• MacBook Pro 2016 is rumored to include an OLED touch panel.

MacBook Pro 2016 is rumored to include an OLED touch panel. (Photo : YouTube/iphone)

That MacBook Pro 2016 release date is likely happening around October this year, according to analysts, but everything about the device remains in the rumor zone. While waiting, there is one possible alternative that is worth checking or even worth buying - the Dell XPS 15 2016 build. 

Forbes had an extended hands-on of the bumped up XPS 15 and decided to share six of the things to love about the Windows 10 laptop:

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A thing of beauty

One thing that is immediately noticeable about the Dell XPS 15 is its beautiful packaging - the build and design rival that of the existing MacBook Pro and possibly the upgraded version that will roll out soon. It practically is a magnet that will get attraction for three things - the sexy form factor, the light build that renders the MBP too heavy and the slim cut that Forbes said only measures "0.66 inches at its thickest point."

Desktop-class specs and features

Dell managed to jam the 2016 XPS 15 with specifications and features that can even surpass many desktop brands. The display, for instance, stretches to 15.6-inch but as the notebook is beautifully crafted with the maker opting for solid but light materials making up the chassis, the new XPS 15 is practically "a moveable desktop, Forbes said.

And the device is a beauty and a beast at the same time as firing up everything is Intel Skylake chip that is tapped on up to 16GB of RAM, telling would-be buyers that the computing experience is all about smooth, stable and fast. The GPU muscle is NVIDIA's GTX 960M.

1080p to 4K display

Highlighting the premium flavor that is unpacked with the 2016 Dell XPS 15 is the display rendering that starts at 1080p for the cheaper version and up 4K Ultra HD or 3840 x 2160 screen resolution for users willing to part with nearly $3000.

Windows 10

Forbes said that Mac gained success at the expense of Microsoft Windows operating system. Many hated the OS but the report stressed that the latest and greatest from Apple rival Microsoft is a different story.

"Windows 10 is a galactically big improvement over all previous versions," the report said, adding that optimal use of the OS one would be convinced that OS X (now MacOS Sierra) is not any better.

Battery life

The 2016 Dell XPS 15 is advertised to stay on all-day long in a single charge and with tweaks like the lowering of display brightness, more battery mileage can be gained. And to make sure that the laptop will not die out on its user, its maker included the portable charger Dell Power Companion for good measure. When needed, the accessory will inject more power juice to the device, Forbes said.

Pricing

Sticker price of the 2016 Dell XPS 15 starts at $999, which is a price mark that the MacBook Pro 2016 on release date is unlikely to carry. Note though that the upgraded XPS 16 can be as pricy as the MBP - up to $2950 a pop for the model with premium specs.