The weight of the MBP 13 SUCKS. Mistake selling the MBA?

[jdechko]

People are pretty harsh here considering it's a forum about student deciding which of two incredibly well-designed laptops they are buying.... There are plenty of 90lb college students and the 1.5lb difference between a MBA and MBP is the difference between carrying 3% & 5% of bodyweight - not trivial.

I would advise most people to put up with the MBP's extra weight though because the MBA's battery life would be a pain for a student that might face multiple classes with no outlets in a day. Also with the MBA you would have to carry around the power adapter, which might not be necessary with the MBP. Or one could certainly buy a 21" iMac for home/dorm and a netbook for taking notes in class. Cost would be about the same as a MBA.

I think for many of us, myself included, it is difficult to imagine what it would be like to be 90 lbs so it is much easier for us to think "1.5 lbs? are you joking? that's nothing!" when in fact, it really is a substantial percentage for the particular individual. I agree with your points though that you gain so much from that 1.5 lbs it is worth it, especially if this is an all purpose machine (i.e. you don't have a dedicated home machine and a portable).

And there are probably plenty of 250+ pound businessmen who would rather not carry around a 4.5lb laptop when their needs are met by a 3lb laptop. It's really a matter of personal opinion/preference when one is deciding how heavy is too heavy. It doesn't matter how much someone weighs or what their bodies are physically capable of carrying, whether it's a laptop or books or a laptop + books.

I'm 28, 5'10, 190. I have a 3-year-old boy who loves to be carried. I'm not in the greatest shape, but I'm fairly fit. Personally, I think I could sacrifice some performance for the weight savings because when I do travel, I'd rather be light.

I ended up being a little sarcastic because it irks me when people don't understand that weight is an important consideration for some people, regardless of performance. Perceived differences can be just as important in comparison, regardless of the actual numbers. (Additionally, I've come to realize that some actual numbers are pretty meaningless).

 

[Tibs066]

Mbp

Just my 2 cents on the matter but my wife travels about 100 days out the year for work and about 6 months ago i got her an ogio backpack to travel with and she seems to not mind the weight of her MBP 13" after moving from an air. She is in missions so she is walking all the time and she is a fairly tiny lady. Hope this helps and hope you are happy with whatever you settle on.

 

[flynz4]

I have said this many times here... but I'll to it once again.

The weight advantage of a MBA has very little to do with "carry weight". Yes, it helps, but it is secondary in importance.

The real benefit is in "use weight". Sitting on the couch or an easy chair. Lifting it with just a few fingers to reposition it on your lap, move it to the table in front of you, to your side, etc. Also, laying in bed, moving from one side of you to the other, and then onto your raised knees, etc.

Once you get accustomed to using a laptop in such a manner... using a full size laptop makes you feel like you have been thrown back into the 90's.

It is all about "use weight" and very little to do with "carry weight".

/Jim

 

[73CortinaV8]

If the weight is on your shoulders, it will get old quick.

Do you have a backpack with a thick waist belt that will put the weight on your hips? That's the only way to lug around any non-trivial amount of weight. If you do it right, all the weight will be on your hips which can be carried comfortably all day long and almost none will be on your shoulder straps.

Camping stores are very knowledgeable in this area.

 

[deconstruct60]

I'm just a very skinny girl - 5.9 pounds is heavy for me to comfortably lug around all day.

It is not 5.9 lbs that is getting the "get a gym" decription remarks. The difference in weight between a MBP 13" and a MBA is just 1.5 lbs. The notion that 4.4 lbs is a breeze but 5.9 lbs is herculean task you'd need to pass in order to become a Army Ranger or a Recon Marine. That for most adults, 1.5 lbs is some small percentage of their body weight. If you go to the gym and work up to being able to do a set of squats with your own body weight, 1.5 lbs is not going to feel like a big difference.

 

[runnerhiker]

Oh? Which one do you have? They are so much fun to drive! It's my first bike, and I totally love it.

Consultant, I run 50 miles a week, that's 2600 miles a year. How thousands of miles a year do you run? Why don't you go attempt it and come back to the board and tell me to go to the gym.

