Is the 15" 2016 portable? I know it's smaller than the 2015...but is it easy to tote around outside?

[Shermy]

I'm thinking about returning my 2015 13" MBP (14 day return period) for the 2016 15".

The 2015 13" that I bought seems really tiny...and I know the 2016 13" is even smaller in footprint. I'm just wondering if the 2016 15" is unwieldy to those who have it. Does anyone own a 15", and carry it around outside their house...to either coffee shops, events, or vacations?

I'm even considering the 2015 15"...but sacred the old (fourth generation) CPU will be another negative, on top of the possible unporatability.

 

[Sanpete]

The 2016 15" is 1.4" wider than the 2015 13", which is the main thing for a setting like a cafe. Not a huge difference, but noticeable. The other differences are .86 inches deeper, .1" thicker, and .54 pounds heavier.

 

[Mattstrete]

I have owned, and used (extensively):
- a 2008/9 15" Macbook Pro (the first "unibody" model);
- a 2010/2011 (I can't remember) 17" Macbook Pro;
- a 2012 15" retina Macbook Pro;
- currently, a 2016 touch-bar 15" Macbook Pro.

I have had the ability to handle almost all of these (along with a 13" Macbook Air, which I gifted to my sister) on a regular basis.

The 2016 Macbook Pro is a huge step up when it comes to portability. I carry it to work and back, and stand up in court with it, every day. It is not at all unwieldy.

The 13" 2016 Macbook Pro is a little smaller but I would rather have the bigger screen.

When I use the 2012 15" Macbook Pro, I am struck by how much thinner and more compact the 2016 Macbook Pro is: amazingly, without the impression that the 2016 Macbook Pro is cramped, in any way.

If I were in your position, I would get the 2016 15" Macbook Pro, without question.

 

[SDColorado]

I carry my 2016 15" around with me to events, meetings, and other venues frequently. Sometimes by car, other time by motorcycle. Either in the panniers or in a messenger bag. I previously purchased a 13" model for this purpose, but I could never really get along with the lack of screen real-estate with the 13", so I was delighted with the form factor of the 2016 15". It almost fits into my 13" MBP bag, save it being a couple inches too long. It has really been the portable, go to 15" I had wished existed when I purchased the 13"

 

[medulla]

I'm thinking about returning my 2015 13" MBP (14 day return period) for the 2016 15".

The 2015 13" that I bought seems really tiny...and I know the 2016 13" is even smaller in footprint. I'm just wondering if the 2016 15" is unwieldy to those who have it. Does anyone own a 15", and carry it around outside their house...to either coffee shops, events, or vacations?

I'm even considering the 2015 15"...but sacred the old (fourth generation) CPU will be another negative, on top of the possible unporatability.

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/prod..._z0sh_mlh429_bh_macbook_pro_15_inch_with.html
$300 off and no tax.

 

[CaptRB]

I just sold the 2015 15"rMBP and I know have the 13" and 15" touch bar models.

2015 15" - feels like a heavy brick compared to new machines. It was quickly sold.

2016 13" - feels so small and light and makes the Air feel "big."

2016 15" - Though only a bit bigger than the Air, it still feels much less portable than the 13". No way does the 15 work well on a plane, but the 13" is perfect.

So if you have weight/portability high on your list, the 13" is a killer pick.


R

 

[Sanpete]

No way does the 15 work well on a plane

I used to use my 17" on planes with no trouble (in economy class no less), but I've seen others say the same, that the 15" feels too big on a plane.

 

[CaptRB]

I used to use my 17" on planes with no trouble (in economy class no less), but I've seen others say the same, that the 15" feels too big on a plane.

In economy class I can't create enough space for the 15" to tip the screen back for the right angle. Business class or better works okay.


R

 

[SDColorado]

I have used my 17" in economy as well. It is definitely a chunk to carry around and dominates the fold down table. 15" is better here and that is where the 13" shines. But except in a pinch, I just find the 13" lacking in real-estate. For me, the 15" is the sweet spot, but we all have our priorities and those determine what pro's and cons of each model and size best fit our individual needs.

 

[baypharm]

I carry my 2009 17" MPB around everywhere. No way is it too heavy, or too large - for me. It is just right. So a 15" inch would seem very slim and lightweight to me.

 

[daihard]

I agree with those who say it's a matter of priorities. To me, being able to carry my laptop around easily in a small backpack is a must since I almost always walk, bike or take transit to move around. The 15-inch MBP is too big in that respect.

