Going from 15 inch Pro to 13 inch Pro.....Screen size Expereince?

[jiholl]

Hi...I have a Late 2013 15 inch macbook pro...I am considering getting the new 13 in pro $1799 version....something about it attracts me to it...BUT...I love the screen size on my 15 and would love to hear from those who have done the same screen size downgrade.

Device never really leaves home...but I do use it at desk, on chair/couch, in bed, etc....smaller size seems like it would be more enjoyable. I could get the 2019 16 inch...and its tempting....but I don't need that kind of power....14 would have been ideal....

I totally realize its a personal choice....but just curious about people's experiences. I do have a 27 inch monitor that I can hook it up to if I ever really want/need a bigger screen experience for something.

Thanks!

 

[Rizvi1]

I've always used a 15" as my main MacBook Pro and starting last year began using my wife's old 13" MBP that she replaced as my "go" computer and there's a pretty big difference. I'd personally never use a 13" as my main. My new 16" is en route at the moment.

 

[profcutter]

Yeah, I once downsized to a 13 inch machine. I had been using a 17. It was awful. I went right back to a 15 inch 2013. Once you're used to the larger display, it's very hard to scale everything down to a 13 inch display.

 

[Alex W.]

13" you basically need sidecar.
The 16" with better split screen makes it totally smaller in footprint to do real work.

 

[jerryk]

What do you do with your system and would those tasks take advantage of a larger screen?

For chair/couch I use my iPad Pro instead of my MBPs. I have the folio keyboard on it so I can type short emails and such.

 

[Alex W.]

Everything, the 16" sees more because of the 16;10 ratio. its just better imo.

 

[jiholl]

What do you do with your system and would those tasks take advantage of a larger screen?

For chair/couch I use my iPad Pro instead of my MBPs. I have the folio keyboard on it so I can type short emails and such.

Mostly just the "basics".....browser, office apps, calendar, zoom, .....I totally realize those can work absolutely fine on 13, but with 15-16 everything can be made bigger...hmmmmm lol

 

[profcutter]

Web browsing, writing, photoshop, Final Cut Pro, pdf reading, literature reviews.

 

[Madhatter32]

I want a larger screen almost always except maybe when taking a short trip -- then the iPad makes sense for me.

 

[adrianlondon]

Went from a 15" Pro to my 13" Air. Happy with it. I've set the resolution to 1680 x 1050.

 

[IngerMan]

I have gone back and forth on next revisions from a 13" to 15" 2x. What I like about the 13" at home is moving it around, setting it on the corner table with one hand. When I move my 15" it is usually with both hands. I like the smaller envelope the 13" takes on the end tables.

If I need screen size at home then its on my 38" Dell UHD. The screen size 13" vs 15" does not seem huge but the weight and envelope size does.

 

[jiholl]

I have gone back and forth on next revisions from a 13" to 15" 2x. What I like about the 13" at home is moving it around, setting it on the corner table with one hand. When I move my 15" it is usually with both hands. I like the smaller envelope the 13" takes on the end tables.

If I need screen size at home then its on my 38" Dell UHD. The screen size 13" vs 15" does not seem huge but the weight and envelope size does.

Yes this is how i'm feeling too....just have always had 15 pro so worried 13 will be to small.

 

[profcutter]

It’s all personal preference, so you’ll have different answers. My experience was unequivocal, but maybe it won’t bother you.

 

[mcpix]

I love my 2017 13" MBP. It's my go to computer at home. I use it while I'm eating at the breakfast table, when I'm sitting on the couch or laying in bed at night. In all these situations my 15" 2015 MBP just feels awkward and bulky. When I sit at my desk to do work, I use my 15". Maybe you should keep your 2013 15" and get a new 13" too. One of the great features of the Mac OS is how easily everything shares between devices. Emails, texts, appointments and website passwords all get shared between the two computers.

 

[jerryk]

Mostly just the "basics".....browser, office apps, calendar, zoom, .....I totally realize those can work absolutely fine on 13, but with 15-16 everything can be made bigger...hmmmmm lol

And a 1.4 pounds more to carry. Don't get me wrong. I love my 16" MBP, but it is big and heavy. I have a 2020 13" on order so hopefully soon I will be able to speak more authoritatively about the difference.

 

[Rigtee]

I used to own a 2016 15" MBP which I sold 2 years ago for a 2018 13" model, mainly because of its noisy keyboard and its size.

The difference in weight and size between the two is definitely noticeable, the 13" is much more portable. I agree that the 16" in the bed or the sofa for a long period of time could be cumbersome, but don't forget the extra comfort (and power) you get from it. I think my next MBP will even be the big format (16") again as it gives you more bang for your buck (especially the entry-level 16" vs a high-end 13) and now, if you have an iPad with iPadOS, it is easy to only carry the tablet for light tasks!