Really struggling with 14" vs 16" MBP

[Kaitlyn2004]

I feel like I've read a lot of general opinions and overviews of the two. For some context:

- I do not regularly bring it to the office/transit
- Not for school/traveling around in a backpack
- Will replace laptop+desktop (for desktop, I will have 27" monitor, dedicated keyboard+mouse)
- I do photo editing, though that's mostly desktop mode
- I would like the idea of randomly bringing it to coffee shops or similar for random stuff or photo editing
- Traveling is super low right now, but may increase in future - mostly roadtrip style though?
- Usage is mostly casual everyday random things with specific usecase being some photo editing in laptop mode (but mostly in desktop mode).
- I used to be more techy, but haven't touched anything in ages. Maybe I'd experiment again with app development or some other things... but that's all just unknown right now.

My current almost-broken laptop is a Dell XPS 15 (9560). I originally had the XPS 13 for travel purposes, and ended up switching to XPS 15 when traveling decreased and needs for photo editing increased (dedicated GPU support in the XPS 15)

So, it's BASICALLY the same weight+footprint of my XPS 15... though in theory I didn't explicitly pick the XPS 15 for the 15" screen size over the 13". I am 100% returning+re-purchasing the laptop with 48gb RAM variant, but unsure about screen size.


I have the MBP M4 Pro 14" sitting right here and it's honestly not too bad... I feel like I could certainly get used to it? But at the same time, why NOT get the 16", especially since I've had the 15.6" for so long? I don't fall at all into the category of everyone who raves about the 14 over the 16 for "portability"... but also, I guess it is nice to simply have the smaller footprint to just carry it around, easily fit in lap, not take up so much space on a table... etc.


So has anyone already gone through this process? Yes, I'll have a larger monitor for when I really need the big screen... no, I don't absolutely need the lower weight+size as I am not transporting it daily... is the 16" too big for casual lap use? To fit on a table at a coffee shop?


Any other deciding factors that had you choose one over the other? Besides "I wanted small+light for transporting" and "I wanted 16 for the screen real estate (and I don't ever use a separate monitor)"

 

[wilberforce]

I have long ago concluded that when a decision is difficult to make, it does not really matter much which you choose. The important thing is to make a decision.
Sorry, not very helpful.
I really like the compact size of my 14”, but it is very cramped for photo editing. However, I don’t think a 16” would make a dramatic difference. It would still be cramped. Need at least a 24” screen for comfortable photo editing

 

[mmkerc]

Agree with Wilberforce comment. The only difference between the two computers for your stated purposes is the screen size. You do not mention a cost component so assuming the is not an issue I would get the 16" simply because you are already use to that size monitor, and switch to a smaller one, however slightly, is something you will notice.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

I have long ago concluded that when a decision is difficult to make, it does not really matter much which you choose. The important thing is to make a decision.
Sorry, not very helpful.
I really like the compact size of my 14”, but it is very cramped for photo editing. However, I don’t think a 16” would make a dramatic difference. It would still be cramped. Need at least a 24” screen for comfortable photo editing

Yeah I think the monitor is ultimately where I head when I need to do any real editing.

But I could see shortlisting a few photos and wanting to get into a new environment and edit them... get out of the house sometimes! And I think yeah neither the 14" nor the 16" are ideal, and probably not really all that different from each other

So while I don't think the 16" would make a marked improvement for photo editing over the 14", I wonder how it impacts other everyday use...

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

Agree with Wilberforce comment. The only difference between the two computers for your stated purposes is the screen size. You do not mention a cost component so assuming the is not an issue I would get the 16" simply because you are already use to that size monitor, and switch to a smaller one, however slightly, is something you will notice.

Yeah I can't say the 16" price would financially ruin me.

The benefits of (marginally, it seems) improved CPU that is the base in the 16", along with even longer battery life are welcome

But I just wonder if I'll find the 16" more cumbersome as I get back into using it daily - and switching it between "desktop" and "portable laptop" mode, as its replacing my dedicated desktop...

It does feel like an impossible decision with no right answer as I don't think I've got a specific usecase pushing me towards one size over the other...

The struggle is real!

 

[kitKAC]

It does feel like an impossible decision with no right answer as I don't think I've got a specific usecase pushing me towards one size over the other...

Toss a coin.

 

[throAU]

I have the MBP M4 Pro 14" sitting right here and it's honestly not too bad... I feel like I could certainly get used to it? But at the same time, why NOT get the 16", especially since I've had the 15.6" for so long? I don't fall at all into the category of everyone who raves about the 14 over the 16 for "portability"... but also, I guess it is nice to simply have the smaller footprint to just carry it around, easily fit in lap, not take up so much space on a table... etc.

If you're happy with the 16" size and have the budget for it - go for it, it has more screen real estate and better cooling (and bigger battery).

