13 and 15 configuration/battery advice

[CB98]

Buying a new Mac with the intention of having it for 5+ years. Will be buying 27 inch monitor/keyboard/trackpad alongside.

My use case is photo editing and occasional light video editing. I prioritise longevity and good battery life. When on battery power, I wouldn't be doing photo or video editing - just word processing, web surfing emails etc. (light use).

My two configuration options are as follows:

13 MBP 2.3 i5, 16 RAM, 1TB
15 MBP 2.2 i7, 555X, 16 RAM, 1TB

If I get the 15 with a 512 SSD they are identical in price. If I get the upgrade to 1TB (which I do want to do) then its about £300 which I don't mind spending. I also feel you could argue it's a lot more computer for only £300 more (and even the same if I did opt for 512!).

I'm aware the 15 inch is overkill already for my use case but I want a laptop with good battery life and it is also nice to have a bigger screen on the move (and one that does have a bit more power if needed).

So, what would you advise, and is it the case that the 15 does indeed have more battery life than the 13?

Context is that I am coming from a 15 with 2.6 i7, 32GB RAM, 560X which has had a lot of issues and I am being given a refund for (it has also been replaced once before). Among these issues is around only 3-4 hours battery life under that 'light' use I talked about earlier, and so I thought that maybe the 13 would last longer in this case (although people have pointed out that is abnormal and that the 15 should last longer). Please can someone clarify?

Thanks in advance.

 

[Plett]

Just suffered through the same decision, literally the same use case. Decided on the 13 with 1TB. Portability was key for me after having a 2015 15" and doing most of my serious editing with external monitor. When on the road I only look at the work and mess around a bit don't need the extra space, if I were full time traveling I might consider the larger machine.

I think the battery life is a moot point. Carry the charger, and if so remote that you can't plug into mains power get a battery pack which you can then carry or not as you see fit. IF you get the larger machine for only battery you always have to carry the larger machine with it's larger battery. The 13 with a battery pack gives you more freedom to travel light.

Good luck friend.

 

[CB98]

Just suffered through the same decision, literally the same use case. Decided on the 13 with 1TB. Portability was key for me after having a 2015 15" and doing most of my serious editing with external monitor. When on the road I only look at the work and mess around a bit don't need the extra space, if I were full time traveling I might consider the larger machine.

I think the battery life is a moot point. Carry the charger, and if so remote that you can't plug into mains power get a battery pack which you can then carry or not as you see fit. IF you get the larger machine for only battery you always have to carry the larger machine with it's larger battery. The 13 with a battery pack gives you more freedom to travel light.

Good luck friend.

Thanks! And does it provide enough power for your work?

 

[Goompa]

If you are coming from 15 inch, stay there! Screen size is very important. It will obviously overkill anything you throw at it and will last you many many years.
However, if you are not going to take it anywhere... I’d still get the 15 inch xD

 

[Plett]

Thanks! And does it provide enough power for your work?

Funny you ask, it arrives today so I am excited to find out!!! Like I said I Just finished suffering over this very same question

 

[CB98]

Funny you ask, it arrives today so I am excited to find out!!! Like I said I Just finished suffering over this very same question

Let me know!