 

[geekon2wheels]

Gotta say, I miss the magic of old Apple commercials that talked about portability without talking about it...

 

[Fishrrman]

Whether there is a significant difference in "toting around" a 13" vs. a 15", is really a question only the OP will be able to tell us after actually DOING IT for 2-3 years…

 

[ZapNZs]

The 2016 13-inch and previous gen 13-inch is a good bit more portable than the 2015 15-inch. How big of an impact this has is probably going to depend on personal preferences and how mobile you are. I still prefer my Surface Pro 3 when absolute mobility is a must.

The older CPU in the 2015 15-inch will not be a detracting issue - the difference here between the two generations is arguably negligible. However, there are other areas where the 2016 really excels (as well as areas where the 2015 may do the same, depending how you use the computer and what you prioritize.)

My first "lightweight" laptop a little under 10 pounds at the time seemed like a feather...this was during a period when I had a lot more hair on my head and sanity in the bank.

 

[ozreth]

Even when the MBP's were twice the weight and thickness they are now, this discussion was happening. The conclusion was generally that yes of course the 15" is portable, it's really hardly bigger than the 13" as far as numbers are concerned. With as light and skinny as it is now, the 15" is as portable as ever and I can't imagine those two inches really stopping you from using it anywhere you would the 13". At that point it would all be in your head.

 

[ZapNZs]

With as light and skinny as it is now, the 15" is as portable as ever and I can't imagine those two inches really stopping you from using it anywhere you would the 13".

Well, what if you have to walk through an opening that is 14 inches wide, and you do not wish to change the position of your computer from an awkward diagonal position you carry it 24-7? Have you ever thought of THAT, hmmmm?

Conversely, if you get thrown out of plane and all you have is the MBP, those extra 2 inches might comprise a better makeshift parachute, so I could be wrong.

 

[SDColorado]

Conversely, if you get thrown out of plane and all you have is the MBP, those extra 2 inches might comprise a better makeshift parachute, so I could be wrong.

Might make for a better makeshift snowboard if you have to escape from an Avalanche too!

 

[Sanpete]

Well, what if you have to walk through an opening that is 14 inches wide, and you do not wish to change the position of your computer from an awkward diagonal position you carry it 24-7? Have you ever thought of THAT, hmmmm?

Happily the new 15" is only 13-3/4" wide!

 

[James.K.Polk]

Still undecided on which I'll end up with. Had the 13" for 10 days, but going to go mess around with the 15" tomorrow at the Store. Not a power user, don't travel too much - just would appreciate the extra real estate.

 

[SDColorado]

Still undecided on which I'll end up with. Had the 13" for 10 days, but going to go mess around with the 15" tomorrow at the Store. Not a power user, don't travel too much - just would appreciate the extra real estate.

If you don't travel that much, the 15" may be the better fit for you. The biggest plus of the 13" is portability for the frequent traveler. For the occasional traveler, the 15" is plenty portable

 

[James.K.Polk]

If you don't travel that much, the 15" may be the better fit for you. The biggest plus of the 13" is portability for the frequent traveler. For the occasional traveler, the 15" is plenty portable

For sure. Counterpoint ... price! Maybe maybe it's worth it in the long run.

 

[cheezeit]

I went from 2015 13" to 2015 15" to 2016 15" to 2016 13". I liked the added screen real estate from 13-15 and the extra power. A bit heavier and battery dropped. Got the new 15" with tb, enjoyed the smaller foot print and quicker speeds but for my needs the extra power was more of a want than a need. Downgraded to the 13" and really enjoy the size especially now that it's smaller than the older 13". For more power I'll use my desktop at home and for more screen on the go I dock my iPad next to it and dual screen it with my MacBook.

 

[SDColorado]

For sure. Counterpoint ... price! Maybe maybe it's worth it in the long run.

Perhaps. That is only something the buyer can decide. Not something that folks are going to be able to answer for him for sure. If he can live with the 13" and save some money, then that may be the better value. I just never really got along with the 13" form factor, but for sure, many folks do get along great with it, even prefer it.

 

[mcomp112]

I've had one for three months now and can say the 15 inch is very portable. I've used it in airport lounges, in planes (often economy!), and at various client sites where desk space isn't always available.

The 13 inch is definitely much more portable but IMO you give up too much power by going dual core and no dGPU.

 

[coolbreeze]

15" 2016 for home
2016 MacBook 12" travel

Perfecto

Basically it's:
15" 4 lbs
13" 3 lbs
12" 2 lbs