MacBook Pro vs. Dell XPS, Which is the Best Laptop for Engineers?

[@BrendanHasty]

🎉The first 1,000 people to use the link will get a 1 month's free trial of Skillshare: skl.sh/brendanhasty11221, hope to see you there!

[@erg-ni6ll]

Hi. Was this the 12900HK model or just a 12700h? And if it was the HK, was it undervolted?

[@dmb3428]

I use thinkpads for a portable cad laptop, bought a mac m1 14 out of curiosity and played with it for 2 weeks...started liking it but a certain lack of apps for it turned me off a little...build quality was basically perfection , I can see why people move to them for other tasks

[@leonvonminden771]

What thinkpad do you use? How powerful does it need to be?

[@Unamatrix01]

Interesting comparative test between the Dell XPS 15 and the Apple M1 MacBook Pro. As a mechanical engineer that uses AutoCAD, Solid Works along with various plugins such as FEA and Cosmos along with some CFD software, I prefer my Dell XPS 15 9520 as my mobile work station and use my Intel based dual display work station in my home office and company office. The fundamental problem that the Apple MacBook Pro has is the lack of native professional engineering design and analysis software, thus requiring Bootcamp or parallels to be run. Since you are required to run the aforementioned Bootcamp or Parallels to use professional engineering software, you are therefore splitting system resources. The lack of a dedicated GPU also hinders the MacBook Pro's performance when not using natively written software that is optimized for its chipset architecture. For video editing and rendering the MacBook Pro is an ideal choice especially when using optimized software such as Final Cut, Logic for music production or X-Code for software development. Also, as the owner of my own drone photography, videography and inspection business on the side I appreciate the power of the new Apple M1 MacBook Pro's for video editing as well as photo editing, however I prefer Da Vinci Resolve and Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop on my desk top and laptop and Lumifusion and Affinity Photo on my M1 iPad Pro.

[@shiveshp.3271]

You made that much easier for me (studying mechanical engineering) to decide which one to buy next as I'm due for an update.

[@xylum_0866]

If I were to buy an XPS 15 laptop, would you recommend me adding a graphics card to it or sticking to the integrated graphics?

[@garolstipock]

Kind of surpised to not see Dell Precisions as the suggested Engineering option for the Dell laptop. XPS gets a lot of media hoorah, but its the workstation models that generally target the Engineering area.

[@warburgaby]

I have used the Precision series notebooks for fifteen years. Excellent, but obviously the battery lasts two hours maximum, even when new, they weigh a lot, otherwise ok, they last many years and if you have the onsite service option you're good to go. Despite this, after thirty years of Windows we decided to switch to Mac :)

[@garolstipock]

@@warburgaby Egad! 😮… BUT… truth is, that M2 is hard to beat, and its only gonna get better.

[@samevans5903]

The problem with the Mac is that I'd find myself running parallels in order to only use Bluebeam! But I'll admit the mac is nicer device I think I'd rather be using. Which was running cooler? I note the mac doesn't have many (if any) dedicated fans.

[@DIEGOMENDEZ-o1x]

Do you use revit?

[@JasonSulvaran]

What do others recommend for a first year student? Eventually I know I’ll have to use these softwares everyone is saying since I will be majoring in engineering but I’m not sure which laptop I’m leaning towards.

[@pcaming]

Running it through parallels, is probably the hamstring for the macs. Does it lead to many errors?

[@BrendanHasty]

I didn't run into any errors, it run perfectly. The VM would have hamstrung the Mac

[@jeff2tc99]

We’ve used Dells for years. I’ve have never heard of a structural engineer using a Mac? My beef with Dell is their current JIT delivery model. Here in Indonesia their site service is hopeless. Pity as it’s a great machine.

