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17" on airplanes
- Thread starter jrock2004
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depends on the aircraft. If it is the small boeings that do short distances up to 3 hours don't expect a 17" to be easy to use.
I recently used my 15" rmbp on such a small boeing and while i could use it, it wasn't comfortable. Not much room.
Now if you go into one of those big planes that cross the atlantic or do long distances, the leg room and generally the passenger seat is much more spacey and comfy. I guess you could use a 17" there without problems.
But on small planes the 15" is already the max.
I've seen people using a 17" MBP and other 17" laptops in cattle class on long-haul flights, so it is possible. I have a 17" but wouldn't try to use it on a plane. Apart from having space to use it, it's not going to fit in the seat-back pocket so it would be a damned nuisance if you didn't have an aisle seat.
I think it also depends a lot on your physical build - if you are tall/fat/broad-shouldered then you're going to have difficulty using it. If you're skinny and fit comfortably in a cattle-class seat then I hate you (but you'll probably have more luck with your laptop).
If you just want it for music and movies, then a tablet is going to be far more convenient and comfortable, and will fit in the seat pocket once you've chucked the duty free catalogue on the floor.
I don't know about 17" laptops - they do seem a little larger then I prefer but I've never run into a problem using my 15" laptops on a plane. Perhaps I've lucked out that the person in front never fully reclined but in any event its never been an issue
Personally, I suggest you use your Tablet.
I went to Brazil w/ an 11" Laptop and it was quite uncomfortable.
I went to Brazil w/ an 11" Laptop and it was quite uncomfortable.
I used my 17in Business and First class.
The space is big enough to use the laptop but on economy, dont even think about it.
The space is big enough to use the laptop but on economy, dont even think about it.
Very hard to fit on a economy class seat. If you regularly take business or first, then it shouldn't be a problem.
+1. I travel with both my 15" rMBP and my iPad. If I get upgraded to 1st/Business class, I use the laptop. Otherwise, I use the iPad.
The lack of portability in these types of scenarios is likely one reason Apple is exiting the 17" notebook business. For me, on a 737, the 13" notebook size is perfect, feels a bit large on the tray table but in such close quarters the screen feels much bigger than a tablet would.
I used to use laptops or tablets on flights, but it became too much of pain. Now, I don't use anything on airplanes, unless it's my phone put in airplane mode. I just have to reach in my pocket to grab it.
To get anything else involves getting it from my carry-on that's either down by my feet, or up over my head. It's too much of a nuisance for me to bother. I'd rather just sleep or listen to music on my phone.
To get anything else involves getting it from my carry-on that's either down by my feet, or up over my head. It's too much of a nuisance for me to bother. I'd rather just sleep or listen to music on my phone.
All the time on tour.
I have to book first class or business class if I know I have to complete time sensitive work while in transit towards my destination. If I don't, then I don't bring anything with me but the most important things like ear plugs for myself and air fresheners for my smelly cabin neighbours ^_^
I have to book first class or business class if I know I have to complete time sensitive work while in transit towards my destination. If I don't, then I don't bring anything with me but the most important things like ear plugs for myself and air fresheners for my smelly cabin neighbours ^_^
that is true, in the lower classes it will be tight with a 17" screen. if your not in business class , you will have a hard time in most planes. I fly all the time for business and my best friend is my ipad, trust me. get a little keyboard if you need that and you are set with most things.
No idea. I've owned my 17" MBP for almost two years now and still have yet to find out. Haven't flown in economy since before I bought my 17" MBP, and even then, haven't seen a regular economy seat since 2009.
From what I've heard from others though was it works ok in premium economy seats (exit row, bulkhead, extra legroom seats) but definitely not regular economy.
From what I've heard from others though was it works ok in premium economy seats (exit row, bulkhead, extra legroom seats) but definitely not regular economy.