Can't Decide Between 14" and 16"

[archi penko]

Your use-cases sound almost identical to mine, even down to the ultra wide monitor on the desk. I've got a 16" and love it - its very comfortable to use on my lap or at a desk and like you, if I'm traveling, I'll also take an 11" iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

I've been splitting my time during the working day at my desk with the large screen and at another room in the house with just the Macbook. I can comfortably work from just the laptop for hours on end which is something I didn't feel like with the smaller 13/14".

Thanks for this! It’s swung me again!
I’ve pretty much decided on all my spec, size is the last piece of the puzzle.

I’ve been pretty much loving the 13” so it wasn’t an issue for me, but now looking back at my actual use… a 16” could be beneficial

I’m now wondering if maybe I buy the 16”, see how I manage it for a year. If I don’t like it then, go for the 14” M2. I also think travel in the coming year isn’t going to be in the cards for me at least to the level it was previously.

Sigh such is the #AppleLife here. The resell market is huge because of no returns. But then, rarely people want to buy old models.

Not a fan of buying AppleCare generally… But if I plan to resell would I have to resell with AppleCare+? Would anyone buy a 1 year old used 16-inch MacBook Pro w/o AppleCare+, vs. W/ AppleCare+?

 

[Jl006p]

I'm going 14" with M1 Pro.
Instead of spending an extra $800 for the M1 Max and another $400 for 2TB I'm going to set that money aside and use towards whatever apple decides to do with the 27"

I'm trying to avoid having another hot and noisy MacBook with poor battery life. I currently have the 2019 16" and I hate it.

 

[Macintosh101]

Thanks for the keyboard report. I asked about this in the commentary on page 21. I had exactly the subjective feeling in the store, but I couldn't try it while sitting at the table. And someone who has both macbooks at home can give it a try. I also feel like typing on keyboard 14 is more comfortable probably because 16 is too big and tall?

Yes this is basically it for me. The 14 feels much more comfortable to type on for me as the palm rests are much nearer the keyboard and the trackpad is smaller. Typing on the 14" is a dream for me.

I have the 16" and the 14" side-by-side and other issue is that the keys on the 16" feel looser and less nice to type on compared to the 14" for some reason.

I love the screen real estate on the 16" but the 14" feels nicer to use overall, but then again I'm not a video editor -I use my MacBook for writing, work, emails, video conferencing, as well as music production (for which I need the power of the M1 Pro), so I'm thinking I may stick with the 14".

 

[nquinn]

I'm going 14" with M1 Pro.
Instead of spending an extra $800 for the M1 Max and another $400 for 2TB I'm going to set that money aside and use towards whatever apple decides to do with the 27"

I'm trying to avoid having another hot and noisy MacBook with poor battery life. I currently have the 2019 16" and I hate it.

Ya I'm leaning towards saving some money now too. Note that technically the cost on all of these is around $500 less for me because of target gift cards.

- Current config: 16" 10/24 max / 32gb = $3039
- Leaning towards: 14" 10/24 max/32gb = $2839 (value doesn't seem great but want 32gb)
- Cheaper pro build: 14" 10/16 pro/32gb = $2659 << probably the sweet spot with more ram, also have $2700 of gift cards to cover this with the discount.
- Budget build: 14" 10/16 pro/16gb = $2299 << best value for sure, but gives up the 32gb of ram which i don't think I want to do since I keep my machines for 5yrs+

Hmmmmm

I'm torn because the base models hold their value the best, but on the other hand if we're only talking $400-$500 dollars, and maybe 75% depreciation of that, we're talking the difference of maybe $300 over 5 years or 16 cents a day to have more RAM or a better cpu. It's just not that much money over 5 years. Not to mention I can also expense it for business to save another 30%+ off taxes.

 

[Pokolasko]

Yes this is basically it for me. The 14 feels much more comfortable to type on for me as the palm rests are much nearer the keyboard and the trackpad is smaller. Typing on the 14" is a dream for me.

