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If you are back and forth on 13"vs 15"...
- Thread starter dannyar
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Yes. Buying Windows and installing and uninstalled all software in Mac and Windows and Linux is a hassle. That is why I asked many questions before possible purchasing.
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That would also be a good time to do a dongle test
It reminds me of sh*t hanging from my a** like dongles hanging off the laptop.
I’ve always been a 13” Pro guy. I’ve always thought the 15” was too big when trying it in store. However, I’ve never taken one home to try. It just seems like if I wanted a bigger screen i could use my 27” iMac instead.
To really work comfortably, I auto hide both the Dock and global menu bar. Helps out, but I think the extra 2 inches would go a long way. I do have an external display, but I mostly focused on the main display.
Good point. My girlfriend said the extra 2 inches would go a long way. She's since run off with the milkman. Maybe he's got a 15" Macbook Pro.
Aside from the global menu bar and dock, one of the software programs I am using has tool/information panels on the left and right hand side. I barely notice them on the iMac, but on the 13" display the two take up about 2/3's of the display leaving a very small window in between to work from. The 15" is definitely more workable than the 13", cramped yes, but not claustrophobic like the 13" was by comparison. I used to always have 17" laptops, but the 15" looks to be the best compromise in that regard.
That said, it seems the trend among laptop manufacturers is toward the smaller models. A lot of 12", 13" and 14" models. Maybe 15 is becoming the new 17?
I have had a 13” Air since 2012 that I am looking to replace and while that is a great machine at 2.97 lbs though less power than I would like and I ordered it with 8GB RAM (max at the time), one of my biggest things I have wrestled with in trying to decide is size. I want the 15” because 6 years with a 13” and I know it is too small. I had a 27” iMac and went from that to a Mac Mini with a Dell Curved 34” Ultrawide display (so I could dual purpose the display for both my Mac and my work PC), and I almost never use my little Air and gravitate towards the desktop. The Air has been for 6 years my secondary machine and I plan to have the Mini basically become a family iTunes server and backup Photos computer. I will use the MBP for my main machine, store my photos library on it and all docs etc. I will connect it to my 34” like I do my work PC when I want mor screen but will use it more than I ever did my Air. And for that reason I want the 15”. I am worried about the bulk. And a bit less worried about the weight. I do think the 15” weight is fine considering the previous design was 4.5 lbs and before that it was 5 lbs. However, the larger footprint does concern me.
I will say you mentioned that for those deciding this thread is for us and yet you said screen size isn’t a factor in your decision, which for most of us on the fence, screen size is a huge part of it.
LOL!
Some in here would say, its not the size of the equipment, its how you use it!For those wondering about the performance differences between the 2, ive used them side by side on final cut pro and the 13" is noticeably laggier and jumps around while trying to edit and playing the timeline while i didnt experience this at all with the 15". For THIS reason is why i mainly made the switch. I said in previous threads i wanted to try them side by side and if the difference was negligible then i would stick with the 13" for portability. Not only were export times cut in half with the 15" but the overall smoothness of the system while importing, editing, playing back my project, and then exporting were all much smoother on the 15".
I came from a Mid 2103 Air. I'm totally enjoying the 15" Pro. I use it on my lap and its not really too big.
For me I move my 13" laptop open with one hand on the outside corner from the counter to the recliner to out on the Deck. I tried handling the new 15" at the apple store with one hand. It did not feel comfortable or secure. I like the mobility of the 13" vs screen Realestate.
Listen, I get it. the 13" is a fine machine that will suit most people. Those that have settled on the 13" will convince themselves it was the best choice and thats its powerful enough, and it very well may be for what they do. At the end of the day though its hard to argue that price/performance ratio of the base model 15" is a much better purchase than the 13" config most are buying. If power, video editing and raw performance isn't something you really need or care about and its all about portability, why not just pick up a top spec'd 12" MacBook which will accomplish just about everything a 13" will and save you a pretty penny at the same time. Its not everyday we go out and spend over 2k on a machine thats gonna last us 3+ years so I don't see the reason to sell yourself short with an inferior model unless its absolutely necessary to save a pound in weight and about an inch off the sides. In that case like I stated before, why not go for the 12" MacBook?
