Tech MacBook Pro 17" or 15"? Help!

featherie

featherie

Moving to Ireland!
Aug 17, 2009
378
1
#1
Hey there! I tried searching for this, but MacBook had a lot of threads, and most were at least 10 + pages. I'm already a Mac user, so I didn't need advice on why I should get one, I'm just curious about size.

I'm considering the 17" because I've never had a larger laptop, and the new MacBook graphics and resolution are AMAZING. However, as much as I try to picture a 17" MacBook, I can't see it being TOO cumbersome- or is it?

I don't plan on lugging it to school every day, but on the rare occasion that I would, I would hope I could fit it into something. Obviously, the 15" is the safe, middle of the road option, but it's about a $300 difference between the sizes (with my education discount) so I was kind of thinking 'what the heck?'
 
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#2
I have a 17" HP laptop and I can't stand it. It might as well be a desktop because of it's size, my husband can sit with it on his lap comfortably, but I can't. For me it's just not very portable, it seems to big to take anywhere. It works well, I just don't care for the size. When we just bought our newest laptop we went with a 15" macbook pro because it works out the best for me. I feel like goldilocks, a 13" seemed to small and a 17" was too big, but 15 is just right.
 
#3
I have the 15" MacBook Pro, I thought about going for the 17" but I couldn't justify the difference in price for what I couldn't see as $200 more worth of computer.
 
#4
You're probably right. A 15" is most likely the best option for me also. I'm just debating with myself too much. I really don't NEED a screen that size. I do use aperture for photo editing and while the larger screen would be nice, it isn't really a necessity.
 
#5
I have a 15" inch macbook pro, I thought it was big at first but then I got used to it.. It fits in my large bags so that's good.. I think the 17" is way too big and I doubt it would fit in hand bags.. You'll probably have to put it in a separate laptop bag or carry it in your arms.. Good luck deciding!
 
#6
17" is a whole lotta MacBook Pro. Personally 15" is probably as large as I'd go. If I needed a bigger screen, I'd look at an external monitor. My sister had a 17" when she was in college and it was a pain to take to class when she needed to.

Do you live near an Apple Store you could go to and compare them?
 
#7
Unless you're going to strictly use it as a desk laptop, go with the 15. 17 inch notebooks are just too cumbersome to use on your lap or on anything besides a flat table surface.
 
#8
I've had both a 17 inch & a 15 inch MacBook. The 17 inch is definitely a lot more power and the resolution is GORGEOUS!! But do you really need it? I actually sold mine and got a 15 inch but then I had the top of the line 17 inch and I couldn't justify having it when I don't use much of the omph. I do all my photo editing and aperture stuff on the 15 inch. I only recommend the 17 inch if you really need the extra power. The 15 inch it self is pretty cumbersome to carry around. I ended up getting a MacBook Air for portability & I use my 15 inch when I need a real laptop.
 
#9
I've got the 15" MacBook Pro and almost wish I'd gone for the smaller 13" inch. The 15" is a bit more comfortable, I'd guess, but it is still a whole lotta computer.
 
#10
The 17" is a lot of screen. Unless you're doing a lot of photo and video editing I'd recommend the 15" if you just want something for browsing, a little iphoto and basic mac needs. Even the 13" is fantastic. I work for an Apple reseller and I've played with all the models. I own the 13" (because I have a 24" iMac for editing) and love it, but if you're sure you don't want to go that small I'd stick with the 15".
 
#12
I had a 17" D(h)ell that actually worked out great around the house. I loved the large screen and just bought a 13" laptop to take with me when I traveled. I didn't have any issues using the larger one on my lap - it was only about 5 lbs.

The 17" was replaced by a 15" and I miss the screen size. JMHO.
 
#14
i have a 13" since you don't plan on lugging it around everywhere you can get a 17" but a 17" is so huge I even think a 15" is huge I plan on getting a 15" mbp in the very distinct future. i'd go for the 15"
 
#15
I just had this debate last week. I'm a graphic designer, so the 13" was out of the question -- not enough surface area when designing. I decided that the 17" was just too large, so I bought the 15". IMO, the perfect size!
 
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