Laptops have become a necessity for gaming, conducting business, or navigating your everyday life.
Many different brands dominate the market, each with their own merits and drawbacks.
Particularly in gaming, laptops are a strong contender in the industry and only grow stronger. So how can you decide what laptop will be best for you?
Below we will be comparing two types, Alienware vs MacBook Pro, to determine which laptop will be best suited for your needs.
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Overview Of Alienware Laptops
You'll have seen Alienware laptops around in electronic stores or online, and they’re known for their high quality.
Established in 1996 and acquired by Dell in 2006, the initial idea behind Alienware was to create gaming laptops and desktops so gamers could play comfortably and easily.
Their models range from their desktop Aurora Range and many M Series laptops ranging from 17 inches to 11.6 inches.
Their models compete with Sony and Microsoft, developers of the PlayStation and Xbox.
The key difference between a gaming laptop and a console is it’s able to be upgraded easily and will last longer than a generation of game consoles.
Alienware doesn’t disappoint either, with their PCs being used in e-sports and game development.
It’s no secret Alienware has dug its heels firm in the gaming market and remains strong to this day.
Pros & Cons Of Alienware Laptops
Alienware is built to last; their PCs are designed with strong processors to handle heavy tasks other laptops couldn’t.
They boast beautiful displays designed for diverse and colorful images, with 4K and OLED screens. They’re also built with a Sci-Fi theme in mind, with beautiful, unique laptop designs.
However, Alienware isn't immune from cons. Their battery life is poor, with up to 4 hours of heavy use on one charge.
Their gaming laptops are prone to overheating, too; if used heavily, the heat damage can be extensive. So make sure to keep it cool during heavy use.
What We Like
Things We Don’t
Overview Of MacBook Pro Laptops
MacBooks have been commonplace in the computing industry for decades.
The Macintosh entered the market in 1984 as a desktop computer, and since 2006, MacBooks have been a contender for PC laptops.
Their heavily marketed as a design-friendly computer and able to process multiple tasks at once.
Since 2016, the design of the MacBook has been a simple, minimalist design with the Apple logo on the back.
MacBooks have been making their way into the business industries for a while and have a strong workforce behind them.
While they're not the best design for high-end games, they boast other features such as longer battery lives and intense color displays.
For the creative individuals, they come preinstalled with design software and are built for better coding and programming software. They really won't be beaten for designers.
Pros & Cons Of MacBook Pro Laptops
MacBooks are well known for their long battery life; a single charge can last up to 12 hours on a newer MacBook pro.
Their sleek, light, and easy to move around. MacBooks are also known for their fast and responsive processors; you’ll be able to get a lot of work done in no time at all!
Mac users will be well aware of the lack of gaming support. MacBooks aren’t necessarily designed for gaming, and you’re better off with a gaming PC.
The MacBook Pro is also well known for overheating easily – continuous use can lead to extensive damage to the system.
What We Like
Things We Don’t
Alienware Vs MacBook Pro: Which Laptop Is Better & Why?
Build & Upgradability
MacBooks are commonly known for having little room for upgrades. Their design is fine-tuned and sleek, weighing only 4lbs.
Due to its size and compression, upgrades are difficult to complete.
Alienware, on the other hand, are easily upgradeable. Their strong, enhanced casing makes it a strong laptop, and upgrades are accessible.
They will weigh more, but it's a small price to pay for customization.
Processors & RAM
MacBooks processors are fast and reliable; they come equipped with a Core i9 processor and 32GB of RAM right out the gate; there will be no waiting around to finishing tasks.
Alienware m15 will also have a 32GB ram but an inferior Core i7 processor, meaning the wait time will be slightly longer.
Graphics
Alienware is the leader in graphics and GPU – their GeForce RTX 30-series on the X15 model will give you a smooth and sleek graphic display.
Some Alienware models will also come with a Graphics Amplifier Port, making way for even better graphics.
The MacBook Pro has an 8-core GPU and allows up to 5 times faster graphic display, giving crisp and clear images.
As mentioned, MacBooks can’t really be upgraded, so don’t expect much improvement there.
Display
MacBook Pros come with a Retina Display and uses multichannel sensors to adjust the color and intensity of the screen, giving you the best possible display at all times.
Alienware is designed with gamers in mind and comes with a 60-144Hz refresh rate, giving you vibrant and intense colors.
MacBook Pro takes the prize here, for having a more advanced display.
Ports
MacBooks are short on computer ports – you'll have 3 thunderbolt ports, 2 USBs, and a headphone jack. There isn't much in the way of external connectivity.
Alienware takes the cake; it comes with 3 USB ports, 1 thunderbolt port, HDMI 2.0 slot, mini display port, ethernet, headphone jack, noble lock slot, and a signature Alienware Graphics Amplifier. The possibilities are simply endless.
Gaming
If you're looking for a high-end, strong gaming PC, then MacBook Pro is not for you.
