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What size MBP for use on lap?

I don't mean to be rude but isn't this a bad question to ask online? I don't see how we're supposed to know about what'll feel best on your lap? You didn't even give us your measurements to get a relative sense of size. You should probably see if you have any friends that'll let you try theirs.

Based on myself, I'd say the 13" is definitely the lightest and fits bests my lap, albeit the working space for my hands is tiny and the edge cuts into my wrists pendent on my position. The 17" I've got right now, while usable is much bigger than the bounds of my lap, which is bad for travel and and a bit too heavy. The edge is still a bit sharp but my arms rest more parallel to the edge thanks to the rests and also gets deffered to a flesher part of my arms, making it dig in a bit less.

I haven't seen a unibody 15" in person, outside of the Apple Store, so no comment there. It's probably a fair compromise between the two issues of comfort.
 
13, 15, 17

they all work. i had a 13 and used it on my lap
i now have a 17 and use it on my lap

i would assume the 15 would work too =p

just buy the machine you want
 
ender land said:
wtf?

I'm using a 13" right now with my knees probably 8-12 inches apart.
Click to expand...

Really???

I have a 15" now, and a comfortable leg separation has the edges sitting half way across each knee. Any wider leg separation, and it would fall through. Then again, I am 6'3" tall, and über lanky.
 
In my experience:

-15~inch laptops are fine for your lap, at least for a while then it just gets annoying.
-13~inch laptops seam to be the nicest although even my 13 inch MBP gets a bit annoying but thats only after a while
-MBA/other light laptops. Could bounce those things around all day!! :D
 
Air less 15"

In my opinion the 13" MacBook is an ideal size in portability and overall use. But I am biased as, no surprise, also the one I happen to have.

Although even this seems a tad heavy in the lap to me, but that paling in comparison to the heat issue. After finally getting tired of having my lap broiled I finally discovered a better option. As in place the computer on top of something, and have that as shield on your lap, which works perfectly in solving the heat issue. As a bonus, aside from saving your lap, it also allows the computer more air, and slightly cooler itself. Some everyday items can work quite well, about exactly the right footprint for a 13", such as light chopping blocks from a home store. A good solution.

As for weight, I've never dealt with anything larger than a 13", other than desktops, but the suspicion that most people would find anything larger than a 13" somewhat tedious if for the lap, or otherwise much portable use.

Preference in screen real estate is subjective. Having used larger monitors for work, I'll admit that using a laptop takes some adjustment. Just not the room to spread out. Nevertheless I love the 13" size and easily adapted to using it for everything desired. In most cases, and most situations, I would not desire anything larger. But some will find it confining. They'll possibly want a 15" or 17", and/or a separate larger monitor.

Word has it that the MacBook Air is not only appreciably lighter, which should prove a bonus, but also remains cooler than MacBook Pros. Not as much raw horsepower, but apparently quite handy in everyday tasks. Not to mention probably best for most every laptop activity. Actually, rather enticing.

BTW, if stepping up to the 15" MBP for what it can do, then it would probably make sense to get the model that unequivocally does, meaning the higher end with the HD 6750M graphics processor.
 
15" sits perfectly on my lap with legs comfortably apart. With the 13", I either have to be have my legs together, or have it balancing on one leg.

btw, I'm not fat.
 
Tonepoet said:
I don't mean to be rude but isn't this a bad question to ask online? I don't see how we're supposed to know about what'll feel best on your lap? You didn't even give us your measurements to get a relative sense of size. You should probably see if you have any friends that'll let you try theirs.
Click to expand...

No you make a good point, although I was kind of surprised to see all the difference of opinion here. I guess the reason I like my netbook so much is that it is usable on my lap under so many different postures. Like right now I'm half-laying on my couch with my feet on the coffee table. I could technically use my Dell 17" from work on my lap, but I think I could only sit in one posture and it would get uncomfortable quickly.

I guess the MBA would be most similar to my netbook sizewise, but I'm really trying to replace my desktop and those things just seem a little light for that -- I'd also like to keep the machine for a while and the C2D processor just seems a little too old.

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions, guess I have to go back to the Apple store and ask to borrow one while sitting in a chair.
 
I use my 17" in my lap all the time. I rest it on a pillow, both for heat reasons and because it's easier to type and see the screen. But it works great for me.
 
17 works perfect for me. Comfortable, no complaints at all.

In comparison for about a week while I was in between computers I had got an 17 inch acer and it felt like I had a plasma in my lap.

Edit: I rarely actually use it on my lap. If away from desk but home on couch or whatever I'd likely have it on my belkin cushtop
 
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I have a 15" on my lap right now, I'll admit by default it's really hot. I just downloaded smc fan control, running at 5000 rpm and all is good! Getting 42 C, browsing and IM'ing, which is all you should be doing with a MBP on your laptop. Don't even try gaming!
 
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