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Comparisons

Apple MacBook Pro vs Microsoft Surface Pro 3: ultrabooks of 2015?

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Apple launched the new MacBook Pro 2015 this year, but reviews of the super-slim ultrabook were not as positive as expected. Even though people had expected the refreshed MacBook Pro to be more powerful and have greater performance and battery life scores, Apple didn’t do much upgrading with the 13 inch variant. The Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is considerably older, but still manages to keep up with the times, and with Windows 10 incoming in August, the convertible ultrabook will definitely be either impressively good with the new OS, or buggy as hell. For the purpose of this comparison, we’ve chosen to analyze the 13 inch MacBook Pro 2015 and the base model of the Microsoft Surface Pro 3.

We will compare performance,design and price of the two ultrabooks to find out whether the new MacBook Pro 2015 can actually beat one of the best devices of last year, and thus determine which could be the best option for a power user in need of a mobile workstation. Before we delve into specifics, though, I should mention that since the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 is rather old, we’re looking forward to a new variant, namely the Microsoft Surface Pro 4. According to our sources, the Surface Pro 4 release date is set for sometime in August, although confirmation from Microsoft has not arrived just yet. The MacBook Pro 2015. on the other hand, is brand new, so expectations of the device were high upon its launch. But were those expectations met? Most people say no. Let’s find out how the MacBook Pro compares to the Surface Pro 3 and if either of these devices can be considered a contemporary powerhouse.

Apple MacBook Pro 2015 13 inch vs Microsoft Surface Pro 3 base model – Design

Apple prides itself with an eye for design, and they deliver on that expectation, almost every time. The design of the MacBook Pro is in no way disappointing, as Apple once again demonstrated that it can make the most portable laptop on the market, and make it as premium as possible at the same time. As usual, the Cupertino-based company focused a lot on revamping the design of the 2015 MacBook Pro and making a thin, light, ultra-portable device and succeeded.

The MacBook Pro measures 12.35 inches in width, 8.62 inches in depth and a surprising 0.71 inches in thickness, which make it the thinnest laptop on the market. It’s also pretty light, weighing about 3.5 pounds, which make the laptop as portable as possible. The metal design of the device gives it an enormously appealing premium feeling which is one of the most appreciated design traits of the MacBook, and of the most praised element of the laptop as well.

Even if people were not satisfied by the performance of the MacBook Pro 2015, the design and display are the selling points. Apple wants to market the MacBook Pro as the go-to device for travel and as a mobile workstation that is easy to use, carry and handle, all at the same time. Excelling at design is one of the company’s strong points and selling points, and the MacBook Pro is certainly a high-point in their history.

The addition of the seamless force touch trackpad on the device has also been received positively by tech enthusiasts and average users alike, although there are skeptics out there who don’t see the purpose of the feature. I personally like the force touch feature because it makes navigating easier and more seamless than before on OS X Yosemite. Even though the MacBook Pro design is seamless, there are other things at fault with the device which warranted negative reviews in the community.

Another great trait of the MacBook Pro is the backlit keyboard, which has a premium feel to it and keeps your typing as silent as possible. The notebook comes with a full-size keyboard with 78 keys, which is ideal for most people, while others miss the numpad. I personally love the numeric pad on laptops, so I probably would have liked it better that way. But when it comes to appearance, the keyboard looks and feels fantastic, with the keys spaced perfectly and of a great size for the average consumer fingers.

Moving on to the Microsoft Surface Pro 3, the design doesn’t stand out as much as it does on the MacBook Pro, but it does still look and feel premium enough for a high-end device. The Surface Pro 3 design follows simple elements, providing users with a seamless chassis made out of magnesium that offers a durable build and construction. It doesn’t feel as high-end as the MacBook Pro does, but it still emanates an air of luxury of its own.

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Microsoft went with a simple design for its convertible, something that we’ve grown accustomed to over the last couple of years, seeing many Surface devices launched. The Surface Pro 3 boasts with a completely different design that emphasizes portability as much as it does versatility. The kickstand on the back of the Surface Pro 3 could have been a bit more flexible and stay in positions that it doesn’t stay in right now, but otherwise it’s a sturdy kickstand which will sit comfortably on any surface. Except your lap.

