Those who own 15 or 17" MBP's, please help.

[BacklitFirefly]

I just got my 15" Macbook Pro coming off of using an HP Pavilion dv-7 with 17" screen, and I deliberately chose the 15" over the 17" after comparing them at an Apple retail store side by side. I was coming from a really bulky Windows laptop and the idea of something so much lighter with such a great resolution was impossible to resist. It wasn't that I didn't also love the 17" MBP, just that to me the fonts and application windows, etc... actually looked better on the 15".

I use mainly iWork, Scrivener, the Gimp and Seashore, iPhoto, iTunes, Garage Band, iCal and iChat at the same time. Oh, and Mail. And Stickies. And Dictionary. That's about all. I never have to wait on anything, and with Expose I can shift around fairly easily. You could also use Spaces for virtual desktops if you want to really keep things clean and neat.

 

[J&JPolangin]

...I'm currently frustrated with Apple, however, as my wife's has had 3 hard disks replaced and one main/mother board replaced in 9 months. Mine just crashed as well - bummed i didn't back it up this past few weeks...

...I've ironically had the Dell in my sig have HDD's crash 4 times during the 3 year on-site warranty... however, the machine is now approaching 10 yrs old and hasn't had any other parts replaced (due to failure)...

...over the years, I've added RAM, a new CPU and a video card just to extend the basic life a bit...

I guess no manufacturer makes things "like they used to"...

 

[175170]

I love the capabilities of the MBP 15" - I have 2. Bought one for my wife 3/1/09 and another for me 10/1/09.

I'm currently frustrated with Apple, however, as my wife's has had 3 hard disks replaced and one main/mother board replaced in 9 months. Mine just crashed as well - bummed i didn't back it up this past few weeks. So now they'll replace the HD on this too.

Apple is not quick to help on my wife's - we'll see how they are on mine...

My point - talk to them about how they'll service your MAC before you buy it. I do recommend the Apple Care...

Get it replaced.
Apple has a lemon policy. If the same part breaks three times, you get a new computer. I went from a black MacBook to a 13" MacBook Pro like that.

OP: I suggest the 15".
The Expresscard slot offers you expandability. A SD card slot is just a SD card slot. I can put a 21-in-1 card reader, a SSD, FireWire port, USB port into my Expresscard.
Also, given the profession you are in, I really would wait for a bit. The Intel i3 mobile CPUs are coming out, and will offer significant performance gains.

Cheers,

David

 

[Kupoback]

OP: I suggest the 15".
The Expresscard slot offers you expandability. A SD card slot is just a SD card slot. I can put a 21-in-1 card reader, a SSD, FireWire port, USB port into my Expresscard.
Also, given the profession you are in, I really would wait for a bit. The Intel i3 mobile CPUs are coming out, and will offer significant performance gains.

Cheers,

David

I'm currently at the Apple Store right now, and just compared the size and weight of the 15" and the 17". And taking everything you and everyone has said to me, I've decided on the matte 15" 2.8 MBP. Thank you all for all your advice, I'm excited to pick up this laptop next week. Then to find a 500GB 7,200 RPM Hdd

 

[ARF900]

Yep, A trip to the apple store is really the best way to compare macs. Because they are all out, you can compare the screen size and space, and ask questions.

 

[175170]

I'm currently at the Apple Store right now, and just compared the size and weight of the 15" and the 17". And taking everything you and everyone has said to me, I've decided on the matte 15" 2.8 MBP. Thank you all for all your advice, I'm excited to pick up this laptop next week. Then to find a 500GB 7,200 RPM Hdd

Great choice, it's a stellar computer.

I hope you have fun with it, and happy new year!

 

[Kupoback]

Thank you. I am excited to be finalized with my choice. It's been a grueling few weeks sitting comparing and teasing myself with the thought. I can hardly wait. Happy new year to you all, and again thank you

 

[psingh01]

The 15" is the perfect balance of portability and size. I have a 17" and use it at home mainly as a desktop replacement. If that is your goal then go for the big one. If you want one on the go, then go for the smaller one.

 

[jdusoccer12]

I have a 15-inch and it should be good. I would get that and spend an extra $300 and upgrade the processor to 3.06GHz.

 

[RaceTripper]

I have a 15-inch and it should be good. I would get that and spend an extra $300 and upgrade the processor to 3.06GHz.

That is what I did (although it was an extra $275 through educational purchase). No regrets.

 

[Kupoback]

Is it that worth it for an extra 266 HMz?

 

[175170]

Is it that worth it for an extra 266 HMz?

No way in my opinion. If you want a faster CPU, wait for Arrandale.

 

[Kupoback]

No way in my opinion. If you want a faster CPU, wait for Arrandale.

Was thinking the same thing. I'm actually quite happy with how well the 2.8 15" matte works with shop so I'm happy with my decision.

Thank you for the advice.

 

[RaceTripper]

Is it that worth it for an extra 266 HMz?

It may or may not be, but I figured after spending $3K I'm not going to care about that extra $300 later on, but I'll be glad I have it. I bought it in August and wasn't going to wait until 2010 for a new machine, so going with the fastest available CPU made sense to me.