[@bautistap8515]

I will be changing from Xps 15 2018 (I7 8th gen 1050ti) to an M2 Pro in the coming months. I do not expect it to perform as well in CAD works for engineering, but it will greatly be better in battery, video-photo editing, programming, etc. I hope not to be dissappointed

[@erg-ni6ll]

programming?? are you sae my boy? I have an m1max 16 full spec and its a nightmare for me due to macOS and its incompatibility

[@amdusa77]

@@erg-ni6ll Cap. Macs are a breeze to work with when it comes to coding.

[@Mad.js08]

​@@erg-ni6ll first of all,m1 macs were amazing for coding.But now,with m2 chips it is even better.

[@eduard9088]

How is the Mac? It's it better then the dell?

[@charbelkhoury9441]

I bought a macbook m2 for my first year of engineering am i screwed?

[@cjhickey5268]

I am going to be a freshman in college this year looking to get a laptop. I am a big advocate for apple having an iphone 14 pro max, airpods pro, and apple watch and am looking into getting the m2 series macbook air. A lot of people are saying to not get one because it cannot run a lot of programs necessary for the workload of an engineering student. Howerer, I already have a desktop that runs windows 10 and has 32gb of ram along with a 12400kf processor and a 2080 inside of it. Would I be okay to get a mac for notes and leave all of the heavy workloads to my powerhouse of a pc?

[@1nemorevideo673]

What did you end up going with, I want to use a laptop for most school + personal use because of battery life, and desktop for cad?

[@HallowHSalih]

This is a fact that all less experienced engineers should know, Mac computers are not for them, its only killing time as well as wasting money around something which is natively not built on their demand, the Mac OS is another cancer on the other hand because of incompatibility with Autodesk and Bently programs that widely are used by designers. Dell XPS and its sibling Precision are fit to purpose machines.

[@包卜土乐]

Also most of the machines controlled by computers port unfriendly to Mac😮

[@ArthropodSpidey]

Spoken like a person who has never used a mac and just relies on bias lol

[@timexplorer24]

Hi, does Intel Ultra 7 155H ok? (Instead of Ryzen 7 or intel core i7) 😃 I will start my class (Electrical Engineering) in few days and need the laptop tomorrow 🥲

[@falakvats9091]

How does mac perform for the case of nonlinear time history analysis (assuming significant hinges are formed, say for an IM matching the MCE level or higher)

[@banelekheswa2979]

I am a 22 year old chemical engineering graduate. Any advice on which machine I should invest for my future in the industry I am currently in and hope to grow in? Particularly for Explosion and Toxic based simulation software (e.g Safeti) and Plant design (e.g ASPEN) simulations. I'm leaning slightly towards the Macbook coz of the hype around apple products, especially amongst my peers and the aesthetic. But I just wanna be sure if it'll be good for me regarding my professional goals in the long run. Please advise.

[@Hummus-dm6hc]

What did you get

[@ericwang2921]

Hi, I'm a first year civil engineering student looking to get a laptop for the next 4 years, I really want the macbook but am scared about software compatibility should i just get the xps 15?

[@Rafael-xe6dl]

Definitely get the xps

[@888berg]

I have a M1 max and its a shame so much technical software is WIN only... ANSYS, most of Autodesk (apart from auto cad and a few others)

[@mohitvats2211]

Sir, could you please tell me the best laptop for the structure engineering purpose?

[@BrendanHasty]

AutoCAD run throught parrells. Haven't tried Ansys

[@malcolmmutambanengwe3453]

Former Linux user here, that's why I went back to Windows. Shame because Linux Mint is such a good OS.

[@jn.pablovega8176]

You can do a comparison of how to use architecture programs, like Revit, 3Ds Max, Lumion on the MacBook?

[@adebayoayomide2706]

Hello Brendan what good laptop can I use for structural engineering design (etabs,csc Orion, protastructure,autocad) and it won’t lad or be too hot???

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi the Mac runs cooler and quieter. But may have comparability issues tho u haven't had any.