Even though Microsoft has marketed the Surface Pro 3 as the perfect mobile workstation that’s portable and easily maneuverable, the kickstand becomes bothersome rather quick when used in one’s lap. When it’s on a flat surface, the Surface Pro 3 looks as good as any convertible ultrabook, but when sitting on a person’s lap, it becomes uncomfortable and unstable. Hopefully in the Surface Pro 4, Microsoft will have found a better solution or material for the kickstand.

When talking about measurements, the Surface Pro 3 is definitely smaller than the MacBook Pro. It measures 11.5 inches in width, 7.93 inches in depth and only 0.36 inches in thickness. It weighst less than 2 pounds, namely 1.76 pounds, which make the Surface Pro 3 the winner when it comes to portability. That design and size do facilitate for a smaller screen, though, which can be a plus or a minus, depending on preference. In my case, it’s a minus, but the difference is not that big as to prompt serious complaints, not even from me.

The Surface Pro 3 uses a Type Cover and Microsoft has done a great job making their own. The keyboard is a full-size one similar to the one found on the MacBook Pro, but not as high-end. The magnetic cover will blend into the device rather well and even when the convertible is in laptop-mode, it looks premium and solid. The trackpad of the keyboard isn’t as great as it is on the MacBook Pro, as it occasionally stutters and misses strokes, but it does perform pretty well otherwise.

The bezels on the Surface pro 3 are slim and symmetric on all sides, which is something I rather love about the convertible. The thin bezels keep the device small and portable, all the while keeping it appealing to those who prefer screen to body ratios to be high and mighty, like myself. The MacBook Pro doesn’t have prominent bezels, so they’re pretty much even from this aspect of their design.

Mainly, the Surface Pro 3 is designed as a convertible and it does well in that department. It’s easy to use as a tablet or as a notebook, in tent mode or in laptop mode, on virtually any surface, except your own lap. But the lap thing can be overcome with a bit of “getting used to it”, in a matter of days. Since it’s a convertible, its main purpose is to provide users with as many use cases as possible, which it does rather well.

Even though both the Apple MacBook Pro 2015 and the Microsoft Surface Pro 3 excel at design, the MacBook Pro looks and feels more premium and is easier to get accustomed to than the Surface Pro 3. Considering the fact that each has a particular audience in mind, they excel in their own targets, but when compared, the winner has to be the MacBook Pro and its seamless, thin, light design.

On the next page: MacBook Pro vs Surface Pro 3 Display

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As part of the editorial team here at Geekreply, John spends a lot of his time making sure each article is up to snuff. That said, he also occasionally pens articles on the latest in Geek culture. From Gaming to Science, expect the latest news fast from John and team.

Comparisons

4 Most Interesting Crossovers in Gaming

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Gaming crossovers are a great way to bring in new people and drive up interest in a title. With that being said, crossovers aren’t as rare as they once were. More and more gaming companies are now embracing crossovers, to the point that some may say that it has lost its appeal. And while this is true to some degree, there are still crossovers that are really effective when it comes to adding a whole new dimension to a game. To prove our point, we’ve put together a list of five of the most interesting crossovers.

Forza Horizon 4: Halo

Forza Horizon 4 is the eleventh installment in the Forza series. The Forza series is known for its ability to emulate realistic racing conditions and offer accurate representations of real-world cars. And while they’ve partnered with car manufacturers before, Forza Horizon 4 features one of the most interesting collaborations in the entire series.

For a series that prides itself on realistic racing, Forza also knows when to cut loose and have a little fun. Nothing exemplifies this more than the Halo crossover that features Master Chief and the iconic Warthog.

Fortnite: Travis Scott


Fortnite is no stranger to crossovers. But if we had to pick one as the most interesting it would have to be the Travis Scott concert. Not only did this crossover include custom skins and emotes but it also paved the way for one of the most unique digital experiences of 2020.

The Verge’s article on the Travis Scott crossover details that the crossover included an interactive digital concert that turned the Fortnite island into a music stage. What’s great about this crossover is that it hints towards a future wherein music and video games will be working hand in hand to deliver immersive musical experiences to millions of people from all over the world.

