[AeroSonic]

Dear all

I am a beginner in cfd field.
I am looking for buying a new laptop, i will use it for writing my reports and some code testing or may be running codes and some post processing.
( I write my own codes on matlab and currently learning fortran)


I am considering buying the new 16inch MacBook Pro as it has a very good cpu , i never tried macOS before and i am a windows user.

So what do you think ? Should i go for the mac or get a windows laptop ??

[flotus1]

There are plenty of windows laptop alternatives with similar or faster CPU options as the Macbook Pro 16". So that's not a reason to go with apple.
Since your tasks don't seem to favor the apple ecosystem, and you have not committed to it yet, I would recommend you stay away from it.

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by flotus1

There are plenty of windows laptop alternatives with similar or faster CPU options as the Macbook Pro 16". So that's not a reason to go with apple.
Since your tasks don't seem to favor the apple ecosystem, and you have not committed to it yet, I would recommend you stay away from it.

Can I ask why should I avoid it ??

[flotus1]

I am probably way too biased to to be taken seriously on this particular topic, but here is a non-exhaustive list of my arguments

• overpriced hardware, that apart from a few rare exceptions, is not user-serviceable or upgradeable
• limited software selection
• an all-encompassing eco-system that makes it rather hard to use anything else along with it
• you are not part of the target audience for apple laptops
• the company is built around marketing and brand loyalty more than anything else
• the company is one of the biggest opponents of right to repair
• consequently, one might argue that you don't really own the device you bought

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by flotus1

I am probably way too biased to to be taken seriously on this particular topic, but here is a non-exhaustive list of my arguments

• overpriced hardware, that apart from a few rare exceptions, is not user-serviceable or upgradeable
• limited software selection
• an all-encompassing eco-system that makes it rather hard to use anything else along with it
• you are not part of the target audience for apple laptops
• the company is built around marketing and brand loyalty more than anything else
• the company is one of the biggest opponents of right to repair
• consequently, one might argue that you don't really own the device you bought

thank you for your patience

thank you for your advice. but don't you think that the new one is a good one compared with the rest of the available laptops?

If I bought a mac, would I face a problem in programming over it or post-processing?
cant I install windows on mac ?

[flotus1]

Sure, there is boot camp to get windows running on a mac.
My argument against that in your particular case: why buy a macbook, if you intend to run windows on it most of the time, if not exclusively
It's not like apple magically has better hardware than any other manufacturer. Or better support for professionals.

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by flotus1

Sure, there is boot camp to get windows running on a mac.
My argument against that in your particular case: why buy a macbook, if you intend to run windows on it most of the time, if not exclusively
It's not like apple magically has better hardware than any other manufacturer. Or better support for professionals.

thank you again for your patience, I really appreciate it

I got it, I don't intend to use windows again as I will just code and post-process on it ( simulation will be on a workstation ). I will use my laptop for writing and doing presentations and some code testing as I mentioned. I dont want complicated things, nor i want to face problems which will waste my time in solving that is why I am asking if there are problems with coding fortran for example on mac or including libraries ... etc.

As I searched there are laptops with the same specs but with similar prices like Dell XPS the new one with the 10th gen processor. Dell XPS 15 is an option too but I don't prefer dell especially the reselling price for mac is very good.

[flotus1]

Again, I don't see the appeal for you. You are a windows user, and none of the applications you mentioned so far would require a mac.
The resale value is kind of a moot point in my opinion. After spending 3500€ on a new laptop, I would expect the resale value to be rather high. You still loose more money on the sale compared to buying a similar spec 2500€ laptop.

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by flotus1

Again, I don't see the appeal for you. You are a windows user, and none of the applications you mentioned so far would require a mac.
The resale value is kind of a moot point in my opinion. After spending 3500€ on a new laptop, I would expect the resale value to be rather high. You still loose more money on the sale compared to buying a similar spec 2500€ laptop.

I got your point, thank you so much for your kind and informative replies

[flotus1]

Just to emphasize this once more, you should take my opinion with a grain of salt. I am very biased when it comes to apple

[wangmianzhi]

Mac is good. It's like a Linux distro without package manager. What better than Mac is a Linux distro with proper package manager.

Originally Posted by AeroSonic

Dear all

I am a beginner in cfd field.
I am looking for buying a new laptop, i will use it for writing my reports and some code testing or may be running codes and some post processing.
( I write my own codes on matlab and currently learning fortran)


I am considering buying the new 16inch MacBook Pro as it has a very good cpu , i never tried macOS before and i am a windows user.

So what do you think ? Should i go for the mac or get a windows laptop ??

[Noco]

I have Mac Pro 15 2017. CPU 6 cores, 4G GPU, 32 ram. Very rare using, only for emails, presentations, autocad, bad with 3D cad models.

There is some Ansys software for Mac OS. I know some people how more or less happy. But this is 5%.

Windows on Mac is terrible, parallels or analogue is too slow. Some even use Ubuntu on mac))

generally I agree with flotus - Mac is not for engineering and not value based or cost effective solution.

If you have budget I advice Lenovo. They have more rigid case and better keyboard the HP and dell.