[@adebayoayomide2706]

@@BrendanHasty M1 Pro right 14”?? What issues are u talking about please

[@adebayoayomide2706]

@@BrendanHasty please respond sir😥

[@nathanieljohnabilar9376]

What parallel version do u use for structural designing programs? Is it the standard or the pro edition ?

[@siddiqs2563]

Hey Brendan, I love your videos I just want to know which one is better BIM modeller or structural engineer. Since I like calculations and structure.

[@BrendanHasty]

You need both a good BIM modeller is wroth their weight in gold. You need both. Engineers design models detail and document. They go hand in hand you need both. Some BIM modellers started as enginneer

[@mohitvats2211]

Sir, please tell me the best laptop for structural engineering work.

[@BrendanHasty]

The Mac is amazing tho you may run into some blocks. Dell is grate wish the software for engineers are optimised for the M1

[@nascentnaga]

sorry I didn't believe you but I downloaded a trial of parallels, ran windows 11, etabs 20 my m1 macbook pro has 32 gb ram and m1 pro base processor. It completely destroyed a massive iterative p-delta model I threw at it in trial mode.. 4 processors and 8 GB of ram What the hell!!!! Did you use basic Parallels as a demo? Or did you use PRO where you can use more CPU cores and more RAM?

[@adebayoayomide2706]

Hello please I’m a student please can u try to install protastructure and csc Orion I’d like to know if it works for mac with parallel please

[@kyordannydelvalle523]

It won't beat a laptop with discrete graphic card xd. Do it with 32 gb ram models and you will notice hiw window does it better than Mac especially if you use PC there just no comparison

[@HariOmSharma-cw6rs]

I saw that you used grasshopper. So, how to use it is my suggestion for next video.

[@888berg]

Was the Mac versions of the structural software running on Rosetta translation or M1 apple silicon optimised? Great video

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi 888berg, I had to run parrells to run the software, so it wasn't optimised for the Mac it would have been amazing if it was.

[@erg-ni6ll]

​@@BrendanHasty well, just for some comparison. M1max 16inch: on parallels you get 40M primes/sec, on macOS you get 300M primes/sec.... Most important test: BullettScene CPU render: 408frames/sec on parallels, 2900frames/sec on macOS. And I'm giving access to all 10cores!! It can't get any faster than that on windows. Parallels windows is just disgustingly slow. I'm sorry but your comparison was useless and extremely unfair

[@Ooze27]

It's actually useful, im undecided between a macbook pro and windows laptop (i use a desktop pc for the really heavy work) and if you need to run parallels that apparently affect performance, that will be the most important metrics, since the video is oriented towards civil engineers and their work software and not some benchmark tests. A civil engineer obviously doesn't sit around doing benchmarks, we actually need to use the software that he showed or something similar to it.@@erg-ni6ll

[@Satoru_Gojo5]

What about mechanical engineering, what would be best? Personally I enjoy macs but I would like to know what would work better and help me be more efficient.

[@jacobgallo2212]

Did you figure it out?

[@dykodesigns]

The Mac runs quite impressive considering it has to do software emulation. It seems it has an edge over the Dell's XPS' GPU since the orbiting of the model was quite a bit smoother. I wonder how the Mac would compare to a desktop CAD workstation though. I use Revit on a daily basis with just a consumer class graphics card. Autodesk keeps recommending those expensive Quattro cards in their documentation, but I don't know anyone or have ever come across a buisiness / client / employer that uses these cards in their CAD workstations. In my experience a consumer card works allright as long as it's got stable drivers.The computer in my office is a built it yourself box from a PC parts supplier.

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi Dyko, I would love engineering firms to optimise for Mac. It seem to run better them the dell. I also did a build it your self computer for my editing PC loved the optimusation and picking the part. Thanks for the continued support.

[@nascentnaga]

@@BrendanHasty Until REVIT can run well on Parallels I think its DOA.

[@simply6162]

@@BrendanHasty you can choose autocad 2024 which is optimized for mac. can you pls retest this video?

[@bushrashahin5709]

so do you recommend macbook?

