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Help me choose: 13 vs 15" MBP

ChiSouthernGirl

ChiSouthernGirl

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Sep 10, 2011
18
13
My 15" mid-2012 MBP Retina is on its last legs. I've always had 15 inch laptops, even had a 17" Toshiba years ago. I don't do fancy things--I'm a writer and genealogist, not a software developer or gamer. I do watch movies occasionally and have a blog, but it's not stuff that requires a lot of power.

I don't lug my MBP around frequently, but being too large wouldn't be my issue anyway. I'm worried about going too small. My hands are used to this size keyboard, and my older eyes might not appreciate the reduced landscape of a 13 inch model. I do need disk space--after running out a year ago on my 256GB SSD (I now depend heavily on network and portable storage), I vowed I would have at least 1TB the next time I bought, and I want to stick to that. I think 16GB of memory is prudent as well. The much-debated touch bar doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

So, to anyone who has made the change from a 15 to 13 inch model, any advice? I'm seriously considering a refurb model on the Apple site. Two I'm looking at:

Option 1: $2379
13.3" MBP 3.3Ghz dual-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 550
$269 for Applecare
Total: $2648

Option 2: $2459
15.4" MBP 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
$379 for Apple Care
Total: $2838

Thanks. I'm still a newbie although I signed up almost 6 years ago...I guess I'm more of a lurker.
 
I have not moved to a 13 inch model, but here are my thoughts……..

By your own admission it sounds like a 13 inch model would not be best for you. Plus, the difference in price is nothing when you consider the difference in performance that you will get with the 15.4 inch model.

I know you said that you do not need performance, but the more “computer” you buy now, the more “future proofed” you will be before you need another upgrade.

Without a second thought I would be buying the 15.4 inch model.

Hope it helps.
 
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I, too, would go for the larger display size. In fact, the only reason I do not now own a MBP is because the 17" model was discontinued. 13" works for me with a tablet, but for a laptop it would be too cramped, especially for writing. My eyesight is not what it once was, so putting more avoidable strain on my eyes isn't desirable. By the sound of it, you may be in the same myopic boat where we have increasingly more trouble seeing the oars, and chances are that you'll be using the machine for several years, so getting a display size that you know works for you is a good idea, I feel.
 
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Option 2 all the way. You're used to the larger size and your eyes are just going to get older. Down the road you'll say 'I wish I'd bought the 15"' but I don't think you'll say 'I wish I'd bought the 13"'.
 
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Why is ur 2012 on its last legs? Is it defective or performance wise? If it's the last than a dual core won't make u happy

But with your described tasks a 2012 quad core should have no problems. What does activity monitor say about RAM?

Even 8GB should be enough for the next couple of years as long as u do not use VMs or other intense programs
 
Just from what you said, completely disregarding the detailed specs, I would go with the 15". You are more used to the larger size, and since you're a writer, you would appreciate being able to see more text with the larger screen real estate.

I have used both a 15" and 13" (but mostly the 13" that I own). I, personally, LOVE my 13" Macbook Pro, and wouldn't have it any other way. I'm a software developer and screen real estate is important, but portability is even more important in my current situation.

But, this is a case of personal preference, and your heart is clearly 15" across :D
 
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maflynn said:
Personally, I think your best bet is the 15", larger display, quad core processor, dGPU.
Click to expand...

I second this, and all the other recs for the 15" - I had a 13" 2011 and moved to a 15" 2012 Retina and now to a 2017, and I absolutely recommend that route - especially considering the closeness in prices
 
ChiSouthernGirl said:
My 15" mid-2012 MBP Retina is on its last legs. I've always had 15 inch laptops, even had a 17" Toshiba years ago. I don't do fancy things--I'm a writer and genealogist, not a software developer or gamer. I do watch movies occasionally and have a blog, but it's not stuff that requires a lot of power.

