Am I weak or are the MacBooks & MacBook Pros heavy?

[tray]

Hi,

I'm a student and a day normally sees me shuttling between different places in school. I use a 15.4" MBP (MB user previously) in a Timbuk2 (medium-sized) sling bag.

There'll be a time after mid-day when I realize the weight of the bag is killing me. My shoulders are aching and sometimes I get this burning sensation. I tried going to school a couple of days without my notebook (impossible to do again) and I realized how much lighter my bag was and I could honestly carry it around the whole day without any issues.

However, when I read these threads, it seems that most people seem to have no issue with the weight of the MBs and MBPs. Am I an anomaly? The MBA looks very appealing to me simply because of its weight. It is the lightest notebook. I was actually thinking of downgrading my SR MBP to a 12" PowerBook when I realized that the PB is only slightly lighter.

God, am I only the one that feels the Apple's current line of notebooks (except the MBA) are heavy to carry around the entire day? Please tell me I'm not alone. Thanks. :D

[Ringu]

Change your bag. Use a regular backpack with two shoulder straps rather than a sling bag.

That will help no end.

Most people don't have too many issues with the weight because they don't actually carry them around all day, just from the house to the car/train/bus, then from that to work/school.

[Neil321]

Hi,

I'm a student and a day normally sees me shuttling between different places in school. I use a 15.4" MBP (MB user previously) in a Timbuk2 (medium-sized) sling bag.

There'll be a time after mid-day when I realize the weight of the bag is killing me. My shoulders are aching and sometimes I get this burning sensation. I tried going to school a couple of days without my notebook (impossible to do again) and I realized how much lighter my bag was and I could honestly carry it around the whole day without any issues.

However, when I read these threads, it seems that most people seem to have no issue with the weight of the MBs and MBPs. Am I an anomaly? The MBA looks very appealing to me simply because of its weight. It is the lightest notebook. I was actually thinking of downgrading my SR MBP to a 12" PowerBook when I realized that the PB is only slightly lighter.

God, am I only the one that feels the Apple's current line of notebooks (except the MBA) are heavy to carry around the entire day? Please tell me I'm not alone. Thanks. :D

Try going to the gym more

[119576]

Yeah you're pretty weak. :p

I carry my MB in a satchel for about 3 hours each day and I don't even notice the weight.
They're only a few pounds and if that's causing you problems, you should probably think about building a bit of muscle. You may want to try a regular backpack; failing that.

[bigbadnewill]

Yeah, get a proper ruck-sak type thing. I have one, and my laptop is really heavy and it's fine. I walk a mile to uni, then carry it for the day and it's fine. I can feel it in my bag, but i never get back/shoulder pains etc.

[timtam]

Yeah you're pretty weak.

:p, but dont worry about it, just keep carry your lappie around, your back muscle will get used to it, and it will get stronger, :D.

[JSchwage]

As others have mentioned, a backpack can help a lot.

[timsutcliffe]

I'd agree with the backpack thing too. It's really not too good for you to have all the weight on one shoulder if you're finding it heavy.

[tray]

Okay, I should provide some background info.

Hmm, I'm in no way bodybuilding-physique but I hit the gym at least twice a week. Yes, you're right, a backpack does help tremendously but a messenger bag has many benefits.

What I want to know is that for others carrying MBs/MBPs in sling/messenger bags. Do you find it heavy?

I carry at least a 2nd MBP battery/charger too.

[mckyvlle]

Heh, you should see me when I used to carry around Dells that weight 4kgs, without chargers and associated stuff!

The MacBook feels really light to me. I put it in a backpack and walk about a mile to my institute everyday.

[ViveLeLivre]

Weaksauce, but if weight is such a big deal:

Why not just buy a bag with TWO straps, thus saving $1700 and your back?! I attend a school of 30,000 and the only Timbuk I ever saw belonged to a biker.
Buy a North Face pack, they're just as trendy, built just as well, and you won't look like you're listing to one side or about to deliver a pizza.

[Ringu]

I've used both sling bags and regular backpacks extensively and a travel continuously.

Whilst I find the sling bag good for quick ease of access and arguably better looking, I have returned to using a regular backpack and it's far, far better for my posture and general fatigue.

[tray]

Okay, you guys are right. Backpacks/rucksacks in school.

But I often find myself in this situation: I'm in town and I'm meeting some friends. I'm early/they're late and I just want to find somewhere to sit and use my notebook for a while to catch on some feeds/read that eBook. Now, you won't carry a backpack/rucksack to town would you? I mean you'll be shopping/watching movies, surely a backpack is outta place right?

