Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
The weight of the MBP 13 SUCKS. Mistake selling the MBA?
- Thread starter Spacekatgal
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
I know a 5ft 1in girl that is very skinny and carries a 17in laptop for video rendering around with her thats is almost 12lbs. She never complains.
Saying you cant carry 4.5lbs is like saying you can't hold a single text book. Something ALL students carry multiple of since early school days.
Saying you cant carry 4.5lbs is like saying you can't hold a single text book. Something ALL students carry multiple of since early school days.
I was thinking the same thing. The analogy between the MBA and the sleek little BMW Z4 is apt, I think. I think a better automobile analogy than "clunky minivan" for the 13 inch MBP might be a BMW 528 sedan or an X3 SUV. They are utilitarian but very nice, nonetheless. By the way, my daughter and her husband just got a Z4 last week and I got to ride in it. It's pretty slick.
The weight difference makes a big difference.
When I started grad school 3 years ago, I had a 12 PowerBook, 4.6 lbs (plus power block), no case, carried in a padded messenger-style bag diagonally over my shoulders, along with all my other gear for the day. I was carrying it around all day. My shoulders were killing me. I'm in New York City, so my commuting situation is similar to yours in Boston except with even more walking in the mix.
Seven months later, I bought a MacBook Air, 3 lbs plus power block, no case, same shoulder bag, same other gear. I can and do carry the Air around all day and not even notice it. The difference between 4.6 lbs and 3 lbs is, somehow, tremendous. Its the magic sweet spot for me: a 4.6 lb computer feels really heavy, really uncomfortable. A 3 lb computer feels almost weightless. Im really glad I shifted to the Air.
And to address the folks who gave you yo, get a gym membership responses: Im a male full-time athlete. Being fit has nothing to do with it. Maybe it has something to do with the shape details of one's shoulder areas and how the nerves, bones, muscles and fat all relate? Whatever the case, it's very different from person to person.
So my recommendation: Keep a close eye on your return-by date for the MBP. If you haven't gotten happy with its heaviness by then, return it and go back to your Air.
When I started grad school 3 years ago, I had a 12 PowerBook, 4.6 lbs (plus power block), no case, carried in a padded messenger-style bag diagonally over my shoulders, along with all my other gear for the day. I was carrying it around all day. My shoulders were killing me. I'm in New York City, so my commuting situation is similar to yours in Boston except with even more walking in the mix.
Seven months later, I bought a MacBook Air, 3 lbs plus power block, no case, same shoulder bag, same other gear. I can and do carry the Air around all day and not even notice it. The difference between 4.6 lbs and 3 lbs is, somehow, tremendous. Its the magic sweet spot for me: a 4.6 lb computer feels really heavy, really uncomfortable. A 3 lb computer feels almost weightless. Im really glad I shifted to the Air.
And to address the folks who gave you yo, get a gym membership responses: Im a male full-time athlete. Being fit has nothing to do with it. Maybe it has something to do with the shape details of one's shoulder areas and how the nerves, bones, muscles and fat all relate? Whatever the case, it's very different from person to person.
So my recommendation: Keep a close eye on your return-by date for the MBP. If you haven't gotten happy with its heaviness by then, return it and go back to your Air.
I agree that being fit and doing regular weight training have little or nothing to do with how much, or how little, benefit one derives from using a 3 pound MBA instead of a 4.5 pound 13 inch MBP. In fact, the bluster on that score was unconvincing, to me at least.
I have maintained a rigorous training regime for most of my adult life but it has not prevented me from appreciating the benefits of the MBA that the MBP can't provide. I think the most important of those benefits is the MBA's slender styling, which make it much easier to move around in one's hands than is the MBP. I have tried to talk myself into the 13 inch MBP, and may still buy one. So far, though, I have come back to the MBA every time I have made a side by side MBA versus 13 inch MBP comparison at the Apple Store and been reminded of how much easier to handle the MBA is than the 13 inch MBP.
Fair comment. My intent was to dispel the thought that the MBA is a "scooter". It really is a very functional full computer. However, you are right... the MBP is also a great machine.
