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MacBook Pro 13 inch, 15 inch or 17 inch. Could use some help

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thealch3m1st

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Jun 16, 2009
6
0
Hello

I think this has been discussed in some other thread but the circumstances are a bit different so here I go.
I'm going to college this fall (Computer Science major) and I want to buy a new computer ( I have a 2008 15" MBP 2.2Ghz with a 20" Samsung LCD -1680*1050).
I'm a bit confused on what to buy. Here are my options:

- The first thing that went through my mind was a 13" MacBook Pro(1499 model). I love this one because it's small and this makes it more portable but the screen is to small for day to day use and I'm not to happy about the graphics chip either(I like to play some games from time to time-X Plane & other stuff) so I thought a 24" LED Cinema Display might help with the screen size + keyboard and mouse(apple) totaling up to : 2298 US $ (1399$(student discount) MacBook Pro+799$(student discount) Display + 100$ Keyboard and Mouse)

- 15" high end MacBook Pro(the 2.8 Ghz one) + Mighty Mouse. This totals up to 2149$ (2099$ MBP w Stud.Disc. + 50$ MM) so I don't really have money left for the display which kinda sucks but I can live with the 1440*900 screen certainly better than with the 13" 1280*800 one.

-17" MBP. This one made it through my choices because of the screen. I love the freedom a 1920*1200 screen gives you and I certainly won't need the cinema display here, but it seems a bit big for carrying around campus( I would like an opinion here from an actual owner). 2349$(2299$ MBP w Stud.Disc + 50$ MM)

I intend to use the computer for some Photoshopping (here is where I need the screen resolution), coding ( Coda, Xcode...) and occasional gaming.
The price doesn't really matter because the variation isn't that big 2298$ vs 2149$ vs 2349$, and my budget is 2400$.

Thanks,
Stefan
 
darkpaw

darkpaw

macrumors 6502a
Sep 13, 2007
691
1,316
London, England
I'm downgrading from a 17-inch Late 2007 MacBook Pro. The 1920x1200 hi-res screen was excellent, but a bit overkill, really. I got it to replace my desktop Mac G5, and ended up buying a Mac Pro as well!

The 17-inch MBP is very large, and quite heavy. Lugging it around campus will be a pain.

I used a 15-inch MBP the other day and ordered one straight away. The res of 1440x900 is large enough to do everything I need to do on it: Xcode, Photoshop, movies. The weight difference is only 500gm, but it's noticeable.

You certainly can't use a 13-inch MacBook Pro for Photoshop. There's just not enough room for the palettes.

I'd go with a 15-incher and get a new screen later, IF you think you need it. Plus Apple will likely have other screens out then, too.

HTH.
 
J

Joruus

macrumors member
Jun 14, 2009
87
0
Had a 15" PowerBook first when i started Studying, it was so heavy i couldn't bear to carry it 3+ Hours a Day so got a 12" one, guess would do the same now :)
 
mike1123

mike1123

macrumors 6502
Sep 19, 2007
290
72
I'm going through the same dilemma, but I'm leaning towards the 15". It's nice compromise between screen resolution and portability -- the 17" is extremely tempting, but I think it might be a bit unwieldy if not heavy. Btw, you forgot to include sales tax in your budget; with it, the 17" goes over $2400 (assuming you live in a state that charges sales tax).
 
maratus

maratus

macrumors 6502a
Jun 12, 2009
701
273
Canada
It all depends on how important is portability for you.

1. 17" is only 20% heavier than 15" and it's not a dealbraker for me.
Biggest problem of 17" so far is it's main advantage - screen size and therefore larger footprint. Using notebook bigger than average may seem a bit unusual (especially on laps)

2. Let's make it clear. Neither 15" nor 17" are portable, I'll be sick of carrying them in a shoulder bag all day long. Backpack is only option for me. 1.1Kg Sony TZ, 1.3Kg Air or 1.5Kg Sony Z - they are portable, at least weight-wise. 2Kg 13" Macbook is compromise between portability and usability.