[mckyvlle]

Okay, you guys are right. Backpacks/rucksacks in school.

But I often find myself in this situation: I'm in town and I'm meeting some friends. I'm early/they're late and I just want to find somewhere to sit and use my notebook for a while to catch on some feeds/read that eBook. Now, you won't carry a backpack/rucksack to town would you? I mean you'll be shopping/watching movies, surely a backpack is outta place right?

Gee, you must be studying at a very trendy place! :D

So backpacks may look a bit boring, but they sure are practical. Besides, if you're shopping, you get to stuff your goods in the backpack afterwards.

[bigbadnewill]

Take this as the opportunity to develop the first backpak/sling bag combined!

You could have the double strap for general use, and the sling, solo strap for those times when looks matter :D I see you making millions!

I use my backpak all the time though, and have never had a problem with it. Get one that looks good, and you'll be fine with it.

[ViveLeLivre]

Are you wearing jeans, cords or khakis when you go out? If so you can get away with carrying a backpack.

[tray]

Take this as the opportunity to develop the first backpak/sling bag combined!

You could have the double strap for general use, and the sling, solo strap for those times when looks matter :D I see you making millions!

I use my backpak all the time though, and have never had a problem with it. Get one that looks good, and you'll be fine with it.

Hmm, what backpack do you use?

[bigbadnewill]

I use a pretty regular o'neill one. I'm sre there are far more ergomomic ones. Don't get one with thin straps though, as they'll just dig into your shoulders until your arms fall off. If that happens, then your bag will slide off and the macbook will die :eek:

[tray]

Are you wearing jeans, cords or khakis when you go out? If so you can get away with carrying a backpack.

I'm not sexist or anything, but are you a girl?

[DocSmitty]

Take this as the opportunity to develop the first backpak/sling bag combined!

You could have the double strap for general use, and the sling, solo strap for those times when looks matter :D I see you making millions!

I use my backpak all the time though, and have never had a problem with it. Get one that looks good, and you'll be fine with it.

Or you could just buy the Hacker from Timbuk2. Personally I opted for the Track day pack, as I wanted a full-time backpack, but the Hacker is convertible from Backpack to Messenger bag. You already use a Timbuk2 bag so I'm sure you know how well made they are.

[bigbadnewill]

Or you could just buy the Hacker from Timbuk2. Personally I opted for the Track day pack, as I wanted a full-time backpack, but the Hacker is convertible from Backpack to Messenger bag. You already use a Timbuk2 bag so I'm sure you know how well made they are.

Scrap my idea then, it's already been invented i guess...and there was me thinking millions could be made!

So, the Hacker is the bag for you then Sir, fashion and practicality in one...that very rarely comes about!

[Anderson3133]

Okay, I should provide some background info.

Hmm, I'm in no way bodybuilding-physique but I hit the gym at least twice a week. Yes, you're right, a backpack does help tremendously but a messenger bag has many benefits.

What I want to know is that for others carrying MBs/MBPs in sling/messenger bags. Do you find it heavy?

I carry at least a 2nd MBP battery/charger too.

It's not just your Macbook that is making your backpack heavy. t's the combination of textbooks, binders, Macbook, etc.
So when you removed the Macbook, it cut it's weight down significantly, but could have been done by removing excess binders, textbooks, etc.
5 pounds is a big difference when your carrying around 20+ pounds of school work.

[Bogeyman]

Sorry, you opened yourself up for it; you are weak. My MacBook Pro is the lightest machine I've ever worked with. I'm certainly no muscleman, but try carrying it around with a camera, tripod, and an M-16 for a day. You'll soon grow to appreciate your MBP and a couple of books.

[odagled]

Lift weights. Start with your MBP.

[Airforce]

Hmm, I'm in no way bodybuilding-physique but I hit the gym at least twice a week.

Are you gathering towels or working out? :confused: :p

[hajime]

The bag does make a big different. I tried several bags and found that the Incase Nylon Sleeve Plus to be the lightest. I think they have the 15 inch version.
http://www.goincase.com/products/detail/17-nylon-sleeve-plus-cl57067/1

Good luck.

[Nebrie]

I had the same issue and this was the best backpack I could find to solve it
http://www.bbpbags.com/

It hangs low which does amazing job of redistributing the weight of all my books; if feels much lighter than even a normal backpack. Theres a padded laptop pocket on one side that doesn't require flipping the flap to access. And if I'm not carrying much, I can click a button and convert it into a messenger bag.