I am on record here saying that if I only had a single computer, I would choose a MBP over an MBA. I think my combination of a 27" i7 iMac and the MBA is ideal. I use the MBA almost exclusively (probably 80%/20%)... but the combination is very powerful.
/Jim
CLK 55 AMG is the same in cars as MBA is in computing...
My MacBook Air reminds me exactly of my Mercedes CLK55 AMG convertible. My car blows away any/every car I have owned before it, in terms of desired performance, the look I want, the product quality, and overall enjoyment I get while driving it. Now, I have owned cars that were faster, cars that were sportier, and cars that were more luxurious in terms of features, and cars that cost more. But I have never loved a car so much. It is EXACTLY like the MBA is to me when it comes to computing. Let me also say that I bought my AMG with 10k miles on it two years old for half of list price (so it's not like that luxury of a car or that crazy of an expenditure just as the MBA isn't overpriced at $1799).
The MBP is a "faster" computer and still has industrial and aluminum case of the MBA. The Sony Z is potentially more "luxurious" with high end components and even more futuristic materials with carbon fiber. And there might be a more "techie" (same as sporty) type computer out there definitely in terms of bells and whistles in what's coming. There are definitely more expensive computers too, but it doesn't require too much to get an MBA.
At the end of the day the MBA does everything, I USE IT FOR, wonderfully well. Sorta like my Mercedes does everything I want from it wonderfully well. Same types of things too... but it all equals ENJOYMENT.
So people can decide they don't want to carry the MBP even though it's "only" 1.5 lb. more weight. To them, they don't need any more performance than the MBA provides and they love the value and features that come from the ultraportable MBA. It doesn't have to come down to not being able to carry an extra 1.5 lb. while in laptop bag traveling... it can just come down to the moments and desires from the computing experience... and for many people, the MacBook Air does everything they need exceptionally well while meeting all of their other desires.
That's the best analogy I have for the MBA. Computers are just like car manufacturers and brands... and Apple's products are similar level versus Mercedes in terms of customer loyalty and brand recognition. I love my MBA because it's exactly what I want... it may not have a Core i7 CPU, nor 8 GB RAM, nor a discrete GPU, nor have Blu Ray, nor have 512 GB SSD, nor play videogames... but it's exactly what I need and want in terms of usability and design/appearance from my computer.
My MacBook Air reminds me exactly of my Mercedes CLK55 AMG convertible. My car blows away any/every car I have owned before it, in terms of desired performance, the look I want, the product quality, and overall enjoyment I get while driving it. Now, I have owned cars that were faster, cars that were sportier, and cars that were more luxurious in terms of features, and cars that cost more. But I have never loved a car so much. It is EXACTLY like the MBA is to me when it comes to computing. Let me also say that I bought my AMG with 10k miles on it two years old for half of list price (so it's not like that luxury of a car or that crazy of an expenditure just as the MBA isn't overpriced at $1799).
The MBP is a "faster" computer and still has industrial and aluminum case of the MBA. The Sony Z is potentially more "luxurious" with high end components and even more futuristic materials with carbon fiber. And there might be a more "techie" (same as sporty) type computer out there definitely in terms of bells and whistles in what's coming. There are definitely more expensive computers too, but it doesn't require too much to get an MBA.
At the end of the day the MBA does everything, I USE IT FOR, wonderfully well. Sorta like my Mercedes does everything I want from it wonderfully well. Same types of things too... but it all equals ENJOYMENT.
So people can decide they don't want to carry the MBP even though it's "only" 1.5 lb. more weight. To them, they don't need any more performance than the MBA provides and they love the value and features that come from the ultraportable MBA. It doesn't have to come down to not being able to carry an extra 1.5 lb. while in laptop bag traveling... it can just come down to the moments and desires from the computing experience... and for many people, the MacBook Air does everything they need exceptionally well while meeting all of their other desires.
That's the best analogy I have for the MBA. Computers are just like car manufacturers and brands... and Apple's products are similar level versus Mercedes in terms of customer loyalty and brand recognition. I love my MBA because it's exactly what I want... it may not have a Core i7 CPU, nor 8 GB RAM, nor a discrete GPU, nor have Blu Ray, nor have 512 GB SSD, nor play videogames... but it's exactly what I need and want in terms of usability and design/appearance from my computer.
