Is the 12" really that much more portable than the 15"?

[Diatribe]

Ok, here's the deal. I got a 12" iBook 5 weeks ago and I love the size and it's portability. But since my Mum needs a computer and I am giving this iBook to her I need a new one.
I was hoping that the 12" powerbooks would be closer to the 15" specwise, but I guess not. For me the 12" was always about portability. So I compared the two (my 12" iBook and the 15" pb):

height:
12" - 1.35 inches (3.42 cm) 15" - 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) ---> 15" actually smaller
width:
12" - 11.2 inches (28.5 cm) 15" - 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) ---> 2,5 inches more on the 15"
depth:
12" - 9.06 inches (23.0 cm) 15" - 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) ---> just half an inch bigger
weight:
12" - 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) 15" - 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg) ---> also just a slight difference

So is this just this way on paper or is the 15" really only wider not that much bigger generally speaking? The 15" would last me at least the next 2 years, which the 12" wouldn't I'd think. Also it wouldn't get that hot.
Tough decision... what do you guys think?

Diatribe

[wrldwzrd89]

Ok, here's the deal. I got a 12" iBook 5 weeks ago and I love the size and it's portability. But since my Mum needs a computer and I am giving this iBook to her I need a new one.
I was hoping that the 12" powerbooks would be closer to the 15" specwise, but I guess not. For me the 12" was always about portability. So I compared the two (my 12" iBook and the 15" pb):

height:
12" - 1.35 inches (3.42 cm) 15" - 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) ---> 15" actually smaller
width:
12" - 11.2 inches (28.5 cm) 15" - 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) ---> 2,5 inches more on the 15"
depth:
12" - 9.06 inches (23.0 cm) 15" - 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) ---> just half an inch bigger
weight:
12" - 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) 15" - 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg) ---> also just a slight difference

So is this just this way on paper or is the 15" really only wider not that much bigger generally speaking? The 15" would last me at least the next 2 years, which the 12" wouldn't I'd think. Also it wouldn't get that hot.
Tough decision... what do you guys think?

Diatribe
I've looked at both PowerBooks in my local Apple Store - to me, the 12" PowerBook looks tiny and extremely portable compared to the 15", but I'd get the 15" model because you'll have a greater useful life for it. I wouldn't get the 17" PowerBook - that's too big for your needs. Also, you may discover that the reduced depth of the 15" compared to the 12" makes it easier to transport. I used to own a PowerBook G4 Ti 667; I didn't carry it around much, but I liked the 1" depth.

[TheT]

Ok, here's the deal. I got a 12" iBook 5 weeks ago and I love the size and it's portability. But since my Mum needs a computer and I am giving this iBook to her I need a new one.
I was hoping that the 12" powerbooks would be closer to the 15" specwise, but I guess not. For me the 12" was always about portability. So I compared the two (my 12" iBook and the 15" pb):

height:
12" - 1.35 inches (3.42 cm) 15" - 1.1 inches (2.8 cm) ---> 15" actually smaller
width:
12" - 11.2 inches (28.5 cm) 15" - 13.7 inches (34.8 cm) ---> 2,5 inches more on the 15"
depth:
12" - 9.06 inches (23.0 cm) 15" - 9.5 inches (24.1 cm) ---> just half an inch bigger
weight:
12" - 4.9 pounds (2.2 kg) 15" - 5.7 pounds (2.6 kg) ---> also just a slight difference

So is this just this way on paper or is the 15" really only wider not that much bigger generally speaking? The 15" would last me at least the next 2 years, which the 12" wouldn't I'd think. Also it wouldn't get that hot.
Tough decision... what do you guys think?

Diatribe
My advise #1: Go to a store and check 'em out for yourself...
#2: I've been thinking about the same thing, my girlfriend has a 12" iBook and my Dad a 15" Powerbook... but if you really want portability, go for the 12", the 15" is not as small as it seems when reading the specs...

