“Apple has lost the plot.”

I’ve been a long time Mac hater. Not a Windows lover, but I never succumbed to the shiny glowing Apple logo nor the monochromatic aluminum cases. I tend towards function over form and in that regard, any ol’ Windows laptop/desktop would do. This began to change when I was issued a MBP for work, though. macOS makes my life as a developer and as an IT “professional” much better.

Obviously, Microsoft and the other PC vendors have caught on to the idea that quality hardware and good aesthetics are worthwhile endeavours.  Just look at Microsoft’s own Surface Book and the success they’ve had. Almost over night, every PC vendor rolled out lines of premium hardware for example: Dell XPS, HP Spectre, Asus Zenbook. Clearly, people want something built to last, with good design, and high performance.

This gets to the point of this writing. The new MBP: Despite it’s questionable port choices, it’s hyper thin keyboard, and it’s half baked touchbar– Is actually a decent value. It’s expensive, to be certain. It’s more expensive than the Windows machine counterparts, too. But it’s NOT double the cost of comparable machines like some folks would have you believe.

For instance, the 15″ MBP with the 2.6 i7 / 16 GB of RAM / 256 SSD / HD+ screen – $2300

Microsoft Surface Pro with essentially the same specs? $2100

Dell XPS 15? $2000.

I’m not convinced that Apple has lost the plot. I realize that Apple is using slightly older hardware, but there is no monumental difference between the 6th and 7th gen Intel CPUs nor are any of these machines true gaming rigs that demand ultimate in GPU performance. I’m just not convinced the choice of chips makes for a substantial argument. I think the other manufacturers have just caught wind and have gotten on board. If you want a premium machine, it’s gonna cost ya.

With that all being said, the availability of the Linux subsystem on Windows, kills the most compelling reason to own a Mac (in my view) as a developer…