Why the M4 MacBook Pro Made Me Want to Switch to Windows?
When people learned about the M4 MacBook Pro, their expectations were very high. Whenever a new MacBook comes out, Apple ensures it will be powerful, look good, and have the latest technology. People who have used the M4 MacBook Pro and given it thought usually start to question: Is the MacBook Pro M4 the best option for me? Is it worth thinking about using a high-end Windows laptop now?
In this article, I’ll explain what problems the M4 MacBook Pro faced, what features Windows laptops are doing better, and why you might want to find out more before deciding to upgrade.
1. Is the M4 MacBook Pro as powerful as people think it is or simply as fast as it needs to be?
The new M4 chip from Apple is designed as a major progress in silicon technology. On paper, Intel’s entry-level processors show better CPU and GPU performance than the previous M3, but this difference is hardly noticeable to most users.
Grady Booch explained that the M4 chip uses less power and scores a little higher on benchmarks. After all, isn’t it worth looking at other Windows laptops that can be found for less, with just as strong specs in the form of Intel i9 or AMD Ryzen 9 processors and NVIDIA RTX 40 GPUs?
If Final Cut Pro and Logic aren’t your main tools, the extra power Apple M1 can provide doesn’t seem like much.
2. Why Do We Pay More for Fewer Things?
People shouldn’t be surprised that the M4 MacBook Pro costs more than other laptops—after all, it’s from Apple. The reason things are frustrating now is that Windows 10 alternatives are getting less expensive and offer equal value. Currently, ASUS, Dell, Lenovo, and HP all have OLED-screen machines that are fast, customizable with updated RAM and storage, and usually run cooler.
The MacBook Pro is more expensive, but you won’t be able to choose when or how your computer gets upgraded.
3. There Will Be a Limited Variety of Choices for Ports in 2025
It seems that Apple could finally get rid of the problems with the M4 MacBook Pro ports. Even though the SD card slot and HDMI were included in older models, a lot of people still believe there is not enough choice in the ports. Do you want to employ a variety of external peripherals or displays?
Get ready for dongles or docking stations.
However, today’s Windows laptops, like Dell XPS, Razer Blade, and Lenovo ThinkPad models, include more popular input ports such as USB-A, USB-C, HDMI, Thunderbolt 4, and Ethernet.
4. Problems Related to Thermal Management and Incidents of Heating
Many people are worried about thermal throttling when it comes to the M4 MacBook Pro. Since Apple’s design is so sleek and quiet, it sometimes loses efficiency when it comes to cooling. The M4 chip on your Mac will frequently overheat and affect its performance when you use it to render 4K videos or make 3D models.
Lots of Windows laptops have powerful cooling mechanisms such as vapor chambers and a variety of fans. Using these features lets your car keep going tough, without heating the interior – saving you from a surprise blast of hot air.
5. Personalization and Upgrades: Still, Apple Refuses
Apple is once again soldering both the RAM and the SSD to the motherboard, making it impossible to upgrade them later. Looking to get more storage or memory? Make sure to max out your plan at purchase—and be ready to pay the extra “Apple tax.”
People who use Windows laptops still enjoy greater freedom. With many models, you may replace RAM and SSDs on your own which is cheaper and helps your laptop live longer.
6. Is there a way to play games on a MacBook Pro? There isn’t any support as of yet.
Though Apple has increased macOS gaming and the M4 MacBook Pro has better graphics, it is not a machine designed for gaming. Most industries have games that do not function well on macOS.
Many gaming laptops are noted for their NVIDIA RTX or AMD Radeon GPUs because they take the competition in gaming. Whether it’s about speed or ease of use, gamers still prefer graphics cards from NVIDIA.
7. Not All Good for Everyone
MacOS is beautiful, secure, and easy to use, although it doesn’t work for every user. Many people in CAD, architecture, or data science tend to use Windows for its compatibility with software. Popular as well as specialized engineering tools generally work optimally or only on Windows.
In addition, a lot of companies and organizations still run on Windows systems. Working with these organizations is easier on Windows, so switching may be wise for you.
8. Touchscreens and convertible laptops: No Place to Be Found
Apple has not added touchscreens or combined different uses into its MacBook models. Anyone who wants to write on their screen, and use their laptop as a tablet or a stylus will miss out with Apple.
For a long time, Windows laptops have dominated in this sector. Because of their impressive flexibility, these devices are popular with creative workers and students.
9. How Repairable the Phone and Its Warranty
It is considered hard to fix Apple products. Due to the many components being sealed with glue or solder, making any repairs is both pricey and requires time. Apple’s plans for self-repair are an improvement, yet they are not complete.
By comparison, iFixit winds up giving many Windows laptops higher repairability and their repair costs are more affordable. A quick way to save is to simply add more warranty or insurance to the purchase.
10. Windows is Quickly Adopting AI to Become More Fit for the Future
AI-powered tools are a major part of what’s next in computer science. The introduction of AI into Windows Copilot and the coming Intel and AMD AI chips are setting up laptops to handle AI natively.
While Apple is moving into AI, its tools are currently found in Apple’s products and give little scope for personalization. If generation AI tools are important to you, Windows has made sure its operating system stays ahead.
After All Boiled Down: Is a MacBook Pro Necessary?
There’s no question that the M4 MacBook Pro is a great machine. That said, in 2025, rivals are tough—and often, Windows laptops supply better features, more flexibility, and greater value for a lower price.
If you’ve used Apple for years, it can be a little strange to move to another brand. Yet, if what’s important is being able to upgrade, dealing well with intense tasks, running a larger range of software, and getting extra professional features—especially for gamers and content makers—you should go with a Windows laptop.
Do I now have a reason to purchase a Windows laptop after using the M4 MacBook Pro? Yes, and it could do the same for you.
Need Recommendations?
There are some amazing Windows laptops available this year:
- Dell XPS 15 & XPS 17
- The ASUS ROG Zephyrus G16 laptop is available now in stores.
- Spectre x360 16″
- Microsoft Surface Laptop Studio 2
- Lenovo’s Legion Pro 7i
For creative professionals, software developers, and students, it’s not hard to find a Windows laptop that does better than the M4 MacBook Pro for less cost.