[howard]

personally i love the 12 inchers... they are super duber portable... however the only drawback is the small screen, if your doing a lot of work or don't have an external moniter it can be a pain.

now the old 15 inch titaniums seemed quite portable to me, the new 15 inch alu books are slightly bigger, but really they seem like there a lot bigger... funny phenomon but i wish they didn't stretch them out, even though it was only like 1/8 of an inch probably

[Chip NoVaMac]

personally i love the 12 inchers... they are super duber portable... however the only drawback is the small screen, if your doing a lot of work or don't have an external moniter it can be a pain.

now the old 15 inch titaniums seemed quite portable to me, the new 15 inch alu books are slightly bigger, but really they seem like there a lot bigger... funny phenomon but i wish they didn't stretch them out, even though it was only like 1/8 of an inch probably

I bought a 12" back in November. It was a tough choice because of the greater RAM expansion and the PCMCIA slot on the 15". In the end the size and cost played a part. And I never regret it. There are times in Mail that the 12" is pain depending on how they formated the mail coming to me. Even for my aging eyes the 12" is large enough for even InDesign. Otherwise my 17" Mitsu SB70 works fine also.

All I can say also in regards to weight and size. You can always look in the stores, but till you carry it around, you will never know.

Final word, max out the RAM....

[TheT]

Final word, max out the RAM....
Ouch. 800$ for a 1GB RAM chip? I'd say take another 512Megs, 768 will be plenty...

[Diatribe]

My advise #1: Go to a store and check 'em out for yourself...
#2: I've been thinking about the same thing, my girlfriend has a 12" iBook and my Dad a 15" Powerbook... but if you really want portability, go for the 12", the 15" is not as small as it seems when reading the specs...

Yeah, the problem is I am in Germany right now... so no stores for me. Well maybe Gravis has them lined up next to each other. I'll check that out.
I thought that this sounded smaller than it actually is...

[Diatribe]

I bought a 12" back in November. It was a tough choice because of the greater RAM expansion and the PCMCIA slot on the 15". In the end the size and cost played a part. And I never regret it. There are times in Mail that the 12" is pain depending on how they formated the mail coming to me. Even for my aging eyes the 12" is large enough for even InDesign. Otherwise my 17" Mitsu SB70 works fine also.

All I can say also in regards to weight and size. You can always look in the stores, but till you carry it around, you will never know.

Final word, max out the RAM....

Max out RAM? I don't know about that. I don't need 2 GB :p
Besides that I'm fine with the 640mb in my iBook, although it is amost used up when I have a lot open. I think 786MB-1GB is going to be fine.

I know that I will only know when I actually carry it around... I just don't know any store that will let me borrow a 15"pb to carry it around for a while... :D

[Chip NoVaMac]

Ouch. 800$ for a 1GB RAM chip? I'd say take another 512Megs, 768 will be plenty...

RAM prices have gone up but the 1GB chip is only $425 from Crucial as this morn...

[Chip NoVaMac]

Max out RAM? I don't know about that. I don't need 2 GB :p
Besides that I'm fine with the 640mb in my iBook, although it is amost used up when I have a lot open. I think 786MB-1GB is going to be fine.

I know that I will only know when I actually carry it around... I just don't know any store that will let me borrow a 15"pb to carry it around for a while... :D

I meant on the 12". maxing out to the 1.25gb RAM...

[TheT]

RAM prices have gone up but the 1GB chip is only $425 from Crucial as this morn...
:eek: In the Apple Online Store it was 800$ this morning... damn, they charge you

[Diatribe]

:eek: In the Apple Online Store it was 800$ this morning... damn, they charge you

They always did. Although they gave me a huge discount when I bought my iBook and actually matched Crucial's price. :D

[TheT]

They always did. Although they gave me a huge discount when I bought my iBook and actually matched Crucial's price. :D
The Apple Online Store? How'd you do that, email them? :cool:

[adamjay]

the graphics on this page: http://www.apple.com/powerbook/specs.html
give you a good idea of the difference in sizes... the 15" is certainly much more wide than tall when opened. Compared to many PC laptops, the whole line of powerbooks is ultra-portable.

the 12" is very lightweight, and i love mine.
if for nothing more than you can find really small bags for it, and when i am walking down the street with it - it doesn't look like i have a laptop on my shoulder... so there is a theft detourant quality as well.

