When buying an Apple product, everybody knows there’s a “style tax” that you’re paying for the logo, and the operating system.

But how much is style worth to you?

I’ll start off with what I’m not going to compare, because it’s hard to do an apples to apples comparison (no pun intended).

• Mac Pros - They’re quite good. They’re well made, have great, enterprise quality hardware, and compared to Dell or HP workstations, they’re really not that pricey. Try seeing what the CPUs cost on newegg. That being said, the upgrades are overprices for them, and buying more drives or RAM aftermarket makes a lot of sense.
• iMacs - Ok, I think they’re a bit overpriced, but I can’t really do a fair comparison because it’s hard to put a pricetag on the convenience they offer, and they’re pretty slick.
• iP.*s - There isn’t better out there because I think other manufactuers have realized they can’t really compete (possibly excluding iPhones).
• Mac Mini - Yes, they’re overpriced, but the same as the iMacs, there isn’t a fair comparison.

This brings me to the notebooks…. Let’s start with the 15″ MacBook Pro (MBP).

I used a first generation MBP at a previous job for about 6 months. Overall, I really enjoyed it, aside from it getting a bit toasty (which Apple/Intel fixed with the C2D), and the MagSafe almost starting on fire (which Apple replaced even though it was out of warranty). I find Leopard to pretty great operating system, and most of the software I use either has an OS X version or equivalent. MacPorts is a lifesaver as well.

The system I will compare the MBP to is the 14.1″ AND 15.4″ Lenovo T61. I’m also quite familiar with these systems because I use a T61 every day. Let’s assume I configure the 14.1″ with Windows Vista, and the 15.4″ with SUSE Linux (Lenovo pre-installs it).

Let’s get the subjective comparison out of the way:

• Build Quality - Honestly, I think this one is a tie. Sure, ThinkPads aren’t the same as they used to be (when IBM made them), but they’re still built like tanks. MBPs are pretty good too.
• Screen Hinges - This is a strong win for the ThinkPad. If I lift my T61 up by the top of the screen, it actually stays at a 90 degree angle with the base. The hinges are really tight and have no wobble at all even on airplanes and the CalTrain. Even my 3 year old T43’s hinge is still tight. MBP’s hinges aren’t awful but they’re still a bit wobbly. Flying isn’t the best thing.
• Options - I’m not going to compare this feature by feature, but I’d have to say MBP wins as far as bells and whistles go. The useless Thinklight doesn’t even come close to the lit keyboard, and the automatic screen dimming is pretty nice. I do like how you can get a battery to put in your optical drive bay for the thinkpads though.
• Docking Station - Obviously, the ThinkPad wins. There isn’t one for the MBPs. I feel if one is often on the go, but works in the office too and doesn’t have a desktop, docking stations are a must. I know I don’t want to plug in ethernet, vga, 3 USB devices, headphones, power, etc. every time I sit down at the office.
• Software - This is a tie to me. I’d say windows would win, but I don’t want to start an argument and this is way too subjective for me.
• Size Feel - By this, I mean: How cumbersome does the notebook feel? Loser #1: 15.4″ ThinkPad. It’s a beast. It’s thick and heavy. Loser #2: MBP. It’s not as bad as the big ThinkPad, but it feels heavy and it’s not as portable as I prefer. Winner: 14.1″ ThinkPad. Even though it might weigh a bit more (I need to check) than the MBP, it feels significantly smaller, and this makes it a bit more portable.
• Resolution - I like high resolutions. I’m not old yet. The MBP doesn’t suffer from a low res. The 15.4″ T61p I use might actually be too high of a resolution (until software figures out how to deal with scaling their fonts and images properly). It’s resolution is 1920×1200. It is more pixels than a 1080p hdtv! 1440×900 on the 14.1″ is a pretty good pixel density for me. It’s the same resolution as the MBP, but on a smaller screen. I’d say the winner of this one is personal preference.
• Input Devices - There’s a lot of haters on the TrackPoint (you know, the little red nipple pointing device on ThinkPads), but it’s pretty good once you get used to it. Also, it has a middle button. For me, ThinkPad is the winner. I suppose if you wouldn’t use it anyway, the ThinkPad has two mouse buttons, so that’s easier than the two finger tap with the MacBook Pro touchpad. Touchpads cramp my hands. I will admit I did like the two finger drag scroll for the MBP.
• Style - MBP of course.  It’s Apple.  People will think you have lots of money and listen to good music.  I’m still waiting for the matte black to be retro.

Let’s get down to the objective matters. Specs and costs. First comparison will be the $1999 MBP against the thinkpads with equivalent or better specs (to make it fair).

One caveat is that the ThinkPads video cards are less powerful than the MBPs (and not configurable). The 15.4″ with Linux has integrated graphics and the 14.1″ has a NVS 140 128mb.

There you have it.  Of course, not everybody pays retail for the MacBook pro.  The best way to get one is if you’re a student.  Either a) you can get a student ADC account for $100 which gives you one 20% discount on any piece of apple hardware which would bring the price to $1700ish,  b) be a student, get a MBP for your 10% discount, and sell the free iPod Touch on eBay if they’re doing a promotion at the time, or c) Know somebody who works at apple and use their 15% friends and family discount.  That being said, it’s not difficult to find better promotions on ThinkPads or knowing somebody to get one of their EPP discounts.

If I were purchasing a new notebook for myself on my current salary it’s a no-brainer to get a ThinkPad.  If I had a choice on which one I’d get for free or from work, then the decision would be tougher because it’s not directly out of pocket.  I’d get an X300 probably, but I’ll save my rants about the MacBook Air for another time.

For part 2 (if I ever get around to it), I will compare specs at the same prices… How good of a ThinkPad that can be had for $1999.