[@bushrashahin5709]

I hope anyone helps me if it's better to get a macbook or not, I don't wanna pay if I'm gonna face issues in civil engineering programs!

[@TheB657]

Have used a Mac all-in-one (integrated Mac monitor) and Windows for various engineering software. The Mac Air wins in certain respects and the Windows in others. What was shocking that the Mac ran a program that was allegedly developed on our university's super computer (in Simulink) while the Windows always got stalled and the system itself failed. I guess there is a difference in optimization for both companies. In Windows there are a ton of background apps running while the Mac seems to have mastered the technique of keeping unwanted processes at bay. Hence differences will be there. I used to create my designs for electronic circuits on windows and lay PCB tracks in Mac. The Mac. systems were also used for Testing of circuits designed. Tbh, the Mac can act as a good monitor and process quickly at times however Windows wins in the long run.

[@piyushparas2876]

hey brendan i am a fresh master graduate in civil / structural engg could u suggent me how can i look for job in my field or how do i reach out companies ..?

[@BrendanHasty]

You can do your research and keep an eye on the job list of those companies, or you on try LinkedIn - many companies recruit from there nowadays. Good luck!

[@piyushparas2876]

@@BrendanHasty hey brandon can you suggest me a paper or some sort of source to study on viscoelastic dampers. or can you tell me whether fluid viscous damper are differnet from visco elastic dampers ..?

[@billj5645]

The M1 is a very powerful chip, OTOH there may be laptops that are faster than the XPS. Another issue- is the compiler for the Mac OS faster than the compilier for Windows? My experience is that laptop processors can be crippled if there isn't a good cooling system in the computer. Even the XPS will suffer from this. To get a good cooling system in a laptop you usually have to buy a laptop that is aimed at gaming, and along with that you have the best chance of getting the fastest available processor, faster graphics, and even a better screen. My office has switched completely away from desktop computer to laptop computers, and we typically use the business class Dell laptops that we lease. This way any employee can pick up their laptop and take it to a meeting or take it home with them if they have to work from home. I would be suspicious of using the Mac for engineering because of software limitations. We run RAM, Tekla, Revit, various StructurePoint programs, manufacturers software from Hilti and others, spreadsheets, and in-house software developed in C, Pascal and Python.

[@nascentnaga]

ETABs is running on the m1 with parallels. Its crazy how good it is. REVIT I can see crippling the M1 mostly bc REVIT is a bad piece of software.

[@jan-weber]

I think engineers still should not use a mac. With parallels you lose a lot of power and to compensate that, you need a even more powerfull mac. But this cost a lot of money and does not make any sense. :)

[@LuciousKage]

Can you make test of Unreal engine 5 ?????

[@cyril.engineering]

Windows is a telemetry nightmare. As an engineer, there isn't an excuse to leave windows on a daily driver outside forced alignment with IT. Even then I always put in for an exception and win. Ubuntu core mixed with a display manager of choice is my breadwinner. To benchmark graphical, I was able to demonstrate on two rigs that Windows has become so bloated, I can achieve higher framerates in triple A titles wrapping Proton. MacOS isn't terrible, but I have to gut the UI for a TWM and rebind to effectively develop. The default interface is of the Google philosophy. There's one way and it's my way. TLDR, comparing something to Windows is a dumpster fire. Dell supports Ubuntu by default on their prosumer lines. They also have LTS driver support.

[@cyril.engineering]

@@user-ii9cm7qq5f It's definitely an unending debate. You can substitute Proton and Wine now, and VM's are very fast on Ubuntu Core/DWM. However, I've only had one app I had no choice but to use a VM. I find dealing with Windows the worse alternative, but then again I am very proficient in both operating systems. That takes years. I do use the Autodesk suite, Matlab, perform simulation like CFD, and other modeling as I do engineering on the side.

[@akin242002]

Still not a far comparison. Dell XPS 15 had 32GB of RAM. The M1 MacBook Pro had 64GB of RAM.