[Diatribe]

The Apple Online Store? How'd you do that, email them? :cool:

hehe, I had a nice conversation with an Apple Store employee who asked me why I was ordering a loaded iBook with only 256MB RAM :D

[Diatribe]

Has anyone had both of the form factors and can tell a difference other than by having looked at it?
Any first hand insight would be appreciated.
I just cannot decide... the specs which the 15" has are really nice. Although I am not really missing anything screen estate wise it wouldn't be too bad to have a little more. It would save me some Exposé use :D
I just think that the 15" would last me longer (thinking three years or sth.) whereas with the 12" I can see myself wanting a new one in about 2 years already.
The plan is to get one now and then again when the Rev. B G5s are out. I don't know if the 12" is going to last that long.... any thoughts?

[wPod]

size makes a BIG difference. i have had 12" iBook and 12" PB. i decided on the 12" a long time ago when i playing around with one friends 12" iBook and another friends 15" tiBook. the ti PB was just a lot bigger than the iBook. a 12" pb is about the size of a piece of paper (dimension wise not height or weight) and fits well in places (bags or breif cases) designed for standard size paper. 15" is more like legal size paper. to my liking ultra portable is the key. and a 12" fits nicely in a small padded case along side books and binders files and such while a 15 would stick out just enough to be noticable. and the 1 pound-ish difference will be noticble with powersupply and other things carried in a bag with it. so, for portability 12" is much more portable. if you only need the portability every once in a while, like one or two times a week away from its primary location. then the 15" will last much longer and you can live with the less portable version. but if you are moving it about multiple times a day then the 12" is just more portable.

[TheT]

Has anyone had both of the form factors and can tell a difference other than by having looked at it?
Any first hand insight would be appreciated.
I just cannot decide... the specs which the 15" has are really nice. Although I am not really missing anything screen estate wise it wouldn't be too bad to have a little more. It would save me some Exposé use :D
I just think that the 15" would last me longer (thinking three years or sth.) whereas with the 12" I can see myself wanting a new one in about 2 years already.
The plan is to get one now and then again when the Rev. B G5s are out. I don't know if the 12" is going to last that long.... any thoughts?
As i said before, I have used both 12" and 15". I personally like the 12" better because of its size, as the previous poster explained. And if you have a second monitor, screen size is not an issue. And regarding the Rev. B G5s... I'm sure they'll be out in 2005, so don't worry about that.

[Chip NoVaMac]

Has anyone had both of the form factors and can tell a difference other than by having looked at it?
Any first hand insight would be appreciated.
I just cannot decide... the specs which the 15" has are really nice. Although I am not really missing anything screen estate wise it wouldn't be too bad to have a little more. It would save me some Exposé use :D
I just think that the 15" would last me longer (thinking three years or sth.) whereas with the 12" I can see myself wanting a new one in about 2 years already.
The plan is to get one now and then again when the Rev. B G5s are out. I don't know if the 12" is going to last that long.... any thoughts?

Take it from one that comes from a Windows environment. Computers will last you as long as they do what you need them to do. One problem I see in the Windows arena is the upgrade fever that exists.

I moved to Mac since page publication is my main focus (followed by photography). Many page layout companies are still using Quark 4 or 5 that I deal with. Some have made the jump to PS 7 or PS CS because of users or a real need for the new features.

The new PB 15" offers over the PB 12", increased speed (debatable that this is a solid reason for the 15"), FW800 and FW400 (again a debatable reason), PCMCIA slot (maybe useful for telephony cards), and some memory speed enhancements.

I have been looking at a second mac, only since will cost me at least $400 to upgrade my 12" PB to 1.2gb. At that level if I can get better performance and memory for my LARGE RAW files, then I might just do it.

I still stand by my original recommendation that the PB 12" will serve you well for many years to come.

Question I have for you since you are evidently digital, how often are you upgrading you digital cameras. This may give me at least a better idea of what makes better sense for you.

[CrackedButter]

I have had both sizes.

First i had the 12" iBook and then I went to a 15" PB (1.25Ghz) because I wanted more screen.

The PB is wider (but thinner :))and does make a difference in its size (not weight), its like having a slab of metal to carry around everyday which is nice but sometimes I could of done with smaller. I sold it and now have an emac, but i am saving up to buy a 12" PB very soon so you can guess which i prefer.

The bags are smaller and there is less chance of it being robbed as well, that makes a difference as somebody else above pointed out.