LOL, I do see a trend, but a Mercedes CLK55 AMG does blow away any BMW Z4, and that not only because it could seat 4 ...
Have you tried it on a race course yet?
[sorry for the offtopic]
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.
Haha. I think this is my favorite post in this thread! I cannot argue with this logic.
I've been carrying it every day since I bought it, and have gotten more used to the weight. You have to understand that my MBA has been my carry computer for over two years now, so it was a switch. I also switched from this case to this one. It's a cheaper bag, but only 3/5 of a pound with the detachable parts off. I don't even notice the weight now. Unfortunately, I can't convert this one to backpack mode like the Flight Jacket. That's important, because having weight distributed to one side is potentially dangerous on a motorcycle.
I think some of the MBA fanboys of this forum are kidding themselves. If anything, the MBA is like a Mazda Miata. It's so lightweight that the small engine is acceptable. It's cute, sexy and a great car for those that don't need the full power of a real sports car. But can it compete with the high end? No.
Broadly speaking the Mazda falls into the category of the vehicles above by being fun to drive but otherwise not terribly useable, but there's no "Mazda-tax" to make it comparable to Apple products.
LOL, I do see a trend, but a Mercedes CLK55 AMG does blow away any BMW Z4, and that not only because it could seat 4 ...
Have you tried it on a race course yet?
[sorry for the offtopic]
I guess it is a matter of perspective. The 2 seater aspect of my wife's Z4 is more important to her than any 4 seater, because she came from 17 years of driving (3) minivans. It signaled the end of the "soccer-mom" era.
Personally, I like the "FLYN" part of our "FlynZ4" handle better. My C-206 works for me... I guess that would be our 27" i7 iMac.
/Jim
Ha, it's funny hearing all these "1.5 lbs is nothing, go to the gym" comments. Tell that to the AT hikers drilling holes in their toothbrushes to save fractions of an ounce. The longer you bear weight, the more you'll notice it, and the more aggravating it'll become, especially if you're active with the weight, i.e. running to catch the T, riding your sport bike, etc. As a pretty built guy who also rides a crotch rocket, I'll never give up my MBA, because those measly pounds make a big difference over the course of a day. For programming, email, and the internet, the MBA is fine and I can't even seriously consider any of the other heavy Mac laptops; they just feel preposterous in my hands now.
Wow, a lot of other sports bike riders here on MacRumors! Who knew! ^_^ From the first time I got on one, I was totally addicted. There is no feeling at all that compares to the feeling of riding a crotch rocket. It's like pure joy mixed with adrenaline.
Broadly speaking the Mazda falls into the category of the vehicles above by being fun to drive but otherwise not terribly useable, but there's no "Mazda-tax" to make it comparable to Apple products.
First off it would be more like a Karman Ghia beautiful light and small with a tiny engine.
Except we are comparing it to a 13" MBP which has a marginally faster core2duo. The biggest improvement is the ram.
If it isn't abundantly clear by now, all you have to do is change how you carry the weight. A comfortable backpack, as you suggested you may need, should do wonders. You can also easily wear one whilst riding your bike.
Open Class Bikes Rule!
I have a MBP 15.4. No problem carrying the weight. But then I'm a 180 pound guy.
I ride a VFR800 (dropped bars, high pipe, stainless brake/clutch lines, custom wheels, tinted screen from Japan, custom seat.....)
tech
I have a MBP 15.4. No problem carrying the weight. But then I'm a 180 pound guy.
I ride a VFR800 (dropped bars, high pipe, stainless brake/clutch lines, custom wheels, tinted screen from Japan, custom seat.....)
tech
I'm not a fan of the ones from the 90s, but after the 5th gen, those things are SEXY! Awesome bike!
LOL, I do see a trend, but a Mercedes CLK55 AMG does blow away any BMW Z4, and that not only because it could seat 4 ...
Have you tried it on a race course yet?
[sorry for the offtopic]
No, never raced it. The AMG engine is impressive, but it's not really about that. I actually had to trade my Porsche in when I had my second child. Couldn't fit two kids and a wife in the Porsche. The infant seats would literally not fit in the back of the Porsche without cramming the front seats all the way up, Believe Me, I tried!