The MacBook can handle everyday tasks, editing photos and videos and many more tasks, but gaming is not its strong point.
However, Alienware laptops are specifically designed gaming laptops and will be able to handle all of the new, state-of-the-art games going forward.
Keyboard
The MacBook Pro keyboard has been a subject of criticism in the past, with the faulty butterfly switches and debris caught in the keys.
Apple has since adjusted, making sure debris can't build up and giving a 0.7mm distance between keys.
Alienware has a 1.1mm distance, and the keyboard is softer and more comfortable to type on.
Including color lighting underneath as well and an easy-to-navigate command center, Alienware's keyboards take the top spot.
Storage
Both computers come with plenty of storage – from 256GB installed out the gate. Both the MacBook Pro and Alienware laptops have upgradeable storage, from 1-2TB extra.
No matter how much storage you need, both competitors will easily include upgradeable SSD storage at no performance cost.
Usage
If you’re looking for a business computer, the MacBook will be your choice.
It's designed with professional users in mind – it's able to switch between programs quickly, and its fast processors will ensure your day-to-day life can run smoothly.
Alienware laptops are fast, but their primary function is gaming, and for your work, they may not perform as well as a MacBook.
Cost/Warranty
It’s no secret that both machines will set you back a pretty penny.
Both laptops are high-end, with Apple prices ranging from $2500 to a jaw-dropping $4699. For that price, you can expect a 2-year warranty on repairs, which you'll have to fork out for.
Alienware machines are a lot cheaper, with the higher price landing at about $3600 and the base model starting at $1699.
The warranty on Alienware is shorter, landing on 1 year for repairs.
Popular Models From Each Brand Compared
Alienware M17, M15 Vs MacBook Pro
Features | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Display | 17.3” | 15.6” | 16-inch Retina display |
CPU | Intel Core i7 1150 MHz | Intel Core i7 8750Hz | Intel Core i9 2.3GHz |
RAM | 32GB | 32GB | 32GB |
Storage | 512GB | Dual 1TB SSDs | Up to 2TB |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 | NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070 | Radeon Pro 5500M |
Key Travel/Actuation | 1.7mm travel | 1.5mm distance | 0.7mm travel |
Battery Life (hours) | 4.5 | 6.25 | 11 |
Size (inches) | 15.74x11.59x0.89 | 14.3x10.8x0.8 | 13.8x9.5x0.6 |
Weight | 6.55lbs | 4.8lbs | 4lbs |
Alienware Area 51m Vs MacBook Pro
Features | ||
|---|---|---|
Display | 17.3” | 16” |
CPU | Intel Core i9 3.6GHz | Intel Core i9 2.3GHz |
RAM | 32GB | 16GB |
Storage | 512GB | 512GB |
GPU | NVIDIA GeForce RTX 2080 | Radeon Pro 5500M |
Key Travel/Actuation | 2.2mm travel | 0.7mm distance |
Battery Life (hours) | 4.5 | 11 |
Size (inches) | 15.85x12.56x1.09 | 13.8x9.5x0.6 |
Weight | 8.54lbs | 4.3lbs |
Alienware Vs MacBook Pro FAQs
Which is better for video editing, Alienware Laptop or MacBook Pro?
In terms of functionality, the MacBook Pro will take the prize. It comes with built-in editing software along with easy design capabilities.
Of course, you can also edit on Alienware laptops, but they won't be as efficient.
Which is better for programming?
Both companies produce laptops more than capable of programming functions.
If you don’t mind forking out a little more money, a high-end Alienware Area 51 laptop will have better functionality and faster response times for programming.
Which is better for gaming?
It's entirely possible to run and play games on a MacBook Pro, but in terms of high quality, graphic intense games, you'll be better off buying an Alienware laptop.
PCs are generally just better at playing video games, while Macs are better at professional settings.
What is the life expectancy of Alienware vs MacBook Pro?
If you intend to use your laptop for a long time, people generally favor MacBooks, as they have a longer life span.
Macs will last up to 5/6 years, and Windows laptops will need to be upgraded or replaced every 3 - 5 years.
Conclusion
Deciding on a high-end, powerful laptop is a delicate decision.
Spending over $1500 on a PC will come with a certain set of expectations, and now with the knowledge of Alienware vs MacBook Pro, you can make a better-informed choice.
For gaming, you’ll want the Alienware M15 or the Alienware Area 51m, but if work is your primary focus, a MacBook Pro is the better choice.
You’ll have a fast and reliable machine whatever you choose, with enough features to speed through your daily life!
Jake Redman is a UK-born-digital nomad & founder of Ultimate Quality Content, a collective of high-end copywriters formed to provide detailed insight into everything technology-related. Jake is the definition of a man-nerd. He gets excited over things like processor architecture, ray-tracing, & is an avid E-Sports fan, specifically League of Legends. When he isn’t writing detailed tech-related articles, Jake can be found performing fire-breathing shows & wields a dragon staff, or on the sofa playing Mario Kart.