If you are programming things that will only ever run in OSX, use a mac.
If you are programming things that will run on linux, don't fuck around and get a thinkpad.
Ask HN: MBP or Thinkpad
31–35 of 35 posts
Re: Ask HN: MBP or Thinkpad
#32I have a MBP, 8GB, 2014 now and I'm happy. I also have a thinkpad t500 but it has a dual core so you can't compare it.
The thinkpad is more of a rough notebook for a FabLab or when you are on the road and it can get dirty.
The MBP is lighter and very powerful considering its size. OS X works like a charm for me and I've been through many different OS'es so far (Win XP/7, Ubuntu, Debian, Manjaro,...). It provides most of the stuff I need for working, photoshop runs out of the box and some of the Mac tools are very handy.
But I wouldn't trust OS X for security means. Therefor I'd use a TP with Linux. I would use this for things like online-banking and private stuff.
Re: Ask HN: MBP or Thinkpad
#33Thinkpads are a large range, from the inexpensive business line to their workstation line, each often having multiple display options. I've only ever had the first Intel Macbook Pro, which really had heat and noise problems and I didn't like a few other Mac things about it. Other than that I've been running Linux on Thinkpads and not had any problems. Battery life is good these days and I'm a Trackpoint fan, once you…
I think there are too many models. I just came across the L range, which is basically the same as the T range but cheaper and slightly bigger, but not by much. What's funny is that this L range can have 16 GB ram whereas the much nicer X range can't because it has to comply with Intel's requirements (I believe of 8GB max) in order to be labelled an Ultrabook.
There's no way that "8GB max" is an Ultrabook requirement.
Re: Ask HN: MBP or Thinkpad
#34Earlier quoted context omitted.
There is no Apple premium; that is a tired myth. You simply get a lot more, and you do pay for it. The MagSafe connector alone will save your laptop... and you don't need to hack it yourself with a Dremel and epoxy. Battery design and power management, unibody strength, big touchpad, beautiful sound system, Thunderbolt, resale value, hand-me-down value... when you factor everything in, MBP is a no brainer and it's th…
It isn't a myth, it has been well documented that buying upgrades from the Apple site is significantly more expensive than elsewhere.
To be fair, we are talking about purchasing a new computer, not upgrading old ones. And I did acknowledge that Apple overcharges for memory.
Owning a non-Apple computer, on the other hand, has other costs...
https://bug1134506.bugzilla.mozilla.org/attachment.cgi?id=85...
Re: Ask HN: MBP or Thinkpad
#35I was also looking for a new laptop, and bought my first mac a week ago. It's a bit more expensive (bought apple care too), but I hope it'll be worth the price. I picked the MBP because of the screen / resolution, batterij, and the hinges. Wobbly screens make me go bananas. A comparable laptop makes you choose between either screen or battery, for about the same price.
I am happy with my MBP. I used other laptops previously and they seemed to crap out on me more often than I thought they should. The MBP has been reliable for a few years now. Like others below said, YMMV.