Myself, 14" is about the limit of what I want to carry daily - but again, you're already using a larger machine happily. Both machines are fast.

 

[mmkerc]

It does feel like an impossible decision with no right answer as I don't think I've got a specific usecase pushing me towards one size over the other...

The struggle is real!

You are framing the issue wrong. There is no wrong answer.

There is no issue with either MBP on switching between portable mode, and desktop mode both will have the same process and number of connections. The only difference you will notice (if then) is the screen size only because you are use to a bigger screen. The other differences are not noticeable to the vast majority of users.

 

[familychoice]

I feel like I've read a lot of general opinions and overviews of the two. For some context:

- I do not regularly bring it to the office/transit
- Not for school/traveling around in a backpack
- Will replace laptop+desktop (for desktop, I will have 27" monitor, dedicated keyboard+mouse)
- I do photo editing, though that's mostly desktop mode
- I would like the idea of randomly bringing it to coffee shops or similar for random stuff or photo editing
- Traveling is super low right now, but may increase in future - mostly roadtrip style though?
- Usage is mostly casual everyday random things with specific usecase being some photo editing in laptop mode (but mostly in desktop mode).
- I used to be more techy, but haven't touched anything in ages. Maybe I'd experiment again with app development or some other things... but that's all just unknown right now.

My current almost-broken laptop is a Dell XPS 15 (9560). I originally had the XPS 13 for travel purposes, and ended up switching to XPS 15 when traveling decreased and needs for photo editing increased (dedicated GPU support in the XPS 15)

So, it's BASICALLY the same weight+footprint of my XPS 15... though in theory I didn't explicitly pick the XPS 15 for the 15" screen size over the 13". I am 100% returning+re-purchasing the laptop with 48gb RAM variant, but unsure about screen size.


I have the MBP M4 Pro 14" sitting right here and it's honestly not too bad... I feel like I could certainly get used to it? But at the same time, why NOT get the 16", especially since I've had the 15.6" for so long? I don't fall at all into the category of everyone who raves about the 14 over the 16 for "portability"... but also, I guess it is nice to simply have the smaller footprint to just carry it around, easily fit in lap, not take up so much space on a table... etc.


So has anyone already gone through this process? Yes, I'll have a larger monitor for when I really need the big screen... no, I don't absolutely need the lower weight+size as I am not transporting it daily... is the 16" too big for casual lap use? To fit on a table at a coffee shop?


Any other deciding factors that had you choose one over the other? Besides "I wanted small+light for transporting" and "I wanted 16 for the screen real estate (and I don't ever use a separate monitor)"

I'm currently working on an Intel 16" MBP. I'm suffering from a dodgy back at the moment, so using the laptop is easier than working at my desk with a M1 Mini/27" monitor combo.

I've got a whole bunch of windows open (CMS admin via browser, notepad, emails and Mail app, Affinity Photo, Finder etc.) as I'm building a new website, and editing photos for it via Affinity at the same time.

Realistically there's no speed benefit whatsoever to using my desktop setup, compared to the MBP - in fact, the trackpad sometimes speeds things up, workflow wise.

I'm going to be getting an M4 MBP 14" for music making, but I'm keeping this one for my day job. I think one of the things people seem to forget when comparing CPU, RAM, whatever speeds, is that having a big screen speeds things up too - since you don't have to keep swapping so many windows - with the 16" I've got almost as much usable screen estate as with my desktop.

If I was in the market for a new work machine, rather than my music stuff, I'd go for a 16" and save a bit of cash by buying an older M chip version.

 

[namria]

Considering the fact that you’re not concerned about the budget, weight and size, I believe you should go for 16”. It doesn’t matter when you’re at your workstation, but it will feel nicer with a bigger screen when you’ll take it somewhere. You also won’t be torturing yourself with “what ifs” later.

 

[Jim Lahey]

Go big or go home 👍

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

Toss a coin.

It landed on it's side!!!

That NEVER happens!

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

If you're happy with the 16" size and have the budget for it - go for it, it has more screen real estate and better cooling (and bigger battery).

Myself, 14" is about the limit of what I want to carry daily - but again, you're already using a larger machine happily. Both machines are fast.

I think this sort of reinforces the 16" being okay - I am absolutely NOT carrying it around daily. If so, that would certainly be a bigger consideration and possibly a dealbreaker of the larger heavier 16"

 

[terryw1]

I too had this dilemma. Could not decide. I bought both knowing I would return one. Feeling somewhat foolish, I used both for about 10 days. Have a studio with a studio monitor for my desktop. Travel about 1-2 a month, brought it out with me when having coffee or visiting family and friends. Used it on the couch, in bed and all around the house.

to my great surprise I loved the 14in size, was easier to use, carry around and overall transportability was better. If I needed a larger monitor I would use my desktop anyways. I do movie creation from photos and movies and found there was little difference in editing between the two sizes. If you need something bigger, the desktop does the job, the extra 2 in of the 16 did not. I also felt the screen on the 14 was crisper and I got slightly better battery life.

