Is the MBA 15" too big as a laptop to use in bed?

[MBPUser21]

I have a chronic illness and and am unfortunately predominantly bedridden. I've had a 13-inch MBP mid-2014 since release and am looking to upgrade. The reason I've been looking at a bigger screen size is because I feel like it would be easier for coding & music production which are hobbies that I'd like to spend more time on. I also watch a lot of tv/movies on my laptop so obviously a bigger screen size is better for that.

I'm debating whether the 13" MBA would be easier to use on my lap in bed compared to the 15"? Would appreciate any opinions from anyone who owns one. Also, is the screen size too big with it being closer to you in bed compared to sat at a desk?

I'm unable to visit a store atm because of my health and it's not looking like I'll be able to anytime soon, so advice is welcome

 

[chabig]

If you're in bed, I don't see any reason why the size would make a difference. To me, it would be no different than sitting at a desk. Even the distance to the screen doesn't need to be different from working at a desk. You seem to want the bigger screen so I'd say go for it. You'll have two weeks to return it if you decide if it's too big.

 

[MBPUser21]

If you're in bed, I don't see any reason why the size would make a difference. To me, it would be no different than sitting at a desk. Even the distance to the screen doesn't need to be different from working at a desk. You seem to want the bigger screen so I'd say go for it. You'll have two weeks to return it if you decide if it's too big.

Thank you. I'm more wondering whether it's likely to be uncomfortable when laying like this: https://images.app.goo.gl/G4P8wxXmMAzKbaNZA

 

[chabig]

I am a 13” guy personally. I once bought a 15” MacBook Pro but sold it because I value portability. I think you’ll be ok with other the larger machine in bad, and if you find otherwise return it within the 14 day window. Also, consider whether the large iPad Pro might be an option.

 

[Apple_Robert]

I think the 13" Air, 13" or 14" MBP, or iPad mini are the best sizes for the bed.

 

[dizmonk]

There are numerous types of stands you could use to be more comfortable. I have the 15 and I have no problem with it.

 

[ipaqrat]

I had back trouble that pinned me in bed for a time. I used a 15" Intel MPB very much like the subject in the photos. The weight of the laptop was no problem, as my stomach, hips and legs weren't part of my particular pathology. 15" screen size is usable at lap-distance, but I'd consider a 16" MBP to get every bit of visibility.

My primary frustration was the slippery base. When I need the laptop at the right angle and distance, it's slip sliding away; you know, the nearer your destination, the more it's slip sliding away.

I got a slab of foam and sprayed on a waffle pattern of rubber truck bed liner. Now it stays put and is more manageable than a lap desk. Then, I put a cheap 50 inch TV on a bedside stand with long cable; it looks like a 27 inch 1920X1080 monitor at desk distance. I wear progressive lenses, and the displays happened to fall at just the right focal distances.

 

[Jay Tee]

Thank you. I'm more wondering whether it's likely to be uncomfortable when laying like this: https://images.app.goo.gl/G4P8wxXmMAzKbaNZA

That looks comfortable, but, speaking from experience 😉, the Mac will fall on your face more often that you think.

Try the 13 first (your nose will thank me); you’ll have 2 weeks to decide if you still need the bigger screen.

Postscript: This might be a solution worth considering:

This guy isn't even ill, just look at him:

 

[raythompsontn]

Postscript: This might be a solution worth considering:

It is discontinued and not available.

 

[OldCorpse]

It is discontinued and not available.

If you are handy, you can DIY this, with any variety of materials (wood is probably easiest, depending on access to some basic tools or workshop).

You don't have to copy the exact design, the point is what the device accomplishes, and you can build something around that functionality to replicate the requirements. There's more than one way to accomplish that. It's not super complicated, although that depends on how far you want to go, and/or how much time, money and effort you want to expend on this.

Of course, not everyone can or wants to do this, it can certainly be a hassle, but also a fun challenge for some.

In fact, this would be a great project to throw out there for the community, and those who go for it, can post pictures of what they came up with - I guess this isn't the thread to do this, as not enough people will see this, but maybe someone can take this to a thread where folks focus on such interests

Purchasing a ready-made product is naturally the practical way to go, but I just wanted to throw in that not everything in this world needs to come from a purchase and manufacturer, there's also the world of DIY which we sometimes tend to forget about.

Anyhow, it's not my intention to take away focus from solutions in this thread, just wanted to throw out another possibility!

 

[Tenashus1]

13" MBA would be my vote for a computer to use in bed.

 

[MBPM1]

I was a longtime 15" MBP fan, then got a 2017 (or 19, can't remember) 16" MBP. Those older MBP's were more like MBA's back then, now the MBP line laptops are just too bulky for me. I currently have a 16" M1 and a 13" MBA/M2 (it's 13.6" technically). The 16" MBA/M1 is a brick and I no longer touch it. I was worried that my 13.6"/M2 MBA would be too small, but I've fallen in love with it. Just about perfect as a lap or in bed computer.

I am curious about the new M2/MBA 15", but I think I'll likely be sticking with my 13.6" MBA/M2 for a while.

As someone mentioned you have 14 days to return to apple and it's really easy to do in case you want to order both and then decide which to send back.

For now, my 13" MBA/M2 is marvelous and light!

 

[sparkhill]

Long story, but I have both the 13” and 15” MBA M2. It’s obvious, but I really appreciate the weight and small of the 13” while on the move; the screen size is fine and it is easy to use in bed.

The 15” is much better for doing work, especially spreadsheet work, due to the screen size. The trade off is more weight and less easily balanced one handed.

My vision is not great. I would base the choice on the type of work you do, your vision and your strength. Get the 15” if you need you see the details, but the 13” is a good choice if want lighter weight and easier size management.

 

[Alpha Centauri]

I think you're better off with the MBA 15". I myself don't have a desk and have used an old MBP 15" lying on the couch, Mac either resting on my stomach or beside me. Fast forward and my M2 16" now gets used the same and weighs slightly less even. You'll really appreciate the screen real estate and weight of the 15 Air means it can easily me moved one handed. If you needed to be mobile with it my answer would have been different.

Edit: Having said that, I'm going off the assumption that there's no atrophy involved and weight or handling will not play a primary role with a 13" vs 15" Air.

 

[Zest28]

If it is mainly for use in bed, the 15” is going to better due to having a bigger screen.

Coding and music production is simply better on a bigger screen.

In any case, you got 14-days to try it out yourself and return it if it is too big for you. But imo, the 15” MBA is best for your use case.

 

[Bazza1]

...as a sidebar to all this (regardless of size) - if using it in bed, ensure you are using it on a hard surface or in a stand. As noted by some posts above. Airs really need the best possible opportunity to dissipate heat, and having them resting on a bed cover / comforter / pillow is not going to help at all, and will cause the device internal stress and, potentially, damage.

 

[Isamilis]

...as a sidebar to all this (regardless of size) - if using it in bed, ensure you are using it on a hard surface or in a stand. As noted by some posts above. Airs really need the best possible opportunity to dissipate heat, and having them resting on a bed cover / comforter / pillow is not going to help at all, and will cause the device internal stress and, potentially, damage.

This is not necessarily needed, especially in typical usages where most of the time, the machine is cold.