With 1060

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22TP2TXX1E2

With Quadra

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22WS2WPP102

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by Noco

I have Mac Pro 15 2017. CPU 6 cores, 4G GPU, 32 ram. Very rare using, only for emails, presentations, autocad, bad with 3D cad models.

There is some Ansys software for Mac OS. I know some people how more or less happy. But this is 5%.

Windows on Mac is terrible, parallels or analogue is too slow. Some even use Ubuntu on mac))

generally I agree with flotus - Mac is not for engineering and not value based or cost effective solution.

If you have budget I advice Lenovo. They have more rigid case and better keyboard the HP and dell.

With 1060

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22TP2TXX1E2

With Quadra

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22WS2WPP102

Even the new MacBook Pro 16 ??
It has i7 9750H.

I will use it for fortran coding, i dont think i will use ansys on it.

What do you mean parallel is too slow ??

[evcelica]

There are many engineering programs, (including ANSYS) which will not run on a MAC. They only run on Linux or Windows. Find out if the programs you need to use will run on a MAC.
Why get a MAC if it won't run the programs you need?
MACs are for looking pretty and syncing with your iphone easily, not for engineering work.

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by evcelica

There are many engineering programs, (including ANSYS) which will not run on a MAC. They only run on Linux or Windows. Find out if the programs you need to use will run on a MAC.
Why get a MAC if it won't run the programs you need?
MACs are for looking pretty and syncing with your iphone easily, not for engineering work.

I am sorry, just asking, cant I install windows and linux on mac ?

I am not looking for pretty, .... etc. just the reliability and durability and long term support. people around me using it for years and I changed 2 windows laptops during the same period.

[Noco]

As for performance Mac Pro 16 2019-20 is almost the same as Mac Pro 15,6 2017-18, main difference is more reliable keyboard.

CPU with 8 cores and Turbo - marketing, no real performance because not enough power and cooling for this hardware to run on full GHz to make real difference. Turbo bust is only for one core at special condition (in special Apple refrigerator - joke=) ), etc.

GPU - also marketing, also because of not enough power and cooling for this hardware to run on full GHz to make real difference.

RAM - low GHz 2666. As for 2020 I think this is too low.

If only coding and chatting in Starbucks - Mac Air I think will be the same performance with 2 cores 1,2 GHz... and many other cheaper laptops...

Parallels:
https://www.parallels.com/products/desktop/

I use it at first time - but to many problems with file names, broken files, etc.
I don't recommend.

[Noco]

Originally Posted by AeroSonic

I am sorry, just asking, cant I install windows and linux on mac ?

I am not looking for pretty, .... etc. just the reliability and durability and long term support. people around me using it for years and I changed 2 windows laptops during the same period.

Window - yes you can, but file, fonts, etc. problems 3/10
Linus - yes, much better then Windows, some specific problems with some software can occur. 7/10
Mac OS - almost perfect. 10/10

Yes it is more durable then many other laptops. I also like durable that is why I choose Lenovo, compare to HP and Dell. My personal choice.

If need Mac Pro now - I prefer to buy more powerful Mac Pro 2017 15,6 for cheaper price (I know many store still have them), mainly with more SSD space, RAM, better GPU, then Mac Pro 2019-2020 16.

[flotus1]

Originally Posted by AeroSonic

I am sorry, just asking, cant I install windows and linux on mac ?

I am not looking for pretty, .... etc. just the reliability and durability and long term support. people around me using it for years and I changed 2 windows laptops during the same period.

What kind of windows laptop? Comparing a consumer-grade windows laptop to a 2000€ Mac? Or are we talking about similar price range? And even if we do, Macs still have their weak spots and can fail. Some might argue that they do so more often than other brands.

Btw, written on a 6 year old Thinkpad T440s that gets lugged around every day.
If you want reliability, durability and support, consider a business-grade laptop from Lenovo, Dell, HP, Fujitsu...you can probably tell which brand I prefer

[AeroSonic]

Originally Posted by flotus1

What kind of windows laptop? Comparing a 400€ windows laptop to a 2000€ Mac? Or are we talking about similar price range? And even if we do, Macs still have their weak spots and can fail. Some might argue that they do so more often than other brands.

Btw, written on a 6 year old Thinkpad T440s that gets lugged around every day.
If you want reliability, durability and support, consider a business-grade laptop from Lenovo, Dell, HP, Fujitsu...you can probably tell which brand I prefer

I searched online for them, Dell XPS 15 7590, I found one similar to the Macbook pro 16, same price, better screen 4K, and 32 Gb Ram. both has the same processor and same ssd. there is no much difference in price between them.

Lenovo, if I want a laptop with xeon processor or a H processor, it will be in the same category, so there is no much difference.


I changed an acer ( 800$ ) and HP ( 850 $ ), they are still breathing but I cant open solid on the HP and the acer was a headache. I wasted 1700$ in 8 years.

battery failed in both after 1 year.

[Noco]

Forget about Apple - ThinkPad and Siemens ME45 is everything you need

Your children can use it after you. Or sell as a vintage IT hardware

BTW all experience guys, with whom I work on construction side, on oilfields, etc., use something like this:

https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/laptops.../p/22WS2WPWP72

There is also old versions 15, 17" ThinkPads, 10+ years, still running, despite the barrels of coffee spilled on them.