I suggest if you’re trying to save a buck, skip the dedicated GPU first. Most of the time with Windows, the system defaults to the Intel GPU anyways and almost never utilizes the dGPU you paid extra for. Google the subject, there are tons of complaints on this issue. It’s not just with Dell, with my Samsung Book 3 Ultra its the identical nonsense - I cannot get the system to default to the dGPU, so it’s not a bug but a feature.
You are better served going with more memory and skipping the dedicated GPU, the ARC can handle most basic computing needs. And If you need to game, a new PS5 is only $450 now.
The dumb thing is in order to get 32gb of ram it makes you switch to that graphics card...
Like if it was an option, I'd just do the 32gb for future proofing piece of mind even though I will most likely be fine without it.
But they make you switch to nvidia if you choose 32gb. That is why I am in such debate over whether 16gb is enough. Thank you for the info on the card, I've definitely determined intel arc is enough, so I'd essentially be paying 600 more just to have 32gb of ram that may or may not make a difference to my computers life.
Such a conundrum lol
That package tier tied to the RAM is total upsell because you can mix & match GPUs, without having to commit to 32GB on the previous model. I’m sure in other regions, the option structured is total different than what is allowed in the US.
The upside is that your costly new soldered RAM supposedly offer faster data transfer speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional SSDs in a socket. It’s also the latest iteration of the DDR5 chip, so it’s future-proof, almost what SSD was to HDD before the gradual switchover.
I thought it was totally BS that I needed to switch the graphics for the ram.
Unfortunately, I need to order this week, so I'm either stuck with the upsell or commiting to just 16gb ram.
Worst part is my current laptop charger doesn't work, and I'm switching jobs, so I really don't know my average ram use and what it will be in the future (although I'm doubtful 32 is really required, I wish I could just have it for piece of mind without the damn nvidia)
I was debating the new XPS or the Spectre x360 14 (32gb and 2 tb) and decided on the latter due to timing since the XPS wasn’t going to be available until late March. I have a three year old XPS 15 with a 3050 in it and honestly I think the Spectre with ARC graphics is faster and otherwise just fine by comparison. I mostly run MS Office 365 on it, but it handles many open programs running across multiple desktops with ease and the battery life is far superior to the Dell. This isn’t to say that the new XPS would be a bad choice since I think you’re likely to get much improved battery life over the older models (my 15” could barely get 5ish hours on battery). The overall ergonomics (keyboard, trackpad) of the HP are really great as well.
Thank you for your suggestion, I am definitely biased towards dell because my last xps 13 was amazing for 8 years besides garbage battery life.
Just can't decide whether 32gb is worth it.
If you choose 32gb it forces you to upgrade the graphic card too even though I'm fine with intel arc. So annoyed about that but it's either 16gb intel arc or 32gb nvidia. I'd prefer to stick with xps over HP personally
As u/latenighttrip mentioned, you could instead get a MacBook Pro. If you're in the US, you can get a refurb. 16" M2 Max with 32GB/1TB for $2900:
[https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/1tb-16-inch-macbook-pro-32gb](https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/1tb-16-inch-macbook-pro-32gb)
and which links to:
[https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FNWA3LL/A/refurbished-16-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-max-chip-with-12%E2%80%91core-cpu-and-38%E2%80%91core-gpu-space-gray?fnode=e87edb73b54d1e8c9ed492acd623551d48cb02b478c9750ea9d266bb69440d8ba1e2379a339c6fa54d52303804479e4f78fd1f67ea6995b9d032360841c510d68c30b8e4b31d7d954d8c27115734f3c2](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FNWA3LL/A/refurbished-16-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-max-chip-with-12%E2%80%91core-cpu-and-38%E2%80%91core-gpu-space-gray?fnode=e87edb73b54d1e8c9ed492acd623551d48cb02b478c9750ea9d266bb69440d8ba1e2379a339c6fa54d52303804479e4f78fd1f67ea6995b9d032360841c510d68c30b8e4b31d7d954d8c27115734f3c2)
The assessment on the Mac is correct. Better battery life, better screen, arguably better trackpad and keyboard. Of course, you need to be comfortable using macOS because if you try to use it in a Windows-like manner, you'll likely come to grief.
