16-inch too big, 14-inch too small

[Hessel89]

So last week I took the plunge and bought a used 14-inch. Coming from a 2017 15-inch I figured it wouldn't feel much different, especially since the 14-inch has more pixels.
The sturdy build quality is excellent and exactly what I was waiting for from Apple. Still, I ended up re-selling it because I couldn't get used to it's small size. I was almost 100% sure I would be getting the 16-inch instead, so I checked it out in store one last time.. but what can I say.. this thing is just ginormous.. Yes, it's built like a tank and the thing just flies, but how does Apple not have a 15-inch option? Power-wise, it's an absolute beast, but how is this still considered a laptop? It's basicly a small iMac with a battery inside... Anyone else feel this way?

EDIT: funnily enough I just measured the width of my 15-inch and it's only 6 mm narrower then the new 16-inch.. funny how the 16-inch still just feels absolute massive.

 

[spiderman0616]

People get upset when I say this, but the previous gen design for MacBook Air and MacBook Pro both prominently feature optical illusions to make them look and feel thinner than they are. Now they've stopped hiding all the bulk and are owning it instead of playing mind games.

This is why the wedge shape of the MacBook Air has always bothered me. Yes, it's very thin at the one edge where your wrists rest to type, but that's because all the rest of the parts are crammed up into the other side that is WAY thicker. To me the design looks and feels lopsided and I never enjoyed carrying it around without being in a bag.

 

[Fishrrman]

It's either 14" or 16"
Your choice.

You seem to have rejected the 14".
This makes the choice easier.

 

[spiderman0616]

It's either 14" or 16"
Your choice.

You seem to have rejected the 14".
This makes the choice easier.

It kind of reminds me of people who buy 50 iPads and return them because yeah, the 12.9" is good, but you know what would be cooler? A 15" iPad! And then once a 15" iPad comes out, you'll have a slew of people saying, "Come on, get serious! Everyone knows the ideal iPad size is 14.8", not 15"!"

etc. etc.

 

[pshufd]

The reason the 16 feels so big and heavy is the thickness. That little extra height that you grab with one hand exerts a fair amount of leverage so that it feels heavier than the old 15s even though it may actually feel lighter. The 16 is chunky, no doubt about it. You get used to it though.

You might actually want the Air 15, hopefully coming out next year. I got the 16 and love it but I actually really wanted an Air 15 as I don't need the power of the M1 Pro.

 

[planteater]

For comparison 2017 15 - 2021 16:
Height 1.55 - 1.68 cm
Width 34.93 - 35.57 cm
Depth 24.07 - 24.81 cm
Weight 1.83 - 2.1 kg

While there is an increase it’s not that great. I think spiderman0616 had it right in that the form factor change somewhat contributes to the perception of greater size.

I say give it a try. It’s a great machine and it will likely win you over.

 

[Nik73]

I was all set on the 14” as popular opinion said the 16” was too big and heavy to cart around, plus it’s £500 cheaper!
Then at the last minute I knew I’d regret not getting the bigger screen, so went for the 16”. SO glad I did. It is huge, but in a good way and nowhere near as big and heavy as I was expecting.

 

[jav6454]

It's either 14" or 16"
Your choice.

You seem to have rejected the 14".
This makes the choice easier.

Agreed. The only thing in between is a 15" and that was too small for the 16" crowd.

 

[TAJones99]

The way I always look at it is, go big because at some point you will say you wish you went bigger.

 

[Hessel89]

I went with the 16-inch anyway. Have it for a good 1,5 weeks now. While I love the performance, I have to admit, the build quality isn’t nearly as good about as the old 15-inch from 2017..
The enclosure of the 16-inch, even though it looks very robust and rugged, almost feels like it’s built out of some sort of plastic. I knew it would be a lot heavier beforehand, but I didn’t know about the cracks and pops you hear if you just pick it up or open the hinge. It’s not a huge issue, but the 15-inch from 2017 doesn’t do this. It’s twice as thin, but still solid as a rock.

Definitely keeping my 15-inch for a couple years as a back up.

 

[VaruLV]

Why not returning it or exchanging it for another one, that might fix it for you?

 

[Hessel89]

Why not returning it or exchanging it for another one, that might fix it for you?

Seems a bit pedantic to return it over just a squeaking sound.

EDIT: I did have my first two kernel panics today. So I am contacting Apple tomorrow. let’s see what they say.. might be eligible for an exchange or fix because of this.

 

[ponzicoinbro]

It’s just like any relationship.

If they are too small or too big.

You will get used to it.

 

[RPhoto]

I was all set on the 14” as popular opinion said the 16” was too big and heavy to cart around, plus it’s £500 cheaper!
Then at the last minute I knew I’d regret not getting the bigger screen, so went for the 16”. SO glad I did. It is huge, but in a good way and nowhere near as big and heavy as I was expecting.

This. Having used smaller 11" and 13" Air and Pros before, I was all set on a 14". Then decided on a 16 as it'll be my main machine (selling my iMac Pro) but was worried about the size. The instant it arrived and I took it out the box I knew I'd made the right choice. Instantly fell in love with it!