Pros and Cons 13-inch vs 15-inch MBP

[EricT43]

I was trying to decide between a 13" MBP, 13" MBA, and 15" MBP. In the end I went with the base 13" MBP. If this was my only machine, I would have went with the top-end 15", but my main machine is a 27" iMac, so I decided to just get something cheap and portable. Cheap in the Apple sense, that is

13" is a small screen. I have found that 15" is pretty easy to live with, but with 13" I have to jockey windows around a bit. So I use full-screen mode and create additional workspaces in Mission Control. I'll probably set my dock to auto-hide too, that's something I've been meaning to try out.

Anyway, sorry for the tangent. Your questions about pros and cons can be easily answered by comparing specs. You'll just have to decide which of those pros and cons are most important to you, and then it will be an easy decision.

 

[ABadSanta]

OP, can you make a list of tasks you will be doing on your computer? Gaming, word processing, etc

 

[randomrazr]

Are you always this helpful?

It's little wonder that PC converts get the impression that Apple users are obnoxious snobs.

your statement doesnt apply to me

 

[Mojo1]

The warranty for the 13" laptop is $249 while the warranty for the 15" laptop is $349. Just pointing that out in case you were planning to extend the warranty.

Those are MSRP prices. Check the L.A. Computer Co. for the consistently best Applecare prices online.

 

[Mojo1]

I have a 13" and 15" MBP. The 15" is currently for sale. I have found it to be just a bit too big for traveling and using on a lap.

I think that people are a bit too obsessed with display resolution. Not once have I been using the 13" and found myself wishing it had a higher resolution display. I do wish that Apple offered an anti-glare option, but I solved the problem by using the excellent $35 Power Support anti-glare film. Comparing it to my matte display 15" they are comparable in appearance. Unlike some less expensive films, the Power Support film does not introduce artifacts or color-shifts.

I think that the base-model 13" is the biggest bang for the buck in Apple's portable lineup. Previous-generation 13" are going for as low as $929 in the refurb section of the online Apple Store. The current base-model 13" has been available recently for as low as $1000. If you absolutely need a quad-core CPU and discreet GPU plan on spending a minimum of around 80% more for the privilege of owning a 15".

 

[Spencer Reynen]

Speakers, screen, slightly better specs.

 

[Blues003]

If all you do is Browsing, Facebook, Office work, Chatting, some Photoshopping, Watching video or listening to music, and light gaming, the 13" is more than enough for you.

If you need it for heavy music/video editing, heavy photoshop or intense gaming, then the 15" is a better choice for you because it has a better graphics' card.

At extra money, the 15" also gives you higher resolution (basically, sharper, smaller images) and anti-glare screen (which means light won't reflect onto your eyes and make the screen hard to see)

The 15" also has the advantage of better speakers and an audio-in port (on the 13", audio-in and audio-out are all one port)

I'm getting a 13" soon, myself. I don't need any of the 15" capabilities, I find the 13"s resolution satisfactory enough, I do not work outside (so the glare is almost a non-existant problem to me), and I value the 13"s much lower price and weight.

 

[theSeb]

Bigger screen, higher resolution, faster processors, discrete GPU. Those are the benefits of the 15" in a nutshell.

 

[simsaladimbamba]

That takes less than a minute, including uploading. Grab part of the screen (shift+command+4), open in preview, edit, upload.

If you use Preview, then yes, it takes less than a minute, but Preview wasn't involved in the screenshot the poster you posted quoted.

 

[bruinsrme]

OP I am relatively new to the Mac world. Having a hi end dell 15 inch I was looking for something a little more portable in my next machine.
I opted for the 13 MBP. I have upgraded the ram and harddrive and ram on the cheap.
The most significant issue I have is the screen resolution.
My dell is sweet in this department.
The MBP rides the line of being adequate.

I love the portability or the 13" but wish I threw a few hundred more to get a real laptop.
If you can work with the weight and size of the 15 don't bother with the 13.
Since I paid $999 nib out the door at best buy my regrets are a little less than if I paid full price.
Just keep in mind the 15 is that and more over the 13.

Good luck and don't worry about the few forum monitors, there are plenty of others here that are unconditionally extremely helpful.