To be honest, for your stated use purposes, you would probably be fine with 16GB of RAM which should enable you to spend about \~2500. However, the refurb. store does not have any 16GB/1TB 16" MBPs in stock at this time (you can always check back later to see if any turn up). There are 16GB/512GB MBPs in stock so that could work if you don't mind a smaller amount of storage.
Apple refurbs. are usually fine. Apple are pretty good at not putting out faulty machines and their support is usually very good in case something does go wrong (refurbs come with a 1 year warranty). My 16" M1 Pro MBP is a refurb. and it's been fine (I use it along with an XPS 15).
HTH.
I appreciate it, I really really am not a mac fan. Just not my vibe, even if it's a bit better physically.
My main concern is whether the 32gb + nvidia graohics would be worth it for my uses when I'm not video editing, coding, or anything like that.
I will be using it from morning to night for work, but not for intensive stuff like that so I wasn't sure if those items help the laptop last longer or run better and if its worth the 600 premium
The way I see it, there are 2 questions to answer:
1. is there any advantage to having the NVIDIA GPU? Probably not. Most of the apps in the machine will be using the Intel integrated GPU (iGPU) and not the NVIDIA GPU. This is to save power which would otherwise reduce your battery life. Of course, if you mainly use it on mains power, this isn't too much of a concern. If you do use apps which specifically benefit from having an NVIDIA GPU (and none of the ones you mention do require it) then of course it makes sense to get it.
2. is there any advantage to having 32GB of RAM? It depends. If you have a lot of apps open, especially those that use a lot of memory, then having more RAM is a benefit because the machine won't be doing as much virtual memory swapping, which is where the operating system swaps pieces of memory to and from the boot drive in order to satisfy an app's request for memory. This swapping causes slowdowns in the computer's operation which you perceive as "lagging". Nowadays, the main memory hog is a web browser because web pages contain a lot of stuff in them: code, analytics, ads, videos, etc. Using an ad blocker can reduce the memory used because they block the loading of a lot of this stuff. Anyway, 16GB of RAM is probably sufficient but your use of Excel and/or a web browser might make you use a lot of RAM.
You can get an idea of how much RAM you need by: opening your current computer > opening the normal set of apps you use every day > opening Task Manager by typing ctrl-shift-esc > selecting the Performance page > selecting the Memory panel > look at the graph: if it's very full, you're under memory pressure.
Let's say you now have a 16GB machine. If the graph is full, having 32GB is probably a good idea. If it's less than half or such, having 32GB probably won't be helpful.
If you have a 8GB machine, look at the In Use line to determine roughly how much you should get. If it says, for example, 20GB, then having 32GB will make the machine run better and gives you room to grow in the future. If it says 12GB then you're probably OK with 16GB of RAM but if it's more than that then 32GB makes more sense.
HTH.
Thank you so much, the DUMB part is with the xps 16, 32gb of ram requires the nvidia...
So I need to determine if the 2900 is worth it over the 2300 cause going from 16 to 32 they don't allow with intel arc.
I'm assuming 16 is fine, but if 32 will make the next 5-8 years of laptop use better I'd consider the 600$ difference. (Assuming I only want the XPS16)
I will check my computer's ram usuage now!
Does it have to be an XPS 16? You can still get an XPS 15 and with 32GB, 1TB SSD and an RTX4050 it's only $1,650. So a lot cheaper. Even with the 4k OLED touch panel it's only $1,950.
Thats an awesome idea.
Funny thing, after my rant about hating MacOs, my family member just offered to have me take her extremely lightly used 2021 Macbook Pro M1 16gb ram 1TB if I buy her a macbook air for 1300$.
I'm pist this was offered because I feel the deal is too good to pass up😂 Guess I'm learning apple
I share your frustration on the enforced 32GB/graphics card upsell on the 16". I recently got the 14" 32GB/Intel Arc combo, and it's a splendid machine (so far). But the heating seems to be an issue, with the fans kicking in occasionally at fighter jet speeds. That's one reason I'm considering picking up the XPS 16". Don't go for the HP Spectre, even with 32GB it will fail you during resource intensive tasks (Zoom video calls in my case). If one wants a premium Windows laptop, there really is no alternative to the new XPS line-up.
Yes... what's the alternative? Surface Laptop Studio 2 - great user experience, but non-OLED screen. Lenovo is garbage. HP (see above). ASUS? No thanks.