Because I have had both, i know that the keyboard size doesn't matter either so i will happily go back to a 12" model because all the PB's have the same size keyboard.

[Diatribe]

The new PB 15" offers over the PB 12", increased speed (debatable that this is a solid reason for the 15"), FW800 and FW400 (again a debatable reason), PCMCIA slot (maybe useful for telephony cards), and some memory speed enhancements.

True. Those are nice to haves. Not necessities.


Question I have for you since you are evidently digital, how often are you upgrading you digital cameras. This may give me at least a better idea of what makes better sense for you.

Which comment I made led you to make that assumption? :D
(No offense, just curious)

I upgrade my digital cameras about every 3 years. But that is mainly due to the slow improvements made in this field.
I do upgrade my cell phone every 1-2 years... does that help also? :D

Ok serious now, I don't know it is weird but I hate to make decisions for myself. It's easier making decisions based on the needs of others. Because for yourself you have to actually find out what you want. :D



As i said before, I have used both 12" and 15". I personally like the 12" better because of its size, as the previous poster explained. And if you have a second monitor, screen size is not an issue. And regarding the Rev. B G5s... I'm sure they'll be out in 2005, so don't worry about that.

Yeah, I guess my point was not wanting to think about buying another book for at least 2, preferrably 3 years. I guess I underestimated Apple's invention cycle :D

Ok I took your advice and went to a store to check 'em both out. And I took my iBook to compare. First two objections I had towards the 15" were gone pretty fast. First, the weight, it is not as heavy as I thought. Compared to my iBook a pretty neglectable difference. Second, it fits in the bag I have. Barely but it does. So the size... compared to my iBook it really was not that much bigger, just wider. Nothing I couldn't handle I think.
Now here comes the catch... when compared to the 12" pb it looks quite larger. But I guess I have to compare it to the iBook since this is my gauge. So I could gain a bit by buying the 12" or I could lose a bit buying the 15" since my iBook is somewhat in the middle.

Now what really made me think were two things. The first one being the backlit keyboard. I rarely have any lights on when sitting at my desk at night, and right now there are quite some moments where I would like to have it, so this would be a big plus. And the second is the adjusting display brightness according to the surrounding environment. I just catch myself turning the screen brightness down at night so often.
The better specs would definately let me keep the book longer and let me play some games, although I think the 12" would be fine for that too. And if I remember correctly the last time I played a game was almost a year ago. So call me a hardcore gamer :D

My problem is that neither is the portability that important that I would need the 12" desperately(I think the 15" would be portable enough since it fits in my non-laptop looking bag :D ) nor are the better specs or keyboard that important to choose the 15".
So I am kind of stuck here. I know I have to make that decision but your opinions definitely help. So thanks for that and thanks for reading. :)

<edit: spelling - I shouldn't write stuff with my eyes half closed>

[Diatribe]

Just to add sth. to how I use it.
I do the regular web, iTunes, iPhoto, etc. stuff, some Photoshop work, Office work, video conferencing, movie watching on the go and I guess I will have a look at WoW when it comes out. That game just looks intriguing.
I use it a lot on my desk, but also in my bed and in the park :D
I carry it to school 3 outta 5 days and to my dad when I'm over there and that's about it.
Reading this, this again isn't sth. that will push me to one side since I don't use it to the fullest of it's possibilities (15") nor do I carry it around as much that it would actually impact this decision.

Aaaaaargggghhhhh. :( This is tedious decision making. :D

[iBunny]

How about the 14' iBooks... are they also really portable?

or should I stick with a 12'....

Thanks

This is my fiorst apple btw.. so... :p

[titaniumducky]

Just to add sth. to how I use it.
I do the regular web, iTunes, iPhoto, etc. stuff, some Photoshop work, Office work, video conferencing, movie watching on the go and I guess I will have a look at WoW when it comes out. That game just looks intriguing.
I use it a lot on my desk, but also in my bed and in the park :D
I carry it to school 3 outta 5 days and to my dad when I'm over there and that's about it.
Reading this, this again isn't sth. that will push me to one side since I don't use it to the fullest of it's possibilities (15") nor do I carry it around as much that it would actually impact this decision.

Aaaaaargggghhhhh. :( This is tedious decision making. :D

Which is more important:
1. Portability
2. Screen Estate

This is the major factor in your decision, since price hasn't been listed by you so far. If 1 - 12", if 2 - 15". That's mainly it.

