13" vs 15" MBP for work... struggling to decide

[belle14]

I'm currently using a (very well used) late 2013 13" MBP and I'm due to purchase a new MBP through my work this month. I absolutely love the size and portability of the 13" and don't especially want to be carrying around something bigger. However I do a lot of HD video editing and I do want the graphics capabilities of the 15". I also travel a lot and need something highly portable.

I've been back and forth between the two for ages and can't make up my mind. I've been into store and looked at both, picked them up, sat them next to my current MBP and I'm no closer to a decision. I do want something which I won't need to replace for a few years, and after playing around with the 15" in store, the graphics performance was noticeably better. I just really don't like the size of it.

So since Apple is unlikely to put the graphics from the 15" into the 13", can anyone help me out to make a decision?

 

[PhilMacbook]

Both 13 and 15 inch should be a good step up. It sounds like portability is a major factor for you. If the main attraction of the 15" is graphics and not screen size you can always buy the 13" and if you find you still need more graphics power buy the GPU to go with it.
[doublepost=1537043499][/doublepost]....by the way my MBP is even older. When I find some time I will also upgrade and it should be a nice step up for me too.

 

[Howard2k]

Seems like it’s a simple case of which one is more important: Horsepower or portability.

 

[belle14]

Both 13 and 15 inch should be a good step up. It sounds like portability is a major factor for you. If the main attraction of the 15" is graphics and not screen size you can always buy the 13" and if you find you still need more graphics power buy the GPU to go with it.
[doublepost=1537043499][/doublepost]....by the way my MBP is even older. When I find some time I will also upgrade and it should be a nice step up for me too.

Do you mean using an external GPU? Don't know why I didn't think of that.

 

[jpn]

you say you travel alot.
if your travel is by yr personal car, get the Macbook Pro.
if your travel is by bike, walking, public transportation, subway, then get the Macbook.
you are right to be wary of the weight difference. even this small amount of weight difference is meaningful to people who travel alot.

 

[belle14]

Seems like it’s a simple case of which one is more important: Horsepower or portability.

And what if I want both? Haha therein lies my dilemma...

 

[Howard2k]

And what if I want both? Haha therein lies my dilemma...

Pick your favourite child.

 

[ann713]

How about 15” MBP + iPad Pro, or 13” MBP paired with a nice monitor? I’m in this dilemma as well; sometimes it’s just productive to have a large screen estate.

 

[PhilMacbook]

Do you mean using an external GPU? Don't know why I didn't think of that.

Yes. Some have said the cost of the 13"+GPU is around the cost of the 15". I don't know if that is correct but it is worth looking into if the GPU is a possible solution for you.

 

[belle14]

Yes. Some have said the cost of the 13"+GPU is around the cost of the 15". I don't know if that is correct but it is worth looking into if the GPU is a possible solution for you.

I've had a quick look at the eGPUs recommended by Apple and it seems like the price is around £500, so pretty much the difference between the 13" and 15". I haven't used one before but it does seem like it could be the ideal solution.

 

[Abaganov]

it's funny but I find myself more productive on the small screen (and using multiple desktops). helps me to stay focus.

 

[maflynn]

For me, I feel the 15" isn't too large to carry while commuting, I've done that for years. Also the screen real estate that you get with the 15" makes a world difference, imo.