I don't lug my MBP around frequently, but being too large wouldn't be my issue anyway. I'm worried about going too small. My hands are used to this size keyboard, and my older eyes might not appreciate the reduced landscape of a 13 inch model. I do need disk space--after running out a year ago on my 256GB SSD (I now depend heavily on network and portable storage), I vowed I would have at least 1TB the next time I bought, and I want to stick to that. I think 16GB of memory is prudent as well. The much-debated touch bar doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

So, to anyone who has made the change from a 15 to 13 inch model, any advice? I'm seriously considering a refurb model on the Apple site. Two I'm looking at:

Option 1: $2379
13.3" MBP 3.3Ghz dual-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 550
$269 for Applecare
Total: $2648

Option 2: $2459
15.4" MBP 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
$379 for Apple Care
Total: $2838

Thanks. I'm still a newbie although I signed up almost 6 years ago...I guess I'm more of a lurker.
Click to expand...


I currently have a 2015 13 inch MacBook Pro that I got on sale last year. Now I have a 2017 15 inch MacBook Pro and love the screen real estate over the 13 inch. I don't mind the extra weight at all and while it is overkill for what I need I am fine with it. I would of gotten the base 15 inch 2017 model but I wanted the 512GB SSD so I got the top model for $2,500 with my education discount. While I didn't have any issues with the 13 inch screen I have always used 15 or 17 inch laptops and prefer those. I also figure with these specs the 15 will last me quite a while since I won't even use it to it's fullest.
 
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In this use case it would make sense if Apple would offer a 14-15" laptop with lower specs like the LG Gram 14.

As we have from time to time discussions in the MB forum there is a need. It's ridiculous to pay $1000 extra just to get a larger display when u don't need quad core or dGPU.
 
ChiSouthernGirl said:
My 15" mid-2012 MBP Retina is on its last legs. I've always had 15 inch laptops, even had a 17" Toshiba years ago. I don't do fancy things--I'm a writer and genealogist, not a software developer or gamer. I do watch movies occasionally and have a blog, but it's not stuff that requires a lot of power.

I don't lug my MBP around frequently, but being too large wouldn't be my issue anyway. I'm worried about going too small. My hands are used to this size keyboard, and my older eyes might not appreciate the reduced landscape of a 13 inch model. I do need disk space--after running out a year ago on my 256GB SSD (I now depend heavily on network and portable storage), I vowed I would have at least 1TB the next time I bought, and I want to stick to that. I think 16GB of memory is prudent as well. The much-debated touch bar doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

So, to anyone who has made the change from a 15 to 13 inch model, any advice? I'm seriously considering a refurb model on the Apple site. Two I'm looking at:

Option 1: $2379
13.3" MBP 3.3Ghz dual-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 550
$269 for Applecare
Total: $2648

Option 2: $2459
15.4" MBP 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
$379 for Apple Care
Total: $2838

Thanks. I'm still a newbie although I signed up almost 6 years ago...I guess I'm more of a lurker.
Click to expand...

13" is a great machine, but IMO, the value of the 13" drops dramatically when you start adding on options. This is a prime example. For less than $200 more you get significantly more screen real estate, twice the number of physical CPU Cores, and significantly faster dedicated GPU. Even if you would be fine with the 13", in this comparison the 13" makes no sense.
 
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Since you are primarily a writer, 8 GB ram would be more than enough. I agree with others here that 15" is the way to go. Since portability is not needed in your case, I would go with an iMac 20-27 inch screen would be so easy on the eyes.
 
I appreciate the feedback. It's not that I NEVER take my MBP anywhere, but the weight and size difference between the 13 and 15 is not an issue because I don't take it out that often. I would like to keep the option to do so, however, for when I go onsite to genealogy locales or on research trips. I do most of my work on the couch, nestled between cat and dog, so an iMac would not be practical or versatile. I have a 27" monitor in our home office, but I like the comfort of my La-Z-Boy much better and it makes me more productive, surprisingly.

I think you all have read me pretty well. I was wondering if someone might give me a compelling reason to support the 13" model over what my heart has been telling me to do, which is to go with the 15". The real estate is just too important to me, and you're right, I won't be kicking myself for not buying a 13" model.

Now, does anyone think it would be worth the extra money to buy new vs. refurbished? Anything compelling enough to go with a 2017 over a 2016? I agree with a few posters as far as buying as much as I can afford now. It will serve me longer. 1TB is a must, 16GB memory is a close second, and processor speed, while important, is not as important as the overall cost, especially with the type of tasks I use the MBP for.

