14" Pro to 16" or Vice Versa?

[DHagan4755]

@kp98077 Forgive me if you explained this already. What happened with the 15" MacBook Air you bought?

I've had the 16" MacBook Pro since launch in Oct. 2021. It feels larger than the Intel 16" MBP that I had, both felt comfortable in my lap. It could be that I'm used them in my lap. I had the 14" M2 MacBook Pro briefly in January but returned it — not because it was too small for me — but because I was flustered learning about the 512GB SSD NAND situation. Little did I know the SSD speed issue wasn't as big a deal as it seemed. I never got around to re-ordering a different config, then the 15" Air came out in June.

I don't have any issues with the 16" MacBook Pro per sé although I hesitate taking it with me sometimes. Not necessarily because of the weight but because sometimes it feels obnoxiously big in some situations. Those are the times where the 15" Air/14" Pro would be better in those situations. Also the thought of my 16" MacBook Pro getting scratched or damaged is less intimidating on a less expensive Air vs. the $2,500 16" Pro. Ya know?

 

[kp98077]

@kp98077 Forgive me if you explained this already. What happened with the 15" MacBook Air you bought?

I've had the 16" MacBook Pro since launch in Oct. 2021. It feels larger than the Intel 16" MBP that I had, both felt comfortable in my lap. It could be that I'm used them in my lap. I had the 14" M2 MacBook Pro briefly in January but returned it — not because it was too small for me — but because I was flustered learning about the 512GB SSD NAND situation. Little did I know the SSD speed issue wasn't as big a deal as it seemed. I never got around to re-ordering a different config, then the 15" Air came out in June.

I don't have any issues with the 16" MacBook Pro per sé although I hesitate taking it with me sometimes. Not necessarily because of the weight but because sometimes it feels obnoxiously big in some situations. Those are the times where the 15" Air/14" Pro would be better in those situations. Also the thought of my 16" MacBook Pro getting scratched or damaged is less intimidating on a less expensive Air vs. the $2,500 16" Pro. Ya know?

I have the 15, likely returning it because of the non pro features basically (especially screen). Torn between the 14 and 16 MBP !

 

[DHagan4755]

I have the 15, likely returning it because of the non pro features basically (especially screen). Torn between the 14 and 16 MBP !

Interesting. When I looked at the 15" MacBook Air in the store the screen looked pretty good. Sure it doesn't have mini LED or the higher refresh rate but my experience with it was limited to 10 minutes or so. I walked away from it with a favorable opinion.

 

[kp98077]

The 16", yeah. I find it very thick and just about unmanageable, I don't like it at all. Which is a shame because this is the size I wanted and they used to have a great design. They went all-in on the battery life which ironically I don't need so much of.

Hard to know if it will slim down. Not anytime soon, in my opinion.

are you going to keep the 16? You don't take it to coffee shops?

 

[kp98077]

Interesting. When I looked at the 15" MacBook Air in the store the screen looked pretty good. Sure it doesn't have mini LED or the higher refresh rate but my experience with it was limited to 10 minutes or so. I walked away from it with a favorable opinion.

yeah, it's a great machine (15)! but mine had some slight shutter and I didn't like the screen for my aging eyes LOL!! I much prefer the keyboard on the pro.

 

[DHagan4755]

slight shutter

You mean stutter?

 

[solq]

are you going to keep the 16? You don't take it to coffee shops?

No, I decided against the 16" and got a 14" M2 Max. As I said, I can make do with it and using Sidecar on my iPad, which is 12.9" (I mistakenly said 11", that was my old one), so I get enough screen.

I travel, I don't go to coffee shops

 

[SRQrws]

Over the past year, I've had the MBP 14, 16 and MBA 15 and have gone back to the MBP 14. The 16 is a great machine, but (for me) it was too bulky to carry around. If I did not have a desktop, and only used a laptop, I probably would have stuck with it. I tried the MBA 15 when it came out and the form factor is fine, but I found the display significantly inferior to the MBP. I've had the MBP 14 for several months now and I think it's the best Macbook ever -- perfect combination of size, weight, display quality and performance for my usage. I have a Mini Pro with ASD in my office, use the MBP around the house, and have a Lenovo Thinkpad Nano that I carry with me outside the home if I just need email/web capabilities.

 

[kp98077]

No, I decided against the 16" and got a 14" M2 Max. As I said, I can make do with it and using Sidecar on my iPad, which is 12.9" (I mistakenly said 11", that was my old one), so I get enough screen.

I travel, I don't go to coffee shops

ah ok good combo!!

 

[kp98077]

You mean stutter?

haha yes!

