Using MBAir M4 13" vs 15" on planes and trains

[ozone]

Thinking of upgrading my MBAir M1 13" - touchpad isn't working too well, and sometimes, it would be nice to have more screen to work with more windows, spreadsheets, etc.

I'm thinking of moving up to a 15". I prefer smaller and lighter, but the 15" screen size is enticing. But does anyone have experience (good or bad) using a 15" MBAir on a train (specifically VIA1 in Canada) or in standard economy seat on the plane?

I flew just a few months ago, and even with my current 13" MBAir, I noticed it just would not "sit well" on the table tray on the plane. I think the table trays have been redesigned and made smaller. Similar situation on VIA1 trains too I think. It's really hard to get a comfortable viewing angle.

I'm thinking it might just be more comfortable to rest the computer on my lap (hey, a laptop!), and if that's the case, a 15" might be easier because it rests on both legs better. Either than or consider an iPad with it's magic case to allow the iPad to de-couple from a single hinge, and just float over the keyboard.

Any one have similar experiences? I'm trying to decide obviously if I stay with the 13" form factor, or move up to the 15?"

 

[aarhon]

...and automobiles?

 

[ascender]

That's the issue with the 15" Air and the 16" MBP which some people miss. If you're able-bodied, it's not the weight which can be restrictive, but the footprint that gets you!

15/16" laptop on a first class train table shared with others can basically take up most of your part of the table leaving no room for anything else. Depending on the train/plane seat, with no table, flip-down or otherwise, it can be very cramped when trying to use a larger laptop on your lap.

If you can do your workflow on an iPad, its quite a good travel machine with the removable keyboard case as you can add/remove it depending on the space available and what you're doing at the time.

 

[ozone]

That's the issue with the 15" Air and the 16" MBP which some people miss. If you're able-bodied, it's not the weight which can be restrictive, but the footprint that gets you!

15/16" laptop on a first class train table shared with others can basically take up most of your part of the table leaving no room for anything else. Depending on the train/plane seat, with no table, flip-down or otherwise, it can be very cramped when trying to use a larger laptop on your lap.

If you can do your workflow on an iPad, its quite a good travel machine with the removable keyboard case as you can add/remove it depending on the space available and what you're doing at the time.

Good points. Of course, it's always frustrating because after you arrive at your destination, I'll be at least in one spot for a good period of time, and it would be nice to have more screen real estate. I saw one video advocating using the iPad to extend your screen, so it could be a smallish computer PLUS a tablet, making the whole package smaller.

 

[MrAperture]

...and automobiles?

Darn, stole my joke!

 

[ozone]

Darn, stole my joke!

LOL... I realized I might be open to certain jokes when I typed my thread title....

 

[Howard2k]

Thinking of upgrading my MBAir M1 13" - touchpad isn't working too well, and sometimes, it would be nice to have more screen to work with more windows, spreadsheets, etc.

I'm thinking of moving up to a 15". I prefer smaller and lighter, but the 15" screen size is enticing. But does anyone have experience (good or bad) using a 15" MBAir on a train (specifically VIA1 in Canada) or in standard economy seat on the plane?

I flew just a few months ago, and even with my current 13" MBAir, I noticed it just would not "sit well" on the table tray on the plane. I think the table trays have been redesigned and made smaller. Similar situation on VIA1 trains too I think. It's really hard to get a comfortable viewing angle.

I'm thinking it might just be more comfortable to rest the computer on my lap (hey, a laptop!), and if that's the case, a 15" might be easier because it rests on both legs better. Either than or consider an iPad with it's magic case to allow the iPad to de-couple from a single hinge, and just float over the keyboard.

Any one have similar experiences? I'm trying to decide obviously if I stay with the 13" form factor, or move up to the 15?"

The 13" M1 was tight on economy flights out of Canada, in my experience. I found the iPad a better fit. For trains I don't take the VIA but I've have no problem on the GO. Not sure if that's comparable.

 

[ascender]

Good points. Of course, it's always frustrating because after you arrive at your destination, I'll be at least in one spot for a good period of time, and it would be nice to have more screen real estate. I saw one video advocating using the iPad to extend your screen, so it could be a smallish computer PLUS a tablet, making the whole package smaller.

That's exactly where I can see the appeal of a folding screen on a tablet or laptop. Having an iPad as a second screen is something I've done before and works well once you're there.

We're just back from traveling and spending a fair amount of time on flights and trains in different classes. I didn't have to work so just took a 13" iPad Pro which was great for watching videos and using the web whether in hotels or on the move. Personally, all it did was confirm that if I was doing that a lot and had to get work done on the move, I wouldn't want anything bigger than a 13/14" device.

But 100% at the other end I'd love a 16" MBP for the screen and speakers!

 

[tenordrum]

Ozone I just upgraded my M1 IPP and MBA. I bought the 15 inch M4 MBA (for mostly home use) and paired the 13 inch M4 IPP with the Magic Keyboard.