My 2012 has only 256 GB SSD, and I reached capacity over a year ago. I'm weary of thumb drives, network drives, external hard drives, endlessly moving, consolidating, zipping files, etc. It also runs hot (fans on) and slow on many internet sites using Safari. (Please don't try to sell me on Chrome!) I try to keep the number of apps open at one time to a minimum, but it's been getting progressively worse. If I didn't have the space problem, I'd probably shell out some bucks to have Apple check it out, but at this point, I'm ready to move on and I'd rather put the money into a new machine.

Thanks again for the opinions.
 
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Well the cheapest solution would be to install a bigger SSD in ur current machine. OWC sells 1TB for about $500

When u r going new The basic CPU 15" MPB 2016 from the refurbished store should be more than enough. CPU upgrade seldom is worth it and u have very basic tasks. Even the 13" has no problem to support u.

That your current MBP runs hot while using safari is for sure not because of a weak CPU. There is some other problem.
Therefore I asked u to post activity monitor CPU and RAM usage.
 
ChiSouthernGirl said:
My 15" mid-2012 MBP Retina is on its last legs. I've always had 15 inch laptops, even had a 17" Toshiba years ago. I don't do fancy things--I'm a writer and genealogist, not a software developer or gamer. I do watch movies occasionally and have a blog, but it's not stuff that requires a lot of power.

I don't lug my MBP around frequently, but being too large wouldn't be my issue anyway. I'm worried about going too small. My hands are used to this size keyboard, and my older eyes might not appreciate the reduced landscape of a 13 inch model. I do need disk space--after running out a year ago on my 256GB SSD (I now depend heavily on network and portable storage), I vowed I would have at least 1TB the next time I bought, and I want to stick to that. I think 16GB of memory is prudent as well. The much-debated touch bar doesn't matter to me one way or the other.

So, to anyone who has made the change from a 15 to 13 inch model, any advice? I'm seriously considering a refurb model on the Apple site. Two I'm looking at:

Option 1: $2379
13.3" MBP 3.3Ghz dual-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Intel Iris Graphics 550
$269 for Applecare
Total: $2648

Option 2: $2459
15.4" MBP 2.6Ghz quad-core i7 (Oct 2016)
16GB of 2133MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
1TB PCIe-based onboard SSD
Radeon Pro 450 with 2GB of GDDR5 memory
$379 for Apple Care
Total: $2838

Thanks. I'm still a newbie although I signed up almost 6 years ago...I guess I'm more of a lurker.
Click to expand...

Can't help but think you personally wouldn't be happy with the 13''. You said it yourself, it's not lugged around frequently, so to me there's absolutely no advantage other than price to going with the 13'' model. You're also accustomed to large computers and have been for years it sounds like so I don't believe you'll find you've made the wrong decision all this time.

The 13'' is fantastic and would be my honest recommendation to most people, including friends and coworkers. But I don't think you will be happier with the 13.

As for other buying advice, definitely do not spend any more on a CPU bump. For your type of usage this will net you little to no value in real world usage. Spend the extra $$ on storage if you have to and call it a day.
 
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We have both in our house. I strongly prefer the 15" model - more room to work on the screen, and, to me, the 15" just looks more sturdy than the 13" model.
 
Have had both and the screen on the 15" is niiiiice. I don't think I could go back to the 13". I also do not take my laptop with me most of the time as my iPad Pro is my tagalong.
 
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Also a writer and find juggling windows too difficult on a 13", even split screen is close to uncomfortably small for side by side work (and flicking back and forward between two full screen apps gets grating/ can be disruptive). The 2015 15" is something else you might want to just consider if there's a good deal, considering it's as or more powerful than all but it's 15" successors and you say you're not concerned by having the most powerful computer anyway it could be better to compare between it and the 2016 15" you are looking at.
 
Apple refurbished products are great, and I wouldn't hesitate to purchase anything from them directly. When purchased from Apple, not only do you get the same warranty you would get if you purchased a new item, but you can also add apple care to their refurbished products.
 
I've had 13", 15", and 17" (wish they'd make those again). When portability isn't an issue, buy as big as you can. Nobody ever said I'm glad I bought the little screen even though it sits stationary in front of me and hardly ever goes anywhere.
 
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