13 Inch MacBook Pro vs. 15 Inch MacBook Pro

[Kate6425]

Hi,
I am considering buying a 2011 MacBook Pro. I will be a freshman in high school next year and need a good laptop for school. However, I do not know whether I should purchase the 13 inch model or the 15 inch model. The following would be my primary uses for my MacBook Pro:
-Note taking during school
-Surfing the web (Facebook, mail, etc.)
-Microsoft Office/PowerPoint
-Playing games such as The Sims 3
-Occassionally GarageBand, iMovie, etc.

Also portability and money are factors in which model I purchase. But I am used to a 22 inch iMac, so I'm afraid 13 inches will be too small.

Any input is much appreciated! Thank you!

 

[8CoreWhore]

Entry level 13" is all you need and you will love it.

 

[maclaptop]

go based on your preferences

 

[Mackilroy]

The 13-inch model would be more than sufficient, but if you find it too small the low-end 15-inch (especially if you know someone who can get you a student discount – say, a teacher or college student) is also a good deal.

 

[kuwisdelu]

The 13" will be completely sufficient.

If you're really worried about screen real estate*, want to play more GPU-intensive games, or think you might really get into movie editing, then the 15" might be worth considering.

ETA:
*Actually forget that. Just use your iMac as a second monitor.

 

[tsmacman]

I am in the exact same situation im gonna be a freshman in highschool next year as well.... i just purchased my 2011 mbp 13" base model. It is more than enough for what u will do with it even if you do get into movie editing, i work with adobe master collection, imovie and garage band on it all at the same time with no problems whatsoever. Go with the 13" for school, its light thin and fast.

 

[c1phr]

ETA:
*Actually forget that. Just use your iMac as a second monitor.

As far as I know, only the 27" iMac can be used as an external monitor, and not the 22/21.5?

 

[kobyh15]

Base 13" will be fine.

 

[FOX160]

Buy the 13inch base model and buy an external monitor and still have cash
in your pocket.

 

[RockPortTech]

I have a 2011 13 inch MacBook Pro and think it is perfect!

 

[dukebound85]

students need laptops in high schools these days?!

 

[kyle1320]

Hi,
I am considering buying a 2011 MacBook Pro. I will be a freshman in high school next year and need a good laptop for school. However, I do not know whether I should purchase the 13 inch model or the 15 inch model. The following would be my primary uses for my MacBook Pro:
-Note taking during school
-Surfing the web (Facebook, mail, etc.)
-Microsoft Office/PowerPoint
-Playing games such as The Sims 3
-Occassionally GarageBand, iMovie, etc.

Also portability and money are factors in which model I purchase. But I am used to a 22 inch iMac, so I'm afraid 13 inches will be too small.

Any input is much appreciated! Thank you!

Hi kate6425, I'm kyle1320. Hah. I'm a freshman, and I find my 13" sufficient for all my needs, which are somewhat similar to yours. It should be just fine, as long as you do not plan on doing much graphics-intensive editing or gaming.

 

[sbbluewater]

The 13" should be fine for you. I only got the base 15" because I needed a little larger screen as I was used to a 22" desktop model. The 15" is bigger and heavier to carry around and I think the 13" is a great machine.

 

[WesCole]

students need laptops in high schools these days?!

Exactly what I was thinking...we weren't allowed to bring any electronic device to high school when I went (although, that was 10 years ago).

 

[HeatherA]

The base 13" MPB has been more than sufficient for my daughter. She's a junior in college. I think you'll be just fine as a freshman in HS.