Is newest 15" MBP the right choice for EDC (Every Day Carry) as the ONLY computer you have?

[KensaiMage]

Hello,

I am looking for experienced EDC freaks, would you advice someone to go this route?

You know it's 15 inch, I would like to use it everywhere, in a train, car, restaurant and as a main and only workstation at home. I'm afraid it could be too big for EDC but 13 is too small for me :<. I'm more on the go than at home.

 

[Anarchy99]

Get a 15" 2013-2015 ( The newer and more powerful the better. For whatever your budget allows )

If it's going to be your main system you're gonna want to keyboard that doesn't suck.

15 inches shouldn't be too big physically and weightwise it's only 4 1/2 pounds so that's fine.
You'll get used to the size quickly and be happy you have a quad core processor for your workstation .

Years ago before I could justify real Macs I would carry around 9+ pound gaming laptops
Hackintosh them for the Mac apps I needed and otherwise use windows
After a while of doing that I had to go see a chiropractor regularly for neck pain.
since trading up for a real macbool pro no problem.

 

[Falhófnir]

The touchbar model really does make a difference in portability over the previous (2012-2015) design, it’s more compact and slightly lighter. While it doesn’t look much at first glance you can really feel it and appreciate it whilst carrying it - probably all the more so if you’re going to be carrying it a lot. Weighing against that gain is the incompatibility with existing peripherals without a USB C adapter, and a less ergonomic and more fragile keyboard.

 

[leman]

Its very well suitable for everyday carry. The difference to the earlier models is noticeable — the post 2016 model will fit into bags that the 2015 and earlier won't. The weight difference is also quote noticeable in practice. For me at least, this is the best laptop to carry around if you want to have best of all worlds without any real compromise — its very fast, very flexible and also very portable. I am not aware of any other laptop that has all these properties — sure, some are faster but then less convenient to carry and other are more compact but then also offer less performance.

Anyway, wait until June, its likely that an upgraded model will be released.

 

[cambookpro]

I use a 13" 2016 MBP (running at effective 1680x1050, equal to 15" at standard res) with a 27" external monitor at home. Think it's the perfect compromise between portability and power/screen space.

Often do a lot of coding on the go in Xcode and it works fine. Obviously better on the external monitor, but definitely doable.

Find the 15" a little big when I have to carry books etc as well.

 

[Anarchy99]

Despite what you may hear it's not that big of a size difference

The older model was bigger by 6mm in length, 10mm width & 2.5mm in thickness
Aka (0.24"x0.39"x0.098")
Oh and 0.46lbs heavier

Not exactly gargantuan, and well worth it because you don't need to compromise on the feel/functionality of the machine
The improved specs of the 2016/2017 machines don't make up for their downsides

 

[Closingracer]

Get a 15" 2013-2015 ( The newer and more powerful the better. For whatever your budget allows )

If it's going to be your main system you're gonna want to keyboard that doesn't suck.

15 inches shouldn't be too big physically and weightwise it's only 4 1/2 pounds so that's fine.
You'll get used to the size quickly and be happy you have a quad core processor for your workstation .

Years ago before I could justify real Macs I would carry around 9+ pound gaming laptops
Hackintosh them for the Mac apps I needed and otherwise use windows
After a while of doing that I had to go see a chiropractor regularly for neck pain.
since trading up for a real macbool pro no problem.

My 2017 model is still flawless. As long as you don't eat like a pig next to it you'll be fine. The older ones are heavier and bulkier as well.



Anyways I have 2 laptops a 17 inch windows for gaming and a 15 inch 2017 pro which I use for everything else. I never have a problem carrying it but thats because I am used to carrying books to school as well.
[doublepost=1525759404][/doublepost]

Despite what you may hear it's not that big of a size difference

The older model was bigger by 6mm in length, 10mm width & 2.5mm in thickness
Aka (0.24"x0.39"x0.098")
Oh and 0.46lbs heavier

Not exactly gargantuan, and well worth it because you don't need to compromise on the feel/functionality of the machine
The improved specs of the 2016/2017 machines don't make up for their downsides

You're perceived downsides*

 

[leman]

Despite what you may hear it's not that big of a size difference

The older model was bigger by 6mm in length, 10mm width & 2.5mm in thickness
Aka (0.24"x0.39"x0.098")
Oh and 0.46lbs heavier

It makes a big difference in practice though, especially if you spend a lot of time carrying the laptop around. Most importably, it allows you to downsize your backpack/bag. All in all you can shave off a lot of weight and also improve the bag ergonomy this way.

Not exactly gargantuan, and well worth it because you don't need to compromise on the feel/functionality of the machine
The improved specs of the 2016/2017 machines don't make up for their downsides

Exactly, no need compromise on feel/functionality of the machine by getting a 2015 model with its wobbly keyboard and inferior display. This "argument" can go both ways you see

 

[Donnation]

I can tell you that the 15" 2017 model is great as an EDC, and despite what you may have read here it makes a significant difference when carrying this model over the 2015 model and below.

Other than that its a fantastic machine.

