14" Pro to 16" or Vice Versa?

[kp98077]

I have a 14" MBP its pretty perfect in most regards. However, there are times I wish the screen was an inch or so larger and find myself wondering if an m1 or m2 16" would be best. I do feel the 14 pro is perfect for transporting and occasional travel (to use in house or hotel not plane) - having a hard time making a final decision.
-has anyone go up to a 16 m1 or m2 from a 14 MBP? If so;
-why did you make the move?
-do you regret anything?
-do you find the 16 too large for going to coffee shops, travel etc? (I would mostly use at home, but worried carrying it around would be a pain, or having it on my lap)

any input is appreciated -

 

[avro707]

I have a 14" MBP its pretty perfect in most regards. However, there are times I wish the screen was an inch or so larger and find myself wondering if an m1 or m2 16" would be best. I do feel the 14 pro is perfect for transporting and occasional travel (to use in house or hotel not plane) - having a hard time making a final decision.
-has anyone go up to a 16 m1 or m2 from a 14 MBP? If so;
-why did you make the move?
-do you regret anything?
-do you find the 16 too large for going to coffee shops, travel etc? (I would mostly use at home, but worried carrying it around would be a pain, or having it on my lap)

any input is appreciated -

Well, I don't have the MBP but the 15" Macbook Air M2 and that's a very nice size, balance between not too heavy and not too small. I took it with me overseas recently and it was great. 16" would be lovely if it isn't too much heavier. Maybe in the laptop forum sections here you'll get more.

Compared to my 7,1 and 5,1 Mac Pros, it is tiny!

 

[omarb07]

I have a 14" MBP its pretty perfect in most regards. However, there are times I wish the screen was an inch or so larger and find myself wondering if an m1 or m2 16" would be best. I do feel the 14 pro is perfect for transporting and occasional travel (to use in house or hotel not plane) - having a hard time making a final decision.
-has anyone go up to a 16 m1 or m2 from a 14 MBP? If so;
-why did you make the move?
-do you regret anything?
-do you find the 16 too large for going to coffee shops, travel etc? (I would mostly use at home, but worried carrying it around would be a pain, or having it on my lap)

any input is appreciated -

I moved from a 15 inch intel MBP to a 13 inch m2 MBA, while I find the portability slightly improved, I do find myself often missing the space the 15 inch provided while coding, designing, editing or just having two windows open side by side. I took the 15 inch everywhere and didnt really mind the extra weight or size. Sorry it isn't exactly what you're looking for but I hope this info helps!

 

[Delarock]

I switched from macbook pro 14 (M1 pro) to 16 inch (max version) Sometimes i miss form factor of 14 but just because i consider smaller version as better looking. I dont feel size or weight such a difference. Iam not carrying it every day by metro or bus. Bought ipad pro 11 as companio for reading and youtube etc. I think its best combination.

 

[kp98077]

I switched from macbook pro 14 (M1 pro) to 16 inch (max version) Sometimes i miss form factor of 14 but just because i consider smaller version as better looking. I dont feel size or weight such a difference. Iam not carrying it every day by metro or bus. Bought ipad pro 11 as companio for reading and youtube etc. I think its best combination.

yeah, that's a nice setup you have!!

 

[kp98077]

I moved from a 15 inch intel MBP to a 13 inch m2 MBA, while I find the portability slightly improved, I do find myself often missing the space the 15 inch provided while coding, designing, editing or just having two windows open side by side. I took the 15 inch everywhere and didnt really mind the extra weight or size. Sorry it isn't exactly what you're looking for but I hope this info helps!

good feedback, maybe the 14 is perfect for you

 

[dmccloud]

I'm sticking with my 14" MBP, primarily for portability reasons. As far as a larger or secondary display goes, I have two options at my disposal. I can use my 11" iPad Pro via Sidecar as a second monitor, and I also have a portable 15" monitor that only needs a USB-C connection. This latter display is the one I will take with me when I need to set up a remote office for a few days (such as this upcoming weekend), primarily because it's significantly less cumbersome to transport than a traditional monitor.

