What size for a first Macbook Pro? 13.3" or 15.4"?

[alm99]

I will be getting my first ever Macbook this spring after the supposed refresh and tax return. I am currently using a Compaq r3000 15.4" from 2004. I like the size of the screen and I have seen both macbooks in the Apple store, but its hard to decide which would be better since I can't have it sitting in my lap at the store. I wasn't put off by the smaller screen at all and the keyboard size between the two seemed identical.

Which do you have or which would you go for?

 

[HomerSapien]

I had an old 15" tibook. I now use a 13" macbook.

I personally like the smaller form of the 13". If you need the real estate, hook an extra monitor up to it at home. Once you get the hang of expose and spaces, you can be fairly efficient with smaller screens.

One thing to note, the 13" may not have as powerful of a video card. I havent checked the specs in some time, but that could be different now.

 

[KeithP]

I had an old 15" tibook. I now use a 13" macbook.

I personally like the smaller form of the 13". If you need the real estate, hook an extra monitor up to it at home.

Exactly my situation as well. I had a 15" PowerBook in the past, I have a 13" MacBook now. At home, I have it hooked to a 24" LCD and almost never use the MacBook's display. On the road (which doesn't happen that often), I prefer to have the smaller screen because I find it easier to deal with. Especially when you are flying coach and trying to use it on your lap or that tiny fold up table.

That being said, if for some reason using an external display wasn't going to happen, or only rarely happen, I might be tempted to go for the larger 15".

Edit: Hey, I just noticed all the posters in this thread joined in 2000 (so far).

-KeithP

 

[TheStu]

Breaking the 2000 trend

The 13" MacBook Pro and the 13" MacBook both have the 9400m graphics chip which is pretty good considering that it isn't a dedicated card. The 15" MacBook Pro has either the 9400m (this is the cheapest model) or the 9400m & a 9600m GT (this config starts at $2000).

I really like the 13" form factor because, as HomerSapien said, with expose and spaces and well... OS X really, you can really get a lot done on that size screen.

And yes, they do have identical keyboards. All of the Apple notebooks share the same keyboard design.

 

[Ichigo]

I'd get the 17", personally.

Sorry for being not helpful at all. =D

 

[speg]

How about an iSlate?

 

[ChAoTiCpInOy]

I'd get the 13.3" and then connect it to an external monitor when you're not bringing it around.

 

[VinylxScratches]

I would get the 13 inch and buy a 22 or 24 inch external monitor when I use it at home.

 

[secretanchitman]

either get the cheapest 15" if you want the size (keyboard will stay the same) or the better configuration of the 13".

 

[Kmax82]

Another vote for the 13". That's the way I'm going when I get another computer. I have a 24" at my desk, so I'd much rather work from that the majority of the time, than have a bulkier 15" laptop to carry around.

 

[alm99]

Thanks for all the idea everyone. I think the 13" will be the way to go.

 

[Wonderful Pork]

I got the 13" one from a 15" 2006 MBP, and the drop in screen resolution is a bit of a bother. it is possible to use in it in clamshell mode but it needs to be plugged in to AC all the time for that, which killed my last battery (twice!). I'm hesitant to do that with the new non-user replaceable ones, so, I just hide the dock and make everything full screen.

 

[silverpig]

I have the 13" and I love the size. There are a few rare instances where I wish I had a higher res screen but the occasions where I'm glad I don't have a 15" laptop greatly outnumber them.

I had a 15.4" laptop before (non-apple) and it was too heavy and large to be truly portable and usable in many situations that didn't involve a desk or table.

 

[Conscript]

I'm picking up a 13" the moment they refresh, and I can tell you nothing would make me happier than having a higher resolution option on it, either 1440x900 or 1600x900 would be amazing.

 

[suse920]

Go with the 15 inch for sure. I went from a 13 inch macbook to a 15 inch macbook pro and dont regret it one bit. I use my laptop as my primary computer, and 15 inch has proved to be the most comfortable size for me. It fits perfectly in a laptop backpack and i find it isnt too heavy to lug around all day. Plus you get a comfortable machine to type on, and the screen is amazing.

I think 13 or a 15 inch are great choices, it comes down to taste. (and cash!)

 

[sourceninja]

My friends 13 is like twice as hot as my 15. I can't even keep it on my lap. I say go 15.

 

[sindows]

I would go with the 15", longer battery and still light enough to not be a bother. Get the matte version as its a bit lighter because it doesn't have the glass covering the lcd.

 

[TheStu]

All Apple notebooks except the Air now have batteries that are rated for at least 7 hours of use. The 13" MacBook, 13" MacBook Pro, and the 15" MacBook Pro all have 7 hour batteries, the 17" MacBook Pro, 8.

 

[zylander]

Go to the store and try out both. Buy which ever one suits you better, dont buy one because someone online told you to.

I like the 13" but I went with a 15.4 MBP, it fits me better.