[Thomas Davie]

I carry 2 laptops, a portable hard drive and beer in my knapsack, and occasionally walk home 10 miles.

Yeah, politely, I would say it's you :) A proper knapsack works wonders.

And I'm a fat slob :cool:

Tom

[mistyz23]

The HP Pavillion laptop I had BEFORE my MBP weighed 9 lbs. Compared to the 15 MBP I now own... Holy crap, what a huge difference. :eek: I consider the MBP to be pretty light, given that I was used to my old cement block of a laptop HP.

[CaptainCaveMann]

Your weak. :)

[skyrider007]

Your weak. :)

I'm strong :p

[heatmiser]

Sounds like a weakness in spirit, not so much one in your physique. There's zero reason for you to tote a single-strap fashion purse instead of a backpack. You're doing it to look trendy, and (surprise, surprise), it's less efficient than a double-strapped backpack. Use a real backpack, stop trying to look cool, and the Macbook/Pro will become a lot easier to carry. :cool:

[Quillz]

Hmm... No one ever seemed to have issues with the lightweight MacBook until the Air debuted... Now suddenly, the MB (a very compact machine) has suddenly become this huge, heavy behemoth of an electronic box.

[wcalderini]

Okay.
Settle down.
Obviously the OP is in the "early stages" of justifyabuya.
This is a condition, more prevalent among MacUsers I'm sure, where
you slowly start building your "case" to justify a new shiny Mac Purchase.
Being a long time suffer of this condition it is easy to recognize it in others.
It will not pass.
There is only one cure.
Get out your plastic.
Make it happen.
Rave about your purchase here.

Good Luck

WRC

[odinsride]

Okay, you guys are right. Backpacks/rucksacks in school.

But I often find myself in this situation: I'm in town and I'm meeting some friends. I'm early/they're late and I just want to find somewhere to sit and use my notebook for a while to catch on some feeds/read that eBook. Now, you won't carry a backpack/rucksack to town would you? I mean you'll be shopping/watching movies, surely a backpack is outta place right?

I don't normally carry my laptop out when I'm meeting friends...I don't see why I would need it to be honest. I don't mind waiting a few minutes if I'm early meeting someone. And if you're consistently early meeting friends, maybe you should start showing up later...just a suggestion :p

[CaptainCaveMann]

Okay, you guys are right. Backpacks/rucksacks in school.

But I often find myself in this situation: I'm in town and I'm meeting some friends. I'm early/they're late and I just want to find somewhere to sit and use my notebook for a while to catch on some feeds/read that eBook. Now, you won't carry a backpack/rucksack to town would you? I mean you'll be shopping/watching movies, surely a backpack is outta place right?

Why would you bring your laptop when your going to meet with friends? I usually try not to bring anything but myself, because with my friends, who knows what we'll be doing. I usually skate with them or surf, and I'm not bringing my laptop to do that stuff, that's just asking for it break.

[brad.c]

I've never thought of my MBP as heavy, but when I load up my photog bag with the camera gear and slide in the 'puter, it sure adds up.

On the plus side, just think of the satisfying THUNK sound it makes when you drop it.

[Consultant]

I carry around a 17" MBP with tons of essentials in a bag (iPod, ear phones, mouse, mouse pad, cables, etc). I typically hold my MBP standing, as my 17" iPod when I wait in line. Not heavy at all.

A low profile courier bag with padded strap works well for me. My bag is made for the 17" MBP but doesn't look like a computer bag, and works great.

Whatever you are doing at the gym, you are not doing enough. You might want to lift some weights occasionally, even 20 pound will do plenty to strengthen muscles.

Or get a better bag, or maybe a butler. =)

[Winglet]

Being a person of very average build, I too use a backpack and find a 15" MBP tolerable. The key is a good padding in the shoulder straps, do not get a "cheap" bag. I frequently walk a mile to a local coffee shop and carry the computer in the backpack. I noticed the weight for about two days, in my shoulders, and I did get used to it and it doesn't bother me any more.

As for the cosmetic look of a backpack when you're out about town, your health is far more important than the look of the bag. If you need to have the computer on your person, you need to be able to carry it comfortably, IMHO.

