<p>The hp and apple have virtually the same specs, except the hp has a better processor (2.6 ghz) and the MacBook has more flash memory (256gb vs hps 160gb). Both have 8gb memory, i7 processors, and flash memory (ssd). I know macs are very reliable but the hp is almost $800 cheaper for the same specs. I will be a business student and am a multitasker.</p>
<p>Keep in mind a few things. First, you can get an additional couple hundred dollars off of the MacBook through the education discount (as I’m assuming you are a student). It also gives you, I believe, a $100 gift card for apps on the iTunes and Mac App Stores. That narrows the price gap between the two considerably.</p>
<p>Second, performance is not based solely on specs. The Mac software is generally considered to be a lot faster/smoother than Windows.</p>
<p>Also, the retina screen alone, for me, would close the remaining price gap and convince me to choose the MBP over the HP. If you haven’t seen one in real life before I suggest you visit an Apple store, because it’s really quite amazing.</p>
<p>If you’re not as easily swayed by the screen, consider a few other factors. While the 0.3 GHz advantage on the HP will be of negligible impact, I don’t think 160 GB is nearly enough storage for any computer, especially one with such high specs otherwise. On the other hand, 256 GB, while still on the low end, would most likely be adequate. The price of a 160 GB vs. 256 GB SSD is probably at least $200 (at least on Apple’s site, 128 GB -> 256 GB is a $300 upgrade, so I’m assuming 160 -> 256 is somewhere around there).</p>
<p>Also, consider the fact that when Windows 8 comes out, you’ll most likely pay a lot to upgrade, as Windows typically costs in the hundreds. On the other hand, Mac OS upgrades are ~$20.</p>
<p>And, as you said, Macs are generally more reliable so there’s that, too. Of course, if you are on a tight budget, I suggest you go with a cheap PC instead, but I’m guessing that’s not the case since you’re considering a relatively high-end PC anyway.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Windows 8 upgrade costs $15 for anyone for buys a Windows 7 based PC right now.</p>
<p>Personally , I would buy something like the HP EliteBook 8570w Mobile Workstation or the lenovo Thinkpad W530.</p>
<p>I like upgrading parts myself but I don’t know if you do.</p>
<p>BTW Apple laptops aren’t as reliable as the Thinkpads from lenovo/IBM.</p>
<p>But Apple laptops are more reliable than the cheap $300 computers that most people compare them to.</p>
<p>The current general rule of thumb is $1/GB for SSDs. Upgrade cost is in the ballpark of $100 or so, except the rMBP cannot be upgraded once you buy.</p>
<p>I will admit that the rMBP screen is very nice, however, I still feel that the hardware struggles to deal with it. The screen lag may have been fixed with the release of ML yesterday, but I still want to see it for myself.</p>
<p>I also feel like most college students have no need for the power that any MBP has, let alone a retina. It drops down to at most $1900 if you’re still buying base, which is a steep price if you’re not going to be doing intensive work where a MBP shines. It’s your choice, though.</p>
<p>Apple > HP in build quality though. Definitely. I’ve seen two HP laptops in my family fail within two years, both new. If you’re comfortable with getting an Air, I would consider giving the MBA a look.</p>
<p>Anecdotal evidence doesn’t mean much, though. Do what you feel is best.</p>
<p>The DreamColor screens on some HP workstations outmatch the color gamut on the rMBP so if you are a professional , you may want the DreamColor option that’s offered on some HP workstations.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>The HP workstations are very tough but the Pavilions are a joke.</p>
<p>Also I’ve seen 256 GB SSDs for $170 recently.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Source: [8570w</a> Mobile Workstation - Video Editing Workstation Computer| HP](<a href=“http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/workstations/8570w_features.html#.UBFL36M_8lQ]8570w”>http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/workstations/8570w_features.html#.UBFL36M_8lQ)</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>Both machines are overkill for you.</p>
<p>A business laptop with a 2nd gen Core i3 will suit you better.</p>
<p>You could get one of these as well instead. The CPU is slower but you wouldn’t notice.</p>
<p>[url=<a href=“Dell Factory Outlet: System Specification”>Dell Factory Outlet: System Specification]M4600[/url</a>]</p>
<p>3Yr Basic Ltd Warranty and NBD On-site Service (Included In Price)</p>
<p>Lol, there’s an edit button, so you don’t flood the thread…</p>
<p>HP business class computers are the only ones that aren’t built terribly. And yeah, I’ll second that no student needs a MBP unless they’re doing serious video or rendering work.</p>
<p>Correct, no student needs a powerful laptop. They’d probably be okay with a $300 laptop that barely runs Windows, but I wouldn’t always advise people to get only what they need. A retina Pro would probably be worth splurging thousands on <em>if you can afford it</em>, whereas an unspectacular PC that simply has top-of-the-line specs would not be (in my opinion).</p>
<p>I’ve seen $300 laptops with 2nd gen Core i3s. Just add a good SSD to it and it will boot up almost as fast as a rMBP and most programs will open just as fast.</p>
<p>Even if you can afford it, there should be a fine line between being able to afford it as opposed to buying it needlessly.</p>
<p>The mass market simply will not notice a major difference between the retina screen versus any IPS panel that the competitors have. Sure, when I look at it, the difference is like night and day, but your average consumer may only notice that it’s brighter and a bit more clear.</p>
<p>Most college students will treat it like a glorified typewriter with social media capabilities. Seeing Facebook in higher detail isn’t worth a $500+ price jump, regardless of whether someone can afford it or not. There’s a difference between affording luxury and wasteful splurging. But that’s just my opinion, and its not my money.</p>
<p>Also keep in mind rMBP is in its rev A form. Lots of posts on macrumors of faulty screens.</p>
<p>Wow thanks for all the opinions! The prices I listed include student discounts, though the pc comes with an Xbox that I would sell. The reason why I may be overdoing it with these laptops is because I have owned several cheap pc laptops (around $600) that have been totally unreliable and slow and laggy. I want a reliable laptop that is fast enough to multitask (i3 processors have failed to do that for me). Would you guys recommend against an hp in terms of reliability?</p>
<p>I’ve used HP my entire life, and I think they are reliable. I think, unless you really need the retina display, you should get the dv6t quad.</p>
<p>Quite simply, if you don’t mind the price tag and can afford it, go for the retina. Mountain Lion fixed any lag issues it had with Lion. The screen is simply amazing. What I love it that it can be scaled to 1080p resolution and still look better than any other laptop screen. Its also really light which is going to be nice especially since you’ll probably be carrying it around all day. It’s really the ultimate laptop. if you have any other apple products like an iPhone, iPod touch, or iPad, iCloud integration is pretty nice and works flawlessly.</p>
<p>With individual pixels smaller than the eye can see, the screen looks photographic, just like the iPhone and other hi-res smartphones. Before too long all LCDs will be this good.</p>