The difference in hauling around 1.5 pounds of computer is a more drastic compromise than I though it would be when you're on foot all day. If you live in one of the square states or whatever, where you can drive all the time - it's probably no big deal.

Bri

Spacekatgal,

I think you rock. I have a VFR Interceptor, a MBP, and Asics Kayano & Saucony Hurricane. I take my MBP and running shoes on motorcycle overnight trips, but I have saddle bags.

Ron

 

[Spacekatgal]

It is not 5.9 lbs that is getting the "get a gym" decription remarks. The difference in weight between a MBP 13" and a MBA is just 1.5 lbs. The notion that 4.4 lbs is a breeze but 5.9 lbs is herculean task you'd need to pass in order to become a Army Ranger or a Recon Marine. That for most adults, 1.5 lbs is some small percentage of their body weight. If you go to the gym and work up to being able to do a set of squats with your own body weight, 1.5 lbs is not going to feel like a big difference.

Women are not allowed to become either Army Rangers or Recon Marines. FYI.

Look, it's been said in this thread that "toughen up" is a fairly boneheaded response. So, I won't hammer on this point more. Heaviness is simply a matter of perspective.

Most Americans live in barren Wal-mart states and drive giant gas guzzling cars everywhere. I don't have that luxury, nor would I want it. I'm on foot all day, or I'm carrying my gear on my motorcycle. It's very different for me - but to be honest, I'm not going to justify what I perceive to be heavy again.

Spacekatgal,

I think you rock. I have a VFR Interceptor, a MBP, and Asics Kayano & Saucony Hurricane. I take my MBP and running shoes on motorcycle overnight trips, but I have saddle bags.

Ron

I was really tempted by the Interceptor. The lack of CABS on it was the determining factor. It's a great bike. Envy for you!

Which saddlebags do you have? I don't have that because it's outside of the "weight triangle" as I learned in my MSF class. I already barely put a dent in my suspension, so I worry about this. But, I'm curious if there's a brand you'd recommend.

Bri

 

[deconstruct60]

There are plenty of 90lb college students and the 1.5lb difference between a MBA and MBP is the difference between carrying 3% & 5% of bodyweight - not trivial.

5% really?? ... weigh 30 lbs and in college. Please. Perhaps in some college where they don't teach math. 3% .... 50 lbs. Adult women that on average weight 50 lbs. Where is this? Anorexic U ? Umpa loompa U ?

Here is a clue 1.5/90 ---> 1.67% . That's right, about 2x and 3x lighter than you are talking about.

to carry around the power adapter,

Indeed, that is around the change in weight talking about if the full cord configuration. Yet there is almost no complaints about carrying around a power cord being onerous.

 

[deconstruct60]

Heaviness is simply a matter of perspective.

It appears to be a matter of attitude also. If folks look at it as being heavy and a bother, then it will be. It isn't a significant matter for a healthy adult person to adapt to these changes in weight.

Heaviness gets drawn in because the initial complaint is about weight when it likely should be about how to effectively carry the load. Neither one of these are particularly heavy loads. As noted this is the same weight as a MBA + power adapter. Few were or are chucking the power adapter because it was/is heavy.

A reality litmus test would be to go weight your winter coat. A good winter coat for Boston, I'd bet weighs in around the same range at 1.0-1.5 lbs. Are you debilitated in the winter time from wearing it? Probably not.
Mostly because the coat is aligned with the rest of your body. A good pack, equally weighted across both shoulders this isn't a big deal. Neither is a secured one so that it is aligned across your balance when you're riding.

Most Americans live in barren Wal-mart states and drive giant gas guzzling cars everywhere. I don't have that luxury, nor would I want it. I'm on foot all day, or I'm carrying my gear on my motorcycle. It's very different for me - but to be honest, I'm not going to justify what I perceive to be heavy again.

Actually there are plenty of women in numerous countries in Africa and other countries that carry by foot much heavier loads (20-30 lbs) from town to town every day. So even this "I'm on foot in America and oh 1.5 lbs is sooooooooooo heavy" comes across as the soft American gripe.

