Apple’s flagship laptop is built with a unibody aluminum chassis, with no inconsistent gaps or joints that can result in creaking or torsional yielding. Ultimately, though, this is one area where the MacBook Pro is unbeatable.

Other, cheaper PCs with plastic-based outer shells possess a certain flexibility that can provide a cushioning effect if dropped, but they have a tendency to crack and get scratched up over time. There is no clear-cut answer when it comes to the build quality of PC laptops, since there are many brands and models available, but among the best is the Microsoft Surface Book 2, which is built with a light magnesium chassis and an innovative “Dynamic Fulcrum Hinge” to keep it balanced at any angle. Left: Macbook Pro right: Microsoft Surface Book image via PCMag UK Our laptops have to survive the journey along with us, so it is essential to buy a computer that can withstand the rigors of daily life.

The question of build quality is a crucial one for architecture students and practicing architects alike, as we spend our days running between home, office, coffee shop and café. This may sound dramatic, but there is no denying this is a big decision - take a breath and read on before you decide … Build Quality As you master the computer’s native software, navigate its technical quirks and learn to love your hardware, it’s quite possible that you will use that type of computer for the rest of your life in architecture. The computer you use from the beginning of your architectural career will be the one you get used to, and once you are familiar with it, there is a natural resistance to change. The perceived finality of selecting a work computer makes this a difficult choice, particularly for students just starting out.

It’s a question that has attracted unending debate on forums across the internet for years - not just among architects, but for aspiring design professionals of all kinds. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Archicad macbook