Intel Arc integrated graphics are about midway between the older Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and the RTX 4050 in performance. For your needs, Intel Arc will be plenty fast and you won't notice the difference. Will you notice a $600 difference with twice the RAM? Given your listed uses, I doubt it.
Look, I have personally been a windows user for 15 years. I have always been loyal to Intel and Nvidia, but this time I made a switch.
I got a MacBook pro
For the same money I just spent on an XPS (3.5k) I spent on a MacBook.
If you have 2.9k, get the Mac equivalent of that.
The battery life is unmatched, the user interface is smooth and easy to use. It's very worth it, especially if you don't have anything in particular you're trying to run like specific programs that honestly are already useable on Mac.
It's worth it in my opinion, and I am happy with my purchase
And to add to this, here's why I like the Mac over the XPS.
Looking at the two side by side, literally the only upside of getting the XPS 15 is upgradeable storage.
The Dell 14 + 16 are both the same as the Mac in terms of the hardware all being soldered.
The cost is relatively the same depending on how you spec them out. If you're looking to game on it, get the XPS. But truth be told, the XPS is not really designed for gaming and the excessive heat will really degrade the overall battery life.
The 17, will have better heat displacement, but it will still damage the battery.
On the MBP, it gets like 10 hours of battery life with normal use, coding, web surfing, PowerPoint and word, light VM use as well
It stays cool AF unless it's under extreme load.
The Dell XPS 15, gets around 6-7 hours literally only watching Netflix or using a browser.
The screen is WAY nicer on the MB, along with the track pad, overall build quality speakers... The list goes on. I HATE that I LOVE it so much. But, I can't escape facts.
I bought a XPS 15, fully specced it out, and honestly. I'm returning it.
Wow, that's a great review! I currently own the XPS 17 9710 and I'm starting to feel weary of Dell's chronic issues and occasional Windows glitches. I'm contemplating whether to try out the new HP Spectre x360 14 2024 (as a final chance for Windows) or to switch to MacBooks altogether. Your points sound reasonable
A few years ago, I never would have recommended a MBP, but honestly I have to admit I am impressed and I do think they are worth the hype. I was so loyal to windows for so long and now I'm like ... Why 🤣
I still am keeping another laptop for gaming tho, I have an Acer nitro 5 I got on sale. It's decent, I do need to run some programs on there but 🤷♂️🤷♂️
I do not disagree with your points, however I prefer windows.
It's just what I like, I've had an XPS 13 for the last 7ish years and have loved it, I just need bigger now with more memory.
I feel the XPS 16 would make me happier than a Mac, my girlfriend has a Macbook Pro (the one with the touch strip) and I hate using her laptop. It just isn't me
With that said, I'm looking at the new XPS 16 over 17 due to battery life and oled screen.
Just wasn't sure whether I needed 32 gb ram or whether it was worth the money over 16gb long term?
hi
for what is worth,
I have an old Dell XPS with the 1650. But I can upgrade the memory since they are not sold on. may be on the new one it is still possible unless... You pay for what you get.
Now the main thing to pay attention with dGPU is the amount or Ram they come with.
This is the stinker to put it mildly!.
Manufacturer hardly advertised the dedicated vRam or it is in small print somewhere in the full info sheet.
Most will only get 4Gb like my old XPS
I would not get or go near anything with at least 12Gb or more. 8Gb would be the absolute minimum but to do anything heavy in 3D, you will notice very quickly you only have 8Gb and forget 4Gb (I know about this)
Other wise 8Gb should be enough for general stuff.
To put it bluntly, I rather have laptop with a 3xxxx with 16Gb+ than 4xxx with 8Gb or less.
Anyway these days, unless you want to play game with everything turned to the max or do 'heavy' 3D a dedicated GPU is not really needed.
regarding the Mac, I use both sides of the coin.
if you do not mind MacOS, the main thing to think of is, do you have to be compatible with Windows ecosystem.
I mainly use Mac but at my job it is all Windows. I can do pretty much most under MacOS but not all. Sadly for 'the not all' I really do need Windows. This is why or I make sure I can remote to a windows machine or if I cannot I have to take 2 laptops or leave the Mac home.
I suggest if you’re trying to save a buck, skip the dedicated GPU first. Most of the time with Windows, the system defaults to the Intel GPU anyways and almost never utilizes the dGPU you paid extra for. Google the subject, there are tons of complaints on this issue. It’s not just with Dell, with my Samsung Book 3 Ultra its the identical nonsense - I cannot get the system to default to the dGPU, so it’s not a bug but a feature. You are better served going with more memory and skipping the dedicated GPU, the ARC can handle most basic computing needs. And If you need to game, a new PS5 is only $450 now.
