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Portability of a 15" MBP
- Thread starter Granny-Smith
- Start date
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I'm 5'4 and have no problems with the 15", just like the 13".
Dont find the weight an issue at all, as its only a little bit heavier than the 13".
Having used each size of the MBPs I like the 15" the most. its a sweetspot for size, portability and functionality.
I went with the high-res screen for more screen real estate.
If power isnt your concern, try a 13" MBA that has a 13" form factor but with 15" resolution (1440x900). definitely a good alternative.
However if you want a powerful machine get the 15" i dont think it will be too much of a hassle to use day to day.
I went with the high-res screen for more screen real estate.
If power isnt your concern, try a 13" MBA that has a 13" form factor but with 15" resolution (1440x900). definitely a good alternative.
However if you want a powerful machine get the 15" i dont think it will be too much of a hassle to use day to day.
I have the latest 13" MBP opting for the extra advantage of portability and to save some money.
However, my gf recently purchased the 15" and after handling both, I can say that 15" is the best way to go if the $600+ price difference isn't a matter of concern. THe weight difference is really negligible. It might tax you a little bit more as the day wears on, but as someone mentioned, this can be accommodated with a good bag. Either way, the difference is barely felt. In my opinion, the only thing that might be a factor is the actual size itself. Its footprint is obviously larger, but even that isn't so much a factor.
If you can afford the extra price, 15" is definitely the way to go. The screen is gorgeous and the extra real estate makes everyday use that much easier and cleaner. I don't regret my 13" but if you can freely decide between the two, I think you'll be happier with the 15".
However, my gf recently purchased the 15" and after handling both, I can say that 15" is the best way to go if the $600+ price difference isn't a matter of concern. THe weight difference is really negligible. It might tax you a little bit more as the day wears on, but as someone mentioned, this can be accommodated with a good bag. Either way, the difference is barely felt. In my opinion, the only thing that might be a factor is the actual size itself. Its footprint is obviously larger, but even that isn't so much a factor.
If you can afford the extra price, 15" is definitely the way to go. The screen is gorgeous and the extra real estate makes everyday use that much easier and cleaner. I don't regret my 13" but if you can freely decide between the two, I think you'll be happier with the 15".
I am now used to carrying around my 15-inch. It's not too cumbersome, plus it has all the power I need. I think it's worth it. I would get the 13-inch unless you're going to be doing a lot of heavy video or image editing and rendering, then get the 15-inch. It's not super heavy.
I've had a 15" since the Unibody models were first released. I'm very glad to have just moved to a 13".
The 15 was just cumbersome enough that it stayed at my desk more often that it should have. Of course I miss the screen real estate but that's a different subject.
The 15 was just cumbersome enough that it stayed at my desk more often that it should have. Of course I miss the screen real estate but that's a different subject.
I travel to asia 4x a year for work from los angeles. After lugging all my crap around and carrying a backpack through the most crowded cities in the world, I realize how much better it is having a 13" than a 15". I just bought a 2011 13" and its the perfect size for traveling IMO.
when both computers are closed the 15 honestly doesnt even look that much bigger. But there is a HUGE difference when you open the lid 
. I had the first gen uMB and it was a 13 and i just recently bought a 15 2011. I love it. and i dont think ill ever go back to a smaller screen, while i only have once computer anyways, i might add an air to the mix, but ill deff always have a 15 on deck now. i love it. i might even consder a 17 if i end up getting a secondary air.
. I had the first gen uMB and it was a 13 and i just recently bought a 15 2011. I love it. and i dont think ill ever go back to a smaller screen, while i only have once computer anyways, i might add an air to the mix, but ill deff always have a 15 on deck now. i love it. i might even consder a 17 if i end up getting a secondary air.seriously? it weighes exactly 1.1 more lbs. i honestly dont feel like thats any difference whatsoever, and youre downgrading your machine by nearly 100%
I replaced my aging 15 inch MBP with the 13 and I enjoy it. Even though its only slightly smaller than the 15 it does make it more portable IMO. It's easier to hold with one hand. It's also a better fit in cramped spaces like airline and bus seats.
