Hi, I'm a college student studying Software Engineering, and I plan on buying a MacBook Pro M3 Pro. I was at the Apple store and tried both the 14" and 16", but I just can't decide. I prefer a larger screen and a very big trackpad, but I also like the 14" version because of its size and portability. By the way, we're talking about the same specs; the only difference is the screen size.
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Help me decide: 14" or 16"
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Being a software engineer myself, a larger display can be really useful when using IDE's like Visual Studio Code and PyCharm/IntelliJ, etc. However, I'm typically using an external display when working on projects and the laptop display has browser, chat, email clients, etc. More storage and RAM is where I lean so .. 14" w/ as much storage and RAM as you can afford.. and don't forget to budget for AppleCare+. You have 60 days from initial purchase to buy AC+. I consider it necessary since a motherboard replacement is required if any component should fail... and that fix is extremely expensive w/out AC+.
Thank you, I agree. AC+ is absolutely necessary! I also always use dual monitor setup.
I plan on buying this configuration:
14" M3 Pro
36/1TB
12 Core CPU
18 Code GPU
16 Core Neural Engine
Nice. Agree w/ no less than 1TB storage. 36GB RAM should be plenty for software engineering. You can run lots of Docker containers, local Kubernetes, and VMs w/ 36GB RAM.
Thank you for the reply, I think ill go with the 14" version since it is light weight and portable. I always use an external display anyway so I think that the 14" is a good pick.
I plan on using it for the next 5ish years, do you think that I should maybe get 2 TB SSD instead of 1 TB?
I plan on using it for the next 5ish years, do you think that I should maybe get 2 TB SSD instead of 1 TB?
If you “prefer” something over something else then you will likely regret not purchasing what you “prefer”.
Unless you plan on having an external monitor setup I’d go with the 16”.
You’ll get better battery life for classes, you’ll want the extra screen for coding and development. Having owned both it makes a big difference.
If you’re going to have it docked most of the time then it doesn’t matter but if not go with the 16
You’ll get better battery life for classes, you’ll want the extra screen for coding and development. Having owned both it makes a big difference.
If you’re going to have it docked most of the time then it doesn’t matter but if not go with the 16
I travel a lot, and extra screen real estate from 16 MBP is amazing when you have IDE, Docs or output consoles open. I find 14 is too small, and portability isn’t that better compared to 16.
Buy the most processor/RAM you can get for the money. Storage isn’t a big deal with external drive, and cloud options.
Buy the most processor/RAM you can get for the money. Storage isn’t a big deal with external drive, and cloud options.
How much less portable is a 16" over a 14"? It is a little over a 1lb more and I am guessing fits in a backpack or computer bag as easily as the 14" does. I have the 14" myself and like it, but I am ok with the smaller screen for portable work and use it plugged into a larger screen for the heavy stuff.
if you use an external display which I have work work but never have for my MAC ( i know....) do I just plug in the HDMI into the port of the laptop and it will work or do I need a special adapter?
I am a professor and I am not certain, what classroom set up, you will be able to have a 16" bit on a desk?
MBP 16 or my iPad Pro depending on the use. MBP16 fits on the tray, but IPad Pro is more convenient with space for a drink. I rarely had a problem with MBP 16 fitting in tight spaces on the flight or hotel rooms. For me the ultimate portability is iPad Pro 12.9. I personally don’t see a huge difference between 14 and 16 MBP on the road.
iPad Pro for me is just 15% consumption and mostly used for work. I don’t try to make iPad in to a laptop, but rather have good workflows that make iPad Pro much better than a laptop in certain use cases.
I'm a draftsman and had the same issues/questions. I ultimately went with the 14" and love it. I'll stay with the 14" when I upgrade in a couple years. The reason is that ultimately for me, neither the 16" or the 14" are actually a big enough screen. So when I'm home I use two studio displays, but on the go portability remains important for me, especially weight in the back pack. Thats because I walk a lot though. If you're in a car, and not lugging it around on your back all the time, I could see going 16".
100% exactly my thoughts !
I bought the 16 the other day [have had a 14 M1 Max since launch] and sent it back as neither screen are big enough. The increase in size and weight wasn't offset by the screen size improvement.
And as you I use external monitors, and carry the computer [avoid car commuting].
But also agree that if you are barely carrying it anywhere, may as well get the 16.