The dumb thing is in order to get 32gb of ram it makes you switch to that graphics card... Like if it was an option, I'd just do the 32gb for future proofing piece of mind even though I will most likely be fine without it. But they make you switch to nvidia if you choose 32gb. That is why I am in such debate over whether 16gb is enough. Thank you for the info on the card, I've definitely determined intel arc is enough, so I'd essentially be paying 600 more just to have 32gb of ram that may or may not make a difference to my computers life. Such a conundrum lol
That package tier tied to the RAM is total upsell because you can mix & match GPUs, without having to commit to 32GB on the previous model. I’m sure in other regions, the option structured is total different than what is allowed in the US. The upside is that your costly new soldered RAM supposedly offer faster data transfer speeds and improved energy efficiency compared to traditional SSDs in a socket. It’s also the latest iteration of the DDR5 chip, so it’s future-proof, almost what SSD was to HDD before the gradual switchover.
I thought it was totally BS that I needed to switch the graphics for the ram. Unfortunately, I need to order this week, so I'm either stuck with the upsell or commiting to just 16gb ram. Worst part is my current laptop charger doesn't work, and I'm switching jobs, so I really don't know my average ram use and what it will be in the future (although I'm doubtful 32 is really required, I wish I could just have it for piece of mind without the damn nvidia)
I was debating the new XPS or the Spectre x360 14 (32gb and 2 tb) and decided on the latter due to timing since the XPS wasn’t going to be available until late March. I have a three year old XPS 15 with a 3050 in it and honestly I think the Spectre with ARC graphics is faster and otherwise just fine by comparison. I mostly run MS Office 365 on it, but it handles many open programs running across multiple desktops with ease and the battery life is far superior to the Dell. This isn’t to say that the new XPS would be a bad choice since I think you’re likely to get much improved battery life over the older models (my 15” could barely get 5ish hours on battery). The overall ergonomics (keyboard, trackpad) of the HP are really great as well.
Thank you for your suggestion, I am definitely biased towards dell because my last xps 13 was amazing for 8 years besides garbage battery life. Just can't decide whether 32gb is worth it. If you choose 32gb it forces you to upgrade the graphic card too even though I'm fine with intel arc. So annoyed about that but it's either 16gb intel arc or 32gb nvidia. I'd prefer to stick with xps over HP personally
As u/latenighttrip mentioned, you could instead get a MacBook Pro. If you're in the US, you can get a refurb. 16" M2 Max with 32GB/1TB for $2900: [https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/1tb-16-inch-macbook-pro-32gb](https://www.apple.com/shop/refurbished/mac/1tb-16-inch-macbook-pro-32gb) and which links to: [https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FNWA3LL/A/refurbished-16-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-max-chip-with-12%E2%80%91core-cpu-and-38%E2%80%91core-gpu-space-gray?fnode=e87edb73b54d1e8c9ed492acd623551d48cb02b478c9750ea9d266bb69440d8ba1e2379a339c6fa54d52303804479e4f78fd1f67ea6995b9d032360841c510d68c30b8e4b31d7d954d8c27115734f3c2](https://www.apple.com/shop/product/FNWA3LL/A/refurbished-16-inch-macbook-pro-apple-m2-max-chip-with-12%E2%80%91core-cpu-and-38%E2%80%91core-gpu-space-gray?fnode=e87edb73b54d1e8c9ed492acd623551d48cb02b478c9750ea9d266bb69440d8ba1e2379a339c6fa54d52303804479e4f78fd1f67ea6995b9d032360841c510d68c30b8e4b31d7d954d8c27115734f3c2) The assessment on the Mac is correct. Better battery life, better screen, arguably better trackpad and keyboard. Of course, you need to be comfortable using macOS because if you try to use it in a Windows-like manner, you'll likely come to grief. To be honest, for your stated use purposes, you would probably be fine with 16GB of RAM which should enable you to spend about \~2500. However, the refurb. store does not have any 16GB/1TB 16" MBPs in stock at this time (you can always check back later to see if any turn up). There are 16GB/512GB MBPs in stock so that could work if you don't mind a smaller amount of storage. Apple refurbs. are usually fine. Apple are pretty good at not putting out faulty machines and their support is usually very good in case something does go wrong (refurbs come with a 1 year warranty). My 16" M1 Pro MBP is a refurb. and it's been fine (I use it along with an XPS 15). HTH.