3. 15" has 1440*900. That's 12.5% more than 1280*800.
17" has 1920*1200. That's 33% more than 1440*900 and 50% more than 1280*800. No comments. 15" doesn't give me noticeable advantage in real estate. But it's just me. I'll be more satisfied with 15" 1680*1050 though...

Summary: I wanted high resolution. I accepted weight issue and got 17". 15" will give me weight issue but won't provide good resolution.
 
T

threename

macrumors newbie
Jun 16, 2009
1
0
internet sharing

Hi. I am wanting to take the internet connection from my AT&T Wireless card and create a network via airport. Does anyone know if this is possible? I heard that it was but is not supported. HELP
 
M

matteconcepts3d

macrumors newbie
Dec 7, 2008
20
0
13" and photoshop

"You certainly can't use a 13-inch MacBook Pro for Photoshop. There's just not enough room for the palettes."

Try the 'tab' key. Works like a charm...
 
IDANNY

IDANNY

macrumors 6502a
Dec 26, 2003
782
1
Las vegas
I had a 15 ti powerbook
then a powerbook 12 inch.
then a 15 powerbook
then a 17 inch powerbook.
Then a macbook 13.
Now I am on a 15 macbook pro classic and want to upgrade.
personally my favorite all around was the 12.
In those days it didn't seem to lack to much power.

Personally I am not sure about which one I would get now. I am leaning towards the 17inch cause I haven't had one of those in a while. And the screen real-estate on those are amazing.

But the 13 inch pro seems great for portability.

so you gotta choose what is most important to you.
:apple:

whatever you get I am sure you will be happy.
 
thejadedmonkey

thejadedmonkey

macrumors G3
May 28, 2005
9,183
3,343
Pennsylvania
maratus said:
2. Let's make it clear. Neither 15" nor 17" are portable, I'll be sick of carrying them in a shoulder bag all day long. Backpack is only option for me. 1.1Kg Sony TZ, 1.3Kg Air or 1.5Kg Sony Z - they are portable, at least weight-wise. 2Kg 13" Macbook is compromise between portability and usability.
Click to expand...

QFT. The 15" MBP I have is the heaviest and most unwieldy laptop I have ever owned, although I must say it is nice for using around the house.
 
Heavenly

Heavenly

macrumors member
Sep 16, 2009
52
4
Northwestern University
The 17" is perfectly fine in my opinion because I used a 15" Dell before and this is much thinner+lighter and only 1" bigger in depth/height. For guys I think you'd need to look at a bag with a laptop compartment big enough for it; I kinda go everywhere with a tote bag and my Macbook fits perfectly inside it :)
 
T

trismeplz

macrumors newbie
May 24, 2009
29
11
My vote if for the 17" The extra screen real estate do makes a difference and the higher resolution is makes watching movies and games more enjoyable!
 
Minimoose 360

Minimoose 360

macrumors 65816
Jul 7, 2008
1,072
0
NY
The 17" really isn't that cumbersome as people make it out to be. Like I always say:

"As long as you don't have muscular dystrophy, you can carry a 17" MacBook Pro."

The extra resolution is well worth it. Don't be a weakling, get the 17". I have no troubles with portability around campus.
 
N

n19htmare

macrumors member
Sep 4, 2009
77
68
Do people not check dates of these threads?

That's the FIRST thing I do before replying to a thread that comes up in a search or before I quote someone.
 
G

Greenman85

macrumors regular
Jun 16, 2009
237
3
?

n19htmare said:
Do people not check dates of these threads?

That's the FIRST thing I do before replying to a thread that comes up in a search or before I quote someone.
Click to expand...

he has a 2008. it's still ridiculous to buy a 2000+ computer a year later
 
ajohnson253

ajohnson253

macrumors 68000
Jun 16, 2008
1,751
0
I don't see why you need a computer either when you already have. The 2.26 should honestly do you good.
I would go for the 15" to play it safe though, just my opinion.
I would get irritated mobbin around with that 17".
 
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