[TheT]

Now what really made me think were two things. The first one being the backlit keyboard. I rarely have any lights on when sitting at my desk at night, and right now there are quite some moments where I would like to have it, so this would be a big plus. And the second is the adjusting display brightness according to the surrounding environment. I just catch myself turning the screen brightness down at night so often.

You're exactly like me :) I was hoping for Apple to put a backlit keyboard in the 12", because, as stupid as it may sound, this would be the main reason for me to buy a 15". Besides that one point, I would always chose the 12", but this feature is just so cool :cool:
I assume the automatic adjustment of brightness only works in the models with backlit keyboard :confused: Well, for battery life, it wouldn't matter much, because the 12" generally lasts longer... and if you manually turn down the brightness (which isn't that much work)...
I just looked up the tests done by MacLife (of course the old models, but it'll be similar on these ones):
12": DVD-Playback 2,25h, normal work 4,1h
15": DVD-Playback 2,18h, normal work 3,4h
This is without any adjustments to brightness etc... the differences aren't that big, but coming from an 12" iBook, you might want to consider that, too...

[Chip NoVaMac]

True. Those are nice to haves. Not necessities.



Which comment I made led you to make that assumption? :D
(No offense, just curious)

I upgrade my digital cameras about every 3 years. But that is mainly due to the slow improvements made in this field.
I do upgrade my cell phone every 1-2 years... does that help also? :D

Ok serious now, I don't know it is weird but I hate to make decisions for myself. It's easier making decisions based on the needs of others. Because for yourself you have to actually find out what you want. :D





Yeah, I guess my point was not wanting to think about buying another book for at least 2, preferrably 3 years. I guess I underestimated Apple's invention cycle :D

Ok I took your advice and went to a store to check 'em both out. And I took my iBook to compare. First two objections I had towards the 15" were gone pretty fast. First, the weight, it is not as heavy as I thought. Compared to my iBook a pretty neglectable difference. Second, it fits in the bag I have. Barely but it does. So the size... compared to my iBook it really was not that much bigger, just wider. Nothing I couldn't handle I think.
Now here comes the catch... when compared to the 12" pb it looks quite larger. But I guess I have to compare it to the iBook since this is my gauge. So I could gain a bit by buying the 12" or I could lose a bit buying the 15" since my iBook is somewhat in the middle.

Now what really made me think were two things. The first one being the backlit keyboard. I rarely have any lights on when sitting at my desk at night, and right now there are quite some moments where I would like to have it, so this would be a big plus. And the second is the adjusting display brightness according to the surrounding environment. I just catch myself turning the screen brightness down at night so often.
The better specs would definately let me keep the book longer and let me play some games, although I think the 12" would be fine for that too. And if I remember correctly the last time I played a game was almost a year ago. So call me a hardcore gamer :D

My problem is that neither is the portability that important that I would need the 12" desperately(I think the 15" would be portable enough since it fits in my non-laptop looking bag :D ) nor are the better specs or keyboard that important to choose the 15".
So I am kind of stuck here. I know I have to make that decision but your opinions definitely help. So thanks for that and thanks for reading. :)

<edit: spelling - I shouldn't write stuff with my eyes half closed>

The reason i asked about the camera upgrades is that I work for a dealer. And I see to often people buying the newest DSLR as they come out. Whether they need it or not. If you fell in to that group, then maybe buying the top end notebook makes sense.

I think for what you are doing, you will find the 12" a great combo. You probably already know how deceiving size and weight can be with camera gear.

[denm316]

I am i the same boat, thinking of a 12 or 15. However I keep thinking to myself that this a a notebook. I want the easiest and smallest thing possible, hence the 12 inch. I also love the look of the 15 inch.

I played with them at the Apple store and the screens dont seem to have a huge difference. But when I closed them and picked them up, the 15 inch was a noticeably larger notebook to carry.

I say go for the 12 inch, thats what I am doing.

[Diatribe]

Which is more important:
1. Portability
2. Screen Estate

This is the major factor in your decision, since price hasn't been listed by you so far. If 1 - 12", if 2 - 15". That's mainly it.