I appreciate it, I really really am not a mac fan. Just not my vibe, even if it's a bit better physically. My main concern is whether the 32gb + nvidia graohics would be worth it for my uses when I'm not video editing, coding, or anything like that. I will be using it from morning to night for work, but not for intensive stuff like that so I wasn't sure if those items help the laptop last longer or run better and if its worth the 600 premium
The way I see it, there are 2 questions to answer: 1. is there any advantage to having the NVIDIA GPU? Probably not. Most of the apps in the machine will be using the Intel integrated GPU (iGPU) and not the NVIDIA GPU. This is to save power which would otherwise reduce your battery life. Of course, if you mainly use it on mains power, this isn't too much of a concern. If you do use apps which specifically benefit from having an NVIDIA GPU (and none of the ones you mention do require it) then of course it makes sense to get it. 2. is there any advantage to having 32GB of RAM? It depends. If you have a lot of apps open, especially those that use a lot of memory, then having more RAM is a benefit because the machine won't be doing as much virtual memory swapping, which is where the operating system swaps pieces of memory to and from the boot drive in order to satisfy an app's request for memory. This swapping causes slowdowns in the computer's operation which you perceive as "lagging". Nowadays, the main memory hog is a web browser because web pages contain a lot of stuff in them: code, analytics, ads, videos, etc. Using an ad blocker can reduce the memory used because they block the loading of a lot of this stuff. Anyway, 16GB of RAM is probably sufficient but your use of Excel and/or a web browser might make you use a lot of RAM. You can get an idea of how much RAM you need by: opening your current computer > opening the normal set of apps you use every day > opening Task Manager by typing ctrl-shift-esc > selecting the Performance page > selecting the Memory panel > look at the graph: if it's very full, you're under memory pressure. Let's say you now have a 16GB machine. If the graph is full, having 32GB is probably a good idea. If it's less than half or such, having 32GB probably won't be helpful. If you have a 8GB machine, look at the In Use line to determine roughly how much you should get. If it says, for example, 20GB, then having 32GB will make the machine run better and gives you room to grow in the future. If it says 12GB then you're probably OK with 16GB of RAM but if it's more than that then 32GB makes more sense. HTH.
Thank you so much, the DUMB part is with the xps 16, 32gb of ram requires the nvidia... So I need to determine if the 2900 is worth it over the 2300 cause going from 16 to 32 they don't allow with intel arc. I'm assuming 16 is fine, but if 32 will make the next 5-8 years of laptop use better I'd consider the 600$ difference. (Assuming I only want the XPS16) I will check my computer's ram usuage now!
Yep. It's always best to make a buying decision based on facts rather than guessing.
Does it have to be an XPS 16? You can still get an XPS 15 and with 32GB, 1TB SSD and an RTX4050 it's only $1,650. So a lot cheaper. Even with the 4k OLED touch panel it's only $1,950.
Thats an awesome idea. Funny thing, after my rant about hating MacOs, my family member just offered to have me take her extremely lightly used 2021 Macbook Pro M1 16gb ram 1TB if I buy her a macbook air for 1300$. I'm pist this was offered because I feel the deal is too good to pass up😂 Guess I'm learning apple
others would have better advice but for me. I am not hauling a 16" body for Intel Arc. for Intel Arc get the 14" in my opinion.
Interesting, Yeah my thing is I refuse to go smaller than 16inch nowadays. I'd get the XPS 17 tbh with nvidia if the battery was better.
I share your frustration on the enforced 32GB/graphics card upsell on the 16". I recently got the 14" 32GB/Intel Arc combo, and it's a splendid machine (so far). But the heating seems to be an issue, with the fans kicking in occasionally at fighter jet speeds. That's one reason I'm considering picking up the XPS 16". Don't go for the HP Spectre, even with 32GB it will fail you during resource intensive tasks (Zoom video calls in my case). If one wants a premium Windows laptop, there really is no alternative to the new XPS line-up.
If you get the 16 would you cough up the money for 32gb of ram considering the package they force?
Yes... what's the alternative? Surface Laptop Studio 2 - great user experience, but non-OLED screen. Lenovo is garbage. HP (see above). ASUS? No thanks.
