On raw performance might, the M4 really does live up to Apple’s promises, should deliver. Single core is up about 20% compared to all M3 chips and more than 40% compared to M2. The generational computational leap from the previous M2 iPad Pro is at least a 42% jump on single-core and multi-core.
In general, I would love for any OEM to step in and provide similar build quality to a Mac… doesn’t even have to be Lenovo (who IMO are a pale imitation of IBM’s line of laptops).
The Lenovo additions to the Thinkpad lines (like the foldable ones or tablet-hybrids) are pretty horrible, the classic ones are still good (T, P)
The Ultrabook X carbon or whatever they’re called are also ok for the weight.
I bought a used P51 and love developing on it because using Docker on an OS where it’s natively integrated is a game changer, but at the same time looking at the ugly font rendering on a dim 4k screen with huge 1 inch bezels spoils it again. Developing on a Mac feels less like work because of their attention to design.
I have an X380, it’s pretty decent for what it is. Sure, there are plenty of things I’d change (ram slots instead of soldered, 3:2 or 4:3 aspect ratio for the touch screen, maybe a bit lighter) but later gens actually have a few of those improvements. It’s not really a great replacement for an ipad, but it’s a pretty decent work machine (provided you don’t need a ton of power or ram).