The Magic Keyboard isn't as nice as the MBA's keyboard, but the IPP/keyboard combo is far more travel friendly in terms of size. I tried the 11 inch IPP and keyboard at both the Apple store and Best Buy, yet it was just a bit too small. My wife also has a 13.6 in M2 MBA and the 11 inch IPP, so if we do travel, we have a decent selection.

When I was working years ago, I flew on some smaller planes from DCA to JFK frequently, and I don't think a 15 inch would work that well if at all. That said, on longer flights, not in the middle seat (!) it might work but the 13.6 is a tad lighter to lug along with luggage etc.

Keep in mind that the M2,3 and 4 MBA's are 13.6 inch models, slightly larger than your 13.3 inch M1 MBA.

And to keep the joke running... "those aren't pillows"

 

[PlayUltimate]

...iPad to extend your screen, so it could be a smallish computer PLUS a tablet, making the whole package smaller.

Do this nearly every day. Even the inexpensive iPad A16 works well for this task. And overall screen real estate feels larger than the 16". Albeit, it does not seem any less expensive, but you arguably have more versatility.
FWIW, I have a 12.9" iPP and a work-issued iPad 10. Both work well for screen mirroring.

 

[G5isAlive]

Good points. Of course, it's always frustrating because after you arrive at your destination, I'll be at least in one spot for a good period of time, and it would be nice to have more screen real estate. I saw one video advocating using the iPad to extend your screen, so it could be a smallish computer PLUS a tablet, making the whole package smaller.

This was my dilemma, do I optimize the screen size to when I am on a plane, or do I optimize it for when I am on site? I decided to go with a larger screen to optimize on site. And yes, I couple that with my 13 inch iPad Pro. I like my screen space, work off two 27" monitors at home and at work. My workflow is to not edit things on then plane on my Mac, but bring along plenty to read/review on my iPad.

 

[brilliantthings]

I find that the 15" MacBook Air pairs well with an 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard. The iPad is perfect for transit days. Size-wise.

 

[Allen_Wentz]

Thinking of upgrading my MBAir M1 13" - touchpad isn't working too well, and sometimes, it would be nice to have more screen to work with more windows, spreadsheets, etc.

I'm thinking of moving up to a 15". I prefer smaller and lighter, but the 15" screen size is enticing. But does anyone have experience (good or bad) using a 15" MBAir on a train (specifically VIA1 in Canada) or in standard economy seat on the plane?

I flew just a few months ago, and even with my current 13" MBAir, I noticed it just would not "sit well" on the table tray on the plane. I think the table trays have been redesigned and made smaller. Similar situation on VIA1 trains too I think. It's really hard to get a comfortable viewing angle.

I'm thinking it might just be more comfortable to rest the computer on my lap (hey, a laptop!), and if that's the case, a 15" might be easier because it rests on both legs better. Either than or consider an iPad with it's magic case to allow the iPad to de-couple from a single hinge, and just float over the keyboard.

Any one have similar experiences? I'm trying to decide obviously if I stay with the 13" form factor, or move up to the 15?"

IMO laptops no longer work in coach class since airlines have steadily deteriorated space and service for 50+ years now. I would think an iPad plus keyboard would be similarly constrained. Personally I stopped trying to do real work on airplanes like I used to and now just use an iPad to consume content.

The laptop still travels with me but I do not try to use it on planes. As to size and quality I need 15" or larger, and find MBA displays and RAM not good enough since the far superior MBPs are available.

 

[1rottenapple]

Of course the 13 will be better for cramp space but do you travel for a living? Are you always on a plane each week? The screen size is so nice, heck when I work at home I just use my 15. It’s big enough and I need multiple windows open for my work. I’m 15 all the way.

 

[helloapple1]

What’s interesting is when I was at a coffee shop the other day there was a girl sitting with a MacBook Air that I thought was a 13” because from behind it looked small, but I noticed it was actually a 15” MBA because of the extra space beside the keyboard. Interesting how small even the 15” looks from behind.

 

[eddie_ducking]

another approach is the 13" Air and a portable 15" (or larger) USB-C screen ... the portable screen won't be retina or as bright as the Airs but they're light, don't require external power and are sub £200

I use my 14" MBP with one of these most of the time (though it was a lot cheaper when I bought it)

CUIUIC Portable Gaming Monitor 18.5 inch, portable laptop Full HD IPS Screen with HDR 1080P 100% sRGB, HDMI and USB Type-C Connection, VESA, Second Screen for Laptop/PS4/5/Xbox/Phone

CUIUIC Portable Gaming Monitor 18.5 inch, portable laptop Full HD IPS Screen with HDR 1080P 100% sRGB, HDMI and USB Type-C Connection, VESA, Second Screen for Laptop/PS4/5/Xbox/Phone

www.amazon.co.uk