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Portables (Apple)

Slashdot Asks: Which Windows Laptop Could Replace a MacBook Pro? 315

Posted by BeauHD from the pros-and-cons dept.
Last month, Apple unveiled new MacBook Pros, featuring an OLED Touch Bar, Touch ID, and all-new form factor that shaves off roughly 3mm in thickness. There are three base versions of the 13-inch MacBook Pro with Intel Core i5 processors and 8GB of memory (upgradable to 16GB RAM and dual-core Intel Core i7 processors) for $1,499, $1,799 and $1,999. The base model 15-inch MacBook Pro comes with Core i7 processors and 16GB of memory for $2,399 and $2,799. Of course, adapters and AppleCare support are sold separately. The new laptops are great for Apple users -- but what about Windows users? Is there a Windows laptop that matches the new MacBook Pro in terms of build quality, reliability, and performance? Jack Schofield via The Guardian attempts to help Patrick, who is looking for a PC that matches Apple's new offerings as closely as possible. "I use my Mac for all the usual surfing, watching videos, listening to music and so on," Patrick writes. "I also use Adobe Photoshop pretty heavily and video-editing software more lightly." Schofield writes: The Dell XPS 13 and 15 are the most obvious alternatives to MacBooks. Unfortunately, they are at the top of this price range. You can still get an old-model XPS 13 (9350) for $950, but that has a Core i5-6200U with only 4GB of memory. The latest 9360 version has a 2.5GHz Core i5-7200U, 8GB of memory and a 128GB SSD for $1,050. If you go for a 512GB SSD at $1,150, you're only saving $420 on a new 2.0GHz MacBook Pro. HP's Spectre x360 range offers similar features to Dell's XPS range, except that all the x360 laptops have touch screens that you can rotate to enable "tent" (eg for movie viewing) or tablet operation. The cheapest model is the HP Spectre x360 13-4126na. This has a 13in screen, a Core i5-6200U processor, 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD for $1,050. You can upgrade to an HP Spectre x360 13-4129na with better screen resolution -- 2560 x 1440 instead of 1920 x 1080 -- plus a 2.5GHz Core i7-6500U and 512GB SSD for $1,270. Again, this is not much cheaper than a 2.0GHz MacBook Pro 13. You could also look at the Lenovo ThinkPad T560, which is a robust, professional 15.6in laptop that starts at $800. Do any Slashdotters have any comparable Windows laptops in mind that could replace a new MacBook Pro?
Microsoft

Microsoft Replaces Command Prompt with PowerShell in Latest Windows 10 Build (softpedia.com) 280

Posted by msmash from the replacing-things dept.
Bogdan Popa, writing for Softpedia:The latest Windows 10 insider build brings a change that puts the Windows PowerShell in the spotlight, as it replaces the super-popular Command Prompt in some essential parts of the operating system. Command Prompt has been around for as long as we can remember, but starting with Windows 10 build 14971, Microsoft is trying to make PowerShell the main command shell in the operating system. As a result, PowerShell officially replaces the Command Prompt in the Win + X menu, so when you right-click the Start menu, you'll only be allowed to launch the more powerful app. Additionally, in File Explorer's File menu and in the context menu that appears when pressing Shift + right-click in any folder, the old Command Prompt will no longer be available. Typing cmd in the run dialog will launch PowerShell as well, so Microsoft has made a significant step towards phasing out the traditional Command Prompt.

Comment I bought one (Score 1) 275

by jsim (#25192361) Attached to: Venezuela Purchases a Million Intel Classmates
I bought a magalhaes/Magellan, as a private part (I am at Portugal capitol).

The start to sell the computer at midnight. I went to the store about launch time and I found out that "first day 30% rebate, limited number" was still available, so I do not resist and bought one.

After careful analysis I found out the following.

(a) The hardware alone is a good value for the money (YES is an Intel classmate). The machine is not fast, but is a good option. For 200 euros. And seems to be roughed.

(b) No sign of Linux or open office. The machine comes with a very standard Win XP, and a licence to 2 months of a recent version of Microsoft office.

(c) Good choice for people that can not afford a more expensive one or for use as very convenient light and resistant notebook.

A few ideas

After the 2 months experience with Microsoft office most people will not be willing to pay the Microsoft tax (almost expensive as the computer...) and will change to open office.

I am hoping that someone (I am very behind technically to to able to help) manage to build a Linux distro for the machine (since it is going to be very popular). It does not have a CD reader (or DVD - although I manage to install a old USB DVD recorder) but I am almost sure that a USB-memory version/installer is possible.

A GOOD OPPORTUNITY

Jose Simoes

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