Good luck!:)

[7even]

I carried a 15" Thinkpad before, with the power adapter and extended battery. I think the traveling weight would have been close to 8 lbs there. Worked fine weight-wise with a regular backpack (within the backpack, the laptop was also contained in a semi-rigid laptop sleeve - the Zeroshock III case). The MBP is much lighter than that, so you may want to get a couple of weights and start lifting them regularly :p

[wildthing1994]

I'm a pretty big guy, strong too, my backpack on an average day weights about 50 pounds, yesterday after class, I had my mbp in my backpack plus my normal stuff, and I tore my right shoulder rotator cup, putting my backpack on my back.

[7even]

I'm a pretty big guy, strong too, my backpack on an average day weights about 50 pounds, yesterday after class, I had my mbp in my backpack plus my normal stuff, and I tore my right shoulder rotator cup, putting my backpack on my back.

:eek: That's a lot of weight. I read somewhere that you shouldn't carry around more than 10% of your weight in a backpack..

[srf4real]

Yup. yer weak.:p But I guess you could go with that air if your back is giving out!

[Winglet]

I'm a pretty big guy, strong too, my backpack on an average day weights about 50 pounds, yesterday after class, I had my mbp in my backpack plus my normal stuff, and I tore my right shoulder rotator cup, putting my backpack on my back.

I have to say that 50 pounds in a backpack is excessive, even for "big guy" like you. Apparently, you are not as big and strong as you think!

I'm sorry that you had to learn that the hard way. Good luck with the shoulder repair.

[heatmiser]

I have to say that 50 pounds in a backpack is excessive, even for "big guy" like you. Apparently, you are not as big and strong as you think!

I'm sorry that you had to learn that the hard way. Good luck with the shoulder repair.

Seriously. There's no need to carry a 50lb backpack for school. :cool:

[theLimit]

I carry my books in a backpack, and my laptop in a briefcase. I only notice the weight when I try to hold the handle with one finger while opening a door or poking an elevator button.

[wildthing1994]

I have to say that 50 pounds in a backpack is excessive, even for "big guy" like you. Apparently, you are not as big and strong as you think!

I'm sorry that you had to learn that the hard way. Good luck with the shoulder repair.

I'm 6'6", and about 220 pounds, and not over weight. It was just a freak accident. 50 pounds is 20% of my body weight.

[hippo206]

your a weak boy!!!!!!!

jkjk

Carrying anything, even a 1lb book for hours, can get heavy after a while. Especially if its ackward and uncomfortable to hold.

Im sure your probably being extra careful with it, causing you to change your walking position a little and making you more stern.

Try getting a backpack, it should help a lot.

[JSchwage]

When I first got my MacBook I thought it was heavy. But then again, it was my first laptop. Now I don't really see it as being all that heavy.

So my final answer is, yes you're weak. :p

[masse]

Seriously...you're weak.

[NewYouSir]

Hi,

I'm a student and a day normally sees me shuttling between different places in school. I use a 15.4" MBP (MB user previously) in a Timbuk2 (medium-sized) sling bag.

There'll be a time after mid-day when I realize the weight of the bag is killing me. My shoulders are aching and sometimes I get this burning sensation. I tried going to school a couple of days without my notebook (impossible to do again) and I realized how much lighter my bag was and I could honestly carry it around the whole day without any issues.

However, when I read these threads, it seems that most people seem to have no issue with the weight of the MBs and MBPs. Am I an anomaly? The MBA looks very appealing to me simply because of its weight. It is the lightest notebook. I was actually thinking of downgrading my SR MBP to a 12" PowerBook when I realized that the PB is only slightly lighter.

God, am I only the one that feels the Apple's current line of notebooks (except the MBA) are heavy to carry around the entire day? Please tell me I'm not alone. Thanks. :D

excuse to get the MBA??? ;)

[watergun]

You are not weak.... your heart is...:D Go get that new MBA!!!

[tdhurst]

I carried a 17" powerbook around in a shoulder bag for a while...add books and miscellaneous items...it was heavy. Switching to a backpack helped a ton.

Switching to a 12" felt like I was only carrying the backpack.

[Kilamite]

I used to carry my MBP around in a sling style bag. The weight on just one shoulder was quite testing, and I got pains. Wasn't that it was heavy, just the fact that all the weight was directed down and pressing on my shoulder rather than being spread across them both.

I bought a ruck sack and I don't even notice the weight at all. The shoulder straps are larger too so it spreads the weight even more, making it dig in less to my shoulders.

Get a ruck sack, it might help prevent you straining your back over time.