The Mercedes is really just like the MBA though... other than the engine I suppose. It's sneaky fast just like the MBA's SSD is sneaky fast, LOL. I absolutely love everything about the MBA for the same types of reasons I love everything about my Mercedes. It's the same types of premium brand, price considerations, smaller, not meant for complete performance or complete luxury... just about fun.
Anyways, I think the whole criticism of people for wanting to save 1.5 lb. and use an MBA is the same type of thing. We all have different needs, financial concerns, and etc.
Oh, it would simply kill me to sell a Porsche for a child. There are so many classic models that are just unbelievable.
One day I'd like to get an Audi TT or a very used Lotus Exige. But there are so many great Porsches that simply transcend time.
Bri
These days there is a child (or even children-)compatible Porsche that's not an elephant. But somehow it's still not the same...
The gym comments in this thread are absolutely hilarious, it's amazing how people are unable to comprehend the fact that different people have different needs. I'm willing to bet that most (if not all) of the people making these comments don't travel frequently, or carry their laptops for extended periods of time. Anyone that has owned and used an MBA will absolutely notice the difference when going to a different laptop. Whether that difference (1.5 pounds or otherwise) has an impact on their daily life depends on the person.
I'm sure that Spacekatgal is not implying that 1.5 pounds by itself is heavy. But you have to look at relative weight instead of absolute weight, not to mention how its being used. A 1.5 pound difference in something that is mostly stationary is negligible. The few times or short distances you have to carry it will barely be noticeable. A 1.5 pound difference in something that is mostly mobile and being carried all day is definitely significant. It has nothing to do with if you're male/female, fit/out of shape, or how much weight you can carry. I'm sure that the majority of MBA owners are physically capable of carrying laptops twice or even three times the MBA's weight. But why would they want to? It's a personal choice that is situation dependent, and based on how people use and transport their device. Whether the functionality trade-offs for a lighter/thinner laptop is worth it when going from a 13" MBP to an MBA is something each person has to decide on their own.
Spacekatgal, one thing I'd recommend before making a final decision, is to give it some more time, and see if you can adjust and get used to the heavier weight. Also, like someone else suggested, carrying it differently might help offset the weight gain and how you perceive it, especially when used with something that will distribute the weight evenly, like a backpack.
I'm sure that Spacekatgal is not implying that 1.5 pounds by itself is heavy. But you have to look at relative weight instead of absolute weight, not to mention how its being used. A 1.5 pound difference in something that is mostly stationary is negligible. The few times or short distances you have to carry it will barely be noticeable. A 1.5 pound difference in something that is mostly mobile and being carried all day is definitely significant. It has nothing to do with if you're male/female, fit/out of shape, or how much weight you can carry. I'm sure that the majority of MBA owners are physically capable of carrying laptops twice or even three times the MBA's weight. But why would they want to? It's a personal choice that is situation dependent, and based on how people use and transport their device. Whether the functionality trade-offs for a lighter/thinner laptop is worth it when going from a 13" MBP to an MBA is something each person has to decide on their own.
Spacekatgal, one thing I'd recommend before making a final decision, is to give it some more time, and see if you can adjust and get used to the heavier weight. Also, like someone else suggested, carrying it differently might help offset the weight gain and how you perceive it, especially when used with something that will distribute the weight evenly, like a backpack.
I certainly understand the comments. If I didn't have both a 13mbp and a mba, I would join the chorus of folks saying 'it's only 1.5 pounds for chrissakes!'.
But to actually use and go from one to the other, the difference is downright shocking.
A while back in one of these forums someone said how the mba crosses under some 'magic' weight threshold whereby somehow that 1.5 pounds seems to make a much more dramatic difference than you'd ever expect. I totally agree.
P.S. I do go to the gym, (I can toss my 70 pound daughter high into the air when we play at the pool).
Also, my 'crotch rocket' is a BMW K1200Rs
You should take your bike to the shop if you can't do it yourself and properly set the front and rear suspension preload so there is the right amount of sag. You'll notice a huge differences. Try some sport saddle bags or a backpack with two shoulder straps and ones that go around the waist and chest. Dakine and Northface make some good ones. It's amazing how much you can carry on your back when the pack is properly fitted.