 

[kp98077]

Over the past year, I've had the MBP 14, 16 and MBA 15 and have gone back to the MBP 14. The 16 is a great machine, but (for me) it was too bulky to carry around. If I did not have a desktop, and only used a laptop, I probably would have stuck with it. I tried the MBA 15 when it came out and the form factor is fine, but I found the display significantly inferior to the MBP. I've had the MBP 14 for several months now and I think it's the best Macbook ever -- perfect combination of size, weight, display quality and performance for my usage. I have a Mini Pro with ASD in my office, use the MBP around the house, and have a Lenovo Thinkpad Nano that I carry with me outside the home if I just need email/web capabilities.

good feedback, yes i found the 15 far inferior screen wise that is what drove be bonkers! lol

 

[newton4000]

It's a hard decision. I have the 14" and 16" and tried the 15", hoping it would be the best of all worlds.
But - I missed the screen, and also some tasks did tax the processor.
The 16" is a beast, and though I love the screen, there's something off for me about handling it and taking it places. If I'm away for a long trip, though, and can't count on my desktop monitor, then it's great for that. But otherwise, for planes, trains etc it's too much (for me).
So - from all that - you can see how personal the decision is. And also really dependent on individual eyesight.
I almost wish I never saw the 14" or 16" screen, and would have then be happy with the 15", which is a great size, weight and battery life.

 

[newton4000]

FYI, you can get any HiDPI resolution you want w/ BetterDisplay. I'm using 146% native right now (2208 x 1434) on my 14" M1 Pro, which is considerably more than the max stock 16" res.

After owning both the 16" and the 14" I find just pumping up the 14" is the best of both worlds, esp. given how good the DPI is.

Can you explain BetterDisplay?
Wouldn't that resolution make things too tiny?

 

[Ubele]

I went from a 2015 13" MBP to a refurbished 16" 2021 M1 MBP. I considered the 14", but the extra screen real estate of the 16" was more important to me than the lower cost, weight, and size of the 14". I use it in different rooms of our house, and I'll travel with it occasionally, so portability wasn't a big deal. I have no regrets about going with the 16". I thought I'd want an external monitor, as I do hobby-level photo editing and web design, but so far the 16" screen has been enough. I'm 5'9" and 160 lbs., and I use the MBP on my lap while I'm sitting on the living-room sofa. I don't find it at all uncomfortable.

 

[Lucas Curious]

I went from a 2015 13" MBP to a refurbished 16" 2021 M1 MBP. I considered the 14", but the extra screen real estate of the 16" was more important to me than the lower cost, weight, and size of the 14". I use it in different rooms of our house, and I'll travel with it occasionally, so portability wasn't a big deal. I have no regrets about going with the 16". I thought I'd want an external monitor, as I do hobby-level photo editing and web design, but so far the 16" screen has been enough. I'm 5'9" and 160 lbs., and I use the MBP on my lap while I'm sitting on the living-room sofa. I don't find it at all uncomfortable.

im 5'11 and 170 lb and I got the 16" before the Studio Display came out. Now that I have the display, I'm not sure I need 16". I'm unmotivated to take it out of house. and instead take the iPad mini 6 with 5g but I don't like iPads and always crave a quick keyboard. the perfect laptop was the 12" inch but not so useful for video editing due to screen size. I'm debating downgrading to a 14" fully loaded as total solution. I find I prefer to use a mechanical keyboard, mouse with the studio Display for anything serious for longer hours. I also regret buying 16gb ram but I wanted the Mac on launch day from store.

 

[newton4000]

im 5'11 and 170 lb and I got the 16" before the Studio Display came out. Now that I have the display, I'm not sure I need 16". I'm unmotivated to take it out of house. and instead take the iPad mini 6 with 5g but I don't like iPads and always crave a quick keyboard. the perfect laptop was the 12" inch but not so useful for video editing due to screen size. I'm debating downgrading to a 14" fully loaded as total solution. I find I prefer to use a mechanical keyboard, mouse with the studio Display for anything serious for longer hours. I also regret buying 16gb ram but I wanted the Mac on launch day from store.

I think you hit the nail on the head there. The 16" is portable but big enough where I lose motivation to take it out of the house. But not everyone would be affected this way.

 

[kp98077]

I don't know guys! I picked up a 16 M2 from Costco to evaluate along side my 14 m2" something is beautiful about that 16. yes its large but by no means (TO ME) anyway does it feel non-manageable. In fact today to the coffee shop writing up a case it felt perfect size on the table and lots of screen and brightness to right. The tricky parts will be travel for fun as work I take my Lenovo! Assume I would leave the 16 at home and take my iPad 12.9....

 

[Kung]

I don't know guys! I picked up a 16 M2 from Costco to evaluate along side my 14 m2" something is secy about that 16. yes its large but by no means (TO ME) anyway does it feel non-manageable. In fact today to the coffee shop writing up a case it felt perfect size on the table and lots of screen and brightness to right. The tricky parts will be travel for fun as work I take my Lenovo! Assume I would leave the 16 at home and take my iPad 12.9....