[tray]

I used to carry my MBP around in a sling style bag. The weight on just one shoulder was quite testing, and I got pains. Wasn't that it was heavy, just the fact that all the weight was directed down and pressing on my shoulder rather than being spread across them both.

I bought a ruck sack and I don't even notice the weight at all. The shoulder straps are larger too so it spreads the weight even more, making it dig in less to my shoulders.

Get a ruck sack, it might help prevent you straining your back over time.

Finally! Someone feels the same way!

[loungemonkey]

Finally! Someone feels the same way!

Not quiet since he says get a pack that will actually help....you are just trying to justify buying a MBA it sounds like.

[heatmiser]

Not quiet since he says get a pack that will actually help....you are just trying to justify buying a MBA it sounds like.

Seriously; a grape would be "heavy" if you rested it on your eyelid. That doesn't mean grapes need to be lighter; it means you can't put undue stress on your body and expect to feel good. Nearly everyone in this thread has said (approximately) "stop being stupid and wear a backpack!!!". If you want to get an MBA, go for it, but don't pretend you're getting one because the MB/Ps are too heavy. :D

[tray]

Okay, this is totally unscientific. But could the notebook feel heavy because I'm not that big-sized.

I'm 5'7 and 154pounds. How tall and heavy are you guys?

[119576]

Okay, this is totally unscientific. But could the notebook feel heavy because I'm not that big-sized.

I'm 5'7 and 154pounds. How tall and heavy are you guys?

5'10 and 146 pounds.

[tray]

5'10 and 146 pounds.

Okay, you're pretty lean. Do you feel your notebook's heavy?

[119576]

Okay, you're pretty lean. Do you feel your notebook's heavy?

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=4828234&postcount=4

...Nope. :)

[::Lisa::]

Another one agreeing with the backpack comments *nod*

Although, I'm a switcher and my 15.4" laptop 'supposed lightweight' was heavier than my 17" MBP.

[tray]

http://forums.macrumors.com/showpost.php?p=4828234&postcount=4

...Nope. :)

Okay, 'fess up. Is your MB the only thing in your bag? :o

Another one agreeing with the backpack comments *nod*

Although, I'm a switcher and my 15.4" laptop 'supposed lightweight' was heavier than my 17" MBP.

Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:

[great high wolf]

I know what you mean - I carry my MB to, from and around Uni each day, and whilst it may be heavy enough to know it's on my back in a backpack (which is actually a good thing!), it doesn't leave me with any pain or discomfort, whereas carrying it in a sling bag leaves me with a sore shoulder - which could either be that the bag is unergonomic (can I use that in relation to bags?) or that that particular style of bag aggravates a problem with my back, which hasn't ever been the same since an incident on a plane a few years ago.

Get a backpack, and my advice would be to wear it as high as possible, which has worked for me.

Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:

And for this, get an iPod touch. Seriously, carrying an MBP when you don't need it is asking for trouble.

[Kilamite]

Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:

I have a stylish back-pack that is designed for laptops. Has clips to secure the bag is shut incase the zip breaks. Can also stick a padlock on it if you are scared someone might open the back during busy London streets.

Get a back-pack, they are so much more convenient and accessible. A sling bag tends to have only one pouch, and if there is more than one pouch it'll be bulky and will bang off your hips when you walk.

It is obvious if you find a sling-bag inadequate for weight distribution then get a back-pack!

[tray]

And for this, get an iPod touch. Seriously, carrying an MBP when you don't need it is asking for trouble.

I have an iPhone. The trouble with it is EDGE is too slow and there a limited number of good WiFi spots around where I am. Conversely, I have a HSDPA modem thetered to my MBP, giving me sweet internet access wherever I am!

[::Lisa::]

Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:Well you've answered your own question there then :) Use BP for school and sling for your mates. If it gets too heavy just keep switching shoulders or something? *shrug*

I do understand what you mean though because my photog equipment is in a side bag. I just keep switching sides when the other hurts.

-Lisa

[great high wolf]

I have an iPhone. The trouble with it is EDGE is too slow and there a limited number of good WiFi spots around where I am. Conversely, I have a HSDPA modem thetered to my MBP, giving me sweet internet access wherever I am!

Well, it's your call, but I never carry my MB when I don't need it. When I need a laptop but don't feel safe with the MB, I have an old G3 Wallstreet that can be lugged around as a substitute. Unbreakable and if anyone nicks it, they'll get one hell of a nasty surprise...