Merge Dragons: Rick and Morty



When you think of the popular TV show Rick and Morty, a fantasy puzzle game isn’t the first thing that comes to mind. This is what makes this Rick and Morty crossover so interesting. The sheer absurdity of this crossover shows what gaming collaborations can achieve when one thinks outside the box. The game features original dialogue spoken by the characters that matches their characteristics from the show. It is a fun addition to the puzzle game.

However, this crossover shouldn’t be too surprising as Rick and Morty have appeared in other games, demonstrating how they have become pop culture icons. The comic nature of the duo makes them perfect for every type of genre, including slot games. Foxy Bingo’s pop cultured-themed slots include an official Rick and Morty game that features the iconic imagery and characters from the show. The show has also produced its own game in the form of the Pokémon-clone Pocket Mortys. One thing that all of these games have in common is that they maintain the show’s penchant for fun and wacky adventures. This is seen in Merge Dragons with the exclusive cow-dragon hybrid featured in the crossover event.

Mortal Kombat 11: Rambo


While crossovers in fighting games aren’t exactly new, Mortal Kombat has always had a knack for creating interesting crossovers for their iconic fighting game. One way that they’ve done this is with the inclusion of popular film characters. The franchise has had everyone from the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles to Jason of the Friday the 13th franchise appear in their games.

However, the latest iteration of the game may have topped all of the previous crossovers. This is because Mortal Kombat 11 features John Rambo of the legendary Rambo franchise as one of its available fighters. To add to this, CNet’s article on Mortal Kombat 11 details that Sylvester Stallone voiced the digital John Rambo. This is certainly a treat for fans of the popular action film franchise, as they can finally play as one of the most influential action heroes of all time.

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Comparisons

Loot Crate vs. The Curiosity Box: A Beginner’s Guide to Subscription Mystery Boxes

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With all the loot box shenanigans we’ve witnessed this year, you might have, while searching for more information, accidentally stumbled across something by the name of Loot Crate. Unlike the reviled loot boxes, Loot Crate isn’t a digital gambling scam. Instead, Loot Crate is a physical, subscription-based mystery box you receive in the mail that contains a bevy of geek-related material. Moreover, Loot Crate isn’t the only available service. Alongside the vanilla Loot Crate Classic, the Loot Crate company supplies geeks with anime-themed items with Loot Anime, gaming swag with Loot Gaming (Loot Crate also sells HaloMinecraftFalloutCall of Duty, and Destiny 2 themed boxes), and film/TV merchandise with Harry PotterFireflyMarvel, and Star Trek themed boxes. Loot Crate also has a rival in the form of Geek Fuel, which is more expensive than Loot Crate Classic but contains more (and more expensive) merchandise. While I don’t have a Geek Fuel box to compare to a Loot Crate, I received a different subscription box for Christmas, The Curiosity Box. This mystery box is a joint venture between the company behind Geek Fuel and the YouTube Channel VSauce, which is admittedly cool. So, without further ado, let’s get into what sets apart a Loot Crate from a Curiosity Box and determine which is right for you.

WHAT’S THE SAME

On the surface, Loot Crate and The Curiosity Box seem similar. They arrive in big cardboard boxes and contain random items. Well, not precisely random; each box focuses on a different theme, and the items provided center around that theme. While a lot of geeks subscribe to these boxes for various bits of swag, perhaps the biggest draw is the exclusives. The companies behind these subscription services make deals with other firms to create unique pieces of merchandise that are literally impossible to find anywhere else, aftermarket/marked up eBay sales notwithstanding. Some of these exclusives are just color variants of readily available products, such as a glow in the dark Funko POP Groot figure and orange Quantum Mechanix Tribble.

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Most exclusives, however, aren’t available elsewhere in any other form and include items like the The Walking Dead art print, the Yeti temporary tattoo, the tower of magnetic rings, and “collectible” pins.

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Furthermore, while most exclusives are decorative, some are practical items, such as a pen shaped like the Sledge Saw from Dead Rising 3 and light-up beverage coasters with periodic symbols.

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Finally, these subscription boxes have some of the most awesome, exclusive, geeky shirts this side of ThinkGeek or Hot Topic.

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The exclusive items tend to be the best pieces of merchandise in each box and are usually worth the price of the subscription alone. Usually.