 

[maflynn]

I would like to use it everywhere, in a train, car, restaurant and as a main and only workstation at home

Personally I'd not use any laptop in restaurants, but that's just me. My preferred model is the 15" and while the 13" works better in a mobile environment I like the larger screen size.

I'm afraid it could be too big

For some it is, for others it isn't. I suspect if you're using it in restaurants it may very well be. On flights I found the 13" to be better but the 15" is still manageable. As for trains, well if you're talking the subway, i'd say neither works well, at least with the crowded subways I deal with. If you're talking commuter trains, then either model will fit the bill.

For a workstation replacement the 15" is a better choice because you get more bang for your buck, i.e., quad core, dgpu, more ports etc.

 

[smallcoffee]

Hello,

I am looking for experienced EDC freaks, would you advice someone to go this route?

You know it's 15 inch, I would like to use it everywhere, in a train, car, restaurant and as a main and only workstation at home. I'm afraid it could be too big for EDC but 13 is too small for me :<. I'm more on the go than at home.

I say the 15” is fine for EDC. It’s like a 4 pound super computer.

Do you have a budget? Use cases? Etc.

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Hello,

I am looking for experienced EDC freaks, would you advice someone to go this route?

You know it's 15 inch, I would like to use it everywhere, in a train, car, restaurant and as a main and only workstation at home. I'm afraid it could be too big for EDC but 13 is too small for me :<. I'm more on the go than at home.

That’s literally what it was designed for.

 

[Anarchy99]

My 2017 model is still flawless. As long as you don't eat like a pig next to it you'll be fine.

wasnt even eluding to the issues with crumbs, but yes that could be one more reason to avoid the 2016 & 2017 models.

I was talking about the lack of travel that even makes people who type for a living make mistakes that they didnt with the old machines.
or the lack of the inverted T shape for the arrow keys that help your finger home to them.
or the lack of a escape key at bare minimum even if you dont care about the lack of function keys.

The older ones are heavier and bulkier as well.

barely, as mentioned above

Anyways I have 2 laptops a 17 inch windows for gaming and a 15 inch 2017 pro which I use for everything else. I never have a problem carrying it but thats because I am used to carrying books to school as well.
[doublepost=1525759404][/doublepost]

so by your own admission caring a larger laptop isnt a problem(or multiple in your case), it seems safe to say that adding (0.24"x0.39"x0.098") to the metal rectangle we all carry is a deal breaker to only a small minority

You're perceived downsides*

you meant "your"
But of course they are my perceived downsides, just as yours are yours etc.
That's part having opinion, that said I believe my position is correct otherwise I would change it.
Considering I'm not the only one that has made arguments towards the new keyboards being crap and Apple sales numbers MacBook pros are down, while I can't say with 100% certainty, initial evidence indicates that it's the accurate position.

 

[leman]

Apple sales numbers MacBook pros are down

There is no indication whatsoever that the sales of the MBP are down over the last two years. We discussed this quite extensively in some other thread, I even made some plots of historic data (can't find it now though). For all we know, this MBP sells just as well as the last one, at least.

 

[Anarchy99]

It makes a big difference in practice though, especially if you spend a lot of time carrying the laptop around.

thats subjective it may make a difference for some people, but unless proven otherwise I would say they're a small minority.

for the logic to hold true that it being slightly ligher and smaller is not just a benefit/bonus but a actual need, the 2015 and older models would have been off the table in the past.
I just havent seen proof of this influx of people upgrading from macbook airs or ligher than 4.5lb PCs to prove that.

realistically the majority take what apple gives them and if the touchbar models unibody had the same dimensions and weight as the 2015's few people would have canceled there order because of it.

Exactly, no need compromise on feel/functionality of the machine by getting a 2015 model with its wobbly keyboard and inferior display.

the fact that hitting the extreme corner of the retina style key makes the other end slightly raise up to create your wobble doesnt actually effect typing ability.
thats why it was never brought up as a downside during the retina's or especially before retina when even more travel meant hypothetically more wobble.

its apple's marketing putting a spin on things as usual.


where as many people notice lack of travel in a keyboard.

true the color representation is worse on the 2015 and older its not P3 like the new ones, but remember 99% of the computer industry isnt P3 either.
apple has always attempted to keep there displays more color accurate then your average PC maker.

realistically though if your not in print publishing or some niche design field you probably don't care about P3 and if you do you probably have external monitors specially for that purpose as well as hardware color calibrators.

This "argument" can go both ways you see

I realize the argument can go both ways i just believe the many issues with the keyboard as well as the lack of ports are more noticeable day to day to the majority
then the slightly larger dimensions, lack of P3, or the minor spec decrease.
then lets not foget there are financial savings going older as well.

 

[Fishrrman]

My opinion only, but...

... you're probably going to get tired of lugging a 15" MBP around everywhere.

Better solution:
Get a 13" MBP for portability. Basic model will do fine.
Get an iMac 27" for home usage.

There's nothing that beats having both a good desktop AND a good laptop.
Nothing.

 

[KensaiMage]

My opinion only, but...

... you're probably going to get tired of lugging a 15" MBP around everywhere.

