13" vs 15"

[Mojo1]

I have both a 13" and 15" MBP; I'm selling the 15" mainly because it is simply too large for traveling. I don't consider the 17" to be a portable computer; it's a monster size-wise and cost-wise...

The MBA displays are inferior to the MBP. I experienced significant eyestrain and a headache after using an MBA for 1.5 hours. I have never had that problem in over 15+ years of using Macs.

The only downside to the 13" MBP is the lack of an anti-glare display option from Apple. I solved it by using the excellent $35 Power Support anti-glare film. It doesn't introduce artifacts or color shifts like other films; it's appearance is remarkably similar to my 15" MBP with a matte display.

Another option is a $200 matte display replacement from Tech Restore.

 

[cclloyd]

I don't care about the antiglare much and figured if I did later that I could just get a screen protector.

As for what all you said, like I said, only oldish games, with the newest one being Assassins Creed II/Brotherhood, which one of the videos I posted shows him playing it fine, even with the recorder playing.

Besides, I still play most games on my 360.

So I am going to play in the apple store for 30 minutes or so, and see if I can stand to use the 13". If I can, I am going to get it.

And since the thunderbolt display has like 10 GB/s, won't external video cards be out soon, of which would make my computer easily capable of running newer games?

 

[aCondor]

IMO, the 13" is the perfect combination of portability and power. I have the 2011 MBP 13" and have had no problems whatsoever with gaming, Photoshop, or anything else.

 

[Rhyalus]

IMO, the 13" is the perfect combination of portability and power. I have the 2011 MBP 13" and have had no problems whatsoever with gaming, Photoshop, or anything else.

You must be a light gamer....?

R

 

[Vantage Point]

Your post makes me think about one thing.
First time I will go to the 15" based model but like you said I may not use it much for gaming. For me I just use the CS5 stuff. Rarely for photo or VDO editing. Just plan to use DreamWeaver (frequent), do some programming, wanna learn writing iOS Apps, surf the net, listen to music, watch vdo, do documents, for research. I hesitate to choose the 15 model because of these reasons. Actually, this will be my first macbook and I plan not to buy it for long time. Should I go to the 15" based model? Thanks in advance.

In general the best value is the base model. You can easily upgrade the ram and even the hard drive yourself to enhance performance without violating the warranty - I did that with my 2010 base 15" MBP, see my signature. It is much cheaper to do it yourself then pay apple extra for these upgrades. For things like CS5 it will fly and likely be powerful enough to handle most tasks for many years. Paying more for a higher specs model can cost more than buying a base model and upgrading every 1 - 2 years since you get the latest and greatest with a new warranty and keep up with the latest new processors.

 

[cclloyd]

Which reminds me, instead of making a new topic, how long is the warrenty and what does it cover? Can I just go to an apple store and they replace it like I heard?

 

[Vantage Point]

Warranty is 1 year with phone support for 90 days. You can buy Apple Care anytime within the first year to get 3 years coverage and 3 years of phone support.

Warranty includes all hardware but does not include things like spill protection so never hold a cup of coffee over your device while using or keep it so close that if it gets knocked over it may spill onto... The battery is warrantied to hold 80% of a charge for up to 1000 charges/cycles.

If you have a problem you can either call for help or make an appointment online at your local apple store. An appointment is often necessary and guarantees that you will be taken care of - just walk into the apple store and check in with the concierge who will check your appointment and verify that you arrived. I have been in to my local Apple store several times in the past year and was quickly taken care of. Last time was a loose key which they replaced on the spot and they always run a complimentary diagnostic on your computer.

RAM and hard drive can be exchanged without violating your warranty but obviously the replacement parts will not be covered by apple. If you monkey with other things like removing the optical drive to replace with a second hard drive then you violate the warranty - best to do this, if you are going to do this, after one year.

Apple service is pretty much the best in the businesss

 

[Mojo1]

The best Applecare prices can be found at the L.A. Computer Company. Its price for a 13" MBP is three dollars less than Apple's educational discount.

LACC is an authorized Apple retailer. Avoid eBay Applecare auctions; most are outright scams, particularly the seller who e-mail the serial numbers...

 

[Phil A.]

I'd convinced myself I needed a 15" MBP because of the quad core (I don't play games or do heavy video / graphics work on my MBP: It's mainly programming) but when I saw the 13" and 15" side by side in the store I went for an i7 13" because of the greater portability of it, and I certainly wouldn't want to be lugging a 17" around.
There isn't a single size that's perfect for everyone, which is why they sell 3 different sizes