Looks like you are trying to justify your 15" choice and make yourself feel better about it. You can't compare MBP 13" 2018 with MB 12" 2017. Different laptops for different usages, different categories. For some of us it's not the price or the weight, it's the big bulky size. For some of us it's a secondary computer. It is wrong to say we are getting screwed with the 13" because of the price/performance ratio. I could say that the base model of 15" doesn't worth it and for only +$400 you get better cpu, gpu, storage, which makes it even more pricy, but that's just my opinion. Everyone should decide for himself want he really wants, what are his priorities and what he can afford.
i came from a 2013 Air too. I tried the 13" Pro version but it didn't sit well with me for some reason. I took the Air to the store and realized that the actual footprint wasn't that much larger than the 15. 15" is definitely the superior computer IMO unless you are constantly traveling.
Here are 2 recent thorough reviews of the 15" and 13" MBP from Tom's Hardware. Not a direct head to head comparison but they have very systematic tests and importantly unlike most reviews, Tom's Hardware actually comments on heat and battery life for both laptops (and they use a test that is much better than the stupid video loop test most sites use which is terrible for estimating real-world battery life).
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/apple-macbook-pro-13-2018,5710.html
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/apple-macbook-pro-15,5718.html
Interestingly the 15" (they tested the mid-tier i7 model) had significantly better battery life and better thermals in their tests. Obviously, this is just one source but I thought it might be helpful for those like myself who are on the fence.
Personally, after reading these reviews, I think I am pretty much decided on the base 15" MBP (with 512gb ssd). I really want the 15" screen and my only hesitation was worries about battery life and heat on the more powerful model. I'll probably wait until the refurbs come out. I've been saving up for a while so as not to feel too guilty about the purchase.
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/apple-macbook-pro-13-2018,5710.html
https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/apple-macbook-pro-15,5718.html
Interestingly the 15" (they tested the mid-tier i7 model) had significantly better battery life and better thermals in their tests. Obviously, this is just one source but I thought it might be helpful for those like myself who are on the fence.
Personally, after reading these reviews, I think I am pretty much decided on the base 15" MBP (with 512gb ssd). I really want the 15" screen and my only hesitation was worries about battery life and heat on the more powerful model. I'll probably wait until the refurbs come out. I've been saving up for a while so as not to feel too guilty about the purchase.
I see they picked the Mid 15" i7 2.6 vs the High 13" i7. I wish he would of compared mid and high models in both sizes.
He claims almost 4 hours better battery life "13-inch MacBook Pro (8:44) by close to four hours". He is really rounding up for 3 hours 13 minutes.
congrats on your new baby
Screen real estate is the number 1 reason why I opt for the 15" and I don't mind traveling with it.
I would consider the total weight of each laptop together with their protective cases of choice plus the power adapters. I compared my choice of Tech21 Pure Clear and the total difference is quite significant for my personal threshold of luggability of weight.
13" i7/16/256 and 15" i7/16/256 price in Australia is exactly same (is it not the case elsewhere?). This makes the decision very difficult since there's nothing I'll be saving with 13" which could go for a future eGPU purchase.
I also want to use Peak Design's 10L Everyday Sling bag, which can only take a 13-inch in laptop compartment.
On the other hand, a 5K iMac plus a 12" MB seems a very good combo at almost the same price as either of the 13" or 15" plus an UltraFine 5K.
It seems the best value for money and best portability is in the iMac plus 12" MB combo.
