
An Overview of the MacBook Pro
The MacBook Pro from Apple is available in either a 13-inch or 15-inch variety. These models range in price from $1299 to $1999 depending on the screen size, the processor, and the features of the laptop.
The MacBook Pro allows customers to purchase it with a Touch Bar, which is a recent technology Apple has introduced into its computers.
The MacBook Pro is available in either space grey or silver colors. The 13-inch models have some form of Intel’s i5 processor while the 15-inch models have some form of Intel’s i7 processor.
Screen – The Dell XPS 13 Vs MacBook Pro
When considering the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro from Apple, perhaps the most important element is the screen that customers will be using.
The Pros of the Dell XPS 13 Touchscreen
- The touchscreen element of the Dell XPS 13 makes it one of the most versatile laptops available. This advanced technology allows users to use their fingers to navigate the laptop’s screen, whether the computer is in tablet or laptop mode.
- The touchscreen of the Dell XPS 13 is perhaps the most distinguishing factor when considering the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro. This touchscreen makes the computer easy to use, making it perfect for children.
- This means that the Dell XPS 13 could be purchased by a parent for more professional usage while simultaneously functioning as an entertaining tablet. Since the touch technology is so seamless, kids of all ages will fall in love with the Dell XPS 13, and there are many games that dovetail perfectly with the touchscreen.
- The MacBook Pro lacks this touchscreen technology, which limits its accessibility. The MacBook Pro is not the kind of computer you would give to your screaming 7-year old to distract him on a long car ride. Even though MacBook Pro s are durable, they are ultimately designed for an older generation and more professional usage.
- Even though the Dell XPS 13 is often used by older users as well, it’s also ideal for a student or any younger child. Since the tablet can be accessed so easily using the hinge system, parents don’t have to worry that their child will accidentally break the device. Ultimately, Dell designed this laptop with all ages in mind.
The Pros of the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar
- The Touch Bar on the MacBook pro is not technically part of the screen, though it isn’t quite part of the keyboard either. Yes, its positioned just above the keyboard, but it’s also customizable and doesn’t feature any traditional buttons.
- This Touch Bar is an important factor when considering the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro. Many customers are not quite ready to embrace the hybrid laptop’s design, preferring a traditional laptop over one with multi-functionality as a tablet. However, just because these customers don’t want a tablet doesn’t mean they don’t want some touch screen capability.
- In this sense, customers can ease their way into the touch screen technology using Apple’s MacBook Pro, specifically the model with a Touch Bar.
- The Touch Bar can display not only characters but colors and various images. In a sense, it’s a kind of bridge between the keyboard and the screen.
- It’s unclear if this technology will become a permanent part of future laptops or if this trend will simply vanish. Regardless, if you’re hesitant to buy a hybrid laptop, the MacBook Pro has many unique features to entertain you.
- Dell also offers customers the choice of purchasing their XPS 13 laptop without a touchscreen, though this might be too extreme for certain customers. Ultimately, some users don’t want to completely abandon the technology but don’t want to completely accept it either. For these sensitive users, the MacBook Pro is ideal.
The Cons of the MacBook Pro’s Touch Bar
- While this Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro might appeal to some users, other users claim that its awkward and has a high learning curve. In this sense, users who adopt this Touch Bar technology based on their hesitance to use a touch screen computer might be dissatisfied.
- Ultimately, it might take them a while to truly master the Touch Bar, as this is a new piece of technology that most customers have likely not encountered.
- Thus, the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro could be considered a drawback of the device, teasing users with the functionality of a touchscreen while simultaneously remaining on the surface of the keyboard.
- Many customers expect Apple to lead the market when it comes to hybrid laptops, so it’s unusual that they have not made a foray into this industry. Instead, their tablets and their laptops are offered separately.
The Pros of the Dell XPS 13’s Bezel
- When considering the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro, the dimensions of the screen should also be discussed. In particular, the Dell XPS 13 features a screen with minimal bezel, calling it the InfinityEdge Display.
- Dell advertises the XPS 13 as the smallest 13-inch laptop available, and this is due to this thin bezel. The bezel refers to the area that surrounds the screen, acting as a supportive structure. Some customers think that a thinner bezel makes the laptops screen look larger and more futuristic. Ultimately, this design is very popular within the smart phone industry, as many recent smart phones feature screens that occupy the space of the entire device.
- This thin bezel can make the experience of using the device more immersive, which is what you want as a user. Ultimately, you want your technology to closely simulate the natural word in order to feel as naturalistic as possible. Yet, the natural world is not framed by constant borders, boxed in by supportive structures.
- While a bezel-less display is almost impossible, it’s still a huge benefit that Dell has placed such an importance on minimizing bezel.
Of course, design is completely subjective. One person may love a particular design, while another will hate it. However, if you try to look it at objectively, both of these laptops are at the top of the design game.
The MacBook design has truly become iconic over the years. Of course, it’s been improved, but the original design is ultimately the design — an aluminum unibody. People tend not to complain about the MacBook design.
On the flip side, the Dell XPS 13 is nowhere near the MacBook when it comes to design. It has its own style and its 2019 version is ultimately the best, as it has new color options and a bright, white interior. They have moved the webcam to the top, but the design has ultimately stayed the same.
The XPS 13 is most definitely a trimmer laptop, and what really sets it apart are the color scheme options or the black carbon-fiber texture on the palm rests.
The Weight of the Dell XPS 13 Vs MacBook Pro
The Dell XPS 13 is an overall lighter computer when compared with the 13-inch and 15-inch models of the MacBook Pro.
These models of the MacBook Pro weigh 3 and 4 pounds respectively.