[@enriquechauca3921]

Idont think you need that many ram for engineering

[@akin242002]

@@enriquechauca3921 No, but some people like to future proof or tab hoard recklessly.

[@bikesrcooldan]

Hi Brendan, what is the processor on the Dell XPS i7 or i9?

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi Dan, it's 12th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-12700H.

[@yekutielbenheshel354]

I'm not an engineer. I've used Linux exclusively for about the last 10 years. It easily meets my modest, simple, business needs. But if I were a structural engineer I guess that would probably dual boot Windows and Linux. Primarily I'd probably use Windows, but occasionally I might boot into Linux to use some FOSS software that was similar to Windows software that I didn't want to purchase. No way, no how I would want to deal with a virtualized environment like Parallels unless I had to. I've dealt with virtualized environments several times before. They were always slow and/or buggy. They were always frustrating. For example, I played around with Wine on Linux a little bit. I hated it. It was way, way too slow. There's often a huge difference between what can be done and what should be done. Generally, running software natively is what should be done. If structural engineering software is native to Windows, and if I were a structural engineer, then that's what I would almost certainly run as my primary OS. And no, I'm not a fan of Windows. Not a little. Not at all. By the way, many software engineers use Macs. For them it’s often a sensible decision because Macs are generally very well made, fast, and are purchased for them by their employers. Usually all of the software they use is native to MacOS (and Windows and Linux).

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi, mac I don't have much Windows software. I got the mac mainly for video editing when travelling, which it is amazing for. Surprisingly, it worked well through parrells, but would have been amazing if run natively

[@yekutielbenheshel354]

@@BrendanHasty Kdenlive is remarkably powerful and popular FOSS (free software) for video editing on Linux.

[@hazyproduct1692]

Can't deal with Windows's shit anymore.

[@Ella-mb1eu]

I have an M1 macbook and constantly curse the day i naively decided to purchase one. The support for M1 chips is HORRIBLE! The build/quality control is also pretty awful given the price. I faced speaker popping issues right out the box and my computer overheated (while not doing anything weird) and the screen now has black lines across it (I did NOT drop it!) PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE DO NOT BUY AN M1 MAC IF YOU VALUE YOUR SANITY

[@BrendanHasty]

Hi Ella this is not what i have found.

[@Martin-we1rm]

Clean your laptop

[@adebayoayomide2706]

Please respond to my question Brendan please

[@BrendanHasty]

Just did hope it help

[@adebayoayomide2706]

@@BrendanHasty I asked another?? Forgive I’m a student

[@adebayoayomide2706]

@@BrendanHasty hello sir Please I need u

[@simply6162]

BRUH WTF.!!!?!! U guys are using parallels on mac! under fcking emulation while comparing to windows? this is so unfair to macbook

[@mikecast20]

how else would they run the necc programs? its for engineering idiot.

[@kyordannydelvalle523]

Mac are not meant for engineering especially mechanical engineering

[@eddieoconnor4466]

I mean....I'm sure the MacBook is good for some?...but I'll stick to my XPS 15 (7590) with an i7....32GB or RAM and two 4TB drives......and no...I don't run Windows I run Linux......and THIS laptop is FAST AF!...

[@hermnkiel1080]

Hey mate, what about you graphics card are you with Intel ARC or Nvidia

[@eddieoconnor4466]

@@hermnkiel1080 Well the Dell I have has an Intel NV167 UHD G-630 graphics card onboard.... While I don't really "pay attention" to that on my laptops?...when it comes to DESKTOPS?...I prefer AMD stuff...since I prefer AMD Ryzen CPU's.....but to each their own. I'm not a content creator, nor any kind of video editing techie....I'm straight up old school in that I use my machines more for development and entertainment....so thats Netflix...Amazon PrimeTV AppleTV etc..and they all look fantastic on ANY of my devices...(except for the Lenovo THinkPad T-430...that's strictly not for media consumption!...LOL!)