So when people say there's nothing like a Mac, I mostly agree and understand where they're coming from even though I much prefer a cheaper machine on which to run Linux. I'm unaware of anything in the PC world to match Apple's high finish + dependability/durability. Also the screen is worth it on it's own, alternatives lacking.
So it seems like while the rugged and durable machines are where Lenovo is still getting most of their money, that design was inherited from IBM, while Lenovo is trying to focus on new machines with style and finish.
Apple's differentiation is not a supposedly unique high finish + dependability — although they are unique for only selling high end computers — but the Apple retail stores and easily upsold AppleCare (available up to a year after purchase of a macbook). Most PC users call their 'computer guy' relative when their PC breaks. In contrast most Apple users take their broken device to the Apple Store. That professional service is why most Macs stay in circulation longer
They were, before they started doing gimmicky shit like this: http://arstechnica.com/staff/2014/01/stop-trying-to-innovate...
I also don't see how Dell compete with the MBPs at all.
Dell's new Latitudes can easily compete with the MBP when it comes to design, price, performance and features.
Anybody that cares to.
There is no manufacturer that claims to have extraordinary quality, no one that tries to make the cheapest possible system, no one focused on consumer support, and I'd probably get a dozen other niches if I keep trying for a few minutes. All PC manufacturers are trying hard to sell the same thing everybody else is selling, for a long while now.
Anyway, Sonny is not in the business of caring about what their consumers want, so I doubt they can differentiate in any good way.