 

[Kottu]

I had a 16" M1Pro for about 14 months. Bought a 14" in mint condition as I needed portability. I did miss the screen real estate 16 had but now I think 14" is a sweet spot. It's only 100g heavier than 15" MBA but much better display and speakers. And I spent much less than a 15" MBA. I am happy over my decision.

If portability is not an issue, go for 16".

 

[kp98077]

I had a 16" M1Pro for about 14 months. Bought a 14" in mint condition as I needed portability. I did miss the screen real estate 16 had but now I think 14" is a sweet spot. It's only 100g heavier than 15" MBA but much better display and speakers. And I spent much less than a 15" MBA. I am happy over my decision.

If portability is not an issue, go for 16".

yeah 14 maybe the sweet spot. but there are some good sales on the m2 16, best buy 2199 for example..

 

[Delarock]

You should first explain us how often and how long you will carry it together with u, will it stay most time at home ? I red some opinions for example that 14 is better for lap use, but i like 16 more on my laps Last month i went some trip with train and table was big enough. Another situation is traveling by plane. Iam carrying it everyday to my work but its just 30 m to my car and that another 30 m to hospital building so weight and size is not issue for me.

 

[kp98077]

yeah, I think above I said for occasional travel. Most of the time (70% it's at home between 3 levels) and then, at other times, hospital/office etc. (20%), 10% who knows. ! lol.
I do like to use it on my lap, so a little concerned with weight and comfort.

 

[Beau10]

I had a 16" M1Pro for about 14 months. Bought a 14" in mint condition as I needed portability. I did miss the screen real estate 16 had but now I think 14" is a sweet spot. It's only 100g heavier than 15" MBA but much better display and speakers. And I spent much less than a 15" MBA. I am happy over my decision.

If portability is not an issue, go for 16".

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.

 

[Kung]

IMHO it depends upon just how much one travels. I recently upgraded from a 13" MBA to a 14" MBP. The weight difference is noticeable, but it's not so different that I'd not want to travel with it.

With that said, I wouldn't want to lug a 16" MBP everywhere I went. Having just gone overseas in May, keeping packing weight low made a WORLD of difference for me and underscored the portability aspect of...well, everything. LOL

Were it me, I'd either stick with the 14" MBP (if you need the extra power, spiffy screen and ports), or a 15" MBA if you HAVE to have the extra screen real estate - unless you're fine with the added heft of the 16" MBP on a constant travel basis.

 

[Beau10]

Were it me, I'd either stick with the 14" MBP (if you need the extra power, spiffy screen and ports), or a 15" MBA if you HAVE to have the extra screen real estate - unless you're fine with the added heft of the 16" MBP on a constant travel basis.

The 14" has a considerably higher DPI screen than the 15" MBA (much more actual pixels). I would absolutely choose it every time to project a higher resolution despite having slightly less physical space, it's just sharper and more legible.

I could actually discern some blurriness using the MBA 15" on "More Space" in a way that I can't using my 14" at even higher resolution - yes, I used them side by side at an Apple Store for about 20 minutes before deciding that the 15" wouldn't be workable.

 

[Kung]

The 14" has a considerably higher DPI screen than the 15" MBA (much more actual pixels). I would absolutely choose it every time to project a higher resolution despite having slightly less physical space, it's just sharper and more legible.

Well, I think it depends on use case. I mainly just use my MB for browsing, some very light desktop publishing, music, etc., and I occasionally travel. For me, the MBA was just fine - the main reason I upgraded to an MBP was because a) I wanted to (lol) and b) the extra inch of screen real estate helps my eyes - I can easily increase font size and lose 'less' than I did with the MBA 13". If there were an MBA 14" I'd get it in a heartbeat...and in fact, I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the MBP 14", or save a few hundred bux by getting an MBA 15" 16GB/512GB.

I'll likely stick w/the MBP 14", to be honest. The screen IS indeed nice, and the extra speed, speakers, etc. are sweet too.

 

[Beau10]

Well, I think it depends on use case.

What I'm saying though is the extra DPI, which is considerable, should beat out the actual extra physical space AFA eye strain and legibility. I don't really think there is a good use case unless one's eyesight is poor and just needs big text.

I'm 47 yo and found the 14" easily more legible when both are displaying the 15" MBA more res setting, and would likely find the 15" eyestrain city at the higher HiDPI resolutions I tend to use w/ the 14".