The question is not this but rather which is more important:
1. Portability
2. Backlit keyboard, automatic display dimming

And this is what I cannot decide on. :(

[Diatribe]

You're exactly like me :) I was hoping for Apple to put a backlit keyboard in the 12", because, as stupid as it may sound, this would be the main reason for me to buy a 15". Besides that one point, I would always chose the 12", but this feature is just so cool :cool:
I assume the automatic adjustment of brightness only works in the models with backlit keyboard :confused: Well, for battery life, it wouldn't matter much, because the 12" generally lasts longer... and if you manually turn down the brightness (which isn't that much work)...
I just looked up the tests done by MacLife (of course the old models, but it'll be similar on these ones):
12": DVD-Playback 2,25h, normal work 4,1h
15": DVD-Playback 2,18h, normal work 3,4h
This is without any adjustments to brightness etc... the differences aren't that big, but coming from an 12" iBook, you might want to consider that, too...

Yeah, isn't this silly? To consider a 15" because of this feature? It's just I'd have so much use for it :D and I have another mature reason. But I want to... I want to... :D
I know it's silly but I just love this feature. I just cannot decide if this would be more important over portability since I love the small footprint of my iBook and I am usually all for small sizes in all gadgets.
The other thing is when I thought about the next book I'd buy(this one) I made a list of features I'd like to have and the only ones not met were the fw800, the Gigabit Ethernet(which I can live without) and the backlit keyboard(which is just the decision right now)
I didn't even plan on having a 128mb graphics card but now it sounds intriguing. The question is if the Geforce would be enough for 2 things: Play WoW and to hook up a 20"+ external monitor to it. If yes, I guess I could live with it spec wise. The only thing I have to decide on then is as stated above:
1.portability
2.backlit keyboard

[Diatribe]

The reason i asked about the camera upgrades is that I work for a dealer. And I see to often people buying the newest DSLR as they come out. Whether they need it or not. If you fell in to that group, then maybe buying the top end notebook makes sense.

I think for what you are doing, you will find the 12" a great combo. You probably already know how deceiving size and weight can be with camera gear.

Yeah I hear you. I like new features but not if they do not distinguish the new product a lot from the former. The only reason for me to replace my 4MP digital elph from Canon is if they'd put a better flash, a better video resolution in it or make it even smaller. Other than that I am happy with it.

[rueyeet]

The question is not this but rather which is more important:
1. Portability
2. Backlit keyboard, automatic display dimming

And this is what I cannot decide on. :(While the auto-dimmer is cool, I always found that the computer screen lights the keyboard well enough to see what I'm typing. So unless you're working in an environment where there is specific need for this, I'd weigh more on portability.

I don't have both, but my brother-in-law does, and I can tell you that the 12" just feels tiny and eminently carry-able. In fact, it just almost invites you to pick it up and go, with its tidy little package--I've seen day-planners bigger than this thing. The 15", by contrast, is like a thick pad of full-size paper. Big enough to know you're really carrying something. It's a surprising difference.

[thirteen1031]

Yeah, isn't this silly? To consider a 15" because of this feature? It's just I'd have so much use for it and I have another mature reason. But I want to... I want to...

It sounds to me like you WANT the 15". And in the end, that's the single most important reason to get it.

GET IT.

Trust me on this. If you NEEDED the 12" portablity--if for example you flew to and from business meetings weekly and needed that 12" for lightness and being able to fit on an airline tray table, then that would be different. Then it would be harder to justify the 15" Or if you wanted that 12", if you'd taken one look at it and couldn't keep your eyes off how adorably small and cute it was, then that would be different.

But you don't NEED the 12" tiny footprint and you don't seem to WANT it either.

On the other hand, in just about every post you seem to be leaning toward that 15". You want that back-lit keyboard and the larger screen, the potential to play games, the better specs. You want it and, MOST important, you believe these things will keep you from regretting your decision. You say again and again, you'll probably keep the 15" for more years--which means it will pay for itself. You will use it and be productive.

Wanting features is a good enough reason to get the 15". The potential to be happier and more productive with a 15" is a good enough reason to get it. You don't have to NEED a 15" to justify getting it--you only need to have the money for it. Get it, and be happy :)

[shortyjj]

I just got my 12" PB yesterday, upgraded from the 14.1" iBook (G3). I thought there would be a huge difference when I looked at the screen, and maybe b/c they're the same resolution, there isn't. Things look _slightly_ smaller, but crisper.