Like many, I would like the option to get a higher resolution display and a dedicated video card and it would be perfect but maybe next year. However, I bet it would be almost as expensive as the 15 at that point.
Like many, I would like the option to get a higher resolution display and a dedicated video card and it would be perfect but maybe next year. However, I bet it would be almost as expensive as the 15 at that point.
Reminds me of the cell phone discussions, is .5 inches smaller really a big deal? Is .25" thinner going to make a difference?
It's not the weight, it's the dimensions. Traveling lots, smaller is better. Also consider the size of desk you need to use it on. Lecture halls typically have small desks.
I find the 15" high-res anti-glare is a good compromise. If the 17" had a 10-key, I would look at it further. Personally I didn't look at the 13" because of the display resolution.
As always, never buy a computer until you need it, from a price/technology standpoint.
It's not the weight, it's the dimensions. Traveling lots, smaller is better. Also consider the size of desk you need to use it on. Lecture halls typically have small desks.
I find the 15" high-res anti-glare is a good compromise. If the 17" had a 10-key, I would look at it further. Personally I didn't look at the 13" because of the display resolution.
As always, never buy a computer until you need it, from a price/technology standpoint.
I would say the portability is about the same as your 15" Macbook Pro 2006 1.83ghz 1gbram Snow Leopard OS computer.
I have had a 15" for years now (I now have the 2.2GHZ Quad) and i have no problems traveling with my computer. I always get a kick out of people who say the 15" is too heavy.
I agree though that the biggest equalizer is the backpack/messenger bag. A good bag will make all the difference. Again, I don't carry my 15" "naked", so to speak. I carry it in a bag. So those of you saying a 15" is too big/heavy to carry - are you using a backpack or going gorilla style (just carrying the MBP by itself for all to see)? If just carrying the MBP in the open, then I have no experience in that.
I agree though that the biggest equalizer is the backpack/messenger bag. A good bag will make all the difference. Again, I don't carry my 15" "naked", so to speak. I carry it in a bag. So those of you saying a 15" is too big/heavy to carry - are you using a backpack or going gorilla style (just carrying the MBP by itself for all to see)? If just carrying the MBP in the open, then I have no experience in that
.Same here!! I have both a 15" MBP and a 13" laptop. The 13" is easy on your arms, and is more convenient for times when you're relaxing on the couch or in bed. Any other time, I want the 15". It's easy on the eyes and is really not that much bigger than the 13".
If I had to choose just one, it'd be a 15" too. Perfect size.
I have had my MB 13'' for 3 years and i carry around with me all the time. I used my sister's 15'' and other brand's 15'' but it's too big for me. I never feel the 13'' monitor too small but if i need the extra spaces then it's most likely i am doing some serious work which i will be at home with my 37'' TV. When i have my 13'' out there, i will be most likely using Firefox, msn, note taking. So why do i need a 15'' monitor?
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If you are looking for portability definitely get the 13". I recommend you also get an external monitor for when you are at your desk though so that you get the best of both worlds.
I agree !
I have my MBA 13 Ultimate for every day work and classes at the University.
When I need more advanced cpu stressful work done on the fly, I will just bring my MBP 15 that day
Love the MBA 13 for its size and resolution (on a 13" screen).
Love the MBP 15 for its capabilities as an extreme laptop and also happen to think it feels very light for its size
Glad I ordered the MBP 15 with extra high screen resolution though
johnnyturbouk
macrumors 68000
IMHO - i love the 17"
if i was taking my mac with me everywhere i would go for a MBP 15"
but im soo in love with my 17"
i had a 15" and yest its a perfect compromise in every way.. and its actually very portable
if i was taking my mac with me everywhere i would go for a MBP 15"
but im soo in love with my 17"
i had a 15" and yest its a perfect compromise in every way.. and its actually very portable