The XPS 13, on the other hand, only comes in a 13.3-inch screen variety, and the weight of these laptops vary based on whether this is a touchscreen or non-touchscreen.
Both laptops are considered extremely light and portable, and most customers will not notice the difference of a pound. This weight difference might be more noticeable when considering the tablet functionality, though this is only available on the Dell XPS 13.
In this sense, it’s critical that the Dell XPS 13 be extremely light weight since tablets are often used so interactively by all age ranges. Traditional laptops, on the other hand, typically sit on your desk or another hard surface, which mitigates the burden of their weight.
The Operating System of the Dell XPS 13 Vs MacBook Pro
The operating system that powers the laptop is a big deal for many customers. This is a difficult factor to analyze considering how subjective your experience of an operating system is.
Since operating systems have been finetuned for the past 50 years, most modern operating systems are relatively similar when it comes to reliability and usability.
Of course, there are certain differences that distinguish operating systems. But, with the exception of certain models, if you purchase a modern laptop, you can expect to receive a device with an efficient operating system with many features.
The operating systems offered on the Dell XPS 13 and MacBook Pro do not stray from this truth. The Windows 10 Home operating system on the Dell XPS 13 and the High Sierra operating system on the MacBook are considered two of the most popular and usable operating systems on the market.
Some customers are loyal to Microsoft, the maker of the Windows 10 Home operating system, while other customers are loyal to Apple.
When considering the Dell XPS 13 vs the MacBook Pro, the main difference in terms of operating systems is that the MacBook Pro’s operating system was created by its manufacturer, Apple. The Dell XPS 13’s operating system, on the other hand, was made by Microsoft.
Many customers claim that this collaborative effort makes a difference when it comes to the user experience. Many customers claim that the Windows 10 Home Operating, while effective and easy to use, was clearly not built with the specific Dell XPS 13 laptop in mind. Some customers claim that Dell’s hardware and Microsoft’s software are slightly awkward when paired together, and this results in some inefficiencies when using the machine.
These customers cite Apple as the paragon of excellence in the industry when it comes to keeping as much of the manufacturing process in house as possible. Of course, most laptops feature chips and cards made by other companies. Yet, it can be argued that software is much more sensitive to being made by third parties.
Thus, when considering the Dell XPS 13 vs the MacBook Pro, keep in mind that the MacBook Pro had its hardware and software designed and created by the same team, more or less. This approach means that all the features work seamlessly together, and that each experience with the device is stimulating and fully immersive.
The Log In Capability of the Dell XPS 13 Vs MacBook Pro
Both computers feature advanced ways that users can log in, which maximizes the security of the device. The MacBook Pro features its prominent Touch ID sensor on the upper right corner of the Touch Bar. Most users claim that this feature is relatively intuitive to use, though some errors can result.
The Dell XPS 13 outdoes the MacBook Pro when it comes to security measures, as the Dell laptops not only feature a fingerprint sensor but also facial recognition technology. This technology uses the webcam on the The Dell XPS 13 is an overall lighter computer when compared with the 13-inch and 15-inch models of the MacBook Pro.
Dell XPS 13 to sense the face of the user, allowing the user to unlock the computer.
While these features are certainly effective on both of these devices, this is still relatively new technology. Companies seem unclear how they want to allow customers to unlock their products. Simply offering more ways to unlock the product might not be ideal, as these options can be overwhelming and can take energy away from the larger experience.
The Battery Life on the Dell XPS 13 Vs MacBook Pro
Battery life estimates for laptop models are difficult to trust for two reasons.
First, they are usually calculated with one kind of usage in mind, yet the battery life varies depending on usage. Also, the efficiency of the battery inevitably decreases with time, no matter how well you treat the laptop.
While you can trust the estimates offered by computer companies, you should not rely on these.
When considering the battery life of the Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro, keep in mind that Apple has advertised that the MacBook Pro provides users with 10 hours per charge. Dell, on the other hand, has advertised that the XPS 13 provides users with up to 19.75 hours per charge, though this number is dependent on users only using basic productivity applications like Microsoft Word or Excel.
Apple’s estimate for its MacBook Pro seems a little high if users stream lots of content. At the end of the day, both of the estimates offered for these two laptops indicate that these machines can be used for most of the day. If you plan on using applications that require a lot of processing power and RAM memory, then you can expect to experience a fraction of these estimates.
Our Final Thoughts on Dell XPS 13 vs MacBook Pro
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When examining the Dell XPS 13 vs the MacBook Pro, we think these are both reliable machines that customers will appreciate.
Ultimately, we think if touchscreen technology appeals to you in any way, and you don’t already have a tablet, then the Dell XPS 13 might be ideal for you. Before you purchase this device, make sure you test it out in a store. Just because you enjoy using the touchscreen on your smartphone doesn’t mean you’ll enjoy the same ability on your laptop.
Of course, the Dell XPS 13 doesn’t have to be used as a tablet. In this sense, there isn’t much to lose when considering the Dell XPS 13.
We think the MacBook Pro appeals to users interested in a sleek, elegant, simple aesthetic. The MacBook Pro just feels different to some users, and that might have to do with its primarily metal body as opposed to the plastic that is featured in the Dell XPS 13.
Even beyond the materials that make up the body, many users express an ineffable love for all Apple products. If this applies to you, we suggest sticking with your gut and staying loyal to Apple, unless a certain feature on the Dell XPS 13 calls out to you.
If you want a hybrid laptop but want to stay loyal to Apple, the Touch Bar on the MacBook Pro might satisfy you, but it could also disappoint you depending on what laptop features you normally use. Your best option might be to buy a separate iPad tablet to complement your MacBook Pro.