I have the 14 and could not be happier. Because of the size/weight etc. I tend to bring it with me more often than not. So in the end I get more use out of it. That alone made the decision easier.

 

[throAU]

to my great surprise I loved the 14in size, was easier to use, carry around and overall transportability was better. If I needed a larger monitor I would use my desktop anyways. I do movie creation from photos and movies and found there was little difference in editing between the two sizes. If you need something bigger, the desktop does the job, the extra 2 in of the 16 did not. I also felt the screen on the 14 was crisper and I got slightly better battery life.

When at home I plug my 14" into a 32" monitor. Works for me too.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

I too had this dilemma. Could not decide. I bought both knowing I would return one. Feeling somewhat foolish, I used both for about 10 days. Have a studio with a studio monitor for my desktop. Travel about 1-2 a month, brought it out with me when having coffee or visiting family and friends. Used it on the couch, in bed and all around the house.

to my great surprise I loved the 14in size, was easier to use, carry around and overall transportability was better. If I needed a larger monitor I would use my desktop anyways. I do movie creation from photos and movies and found there was little difference in editing between the two sizes. If you need something bigger, the desktop does the job, the extra 2 in of the 16 did not. I also felt the screen on the 14 was crisper and I got slightly better battery life.

I have the 14 and could not be happier. Because of the size/weight etc. I tend to bring it with me more often than not. So in the end I get more use out of it. That alone made the decision easier.

Hmm interesting. Not my exact use case, but yeah.

You really didn’t find the 16” more usable screen real estate though? That’s a bit surprising. Also I thought the 16” definitely lasts longer - I think the 16” m4 pro is the longest battery config…

How did you find bringing the 16” to coffee shop?

What about around house usage? When not hooked up to a bigger monitor - on the couch etc, you still preferred the 14” over 16”?

 

[terryw1]

Hmm interesting. Not my exact use case, but yeah.

You really didn’t find the 16” more usable screen real estate though? That’s a bit surprising. Also I thought the 16” definitely lasts longer - I think the 16” m4 pro is the longest battery config…

How did you find bringing the 16” to coffee shop?

What about around house usage? When not hooked up to a bigger monitor - on the couch etc, you still preferred the 14” over 16”?

For my needs and editing the extra 2in did not do much. I prefer my studio monitor for any serious work. I do keep a lot of windows open and again I did not feel any relief with the 16 versus the 14. As far as battery life they were close but again the 14 won out.

I was more comfortable with the 14 at the coffee shop, although I did bring the 16 about half the time. The 14 just fit on the table better with my coffee and danish. I worried about knocking my coffee into the 16 and that was not the case with the 14.

Around the house and on my patio either was a toss up in the first few days. I then realized I gravitated towards the 14 just because it was so easy.the latter part of my trial found me grabbing the 14 more and more. For me the 14 was a no brainer and often I had to think about positioning the 16, especially on the couch.

Glad I had both to try out.but the 14 clearly became the winner for y usage.

 

[chrono1081]

As someone who has owned all shapes and sizes (including the last intel 16 inch) the M series 16 inch is a beast of a laptop. Here are my thoughts:

I personally feel way more productive on a 16 inch screen. I do a lot of everything (coding, photo editing, 3D modeling, game development, etc). You enjoy photo editing, photo editing on a tiny screen isn't great. 14 inch is ok, but you WILL notice the extra screen real estate of the 16 inch. For screen-hogging use cases, 16 is often better IF you can handle traveling with it. It also makes a great second screen when you need it at the desk.

You said your travel currently is low, but it could pick up. Do you have a backpack (or plan on getting one) where you can reasonably carry a 16 inch laptop? Do you mind the extra weight of a slightly heavier backpack?

If you're not living a jet setting lifestyle, lugging around a big laptop isn't a big deal as long as you can handle the extra size. If you're driving to a coffee shop it's not like you're lugging that laptop the entire way, you're just carrying it from your car to the shop and setting it up. If you're traveling on a plane and want to use it ON the plane it is a bit bulky but doable on most planes (or keep it in your bag and snag an iPad Pro for work on the plane if it's in your budget).

For me personally, if I have to work from a laptop I'm more productive on the 16 inch screen. It's not as nice to use on my lap as a 14, and it is more to carry around, but at the end of the day it's about the work I can get done on it.

Although I currently have a 14 inch, I do miss the size of the 16 inch, but I had to prioritize portability above everything which is the only reason I'm on the 14 currently.

in short: If you want a better work experience at the slight portability expense, go 16 inch. If you want better portability at the expense of a better work experience, go 14 inch. Please look at both in a store before making any decisions.

EDIT: I do want to say though, whichever one you choose you will be happy, both are great machines.