Which one to get?

[debbiedeb808]

HI---lurker but never posted. Question for you all: I have a MacBook Pro 16" for work but now need to get a new laptop for home. I love the size of the screen of the 16" (my bf has the smaller pro and it just seems so tiny). I feel like to pro is overkill for a personal laptop, so leaning towards the air, but I'm worried that the screen is just too small.

Here's what I'll use it for: emails, surfing the web, occasional video watching, photos, etc. honestly I don't even think I'll take it outside of the house much because I have an iPad mini that works for what I need it to do. However, I just need to separate work from home so really need a home computer. Any thoughts? What do you think? FYI, I always love having the bright shiny new thing

 

[wilberforce]

I think a 13" or 14" screen is fine if you are not multitasking windows, or using content creation apps that need a large working space. It is nice to have a lighter machine for lap, etc.

There are many people wishing for a 15" MacBook Air, but at this point this appears to be a just a dream.

Its really up to your personal preferences, it seems you understand the trade-offs.

btw, who cares if something is "overkill," if you like it and can afford it.

Another thought is a 24" iMac, if you don't need the portability of a laptop.

 

[eicca]

If your eyes are good, go in to display settings and change the resolution scale to "more space." Made my M1 Air way more spacious-feeling. I use my 27" desktop monitor setup a lot less nowadays.

I do the same sort of stuff on my M1 Air and it's just a breeze. M2 is even better.

 

[Tdude96]

If you love the size of the 16" you have for work and portability isn't a concern, you might consider the mid-size 14" MacBook Pro for a personal machine. Switching between a big, beautiful 16" screen and a (relatively) tiny 13" screen could cause some regrets.

But use-case in the home matters too. At a desk or table, a bigger screen makes a lot of sense. But if using it while in a chair, on the couch, in bed or whatever, the screen size matters a little less, and the Air might be better for that.

For me it all came down to portability on-the-road. I carry an old 15" MBP for work travel, but wanted a personal laptop to carry as well, and hauling a second MBP around seemed like too much. Did that once. No fun. So I've ordered the new Air.

 

[planteater]

If the 16 is in your budget get it. You may regret the smaller screen, i know i would. Don’t be concerned with the processing power being above your needs if other aspects of the machine are what you want.

 

[planteater]

If your eyes are good, go in to display settings and change the resolution scale to "more space." Made my M1 Air way more spacious-feeling. I use my 27" desktop monitor setup a lot less nowadays.

I do the same sort of stuff on my M1 Air and it's just a breeze. M2 is even better.

Excellent advice for any size display. Thats the very first thing I do on every computer i’ve ever setup for myself. Max resolution, always.

 

[BanditoB]

Since you already have an iPad mini, I wouldn't think that the 13" screen size of the MBA would be much of an issue for you. You'll adjust quickly to the two different displays.

 

[planteater]

Since you already have an iPad mini, I wouldn't think that the 13" screen size of the MBA would be much of an issue for you. You'll adjust quickly to the two different displays.

She has a 16 for work and has used a 14 which she felt was small. Why would you suggest a 13, citing that she’d get used to it? Why should one get used to what they clearly don’t want?

Life is too short. Live. Do what your heart tells you to do. Express yourself, don’t confine yourself. That’s what I say.

 

[Isamilis]

HI---lurker but never posted. Question for you all: I have a MacBook Pro 16" for work but now need to get a new laptop for home. I love the size of the screen of the 16" (my bf has the smaller pro and it just seems so tiny). I feel like to pro is overkill for a personal laptop, so leaning towards the air, but I'm worried that the screen is just too small.

Here's what I'll use it for: emails, surfing the web, occasional video watching, photos, etc. honestly I don't even think I'll take it outside of the house much because I have an iPad mini that works for what I need it to do. However, I just need to separate work from home so really need a home computer. Any thoughts? What do you think? FYI, I always love having the bright shiny new thing

If 13” pro looks small, then external monitor can be considered. Try MacBook Air (new one is 13.3”), if the display is too small, get external monitor.

 

[Sully]

If you can afford the 16 inch MacBook Pro then that is what you should purchase.

When I went from the 15 in pro to the 13 in pro, I never “got used to it.” It was pretty big mistake since I purchased a fully loaded 13 inch pro.

The 16 in is portable enough and the pros of having a larger screen outweigh the cons unless you value portability over all else.

 

[BanditoB]

She has a 16 for work and has used a 14 which she felt was small. Why would you suggest a 13, citing that she’d get used to it? Why should one get used to what they clearly don’t want?

Life is too short. Live. Do what your heart tells you to do. Express yourself, don’t confine yourself. That’s what I say.

She clearly states that she is leaning toward the MacBook Air, but is concerned about the smaller screen. Given that this is a home machine and will not be used professionally, I think (and that's my opinion, which she requested of us) that she'll quickly get used to the smaller size. She will likely not be doing a great deal of multi-tasking on the MacBook Air, so the loss of screen real estate should be less impactful.