Is MBA 13 more durable than MBA 15?

[FoX1112]

I've read that someone's MBA 15 started making crackling noises when lifted with one hand. I carry around my laptop a lot as I teach at school. It is my battle machine, it has to withstand a lot. Is MBA 15 less durable? The M1 13 inch is very durable in my eyes.

 

[helloapple1]

I would say it’s durable. They increased the thickness of the screen to make it as durable as the 13” M2.

 

[ThomasJL]

I would say it’s durable. They increased the thickness of the screen to make it as durable as the 13” M2.

I know the 15-inch screen is bigger in height and width, but how is is bigger in depth (thickness)?

 

[helloapple1]

I know the 15-inch screen is bigger in height and width, but how is is bigger in depth (thickness)?

They made the screen of the 15 inch thicker than the screen of the 13 inch so that the durability would be the same

 

[ThomasJL]

They made the screen of the 15 inch thicker than the screen of the 13 inch so that the durability would be the same

I think you might be right. I just now checked Apple's tech specs page, and it shows the thickness for the 15-inch model is 0.45 inch (1.15 cm), whereas the 13-inch model has a thickness of 0.44 inch (1.13 cm).

I don't know if the 15-inch model's thicker portion is only the upper portion that houses the display, or only the lower portion that houses the keyboard/logic board/etc., or if both the upper and lower portions are thicker.

In any case, I thank you for bringing it to my attention that the thickness of the 15-inch model is greater than that of the 13-inch model.

 

[neo_cs193p]

I used both for several months. Both are good and sturdy, but the 15" display has a bit more wobble.

 

[CalMin]

They put some work into strengthening the 15" but the forces involved are larger - because physics. Having owned both, I'd say the the 13" feels marginally more robust, but that's just because it's smaller.

 

[ascender]

Both feel very durable to me and a step-up in quality from the old Airs. You'll be just fine with either.

 

[OrenLindsey]

There is no real difference in day to day use. The person you read about probably had some quality control issues. And if it is that bad, you can always return it.