On the other hand, I used to think my laptop was portable.. until I tried carrying it around to class. It was a pain to lug around. This thing is much lighter, and soon I'll be carrying it everywhere.

[denm316]

I still agree its a tough decision, but at least you will love either one you get.

[Diatribe]

It sounds to me like you WANT the 15". And in the end, that's the single most important reason to get it.

GET IT.

Trust me on this. If you NEEDED the 12" portablity--if for example you flew to and from business meetings weekly and needed that 12" for lightness and being able to fit on an airline tray table, then that would be different. Then it would be harder to justify the 15" Or if you wanted that 12", if you'd taken one look at it and couldn't keep your eyes off how adorably small and cute it was, then that would be different.

But you don't NEED the 12" tiny footprint and you don't seem to WANT it either.

On the other hand, in just about every post you seem to be leaning toward that 15". You want that back-lit keyboard and the larger screen, the potential to play games, the better specs. You want it and, MOST important, you believe these things will keep you from regretting your decision. You say again and again, you'll probably keep the 15" for more years--which means it will pay for itself. You will use it and be productive.

Wanting features is a good enough reason to get the 15". The potential to be happier and more productive with a 15" is a good enough reason to get it. You don't have to NEED a 15" to justify getting it--you only need to have the money for it. Get it, and be happy :)

:D

Damn you for being so observative. No, thanks for just saying what I wasn't quite ready to admit. I guess the only thing that had me thinking was that I just needed to know whether I wasn't giving up on to much portability when I was considering the 15", hence my thread title... :D
The thing is if I get it and then think it's to large on my lap when lying in bed or to big to carry it around I am going to kick myself in the butt. Anyways you're right I am definitely leaning towards the 15"... a lot. It's just the beforementioned that keeps me from making the final decision. I wish I knew someone who had the 15" I could borrow for an hour or two.
Oh well thanks anyway for making a really good point. :)

<edit: Actually I am sitting on my couch right now while I type this :D and I'd be pissed if I couldn't do this anymore>

[shortyjj]

Spend as much time as you want in the store, but it'll still never be a good guide of life outside the store.

Case in point: I bought a 55" widescreen television which looked smallish in the store, but now I realize it barely fits in the room. And with decisions like these, they're hard to undo and you live with them for years....

[thirteen1031]

The thing is if I get it and then think it's to large on my lap when lying in bed or to big to carry it around I am going to kick myself in the butt.

If that's all you're worried about, stop worrying. It's going to be perfectly comfortable on your lap when lying in bed (though it really would be better to use a tray/breakfast table--much more stable surface for ANY laptop) and it's certainly not too big to carry around. The 15" is 5.7 lbs. That's about .8 heavier than your current iBook.

It's a bit of a sacrifice...but in enchange for a backlit keyboard and the extra game power...worth it don't ya think? ;)

[Diatribe]

Spend as much time as you want in the store, but it'll still never be a good guide of life outside the store.

Case in point: I bought a 55" widescreen television which looked smallish in the store, but now I realize it barely fits in the room. And with decisions like these, they're hard to undo and you live with them for years....

Great, that made me feel comfy ;)

[Diatribe]

If that's all you're worried about, stop worrying. It's going to be perfectly comfortable on your lap when lying in bed (though it really would be better to use a tray/breakfast table--much more stable surface for ANY laptop) and it's certainly not too big to carry around. The 15" is 5.7 lbs. That's about .8 heavier than your current iBook.

It's a bit of a sacrifice...but in enchange for a backlit keyboard and the extra game power...worth it don't ya think? ;)

Screw the stability if it doesn't feel big on your lap it's all right. I've just never had a huge laptop. Oh well a 14" Samsung but I've never used that as much as I do my iBook now. I guess since this is going to be only computer it's better not to make any sacrifices, well some I you always have to make, but that's life I guess.
I will go to the store again and check it out one last time and then decide.
By the way what are you using?

[thirteen1031]

By the way what are you using?

12" Powerbook. I was asked if I wanted a 15"--didn't even give it a 2nd look. I found the 12" irresistable.