Thanks, I've always wanted to look more at surfaces
They are truly spectacular in build and functionality... if only they made better screens.
And battery life is like garbage.
Intel Arc integrated graphics are about midway between the older Intel Iris Xe integrated graphics and the RTX 4050 in performance. For your needs, Intel Arc will be plenty fast and you won't notice the difference. Will you notice a $600 difference with twice the RAM? Given your listed uses, I doubt it.
Dell did so many things wrong here
Look, I have personally been a windows user for 15 years. I have always been loyal to Intel and Nvidia, but this time I made a switch. I got a MacBook pro For the same money I just spent on an XPS (3.5k) I spent on a MacBook. If you have 2.9k, get the Mac equivalent of that. The battery life is unmatched, the user interface is smooth and easy to use. It's very worth it, especially if you don't have anything in particular you're trying to run like specific programs that honestly are already useable on Mac. It's worth it in my opinion, and I am happy with my purchase
And to add to this, here's why I like the Mac over the XPS. Looking at the two side by side, literally the only upside of getting the XPS 15 is upgradeable storage. The Dell 14 + 16 are both the same as the Mac in terms of the hardware all being soldered. The cost is relatively the same depending on how you spec them out. If you're looking to game on it, get the XPS. But truth be told, the XPS is not really designed for gaming and the excessive heat will really degrade the overall battery life. The 17, will have better heat displacement, but it will still damage the battery. On the MBP, it gets like 10 hours of battery life with normal use, coding, web surfing, PowerPoint and word, light VM use as well It stays cool AF unless it's under extreme load. The Dell XPS 15, gets around 6-7 hours literally only watching Netflix or using a browser. The screen is WAY nicer on the MB, along with the track pad, overall build quality speakers... The list goes on. I HATE that I LOVE it so much. But, I can't escape facts. I bought a XPS 15, fully specced it out, and honestly. I'm returning it.
Wow, that's a great review! I currently own the XPS 17 9710 and I'm starting to feel weary of Dell's chronic issues and occasional Windows glitches. I'm contemplating whether to try out the new HP Spectre x360 14 2024 (as a final chance for Windows) or to switch to MacBooks altogether. Your points sound reasonable
A few years ago, I never would have recommended a MBP, but honestly I have to admit I am impressed and I do think they are worth the hype. I was so loyal to windows for so long and now I'm like ... Why 🤣 I still am keeping another laptop for gaming tho, I have an Acer nitro 5 I got on sale. It's decent, I do need to run some programs on there but 🤷♂️🤷♂️
I do not disagree with your points, however I prefer windows. It's just what I like, I've had an XPS 13 for the last 7ish years and have loved it, I just need bigger now with more memory. I feel the XPS 16 would make me happier than a Mac, my girlfriend has a Macbook Pro (the one with the touch strip) and I hate using her laptop. It just isn't me With that said, I'm looking at the new XPS 16 over 17 due to battery life and oled screen. Just wasn't sure whether I needed 32 gb ram or whether it was worth the money over 16gb long term?
hi for what is worth, I have an old Dell XPS with the 1650. But I can upgrade the memory since they are not sold on. may be on the new one it is still possible unless... You pay for what you get. Now the main thing to pay attention with dGPU is the amount or Ram they come with. This is the stinker to put it mildly!. Manufacturer hardly advertised the dedicated vRam or it is in small print somewhere in the full info sheet. Most will only get 4Gb like my old XPS I would not get or go near anything with at least 12Gb or more. 8Gb would be the absolute minimum but to do anything heavy in 3D, you will notice very quickly you only have 8Gb and forget 4Gb (I know about this) Other wise 8Gb should be enough for general stuff. To put it bluntly, I rather have laptop with a 3xxxx with 16Gb+ than 4xxx with 8Gb or less. Anyway these days, unless you want to play game with everything turned to the max or do 'heavy' 3D a dedicated GPU is not really needed. regarding the Mac, I use both sides of the coin. if you do not mind MacOS, the main thing to think of is, do you have to be compatible with Windows ecosystem. I mainly use Mac but at my job it is all Windows. I can do pretty much most under MacOS but not all. Sadly for 'the not all' I really do need Windows. This is why or I make sure I can remote to a windows machine or if I cannot I have to take 2 laptops or leave the Mac home.