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Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" vs Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB

If you're deciding between the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5", you're in good company. Let's simplify this choice for you.

The MacBook Pro features a sleek aluminum body with a large Retina display, while the Surface Book 2 offers a modern design with a detachable screen for tablet mode, adding versatility and lightness.

Looking at performance, the MacBook Pro packs a punch with Intel i7 processors, ideal for tasks like video editing and multitasking. On the other hand, the Surface Book 2 also holds its ground with Intel i5 or i7 choices and dedicated graphics, making it a solid choice for gaming and creative projects. Whether you're into video editing or gaming, both models offer strong performance to meet your needs.

In terms of portability, the MacBook Pro weighs approximately 4.49 pounds, which may seem heavy for frequent travelers. On the other hand, the Surface Book 2 is lighter, weighing around 3.38 pounds without the keyboard, making it a more convenient option for travel.

When choosing between these two laptops, considering battery life is crucial. The MacBook Pro gives you up to 9 hours of usage, while the Surface Book 2 goes above and beyond with an impressive 17 hours in laptop mode. Whether you need longer battery support for your work or prefer a balance between performance and portability, understanding these differences can help you make the right choice based on your priorities.

Considerations for display quality and connectivity are vital. Comparing the high-resolution displays of MacBook's Retina and Surface's PixelSense is crucial. While MacBook features USB-A ports, Surface incorporates USB-C to support modern accessories.

So whether you're looking for a solid build that can handle professional software or you need a convertible laptop that offers flexibility while on-the-go, both these models offer unique strengths tailored to different needs.

Performance

System and application performance

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
51
Gaming

Performance in popular 3D games

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
38
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
51
Display

Viewing angle, color accuracy...

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
71
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
60
Connectivity

Ports, webcam and other interfaces

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
51
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
52
Battery Life

Potential battery life

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
44
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
17
Design

Materials, durability and portability

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"
69
Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
62

Design Comparison

Size Comparison

Comparing the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" with the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB in terms of design elements that improve user experience, various key aspects are at play. Let's explore how these design features impact practical usability and aesthetic appeal based on diverse user requirements.

Design Elements Enhancing User Experience:

Ergonomics:

  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • The MacBook Pro's slim profile and lightweight design cater well to professionals and students who are always on the move, making it easy to carry around.
  • The backlit keyboard makes typing comfortable even in low-light settings, boosting user productivity.
  • Surface Book 2: The Surface Book 2's detachable screen feature enables users to seamlessly switch between laptop and tablet modes, providing versatility in how it can be used.
  • The touch screen feature offers intuitive interactions, ideal for creative professionals or individuals who enjoy a hands-on experience.

Materials & Build Quality:

  • Both laptops are crafted with high-quality materials that convey durability and luxury, catering to users in search of devices that stand the test of time.

Portability:

  • MacBook Pro (2015):
  • The MacBook Pro, though a bit heavier than the Surface Book 2, still offers excellent portability thanks to its compact size and lightweight design.
  • Surface Book 2:
  • The Surface Book 2's lightweight design prioritizes portability while maintaining high performance standards.

Unique Design Features:

  • The MacBook Pro (2015) provides a fanless design, ensuring quiet operation and improved long-term reliability. Surface Book 2 is distinguished by its detachable screen and touch capabilities, appealing to users who prioritize versatility and creativity in their computing experience.

Practical Usability & Aesthetic Appeal:

  • Professionals appreciate the MacBook Pro's sophisticated aluminum unibody design, ideal for professional settings. The Surface Book 2's innovative form factor caters to professionals who require versatile workflow options.
  • Students might find the MacBook Pro's lightweight design convenient for moving around campus or switching between classes. Conversely, the Surface Book 2's touch screen feature could be beneficial for students working on creative assignments or taking notes.

Conclusion:

Both laptops shine in design and user experience, but they cater to different needs. Here's a quick rundown:

  • MacBook Pro:
  • Slim and Lightweight: Perfect for professionals on the go.
  • Elegant Design: Appeals to those who value aesthetics and portability.
  • Surface Book 2:
  • Detachable Screen: Offers flexibility for various tasks.
  • Touch Capabilities: Great for creatives or anyone who needs adaptability in their device.

Choose the MacBook Pro for sleek mobility and the Surface Book 2 for versatile functionality. Consider if you value portability and style or if you prefer versatility and innovative design features that cater to your individual needs.

Screen Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
ResolutionQHDQHD
Screen Size15.4"13.5"

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" vs. Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Screens

When deciding between the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5", it's essential to consider their screen features for activities such as gaming or graphic design. Let's compare their screen attributes:

Screen Resolution

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15":
  • Resolution: 2880 x 1080 px
  • Pixel Density: 220 ppi
  • Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5":
  • Resolution: 3000 x 1080 px
  • Pixel Density: 267 ppi

Impact on Tasks: The higher resolution and pixel density of the Microsoft Surface Book result in sharper images and more details, making it ideal for tasks that demand precision, like professional graphic design.