I've walked miles in Boston and in several other cities. Crossed the Harvard bridge in February at sub freezing temps on foot. The calls for need for the gym is not boneheadhed, just unnecessary. Just carrying it properly for 2 weeks should be sufficient. The gym might make the adjustment go faster.

 

[Spacekatgal]

I'm not going to justify what I perceive to be heavy again.

^^ Feel free to read this sentence again. It might help your adjustment go faster.

 

[Scottsdale]

I have said this many times here... but I'll to it once again.

The weight advantage of a MBA has very little to do with "carry weight". Yes, it helps, but it is secondary in importance.

The real benefit is in "use weight". Sitting on the couch or an easy chair. Lifting it with just a few fingers to reposition it on your lap, move it to the table in front of you, to your side, etc. Also, laying in bed, moving from one side of you to the other, and then onto your raised knees, etc.

Once you get accustomed to using a laptop in such a manner... using a full size laptop makes you feel like you have been thrown back into the 90's.

It is all about "use weight" and very little to do with "carry weight".

/Jim

Agreed. It comes down to the weight when it's out of the laptop bag being used, opened, worked on lap, or carried around out of the laptop bag. In real world use, that's where the MBA really achieves "Air"ness. I remember being in graduate school and carrying three or four text books at a time. Those weighed far more than an MBP (maybe 20 lb.). At the same time, even if I had to carry three text books, I would prefer the MBA be in my bag than an MBP... it comes down to weight out of the bag - "Use weight" as you have it.

Nobody can understand the weight differences and use differences for the MBA without truly experiencing it for some time. There are many people that see the MBA as a waste of money because it is inferior in performance to the 13" MBP. What most people fail to realize is that they don't need more than the MBA provides, in terms of performance. And with the SSD, the MBA is faster for the average user when during all times except those of intensive CPU work... even the OP here, who claims to need far more CPU power, spends so much time on these forums that it's obvious the vast majority of time is not spent doing CPU intensive tasks.

The MBA is a dream... and that's all there is to it. Many will NEVER understand it, so there's no point in continuing to attempt to educate them. "More POWER" is in so many people's brains when it comes to technology... but the truth is those people are better off with anything other than Apple products. Apple products are not the most powerful.

 

[archurban]

are you kidding me? you are very young. you can't even carry that weight for a longer? shame on you. you'd better go to gym, and get some practice. I am serious. I take a business trip for more than 10 times every year. I go to Asia, Europe, or other American cities with one luggage, laptop bag. I sometimes bring PC laptop which is weight over 6. for me, all that weight (luggage, bag, extra bag, camera all other devices I have to carry) is nothing to me. 4.5 pounds? it's totally feather weight, I feel barely nothing.

 

[kustardking]

She doesn't want the weight

So drop the lame gym workout suggestions. Basically, if you want a less weighty but full fledged computer (vs ipad, for example) with up-to-date processing power and battery life, you'll have to step away from Apple. Could you be seen with a Thinkpad? x201s is < 3lbs and has a mobile i7 processor, 12" screen and 1440 x 900 resolution. Yes, it's windows 7, duh, but being an owner of both Macbook Pros, Mac Pros and DIY PCs, I feel that at this point Windows 7 has a more modern feel than OS X. I'm not saying that to start a fight, rather that if weight and "common" functionality are key, then you'll have to consider a different platform.

 

[raccoontail]

5% really?? ... weigh 30 lbs and in college. Please. Perhaps in some college where they don't teach math. 3% .... 50 lbs. Adult women that on average weight 50 lbs. Where is this? Anorexic U ? Umpa loompa U ?
Here is a clue 1.5/90 ---> 1.67% . That's right, about 2x and 3x lighter than you are talking about.

My point was only that for a 90lb person, a 4.5lb MBP is 5% of the person's weight, and a 3lb MBA is 3.3% of the person's weight. A 90lb student carrying a 13" MBP is equivalent to a 220lb student carrying TWO 17" MBP's. Weight matters when shuffling between classes all day. I still don't understand all the negativity in a thread helping a student pick a laptop... maybe people are bitter it's been so long since a product update.

 

[RedTomato]

Hiya.

