I’m going on a trip to Asia soon, contemplating whether I should bring my 15” MBP or buy an iPad to bring for the trip. Purpose of this device will be movie watching on the flights and web browsing at hotels. Currently I do not own any iPads. Any suggestions?
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2018 MacBook Pro 15” too heavy for travel?
- Thread starter kevjen888
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It's more big than heavy IMO, although charger adds some weight. I wouldn't have any problems bringing a 15" MBP on a vacation personally, unless I was expecting to be travelling very long distances on foot.
If your purpose is entertainment only, then the iPad is probably the better device to take, especially if you really want to travel light, although any cheap tablet will do what you want.
Not at all! I’d rather have to much than too little. I took my iPad Pro on a long trip and no laptop didn’t work for me. I had to still access files, so online forms etc. easier on the pro IMO.
From what I hear, some people are being asked to unlock their devices for customs upon return. Perhaps a new device without a lot of your files on it makes sense.
My current strategy for travel is to take along my 12" MacBook and an iPad Mini 5. In the past I had tried going solo with a 10.5 iPad and there were times when I really, really wished that I had a laptop with me. I like using the iPad, too, on trips, though, and when the iPad Mini 5 came out this spring I decided to go with one of those for casual use during travel and it works out just fine. The 12" MB is thin and light, great for trips, and does things that I need when away from home -- an ideal travel companion. The larger 15" MBP and the larger 12.9" iPad Pro stay at home.
I've been using 15" for years and love the form factor. I've never had issues with mobility
lol - I used to travel all over with my 17" PowerBook G4
Makes me chuckle that anyone would even ask if the any of the current laptops are too big for travel.
I still miss 17" Mac laptops now that I think about it.
Makes me chuckle that anyone would even ask if the any of the current laptops are too big for travel.
I still miss 17" Mac laptops now that I think about it.
lol - I used to travel all over with my 17" PowerBook G4
Makes me chuckle that anyone would even ask if the any of the current laptops are too big for travel.
10 Years Later ...
“Hey guys, what do you think of the new 12oz 15” MacBook XS Pro? Is it too heavy to carry around? I’m planning on using it for in-flight entertainment, but I don’t want to break my back when having to walk when needed. Thoughts?”
Problems / problems: remember when the old powerbooks weighed at least 50% more and were really thick and the battery lasted about 2 hours. Having said that the new 13 inch is the sweet spot for me for travelling. I have never broken a computer when away – I have completely wrecked an iPad dropping if face down on a cobbled pavement.
Back in the day, although I’m a fairly petite woman, I traveled with a 17” MBP and it was great for the purpose it was serving, and since we were traveling by car, no big hassle. I also in the past at different times have traveled with a 15” MBP, too. 13” MBP or 13” MBA were pressed into service for traveling as well. Now years have passed, I’m a bit older and the weight of everything matters more to me. I’m very happy to have the lightweight, slim and sleek 2017 12” MB and the small iPad Mini 5 as my current travel companions.....
I currently carry a 2014 15 and a 2015 15 in my backpack. No big deal. 18 years ago I used to carry an Inspiron 4000 and an Inspiron 4100. They were eight pounds each. No big deal. My 2008 MBP 17 is 8+ pounds too.
Deadlifts, Shoulder Press, Bench Press, Squats - good barbell exercises to help keep you fit into your 60s.
Deadlifts, Shoulder Press, Bench Press, Squats - good barbell exercises to help keep you fit into your 60s.
I wouldn't want to go travelling with an MBP 15" of any kind. Even the MBP 13" is more than enough of a consideration. Don't forget that you're not only carrying about the laptop but the charger and other things. Personally, if you can get away with just an iPad then go with the iPad.
The longer your trip is, the less you should take. I suggest you take a large screen smartphone only if it's just for movies and browsing. If you're into photography (like I am), the possibilities of wifi sync and mobile lightroom are way beyond what I could muster with any laptop 20 years ago. Travel light and enjoy the scenery instead of enjoying the equipment!
I would get an iPad honestly. The 15" is fine in terms of mobility (although nowadays there are mich more mobile options), but I wouldn't drag it around just as a multimedia device. Not only its a total overkill for your intended but its also an expensive device that I would not take with me on a holiday... especially if you are moving around and changing hotels.
Interesting question.
I have a 2018 15 Mbp and just bought an 11 iPad pro for travelling. I find the 15 too heavy and bulky. The iPad is slim and fits more easily into my luggage.
I have a 2018 15 Mbp and just bought an 11 iPad pro for travelling. I find the 15 too heavy and bulky. The iPad is slim and fits more easily into my luggage.
I carry mine around all day, it’s not heavy. Bulky maybe - but that can be remedied with a decent backpack. I’d recommend the North Face Borealis line for travel
I don't think its too heavy at all, but I do find it a bit of a pain to use in confined spaces. i.e. on the train/plane if you're using one of those flip down tables. If you're at a large table or are in first class travel, its absolutely fine, but I'll be honest, I found it tiresome in quite a lot of scenarios. To be honest, even when sitting working next to someone in a coffee shop for example, it takes up a lot of room compared to a 13 when you've also maybe got papers with you and a coffee etc.
But that large screen is stunning, so its all about priorities I guess.
But that large screen is stunning, so its all about priorities I guess.
I’ve travelled with the old 17” MBP. The current 15” is definitely not too heavy to travel with. That said, the iPad is perfect for what you want. I’ve travelled with only an iPad before and it was great. I’d do the same now with just a large iPhone!
This +100
I bought a 2018 15" MacBook Pro and travelled with it and although it wasn't really heavy, it was just so annoying in confined spaces. Especially on the plane with those flip down tables, cups, drinks, cords get in the way, all in economy! Imagine being stuck in the middle of a 3 seater on a 16 hour flight. (I do photo editing while traveling btw).
Like @ascender stated above, even at coffee shops, airport lounges, cafes, restaurants, it was taking too much space on the table.
I eventually got rid of it and got the 13" MBP for travel, and at home I hook it up to my awesome 27" LG 4K monitor (USB-C Thunderbolt is so amazing btw, 1 cord for everything!).
So as YMMV, I think if you travel in first class, or where there isn't a lot of people around then the 15" will do just fine. If I was just watching movies and browsing then a large screen phone or iPad would be all I would need.
I have 13 flights coming up in a few months, 67 hours in the air, NOT including layovers (i'm afraid to check to see how many layovers I have), I am super happy I made the switch to the 13" MBP.
I travelled all over the world with my trusty 17" MBP back in the day! It was great to have such a huge computer with me when traveling. I now carry a 2013 15" MBP with me everywhere.
Over the past few years I've noticed that it's getting harder and harder to fit my 15" on airplane tables. My computer hasn't changed sizes in 6 years, so I think the planes' seats are getting smaller!
When my 2013 finally dies I'll still get another 15" - the bigger screen is more important to me.
yeah, I find it hard however to do any meaningful work on a plane these days even with a 13! I bring my iPad Pro and just use that and usually my 15" because that screen is amazing... did I say amazing? as much as I like portability of a 13" aspect radio to me is off, for spreadsheet.
I know this is quite an old thread, but I'd say it's remarkably portable for a full sized laptop, literally comparable to a 2015 MacBook Air in size and not too much heavier. The one thing I'd be concerned about is whether you'd be allowed on the plane with it!