Screen Size

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15":
  • Screen Size: 15.4 inches
  • Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5":
  • Screen Size: 13.5 inches

Impact on Tasks: A larger screen size, such as that of the Apple MacBook Pro, can enhance multitasking or immersive experiences, such as gaming.

Display Technology

  • Both laptops feature IPS, LCD, LED-backlit displays.
  • Microsoft Surface Book also has touch screen functionality.

Impact on Tasks: The touch screen feature in the Microsoft Surface Book offers more interactive possibilities, which can be advantageous for creative work or navigating through applications efficiently.

Additional Display Features

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15":
  • Anti Reflection Coating: true
  • Supported Displays: 3
  • Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5":
  • Brightness: 402 nits
  • Contrast Ratio: 1600: 1
  • Supported Displays: 3

Impact on Tasks: The higher brightness and contrast ratio in the Microsoft Surface Book can enhance visual clarity, making it suitable for tasks where color accuracy and vibrant visuals are critical.

Conclusion

In summary, if you value high resolution and pixel density for detailed tasks like graphic design, the Microsoft Surface Book may be the preferred option. Conversely, if you lean towards a larger screen with anti-glare coating for immersive experiences or professional work, the Apple MacBook Pro might be a better fit.

Hardware Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
RAM16GB16GB
Storage Size1000GB1000GB

Comparing the hardware features of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB reveals key components that greatly affect their performance across different applications.

CPU: The Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" features a high-performing 4 GHz CPU, ensuring seamless operation for demanding tasks. The Microsoft Surface Book 2, on the other hand, is equipped with an Intel Core i7-8650U processor recognized for its balanced power efficiency and performance.

Practical Impact: The strong CPU in the MacBook Pro performs exceptionally well in managing intensive multimedia tasks such as video editing, rendering, and complex software operations. Meanwhile, the Intel Core i7 processor of the Surface Book 2 guarantees effective multitasking and responsiveness for daily computing requirements.

GPU:

  • The Apple MacBook Pro (2015) features an integrated graphics solution optimized for everyday graphical tasks. The Microsoft Surface Book 2 stands out for its dedicated graphics support, boosting performance in graphics-heavy applications and gaming.

Practical Impact: Graphic designers, video editors, and gamers benefit significantly from the dedicated GPU in the Surface Book 2 compared to the integrated graphics of the MacBook Pro. This results in smoother rendering and enhanced visual quality when using demanding software and playing games.

RAM:

  • Both laptops feature 16GB of RAM, yet the MacBook Pro operates at 1600 MHz while the Surface Book 2 runs at a faster 2400 MHz.

Practical Impact: With its higher RAM speed, the Surface Book 2 offers improved multitasking capabilities and faster data access speeds than the MacBook Pro. Users can experience smoother performance when running multiple applications at once or working with large files.

In summary:

  • Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" excels in processing power with its fast CPU speed.
  • Microsoft Surface Book 2 stands out with its dedicated GPU for improved graphics performance.
  • Both laptops offer similar RAM capacity, but the Surface Book's higher RAM speed enhances multitasking efficiency.

When considering these hardware aspects:

  • Professionals working on multimedia tasks or heavy software operations may prefer the MacBook Pro for its strong CPU performance.
  • Graphic designers, gamers, or users who require improved graphical performance may prefer the Surface Book 2 for its dedicated GPU support.

Battery Comparison

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U 16GB 1TB
Battery Life9 hours17 hours

Comparing the battery life and power of the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15" and the Microsoft Surface Book 2 13.5" Intel Core i7-8650U / 16GB / 1TB is crucial.

Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15Battery Life:

  • Enjoy up to 9 hours of battery life on a single charge with the MacBook Pro. Battery Capacity: The MacBook Pro boasts a 6600 m

Ah battery, offering ample power for everyday use. Magsafe Power Adapter: The MacBook Pro includes a Magsafe power adapter for easy charging, in line with its design principles.

Microsoft Surface Book 2 with a 13.5-inch display, powered by Intel Core i7-8650U processor, featuring 16GB RAM and 1TB storage. Battery Life:

  • The Microsoft Surface Book 2 stands out with an impressive battery life of up to 17 hours, surpassing the MacBook Pro in this area.

Looking at the Apple MacBook Pro (2015) and Microsoft Surface Book 2, let's break it down:

  • Battery Life: The MacBook Pro (2015) has decent battery life but the Surface Book 2 outshines it with an exceptional 17-hour endurance.
  • Charging: The MacBook Pro comes with a handy Magsafe Power Adapter, while the Surface Book 2 boasts longer periods of usage without frequent charging.

If you're all about lasting power without constantly plugging in, the Microsoft Surface Book 2 might be the way to go.

Verdict

Why Apple MacBook Pro (2015) 15"?

  • Sleek and lightweight design, perfect for professionals on the go.
  • Elegant and sophisticated aluminum unibody build.
  • Strong CPU performance ideal for intensive multimedia tasks.
  • Backlit keyboard enhances user productivity in low-light settings.

Why ?

  • Longer battery life of up to 17 hours.
  • Dedicated graphics support for enhanced performance in gaming and creative work.
  • Versatile detachable screen with touch capabilities for flexible usage.
  • Lightweight design prioritizing portability.