On the move, I can always use my 10.5 iPad Pro as a second monitor and/or a portable monitor like Asus ZenScreen Go or upcoming ProArt 4K (just 1.2 kg weight) - with the 12", if I do need screen space any given day out. For power, 12" i7 will go a long way. However, heat during lap use will be more on 12" even for light work or even browsing certain sites. 13" is a bliss for lap use. 15" is quite cumbersome for me.
This is why part of me wants to wait to see what 13" laptop they're going to bring in the MacBook/Air line.
13" i7/16/256 and 15" i7/16/256 price in Australia is exactly same (is it not the case elsewhere?). This makes the decision very difficult since there's nothing I'll be saving with 13" which could go for a future eGPU purchase.
I also want to use Peak Design's 10L Everyday Sling bag, which can only take a 13-inch in laptop compartment.
On the other hand, a 5K iMac plus a 12" MB seems a very good combo at almost the same price as either of the 13" or 15" plus an UltraFine 5K.
It seems the best value for money and best portability is in the iMac plus 12" MB combo.
On the move, I can always use my 10.5 iPad Pro as a second monitor and/or a portable monitor like Asus ZenScreen Go or upcoming ProArt 4K (just 1.2 kg weight) - with the 12", if I do need screen space any given day out. For power, 12" i7 will go a long way. However, heat during lap use will be more on 12" even for light work or even browsing certain sites. 13" is a bliss for lap use. 15" is quite cumbersome for me.
This is why part of me wants to wait to see what 13" laptop they're going to bring in the MacBook/Air line.
I've used the 13 inch MacBook Pro for a week. Great machine. It really is quick and speedy, but the high price and small screen is not sitting well with me. I've got it on more space resolution, but I'm hunched over trying to see the damn screen. I thought I could use an external monitor, but my office situation is up in the air. I kinda want to open the laptop and get to work wherever I am.
I'm thinking seriously about returning this for a 15inch model. Is the base spec reasonable for someone who doesn't need a ton of power outside of some occasional GIS work. I was thinking about a 2017 15 inch refurb too, but I think I'd be paranoid about crumbs and dust.
I'm thinking seriously about returning this for a 15inch model. Is the base spec reasonable for someone who doesn't need a ton of power outside of some occasional GIS work. I was thinking about a 2017 15 inch refurb too, but I think I'd be paranoid about crumbs and dust.
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I dont need to make myself feel better. I tried 2 different configs of both machines and ended up with the best config model for the money. I can definitely compare the models because what can a base 13" do that a 2017 12" max spec macbook cant? If you dont do video editing or heavy photo work and got a 13", then you would of been just fine with a 12" macbook. Your talking a $400 difference from a 16gb specd 13" to the base 15". For that $400 you are getting faster DDR4 ram, dedicated GPU, larger screen, better battery, faster i7 6 core processor. Thats the comparison to make.
I am glad that you are happy with your macbook pro. I don't wanna argue. If I wanted a big laptop, I would go for 15" and maybe I will, but I have to try 13" first. It's my dream size. It's very relative what is the best. If I use your logic there are way better windows configs for the money, but we don't care about windows configs. The same is for those who want small laptop. The specs numbers aren't everything. And the price difference between 13"/i5/16/512 and 15"/i7 2.6/16/512 is $600.
Not necessarily. The TB version of the 13" laptop comes in at 1,800 and the non-TB can be had for 1,300. The low end 15 is priced at 2,400, depending on how you slice it, the 15" is a 1,100 more expensive then the 13". Saving over a grand is not something to be so easily dismissed. Not everyone needs a dGPU, 6 cores, or a large display.
I often echo the sentiment that you do get more bang for your buck, but that doesn't diminish the need or the desire for the 13" laptop. Many students swear by the 13" because its form factor is perfect for their needs, whether we're talking in a backpack, going to class to class, or just being able to fit on the desk.
One size doesn't fit all, and personally, I won't say that the 15" is a better deal for everyone. It may be a better deal for you (and me), but I understand that other people have different needs.