WHAT’S DIFFERENT

Let’s get this out of the way: the most obvious differences are the prices and subscription models. Loot Crate Classic is about $20 per box and comes once a month, while The Curiosity Box is well over $50 and arrives once every three months. More importantly, these boxes are designed for two completely different audiences. The Loot Crate (and likely by extension Geek Fuel) is aimed primarily at adults or older teenagers and provides geek-related decorations and practical items, such as the Dead Rising 3 pen, Star Wars and Deadpool fridge magnets, and a Mega Man car air freshener.

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Also, Loot Crate tends to include non-exclusive products that are part of a series. Case in point, during my brief stint with Loot Crate, I received (among other things) a Kidrobot Glow in the Dark Ooze Action Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle vinyl figure and a Funko ReAction Alien figure. I got Donatello and the titular Alien, respectively, but I easily could have found Leonardo or Ripley in my Loot Crate subscriptions instead. However, since The Curiosity Box is almost exclusively made up of exclusive items, there is no element of randomness and everyone receives the same merchandise.

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While Loot Crate caters to the video game, movies, comics, television, and everything pop-culture side of geekdom, The Curiosity Box is more science oriented and is designed for the family. For example, parents who bought the Summer 2017 Curiosity Box got to enjoy a t-shirt, a set of periodic table beverage coasters, a magnetic ring tower, a t-shirt, and a Nikola Tesla (as a sloth) enamel pin, while children will have fun with a temporary tattoo, a unique embroidered sticker patch, a solar system wall decal and poster set, a mobile microscope, and a castle cross-sections book. Finally, the Summer 2017 Curiosity Box came with the Universe Sandbox 2 Steam game, which is fun for all ages.

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Since each Loot Crate and Curiosity Box contains new themes and items, you might find the contents of one particular box more to your liking than another. For example, one Curiosity Box contained a “grow your own glow in the dark crystals” kit, while another included a plush of The Curiosity Box’s mascot, the orange octopus Inq. Meanwhile, past Loot Crates have contained a Batman mug, a Doom Marine Funko POP figure, and the One-Punch Man manga.

While I only have personal experience with Loot Crate and The Curiosity Box, they are not your only options for subscription boxes. Geek Fuel is another decent mystery box, and it has come with its fair share of good products, including a South Park: The Fractured But Whole shirt, a Loony Toons Kidrobot blind box vinyl figure, and an exclusive Legend of Zelda pixel sword power bank. While I cannot recommend the Loot Crate, Curiosity Box, or Geek Fuel (or other) subscription boxes enough, you should research each to know what you should expect from these services. Sure, you technically can’t know what to expect since each box is supposed to be a mystery, but look into each specific subscription and figure out which one is right for you. Which do you think tends to have the best exclusives? Which box caters to your interests? These questions are important and will severely impact your enjoyment. Of course, luck also plays a big role, but that’s also part of the fun.

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Android

Google Drive will Shut Down in 2018

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It seems like yesterday when Google introduced Google Drive 5 years ago. Back then, people didn’t have a good grasp about what Cloud Storage did. Nowadays, there are many Cloud Storage services that it’s only a matter of preference to choose one for your file keeping needs. However, what struck me as an oddity was how Google Drive will pull their Google Drive service come 2018.

That’s right, Google Drive will completely shut down on March 12, 2018. With the software no longer being supported on December 11, 2017. People will have several warnings about this, for now, so they will have plenty of chance to switch to the new version of Drive, Backup and Sync.

This new program is basically a combination of the features between Google Drive and Photos. It’s readily available now for Windows and OSX systems and will be the new host for the Cloud storage. Alternatively, users can get a hold of Drive File Stream, which will become available on September 26, 2017.

The core differences between DFS and BaS come when you compare how they help customers. As shown in the image below:

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A day without Google Drive.

It seems like users will have their first experience without Drive today though. Because as of this morning, the service was down for many users who constantly used the GSuit app. According to the independent site Downdetector, more than 7,000 users are experiencing issues with the service. This has been going on since 10:04 AM EDT, but the number of reports has been lowering afterward. You can check the stats here.

Thousands of users reported Google Drive issues

It’s a shame to see Google Drive go. To be frank, it was my preferred Cloud Storage option besides MEGA. However, it’s not a huge inconvenience considering they are not shutting down a Cloud Storage service altogether. So we at least have that.

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