Any REAL major differences between similar spec'd business class machines?

[johnny9fingers]

I'm in the market for a new laptop. My daughters have taken my T530 & Latitude e7450 to college. After weeks of comparison I settled on the HP EliteBook 850 G3 with 1920x1080 Touch Screen, descrete graphics, 512 SSD, 16 GB ram. I'll be using the machine learning to code, producing a Pod Cast, and some Audio and Video editing. Now I see the new T560 will be coming soon I have a soft spot in my heart for ThinkPads, even the new ones, so my question is. Are there any real differences between similarly spec'd business class ThinkPads, Dell Latitudes and HP EliteBooks ???

[ZaZ]

Are there any real differences between similarly spec'd business class ThinkPads, Dell Latitudes and HP EliteBooks ???

I would say if they're similarly specced, there won't be much of a performance difference, but where the ThinkPads will shine is the keyboard and stick. Whether that's worth the extra cash is a value question, which is difficult for me to answer for you being we just met.

[hhhd1]

weight
overheat or cooling issues
fan noise
details about screen quality, that goes beyond specs, like for example PWM/actual view angles.
quality control
durability
maintainability - easy to open, no white list.
speakers sound quality
wireless card and antennas range

most of that can be checked at "notebookcheck.net".

[johnny9fingers]

Since I posted this inquiry I've continued to research machines. Combined with this research and my history with ThinkPads I'll end up buying either a X1 Yoga, new X1 Carbon or the P40 Yoga. Part of this decision is a comfort level I have with ThinkPads. I liked my T530, loved my T61, and adored my T30. I really miss the T30...
Thanks for your replys, and Zaz, I'm going to try to get tickets for a Packer Viking game in your new stadium so I'll keep an eye out for ya...
Thanks again.....
John

[johnny9fingers]

Sometimes I wish there was someone out there who would say, just get the X1 Yoga and enjoy... And while I'll probably get one of the X1 machines or the P40 Yoga, I can't help but keep looking into The HP EliteBooks, there's something about them that intrigues me.....

[ajkula66]

I can't help but keep looking into The HP EliteBooks, there's something about them that intrigues me.....

Overall, they are fine and well-built machines. IPS-equipped models will put any other laptop on the planet to shame when it comes to LCDs. Keyboards, however, are just meh, and I'm being kind here. Their version of trackpoint is better than Dell's, but not as good as the original ThinkPad one. Build quality is outstanding in my opinion.

[TonyJZX]

I have a couple of Elitebooks and the KBDs are fine IMO. They layout isnt as good as the Classic Thinkpad line but they are a LOT better than the new chiclet island layout.

My experiences with them is that they look like they are more expensively built than the Thinkpads but the seem to wear badly ie. I had painted metal wear off and plastics seem a tad more brittle and the brushed metal finish although nice new, does scratch and dent.

They both crap on Dell Latitudes though which I consider to the worst of the three but still a heap better than the rest.

I would rock a well maintained Latitude or Elitebook or Classic Thinkpad.

[johnny9fingers]

Well, here are the finalists, now I have to make a decision between 3 nice machines..... I wish I able to see them in person before a purchase....

THINKPAD P40 YOGA
Differences from base model: win 10 Pro, WQHD, FP reader $1619.10
Intel Core i7-6500U Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.10GHz)
Windows 10 Pro 64
14.1” WQHD IPS Glossy Touch
ThinkPad Pen Pro
8GB PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM
NVIDIA Quadro M500M 2GB
Security Chip
Software TPM & Hardware dTPM
Keyboard Backlit - English
UltraNav (TrackPoint and ClickPad) with Fingerprint Reader
256 GB Solid State Drive, SATA3 OPAL2.0 - Capable
3cell 53Wh
Power Cord
65W AC Adapter - US(2pin)
Intel Dual Band Wireless-AC(2x2) 8260, Bluetooth Version 4.1 No vPro
Warranty
1 Year Depot or Carry-in

Different from above: i7-6600u Processor 3.40 GHz
$1767.60
Bump to 16 GB ram + $160.00 Bump to 512 SSD + $150.00



ThinkPad P50s $1628.10
Intel Core i7-6600U Processor (4MB Cache, up to 3.40GHz)
Windows 10 Pro 64
15.6" FHD IPS (1920x1080),Touch,WWAN
8GB PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM with 16GB PC3-12800 DDR3L 1600MHz SODIMM $1754.10
NVIDIA Quadro M500M 2GB
Software TPM & Hardware dTPM
Backlit Keyboard with Number Pad - English
UltraNav (TrackPoint and TouchPad) with Fingerprint Reader
Software TPM Enabled
720p HD Camera
512 GB Solid State Drive, SATA3
Smart Card Reader
Front Battery
ThinkPad Battery 3 cell Li-Polymer (44Whr) Front
Rear Battery
3 Cell Li-Ion Battery 23.2WH Rear
Power Cord
65W AC Adapter - US(2pin)
Broadcom Wireless (2x2)AC, Bluetooth Version 4.1
Integrated Mobile Broadband
Integrated Mobile Broadband upgradable
Warranty
1 Year Depot or Carry-in
1 yr Accidental Damage Protection $49.00

HP ZBook 15u $1626.76
• Windows 10 Pro 64-bit
• HP ZBook 15u G3 Mobile Workstation Intel® Core™ i7-6500U processor
• 3 year Battery Warranty Card
• No Microsoft Office Software
• Ultrabook Label
• ENERGY STAR Qualified Configuration
• WEBCAM Integrated 720p HD
• 15.6 inch LED FHD SVA enabled for Webcam (1920x1080) Touchscreen
• 8GB (1x8GB) 2133 DDR4 Bump to 16GB (2x8GB) 2133 DDR4 add $110.00
• 256GB Z Turbo Drive PCIe Solid-State Drive (SSD)
• Dual Point Backlit with numeric keypad
• Near Field Communication
• Intel® 8260 ac 2x2 No vPro +Bluetooth® 4.2
• No Intel® vPro™ Technology
• No WWAN
• Fingerprint Reader
• 65 Watt Smart nPFC AC Adapter
• C5 1.8m Power Cord
• Country Localization US
• 3 Cell 46 WHr Long Life Battery
• 3/3/3 Warranty
• Primary 2.5 HDD/SSD Bracket
• Intel® Core™ i7 Processor non vPro Label

What to do, what to do????

[johnny9fingers]

Just in case anyone was curious, I'm going with the P40 Yoga. In my opinion, a crappy Thinkpad keyboard is still better than anyone else's, the added oomph of discrete graphics, and the ability to write on the screen were the big factors. And, as I said earlier, I have a fond spot for ThinkPads, and I'm not ready to give up on them yet...
John

[johnny9fingers]

Or.... maybe the P50s with the 3K panel......