The $2300 Question, 15" or 17"

[lasuther]

With a $2300 limit, which would you buy: 17" 1920x1200 2.53GHz i5 or 15" 1680x1050 2.66GHz i7?

 

[sth]

Depends:
If you need the screen space: Go for the 17"
Otherwise: Go for the 15"

 

[jpefjr]

I'd stretch the budget and get a 17" i7.

 

[I-Eat-Flowers]

15" is more than enough..

 

[Jaro65]

This is a really tough question as they both look like fantastic machines. It boils down to your mobility needs. If you're going to be carrying the MBP around a lot and don't absolutely need the 1920x1200 resolution, the 15" model is probably preferred.

 

[lasuther]

People seem to prefer the processor speed and smaller size instead of a larger and higher resolution screen.

 

[King Apple]

i'd go for the high end 15" any day

 

[mklnz]

I find 15" to be the sweet spot between usability and portability. 17" may be a bit too large to carry around everyday. Depends on how you plan to use it I guess.

 

[CHFBrian]

I personally went with the 15". I think it's a better balance between screen size and portability.

 

[oHai]

I'd personally buy the 15" because I don't care for big laptops. But your screen size needs should definitely decide this for you.

 

[Spandexman]

I went for the 15" having been dead set on the 17" for months. It appears they intentionally gimped the bigger machine, removing any reason to buy it other than a slightly larger screen. I mean, for the cheaper price, you can get a faster, lighter 15" with identical specs other than a smaller high res screen. Before, it was a bigger battery, the screen was denser, and it was just as fast as the high end 15". And the cost difference was smaller!