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Is a 15 inch too big?

J

jw3571

macrumors regular
Original poster
May 21, 2010
157
2
I only use my Macbook at home and it's usually on my lap. I'm considering going from a 13 to a 15 but am concerned that it's too big for my lap. What do others with the 15 think about this?
 
Questions like this can only be answered by you and there's nothing that someone else can add here that can really mean something to your user experience. The new 15" models are quite a bit smaller in footprint than past 15" MacBook Pros and definitely other 15" laptops. I will add that if any laptop is in my actual lap, I have it on a lap desk to prevent thigh burns and to prevent issues with sperm production. I'm not sure if that's a myth but I'm not taking any chances. lol. Plus, the lap desk puts the computer a little bit higher.
 
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You will need to check them out in the store. You have two weeks return window, so you could get the 15" and see if it works for you and your usage.
 
jw3571 said:
I only use my Macbook at home and it's usually on my lap. I'm considering going from a 13 to a 15 but am concerned that it's too big for my lap. What do others with the 15 think about this?
Click to expand...

go with the 15 incher.
 
I need a quad core processor so had no choice but to order a 15". If they made a 13" with a quad core I'd have been all over it.
 
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jw3571 said:
I only use my Macbook at home and it's usually on my lap. I'm considering going from a 13 to a 15 but am concerned that it's too big for my lap. What do others with the 15 think about this?
Click to expand...

The others with the 15 unanimously vote for your going from a 13 to a 15. It's a fantastic machine and not too big for your lap. We know your lap, don't worry. :p

But seriously, if for lap use, as the first response to your query suggests, only you can tell!
 
A few things.

Travel: 13 inch
extended lap use: 13
economy: 13
Desktop: 15
light lap use: 15
power: 15
movies: 15
graphics: 15
games (not sure)
audio: both
impress chicks: neither
impress nerds: (why?)
 
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jw3571 said:
I only use my Macbook at home and it's usually on my lap. I'm considering going from a 13 to a 15 but am concerned that it's too big for my lap. What do others with the 15 think about this?
Click to expand...

Not able to comment on the new 2016 MBP,s however all my 15" MBP`s run significantly hotter than the 13" and that can at times make using one on your lap rather uncomfortable.

Q-6
 
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Currently working with 13 Inch but I can't wait to get my 15 Inch 2016.

I use mine daily in the Office and also at home so for me Screen size matters. But since the weight and footprint was reduced I think it'll be fine to use it on the lap every once in a while.

I wouldn't want to go back to 13 Inch it's too small (for me).
 
ikenstein said:
What about for occasional use on an airplane? Does anyone travel with the 15"?
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You will have a hard time using a 15" laptop on a airliner. With the seat distances and your neighbor in front reclining you will have much difficulty opening it.

iPad is much better solution on airliner. Certainly no larger than 13"

Observation, mid-90's when business laptops became all the rage, I saw lots of people trying to use them on a plane. See that much less these days.
 
jw3571 said:
I only use my Macbook at home and it's usually on my lap. I'm considering going from a 13 to a 15 but am concerned that it's too big for my lap. What do others with the 15 think about this?
Click to expand...

I use a 2015 rMBP 15 almost exclusively on my lap for hours at a time. I have no issues with the size or weight. The 2016 rMBP 15 is 1/2 pound lighter even still, so that would be even more comfortable. I am not a large person either. I can imagine a more average-sized person would be even less aware of the size/weight of the 15 on a lap.
 
protoxx said:
You will have a hard time using a 15" laptop on a airliner. With the seat distances and your neighbor in front reclining you will have much difficulty opening it.

iPad is much better solution on airliner. Certainly no larger than 13"

Observation, mid-90's when business laptops became all the rage, I saw lots of people trying to use them on a plane. See that much less these days.
Click to expand...
Really? It's only an inch wider and half inch taller than a MacBook Air
 
I had used a MBP 13" for 4 years for work (no travel), went to the rMBP 15" (mid-2012) to do my dissertation (moderate travel). I felt like I needed more screen space and had to keep a dozen large documents and tabs open on a regular basis. This was the reason for the 15". Now I have finished my school work, traveling much more and thinking about going to the new 13" MBP (touch bar).

I did in fact, find it rather difficult to use my 15" on many airplanes over the past 4 years. I am about 5'10" / 190 lbs. and travel in economy class. So, I found it a bit cramped to open up the 15" and work on the folding food tray on the back of the airplane seats. I also find the 15" a bit cumbersome carrying to around cities while in my briefcase.
 
I would never suggest that 15" is too big. I love how it makes me feel inside when I see and feel that HUGE display.
 
I got both to compare for a week and loved the 15 inch. 13 inch screen felt too cramped compared to the 15.
 
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