Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Am I weak or are the MacBooks & MacBook Pros heavy?

tray said:
Hi,

I'm a student and a day normally sees me shuttling between different places in school. I use a 15.4" MBP (MB user previously) in a Timbuk2 (medium-sized) sling bag.

There'll be a time after mid-day when I realize the weight of the bag is killing me. My shoulders are aching and sometimes I get this burning sensation. I tried going to school a couple of days without my notebook (impossible to do again) and I realized how much lighter my bag was and I could honestly carry it around the whole day without any issues.

However, when I read these threads, it seems that most people seem to have no issue with the weight of the MBs and MBPs. Am I an anomaly? The MBA looks very appealing to me simply because of its weight. It is the lightest notebook. I was actually thinking of downgrading my SR MBP to a 12" PowerBook when I realized that the PB is only slightly lighter.

God, am I only the one that feels the Apple's current line of notebooks (except the MBA) are heavy to carry around the entire day? Please tell me I'm not alone. Thanks. :D
Click to expand...

excuse to get the MBA??? ;)
 
yeah...

I carried a 17" powerbook around in a shoulder bag for a while...add books and miscellaneous items...it was heavy. Switching to a backpack helped a ton.

Switching to a 12" felt like I was only carrying the backpack.
 
I used to carry my MBP around in a sling style bag. The weight on just one shoulder was quite testing, and I got pains. Wasn't that it was heavy, just the fact that all the weight was directed down and pressing on my shoulder rather than being spread across them both.

I bought a ruck sack and I don't even notice the weight at all. The shoulder straps are larger too so it spreads the weight even more, making it dig in less to my shoulders.

Get a ruck sack, it might help prevent you straining your back over time.
 
Kilamite said:
I used to carry my MBP around in a sling style bag. The weight on just one shoulder was quite testing, and I got pains. Wasn't that it was heavy, just the fact that all the weight was directed down and pressing on my shoulder rather than being spread across them both.

I bought a ruck sack and I don't even notice the weight at all. The shoulder straps are larger too so it spreads the weight even more, making it dig in less to my shoulders.

Get a ruck sack, it might help prevent you straining your back over time.
Click to expand...

Finally! Someone feels the same way!
 
loungemonkey said:
Not quiet since he says get a pack that will actually help....you are just trying to justify buying a MBA it sounds like.
Click to expand...

Seriously; a grape would be "heavy" if you rested it on your eyelid. That doesn't mean grapes need to be lighter; it means you can't put undue stress on your body and expect to feel good. Nearly everyone in this thread has said (approximately) "stop being stupid and wear a backpack!!!". If you want to get an MBA, go for it, but don't pretend you're getting one because the MB/Ps are too heavy. :D
 
Okay, this is totally unscientific. But could the notebook feel heavy because I'm not that big-sized.

I'm 5'7 and 154pounds. How tall and heavy are you guys?
 
Another one agreeing with the backpack comments *nod*

Although, I'm a switcher and my 15.4" laptop 'supposed lightweight' was heavier than my 17" MBP.
 
tiredhorses said:
https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/4828234/

...Nope. :)
Click to expand...

Okay, 'fess up. Is your MB the only thing in your bag? :eek:

::Lisa:: said:
Another one agreeing with the backpack comments *nod*

Although, I'm a switcher and my 15.4" laptop 'supposed lightweight' was heavier than my 17" MBP.
Click to expand...

Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:
 
I know what you mean - I carry my MB to, from and around Uni each day, and whilst it may be heavy enough to know it's on my back in a backpack (which is actually a good thing!), it doesn't leave me with any pain or discomfort, whereas carrying it in a sling bag leaves me with a sore shoulder - which could either be that the bag is unergonomic (can I use that in relation to bags?) or that that particular style of bag aggravates a problem with my back, which hasn't ever been the same since an incident on a plane a few years ago.

Get a backpack, and my advice would be to wear it as high as possible, which has worked for me.

tray said:
Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:
Click to expand...

And for this, get an iPod touch. Seriously, carrying an MBP when you don't need it is asking for trouble.
 
tray said:
Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:
Click to expand...

I have a stylish back-pack that is designed for laptops. Has clips to secure the bag is shut incase the zip breaks. Can also stick a padlock on it if you are scared someone might open the back during busy London streets.

Get a back-pack, they are so much more convenient and accessible. A sling bag tends to have only one pouch, and if there is more than one pouch it'll be bulky and will bang off your hips when you walk.

It is obvious if you find a sling-bag inadequate for weight distribution then get a back-pack!
 
great high wolf said:
And for this, get an iPod touch. Seriously, carrying an MBP when you don't need it is asking for trouble.
Click to expand...

I have an iPhone. The trouble with it is EDGE is too slow and there a limited number of good WiFi spots around where I am. Conversely, I have a HSDPA modem thetered to my MBP, giving me sweet internet access wherever I am!
 
tray said:
Okay, I agree about the backpack thing for school. But think about this? You're in London meeting your friends to catch a play/shop at Topshop/chill out. And you got some free time, so do you fish out your MBP from your Backpack or a sling bag? A backpack is so out of place!!! :confused:
Click to expand...
Well you've answered your own question there then :) Use BP for school and sling for your mates. If it gets too heavy just keep switching shoulders or something? *shrug*

I do understand what you mean though because my photog equipment is in a side bag. I just keep switching sides when the other hurts.

-Lisa
 
tray said:
I have an iPhone. The trouble with it is EDGE is too slow and there a limited number of good WiFi spots around where I am. Conversely, I have a HSDPA modem thetered to my MBP, giving me sweet internet access wherever I am!
Click to expand...

Well, it's your call, but I never carry my MB when I don't need it. When I need a laptop but don't feel safe with the MB, I have an old G3 Wallstreet that can be lugged around as a substitute. Unbreakable and if anyone nicks it, they'll get one hell of a nasty surprise...
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back