It's up to you. I'm another guy who carries around a laptop all day. My partner has a MBA who she carries around all day too, and tbh, a MBP would be too heavy for her - she's fit but tiny, 4'10.

For me, even though I'm reasonably fit and strong, a laptop messenger style bag is just too much for me - I start getting pains in the shoulder from the weight and other junk in the bag.

A rucksack is a must for spreading the load over both shoulders. I also keep a spare powerplug at work.

I have a lightweight neopropene sleeve for my MB which means I can chuck it into any rucksack or bag.

For me, it isn't really about the weight, it's about getting a bag that spreads the load properly. With a decent rucksack I can carry a ton all day. With a messenger style bag, empty except for the laptop, I'm fed up of it after a couple of hours.

Muji have an excellent laptop bag that converts from a briefcase to a messenger style bag to a rucksack. I loved mine and used it till it wore out. Then they changed the fabric they use, and I don't like the new one so much.

Hope that helps.

PS any chance of a photo of you on your bike? (ideally with helmet on and holding your MBP )

 

[aljlin]

It's not so much the weight of the mbp that sucks, it's just more weight than you would like to carry around on a daily basis. Can it be lighter? probably, but the construction and materials kind of end up forcing the computer to be that particular weight. If they had the matte option, it would likely be lighter.

That said, some people find ways around it and can handle the weight ok, and get used to it. Really right now if you're looking for the weight difference and whether it will be comfortable, you might notice it more than before. Try just walking around and not think about the laptop you are carrying. (not saying it is psychological mostly, but if you're thinking about the weight differences, then you are more likely to focus on that difference ...) Shoulder bags do get heavy and uncomfortable as the weight is pretty lopsided. A backpack can help (especially one with a waist strap) distribute that weight across both your shoulders a little bit better

Ultimately, it is your decision and it is your life. If you cannot get over the weight of the mbp in a bag, then switch. You have to be comfortable with the way you do your daily activities, and if the 1.5 pounds bother you that much then it will just hinder your productivity and comfort. Maybe with a few modifications in the way you hold your computer (in a backpack & sleeve / notebook compartment vs shoulder strap ) maybe it will be more comfortable for you. Another thing to consider, do you bring your charger for both? for the mbp as it does have a better battery life, do you have to bring your charger with you? Does that offset the weight gain of the mba vs 13" mbp?

We can give you advice what to do, and how to make things more comfortable, but ultimately, with the guidance and trying things out, you have to see whether that will help/not change your situation. The MBA of course will be lighter, it comes down to can you deal with the additional 1.5 lbs of the mbp. If you can given the modifications, that's cool, but if not, then get the MBA as it will be more rewarding for you in the long run. However when considering the weight differences, do consider some of the additional peripherals that you may have to carry which are included in the mbp vs mba (portable disk drive, maybe a power cord on shorter trips,etc.)

 

[Synchromesh]

OP, I hear ya. I used to have a 2.4GHz unibody Macbook and after carrying it around a few times I could feel the weight fairly quickly and it didn't feel comfortable at all. When I switched to MBA, I could barely feel it even with having to carry a heavy travel bag at the airport. MBA was also slimmer and less bricky so it was easier to manage altogether. Sounds silly but those 1.5 lbs made a difference in my case.

I work out in gym regularly and can bench press around 200lbs while weighing close to 150 myself so it's not an issue of being physically incapable.

 

[Balthezor]

OP: Like others have mentioned, test it out for another week. If it still bothers you by then, I said switch to an Air.


To the people who replied by suggesting going to the gym or criticizing motherhood capability; you people should be ashamed of yourselves. The lady asked for advice about laptops.

 

[coast1ja]

I second those that hate the 'usage weight' of other notebooks in comparison to the air.

The deal breaker for me is that all other notebooks with at least a 13" screen that I have used, I have needed two hands to reposition the notebook... meaning I can be sitting with it on my lap and have to use both hands to move it off of my lap... the air only requires one hand to move. This is the key difference.

It really makes no difference when carrying it, but makes a HUGE difference while using it. I do notice the extra weight in my messenger bag, but it isn't as cumbersome as when I need to reposition it.

 

[manhattanboy]

LOL @ all the people saying go to the gym.

