Ask HN: What is the best Windows Laptop in 2014?
Given the recent post on the best Linux laptop I figured we could expand the discussion to laptops for Windows as well. I'm really leaning towards a Macbook, all other laptops just seem inferior in terms of hardware, but is it really the best option for running Windows?
7 comments
A Macbook running Parallels Desktop with Windows works well. You lose SOME battery life but nothing unusual for the workload (they also support basic 3D acceleration for Windows clients).
A Macbook running Windows via Bootcamp is horrifyingly terrible. Neither Microsoft or Apple support it (Apple direct you to Microsoft, Microsoft direct you to Apple), it often breaks (if Windows works on Bootcamp you won the version lottery, although running older versions of Windows on newer Boot Camp can help (e.g. if you installed Windows 8.1 when it first got released you're SOL, even Windows 8 wasn't supported by Boot Camp for almost a year after release!)).
Plus the Windows Macbook drivers are simply terrible. They're the iTunes of drivers. Want your battery life cut by 2/3? You got it. Have a model with both an Intel 2D and Nvidia 3D graphics setup that is meant to switch? Not supported in Windows, Nvidia 100% of the time, also causes the Macbook to overheat as the Nvidia 3D graphics run at almost max (which further destroys your battery life!).
I really cannot bad mouth Boot Camp enough. Simply a terrible experience through and through. There's nothing redeeming about it, even Apple's "geniuses" recommend using Parallels Desktop instead(!). When Apple's own people are saying it isn't worth the headaches and hassle, you know it is bad...
OS X is a wonderful OS frankly. You could do much worse than to buy a Macbook, use OS X, and use a few Windows applications rarely via Parallels Desktop. A lot of people do that, it works great. But mark my words, Boot Camp is shit, Apple doesn't care and hasn't cared for years and years, and they don't "really" support it.
Thinkpads (not Ideapads, ick) would be my call for best PC laptop right now. The T540 is a safe choice. But they have a variety of form factors to choose from.
A Macbook running Windows via Bootcamp is horrifyingly terrible. Neither Microsoft or Apple support it (Apple direct you to Microsoft, Microsoft direct you to Apple), it often breaks (if Windows works on Bootcamp you won the version lottery, although running older versions of Windows on newer Boot Camp can help (e.g. if you installed Windows 8.1 when it first got released you're SOL, even Windows 8 wasn't supported by Boot Camp for almost a year after release!)).
Plus the Windows Macbook drivers are simply terrible. They're the iTunes of drivers. Want your battery life cut by 2/3? You got it. Have a model with both an Intel 2D and Nvidia 3D graphics setup that is meant to switch? Not supported in Windows, Nvidia 100% of the time, also causes the Macbook to overheat as the Nvidia 3D graphics run at almost max (which further destroys your battery life!).
I really cannot bad mouth Boot Camp enough. Simply a terrible experience through and through. There's nothing redeeming about it, even Apple's "geniuses" recommend using Parallels Desktop instead(!). When Apple's own people are saying it isn't worth the headaches and hassle, you know it is bad...
OS X is a wonderful OS frankly. You could do much worse than to buy a Macbook, use OS X, and use a few Windows applications rarely via Parallels Desktop. A lot of people do that, it works great. But mark my words, Boot Camp is shit, Apple doesn't care and hasn't cared for years and years, and they don't "really" support it.
Thinkpads (not Ideapads, ick) would be my call for best PC laptop right now. The T540 is a safe choice. But they have a variety of form factors to choose from.
Thank you for sharing. As an owner of a 2013 MBP (8GB RAM, 256GB SSD), I'm wondering what kind of specs are recommended for good performance with Parallels Desktop? I'm looking to be able to do development (e.g. Visual Studio).
Visual Studio can be a beast, and it will eat whatever you give it. Those specs (4 GB for OS X, 4 GB for Windows/VS) should work, but I'd say 16 GB is "ideal."
Having an SSD will help as swap can be utilised to make up for any deficiencies you might see with RAM. Although expect slightly longer loading times than you're used to running on bare metal.
Having an SSD will help as swap can be utilised to make up for any deficiencies you might see with RAM. Although expect slightly longer loading times than you're used to running on bare metal.
+1 On the Thinkpads, never really looked at them before. I like how you can customize the specs a lot.
What about VMware Fusion? Is it pretty much the equivalent of Parallels?
Thanks for sharing this! Very informative.
I've actually been looking into this as well. From what I can tell, Macbook Pro is the way to go. I usually say Apple hardware and Microsoft software. It looks like this is the case with laptops as well.
Someone1234 seems pretty down on Boot Camp but I have had great results from running Windows 8.1 on a 27" iMac. I honestly can't think of one problem I have had. Of course, it could be much different on a Macbook Pro.
Someone1234 seems pretty down on Boot Camp but I have had great results from running Windows 8.1 on a 27" iMac. I honestly can't think of one problem I have had. Of course, it could be much different on a Macbook Pro.
After looking at the Thinkpad W540 the specs and price are pretty close compared to the MBP, but I think I'm gonna go with the Mac. It looks a lot nicer, is lighter, has longer battery life, has plus I get to play with the Mac OS which I have never used before.
Good call! Macbook Pros are excellent and OS X is a fantastic OS.
I've been pretty happy with my 2014 macbook pro. I'm running Windows 8.1 on boot camp.
There are only 2 downsides I've discovered: 1. It doesn't support hi resolution on a 2nd monitor. 2. Boot camp doesn't have Ethernet drivers. You have to download them separately. I use WiFi at home and office so I never noticed the absence until the other day.
There are only 2 downsides I've discovered: 1. It doesn't support hi resolution on a 2nd monitor. 2. Boot camp doesn't have Ethernet drivers. You have to download them separately. I use WiFi at home and office so I never noticed the absence until the other day.
Mac is the best you can go with rather then going with Windows. So if you want then you can visit http://www.showhiddenfilesmac.com/
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I currently use a Dell XPS 13, which I choose over a MBA and I am very pleased with the hardware which since it is the "top" model beats the MBA on basicly every point. Especialy the screen resolution.
I love the Toshiba Satellite series. They are cheap, light, robost and can take a frigging beating. Have had 2 for over 5 years now (mine and my wifes) and just got one for my Mom as well.
Reddit has a pretty good thread on this - http://www.reddit.com/r/SuggestALaptop/