Premium laptop models that aren't Macbooks

Dec 25th, 2019 11:04 pm

#1

CoolDudeClan [OP]: Deal Addict; Sep 27, 2011; 3767 posts; 2683 upvotes; Toronto

Dec 25th, 2019 11:04 pm

Premium laptop models that aren't Macbooks

Have a Macbook, looking for a Windows machine.

What laptop brand lines are actually comparable to the quality and feel of a Macbook? Nice design, aluminum frame, great trackpad, etc.

I know the Dell XPS 13 machines are nice. What else?

Budget $1500ish

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Dec 26th, 2019 9:55 am

#2

rabbit: Deal Guru; Jun 27, 2004; 12932 posts; 2223 upvotes; Vancouver.bc.ca

Dec 26th, 2019 9:55 am

I don't know about the same quality of a Macbook, which are delicate snowflakes, but if you want something better, have a look at the ThinkPad X1 series. Having said that, Macs have the best touchpads. But get used to a TrackPoint and leave touchpads behind. If you want to do finger gestures

, get the touchscreen option. With your budget, you might have to buy used.

Dec 26th, 2019 7:59 pm

#3

rabbit: Deal Guru; Jun 27, 2004; 12932 posts; 2223 upvotes; Vancouver.bc.ca

Dec 26th, 2019 7:59 pm

Here's last year's X1 Yoga for $1619.
https://www.lenovo.com/ca/en/ibmeppfrie ... 20LD0016US
14" QHD touchscreen and pen. And the all-important matte black finish.

Review:
https://www.notebookcheck.net/Lenovo-Th ... 922.0.html

+1

Dec 26th, 2019 9:40 pm

#4

therein60mins: Member; Jun 29, 2008; 386 posts; 123 upvotes

Dec 26th, 2019 9:40 pm

ASUS Zenbook

Dec 26th, 2019 10:31 pm

#5

CCorbu: Sr. Member; Sep 27, 2009; 762 posts; 126 upvotes; Calgary

Dec 26th, 2019 10:31 pm

They are not widely available, but you can still find a Huawei X Book Pro. The 2019 version has some minor upgrades, the 2018 is the best bang for the buck. 2018 was voted best Windows ultrabook in 2018.
I own one I can tell you I never imagined I would love a 3:2 display ratio so much. You get so much more vertical screen space. I can never go back to a 16:9 on a laptop.
P.S. The Surface Laptop also has a 3:2 display

Dec 27th, 2019 12:34 am

#6

NewsyL: Deal Addict; Feb 16, 2006; 4458 posts; 1436 upvotes; Vancouver

Dec 27th, 2019 12:34 am

HP x360 Spectre 2n1 $1999

https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hp ... h/13819532

You can get last year's model with the USB-C 40Gbps connectivity for $1699 or less. Look around.
https://www.bestbuy.ca/en-ca/product/hp ... 0/13021744

.

+1

Dec 28th, 2019 11:06 am

#7

dmehus: Deal Addict; Mar 25, 2012; 1858 posts; 1039 upvotes; Kelowna

Dec 28th, 2019 11:06 am

If you live close to the U.S. border, or are comfortable ordering from Amazon.com (U.S.), Eluktronics gaming laptops. They're beasts, with solid components and materials.

https://www.amazon.com/stores/Eluktroni ... 8895839011

Cheers,
Doug

Dec 28th, 2019 12:57 pm

#8

cloakster: Deal Addict; Jun 30, 2010; 2740 posts; 846 upvotes; Vaughan

Dec 28th, 2019 12:57 pm

The Lenovo C740 Yoga is great option if you want a good value MacBook Air competitor. Fits right within your budget too.

More premium competitors is the XPS 13 and Surface Laptop 3.

Dec 28th, 2019 1:11 pm

#9

bubaglobalj: Member; Dec 8, 2017; 499 posts; 234 upvotes

Dec 28th, 2019 1:11 pm

I have the Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 and love it!