F all of U, really. I go to the gym too and I actually can't stand the weight of a heavier laptop either. And I'm a guy. It's NOT about the ABILITY to carry the d*mn thing, it's about noticing that you are carrying it. I cannot describe it, but the MBA is light enough that I rarely notice it, and as a result, I can carry it everywhere, including the gym! I have a rev B with SSD and love it. For a laptop its perfect. The batteries on the new MBPs are great, but the 13in is still a C2D, so what really are you gaining CPU performance wise? Anything serious would better be performed on a hyperthreading-capable i5 or i7, which means you're at least stuck with the 15in if U go

Yet another reason to not join the Mommy Mafia. I mean, except for the gorgeous floral stretch pants.

Jealous of your husband.

U sound like an amazing girl...

 

[cleric]

i just want to say, girls who ride pocket rockets (cbr 600rr's awesome, btw) are hawt. what was the problem with your mbp again??

I share a car with my husband

WA WA WA WAAAAAA

In all seriousness though I felt the same way about the MBP weight issue and opted for the MBA and couldn't be happier unless you need something really high performance or something cheaper then its hard to beat the refurb air. My bag feels empty when I have the macbook air in it.

 

[gwsat]

I felt the same way about the MBP weight issue and opted for the MBA and couldn't be happier unless you need something really high performance or something cheaper then its hard to beat the refurb air. My bag feels empty when I have the macbook air in it.

I am inclined to agree. I love everything about the MBA except for its being limited to only 2Gb of RAM. That just wouldn't work for me because I run several Windows apps under VMware Fusion in Unity mode. This requires a lot more that 2Gb of RAM. Indeed, it probably requires more that 4Gb of RAM. For that reason, I have been giving serious consideration to the 13 inch MBP, the size of which is comparable to that of the MBA. Unfortunately, though, every time I have done side by side comparisons of the MBP and the MBA at the Apple store, the MBP comes off as heavy and clumsy to handle compared to the svelte, light MBA. That's why I am not going to buy anything until the Apple care coverage on my MBP expires next spring.

 

[saltyzoo]

It's all about attitude. You ride a 600cc sport bike, so you've got attitude, you're just not using it in this case. Do you want to ride a scooter (MBA), or a sport bike (MB)? You decide. The scooter is a whole ton more comfortable, and probably a lot safer and cheaper too. I'll bet you don't think twice about the lack of comfort and safety of the sport bike. 1.5 pounds? To somebody riding a sport bike? Wimp. (meant in the best of ways)

PS> This is coming from a sport bike rider that carries 2 laptops (15" MBP and stupid heavy thinkpad), lunch, and more to work every day. A whole lot more than 5% of my body weight.

 

[flynz4]

It's all about attitude. You ride a 600cc sport bike, so you've got attitude, you're just not using it in this case. Do you want to ride a scooter (MBA), or a sport bike (MB)? You decide. The scooter is a whole ton more comfortable, and probably a lot safer and cheaper too. I'll bet you don't think twice about the lack of comfort and safety of the sport bike. 1.5 pounds? To somebody riding a sport bike? Wimp. (meant in the best of ways)

PS> This is coming from a sport bike rider that carries 2 laptops (15" MBP and stupid heavy thinkpad), lunch, and more to work every day. A whole lot more than 5% of my body weight.

Re: Bolded section.

I think a better analogy is a nimble quick sports car (MBA), vs a clunky minivan (MBP). Sometimes you might need the minivan to haul your kids (or you might need a DVD drive on your MBP)... but the sports car is a whole lot more fun to drive if it meets your needs.

/Jim (prefers our BMW Z4)

 

[soph]

I think a better analogy is a nimble quick sports car (MBA), vs a clunky minivan (MBP). Sometimes you might need the minivan to haul your kids (or you might need a DVD drive on your MBP)... but the sports car is a whole lot more fun to drive if it meets your needs.

/Jim (prefers our BMW Z4)

While I agree the MBA reminds me of a BMW Z4 I'd not describe MBPs as "clunky". They're rather beautifuly designed, too, even if somewhat more useable. BMW Sports Wagons come to mind.