I mean, if it feels manageable, go for it. Worst case scenario, if you're wrong, you'll get a pretty penny on trade-in.

 

[Beau10]

Can you explain BetterDisplay?
Wouldn't that resolution make things too tiny?

It's an incredible tool that not only allows for virtually infinite HiDPI display choices, it also can control the brightness up to 1000 nits as well as adjust contrast - super useful adjustments for working outside or areas w/ a lot of glare.

GitHub - waydabber/BetterDisplay: Unlock your displays on your Mac! Flexible HiDPI scaling, XDR/HDR extra brightness, virtual screens, DDC control, extra dimming, PIP/streaming, EDID override and lots more!

Unlock your displays on your Mac! Flexible HiDPI scaling, XDR/HDR extra brightness, virtual screens, DDC control, extra dimming, PIP/streaming, EDID override and lots more! - waydabber/BetterDisplay

github.com

As far as sizing of screen elements, it's all relative, esp. considering it uses HiDPI scaling with a high native DPI screen. Using the aforementioned resolution (2204x1434) is about my comfortable limit but I don't do it all day.

About 17 years ago I had a work issued 15" UXGA native (1920 x 1280) laptop screen and found it too much of a strain. So screen elements what I'm using now are ~20-30% smaller but using 3x the number of native pixels and 6x the number of virtual pixels. The massively higher detail makes all the difference in the world in what an eye can tolerate.

 

[dmccloud]

I don't know guys! I picked up a 16 M2 from Costco to evaluate along side my 14 m2" something is secy about that 16. yes its large but by no means (TO ME) anyway does it feel non-manageable. In fact today to the coffee shop writing up a case it felt perfect size on the table and lots of screen and brightness to right. The tricky parts will be travel for fun as work I take my Lenovo! Assume I would leave the 16 at home and take my iPad 12.9....

One thing I think a lot of people overlook is that both the 14" and 16" MBP are sized closer to a 13" or 15" laptop respectively. This is largely because of minimizing the bezels around the display and the laptops being smaller overall due to this. For me personally, both the 16" MBP and 15" MBA are just a little larger than I want to haul around on a regular basis.

 

[Silvestru Hosszu]

I have both 14'' and 16'' MBP plus a 17'' Lg Gram and use them all, for different scenarios.
The 14'' is main always with me laptop and I carry it to the different offices where I have stuff to do and on short trips.
The 16'' is my main driver at home and I carry it for my photography trips.
Finally the Lg Gram 17'' is for longer office related trips where I have no access to external monitors.

Edit: I forgot to add that at my main office (I stay there at least 60% of my time) I have a proper desktop with a 49'' UWA monitor so I use my laptops on the go, on battery, 95% of time without any kind of external monitor.

 

[Traverse]

For me personally, I don't like using macOS on anything smaller than my Studio Display. So my logic was that whatever normal destination I work at I will have a desktop setup. That means if I'm using the laptop as a laptop it means I'm traveling or working at a usual location and a smaller device is almost always easier to deal with in those contexts.

So give me as small as possible on the go and I'll expand up when I'm stationary.

 

[xraydoc]

I have a 14" MBP. Most of the time, it's docked at my desk in clamshell mode (lid closed) with two external displays. So in this sense, size of the laptop wouldn't really matter, and perhaps the 16" would be a little better given it's slightly faster due to improved thermals. However, when I do take it with me, I want portability. So the 14" wins out.

I've had two machines before -- a laptop and a desktop -- and tried to juggle both. And while such a combo can give the ultimate in both desktop performance and mobility, I personally (and just my opinion here) found it too much of a hassle to keep two machines synced exactly the way I wanted them. I've found it easier to just use one machine as a laptop + desktop replacement, even at the expense of some performance. I do sometimes miss having a super-high performance desktop, but these days, convenience wins out over absolute performance.

 

[dizmonk]

Over the past year, I've had the MBP 14, 16 and MBA 15 and have gone back to the MBP 14. The 16 is a great machine, but (for me) it was too bulky to carry around. If I did not have a desktop, and only used a laptop, I probably would have stuck with it. I tried the MBA 15 when it came out and the form factor is fine, but I found the display significantly inferior to the MBP. I've had the MBP 14 for several months now and I think it's the best Macbook ever -- perfect combination of size, weight, display quality and performance for my usage. I have a Mini Pro with ASD in my office, use the MBP around the house, and have a Lenovo Thinkpad Nano that I carry with me outside the home if I just need email/web capabilities.

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's struggled with this. I sold my 14 after getting the 15 and then decided to go back to the 14...

 

[kp98077]

I'm glad I'm not the only one who's struggled with this. I sold my 14 after getting the 15 and then decided to go back to the 14...

and then there's me, who had a 15 MBA, could not stand the screen and keyboard, went to a 14 pro, now on a 16 pro for the size and palm rest area 🤣 oy the choices!