Hey all,
I am currently using an early 2011 15" Macbook Pro (2.3Ghz, 16gb ram, SSD, etc). Runs really well, and I like it. However, I'm considering moving to Windows, and have been looking at the workstation-grade laptops from the different manufacturers, especially Lenovo.
I am NOT looking for a "lightweight" laptop. However, a huge 19" gaming-oriented laptop isn't what I'm after. I'm after a high-performing, desktop-replacement level performance machine. The newest 17" Lenovo, P70, seems to be the ticket. Not cheap, but I generally do my best to have a 5 year turnaround on laptops, in general.
Normally, I'd go for another MBP. Frankly, the built-in batteries, non-expandable ram, etc is what drives me away. Lenovo seems to allow customer-expandability, external batteries(so I could carry multiple extras, for location-based work away from plug power, when needed).
I would plan to spec it out, 64GB of ram, perhaps the Xeon processor option, but I'm not in a rush so would plan accordingly. My MBP is meeting my current needs, but am looking at the next 6 months, and would most likely want to upgrade within that timeframe.
thanks,
Dan