Better solution:
Get a 13" MBP for portability. Basic model will do fine.
Get an iMac 27" for home usage.

There's nothing that beats having both a good desktop AND a good laptop.
Nothing.

There is one thing which beats it - Cost.

 

[Naimfan]

Hello,

I am looking for experienced EDC freaks, would you advice someone to go this route?

You know it's 15 inch, I would like to use it everywhere, in a train, car, restaurant and as a main and only workstation at home. I'm afraid it could be too big for EDC but 13 is too small for me :<. I'm more on the go than at home.

If 13" is too small for you, surely you've answered your own question?

If not, the Late 2013 top 2015 15" MBPs are the ones to get - they're quite a bit more rugged than the 2016/17 MBPs, and as noted earlier the size/weight difference is not material (or, if it is, a gym membership would be in order - an 8 ounce difference is meaningless).

 

[maflynn]

you're probably going to get tired of lugging a 15" MBP around everywhere.

Not really, for years I commuted with a big old heavy IBM ThinkPad and that was fine. The MBP is much lighter then the tank I used to lug around. The 15" is only 2 pounds heavier, yet for those two lbs, you get a much better machine

 

[Cristim74]

The 2017 15" MBP has been my only machine for the past two months. I carry in in my backpack every day (mostly from home/office to car only). Anyway it's quite compact and not that heavy so I could carry it around for longer periods of time if necessary. While in the office I have it connected to three monitors and a whole bunch of other devices as my main machine. At home I use it either standalone or connected to a single monitor. I find this setup perfect for my usage. The best part is that being a single machine, wherever I go I have everything right where I left it the last time I used the machine.

 

[smallcoffee]

The 2017 15" MBP has been my only machine for the past two months. I carry in in my backpack every day (mostly from home/office to car only). Anyway it's quite compact and not that heavy so I could carry it around for longer periods of time if necessary. While in the office I have it connected to three monitors and a whole bunch of other devices as my main machine. At home I use it either standalone or connected to a single monitor. I find this setup perfect for my usage. The best part is that being a single machine, wherever I go I have everything right where I left it the last time I used the machine.

Yeah, basically the form-factor is fine. If you don't care about the screen or the performance then you could get a 13". Basically, if you want the 15" it won't be in your way. It's so light and thin....

 

[Closingracer]

wasnt even eluding to the issues with crumbs, but yes that could be one more reason to avoid the 2016 & 2017 models.

I was talking about the lack of travel that even makes people who type for a living make mistakes that they didnt with the old machines.
or the lack of the inverted T shape for the arrow keys that help your finger home to them.
or the lack of a escape key at bare minimum even if you dont care about the lack of function keys.



barely, as mentioned above



so by your own admission caring a larger laptop isnt a problem(or multiple in your case), it seems safe to say that adding (0.24"x0.39"x0.098") to the metal rectangle we all carry is a deal breaker to only a small minority



you meant "your"
But of course they are my perceived downsides, just as yours are yours etc.
That's part having opinion, that said I believe my position is correct otherwise I would change it.
Considering I'm not the only one that has made arguments towards the new keyboards being crap and Apple sales numbers MacBook pros are down, while I can't say with 100% certainty, initial evidence indicates that it's the accurate position.

I meant your but that's auto correct for you (idk why but mines is dumb sometimes with SwiftKey).


Slow sales has nothing to do with the keyboard but of the fact laptop sales in general is slow across the board. Plus you now have laptops competing in quality builds similar to Macbooks bow. The Dell XPS can be seen as a good alternative, LG gram and so forth

 

[Beau10]

I've been a remote software dev for the past 6 years, have had just about every form factor from the 11" Air to an earlier retina 15" to the current nTB 13". Haven't had a desktop machine in many years, my laptop serves as my one and only and I can use it up to 12 hours per day at times.

I greatly prefer the 13" form factor, even chose it over the 15" for my current job despite the fact that a quad core would really make a difference in my daily use - they literally purchased a maxxed 15" TB for me first and I had to make them cancel the order and argue my case with the CTO. The main reason is I use it in just about every conceivable location - restaurants, airplane trays, cafes, on my lap in bed, etc, and found the 15" to be a real problem in those situations. That said, I do pump the resolution up to 1920 * 1280.

As to the keyboard I'm unsure. I actually prefer the feel of the butterfly board but it lacks the durability and find myself regularly cleaning it, popping off keycaps, etc. Also hate the touchbar, physical function keys are probably a bigger deal for me than most.

If the next 13" nTB ends up with a quad core option and a more durable keyboard I'm getting it without hesitation. It would be the perfect machine.

 

[robvas]

Yea, the 15" on a small table or airplane is terrible.

 

[ilikewhey]

My 2017 model is still flawless. As long as you don't eat like a pig next to it you'll be fine. The older ones are heavier and bulkier as well.



Anyways I have 2 laptops a 17 inch windows for gaming and a 15 inch 2017 pro which I use for everything else. I never have a problem carrying it but thats because I am used to carrying books to school as well.
[doublepost=1525759404][/doublepost]


You're perceived downsides*

didnt eat like a pig, in fact no food came near it. key was busted just from heat cycling