The 16" MBP is another story as it has the same DPI as the 14".

 

[Kung]

What I'm saying though is the extra DPI, which is considerable, should beat out the actual extra physical space AFA eye strain and legibility. I don't really think there is a good use case unless one's eyesight is poor and just needs big text.

I'm 47 yo and found the 14" easily more legible when both are displaying the 15" MBA more res setting, and would likely find the 15" eyestrain city at the higher HiDPI resolutions I tend to use w/ the 14".

The 16" MBP is another story as it has the same DPI as the 14".

Ah, I see your point, and you may indeed be right. Only reason I thought it might not be the case is that I'm one of those for whom PWM plays havoc with my eyes...and supposedly the MBAs have none (that is discernible, anyways). I WILL say my eyes are noticeably less strained with the MBP. That alone is worth the price increase.

 

[kp98077]

Well, I think it depends on use case. I mainly just use my MB for browsing, some very light desktop publishing, music, etc., and I occasionally travel. For me, the MBA was just fine - the main reason I upgraded to an MBP was because a) I wanted to (lol) and b) the extra inch of screen real estate helps my eyes - I can easily increase font size and lose 'less' than I did with the MBA 13". If there were an MBA 14" I'd get it in a heartbeat...and in fact, I'm trying to decide if I want to keep the MBP 14", or save a few hundred bux by getting an MBA 15" 16GB/512GB.

I'll likely stick w/the MBP 14", to be honest. The screen IS indeed nice, and the extra speed, speakers, etc. are sweet too.

so you have a 16 MBP and 13 air? that's a perfect combo..

 

[Kottu]

When I have to work with two windows side by side, I miss my 16". When the work has a lot to work with trackpad, my palms rests on the edge of 14" which hurts after 10-20 minutes. I didn't have that issue with 16". Otherwise, it's a joy to use.

By the way, can anyone tell me how can I make my macbook less slippery? I don't want to buy a case as it makes the Macbook thicker. To transport, I use a leather sleeve. Are skins slippery?

 

[solq]

I went from a 15” Intel Pro (late 2015 model, bought January 2016) to a M2 Max 14” and it’s a bit smaller screen but not too bad. Usable, particularly with my 11” iPad Pro as side-screen, I can work on it.

The new 16” is just not portable for me, I don’t want to carry one and use it in my lap, it will probably fry something.

 

[kp98077]

I went from a 15” Intel Pro (late 2015 model, bought January 2016) to a M2 Max 14” and it’s a bit smaller screen but not too bad. Usable, particularly with my 11” iPad Pro as side-screen, I can work on it.

The new 16” is just not portable for me, I don’t want to carry one and use it in my lap, it will probably fry something.

So you think it’s too big to use on your lap? Do you think it’ll decrease in size?

 

[solq]

So you think it’s too big to use on your lap? Do you think it’ll decrease in size?

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.

 

[Beau10]

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.

I suspect there will be a redesign for the move to OLED in another 2-3 generations. Between 3nm and that, the power profile will come down which may be a good case to come in slimmer again. The size increase was for heat management more than battery, though the battery certainly is nice.

Agreed the 16" just isn't good for the lap, unless maybe you're 6'2" 200lbs or more. I felt the prior 16" Intel machine was at the limit size-wise but even that was uncomfortable due to the heat.

 

[JamesMay82]

I moved from a 15 inch intel MBP to a 13 inch m2 MBA, while I find the portability slightly improved, I do find myself often missing the space the 15 inch provided while coding, designing, editing or just having two windows open side by side. I took the 15 inch everywhere and didnt really mind the extra weight or size. Sorry it isn't exactly what you're looking for but I hope this info helps!

Yeah I'm the same and I agree.

I mainly drive to my appointments so weight/portability isn't an issue. I'd be tempted to get a 13 Air if I had a 45 minute walk to work but even then I'd just get a backpack to make the load lighter than my laptop bag I currently use.

So I'd go for 16 inch all day long.

 

[Kung]

so you have a 16 MBP and 13 air? that's a perfect combo..

Nope, sorry, I should have been more clear. I traded my 13" MBA in on my 14" MBP.