I have the 16" and the 14" side-by-side and other issue is that the keys on the 16" feel looser and less nice to type on compared to the 14" for some reason.

I love the screen real estate on the 16" but the 14" feels nicer to use overall, but then again I'm not a video editor -I use my MacBook for writing, work, emails, video conferencing, as well as music production (for which I need the power of the M1 Pro), so I'm thinking I may stick with the 14".

Thank you. So it probably won't just be my subjective feeling with writing in the store. There is no apple store in my country and Macbooks are not available anywhere here so I do not have the opportunity to buy it and return it. I have to make a pre-order that cannot be returned because it is a CTO version. M1 max 24gpu / 32GB ram / 1TB.

So that's why a long-term experience for both is very rewarding for me. Some reviewers at YT mention that they find the keyboard at 16 more comfortable and that's why I was confused.

I'm also not a pure video editor. I'm a film director so sometimes I have a team so I don't need a computer but I often work on things where I do everything myself. So that's why I need a universal computer that will write well for a long time, and at the same time be able to do video editing for long projects. I also really like the screen real state at 16 and thermal, portability is relative to me, I have no problem with the size of the macbook 16. But if it's to be at the expense of keyboard convenience then it would be a problem for me.

Probably, the best combination will be a Macbook 14 + 27 "monitor.

 

[bradl]

I'm going 14" with M1 Pro.
Instead of spending an extra $800 for the M1 Max and another $400 for 2TB I'm going to set that money aside and use towards whatever apple decides to do with the 27"

I'm trying to avoid having another hot and noisy MacBook with poor battery life. I currently have the 2019 16" and I hate it.

The thermal test here is what’s becoming the take of the tape for me:

Seeing the fans kick on here as well as the heat test is definitely eye opening, especially as these are base models.

BL.

 

[Fomalhaut]

Would anyone here buy a 1 year old used 16-inch MacBook Pro w/o AppleCare+?

An Intel MBP16? No, but I have one to sell if you’re interested

I haven’t had a problem buying or selling used or refurbished Macs, and the latter have been a good deal. I even sold my 2007 MBP15 only about 18 months ago; not for a huge amount (about $100 IIRC), but it’s amazing that it had any resale value at all.

 

[archi penko]

An Intel MBP16? No, but I have one to sell if you’re interested

I haven’t had a problem buying or selling used or refurbished Macs, and the latter have been a good deal. I even sold my 2007 MBP15 only about 18 months ago; not for a huge amount (about $100 IIRC), but it’s amazing that it had any resale value at all.

Ah my Question wasn’t clear.

Generally I won’t by AppleCare+ , but if I plan to resell the computer I was wondering are people still keen to buy a used computer if it doesn’t have AppleCare+,? Or does AppleCare+ Really add value?

 

[gomakoto]

I read every post in this thread and ended up getting the 16”. Couldn’t be happier. Sitting on the desk without the 14” it seems kinda small actually. When I was at the Apple store it seemed so big in comparison To the 14”. Screen estate is already running out even at 16”. And the size is the same size as all the old 15” we have used for years.

 

[arvinsim]

I would go against the conventional suggestion.

If you use your Macbook in clamshell mode most of the time, get the 14"
If you use your Macbook as a laptop most of the time, get the 16"

 

[project_2501]

I would go against the conventional suggestion.

If you use your Macbook in clamshell mode most of the time, get the 14"
If you use your Macbook as a laptop most of the time, get the 16"

what's the logic?

 

[arvinsim]

what's the logic?

Because people say to get the 14" when you need portability. But when you are on the go, that is exactly where you will appreciate the bigger screen.

I think people really have to think if the weight difference is really that big of a deal.

 

[pallymore]

I would go against the conventional suggestion.

If you use your Macbook in clamshell mode most of the time, get the 14"
If you use your Macbook as a laptop most of the time, get the 16"

Yea I follow this logic also.
I use my laptop in clamshell mode most of the time - which means I do not benefit from the larger 16inch screen (for the most of the time) or the longer battery life (since i'm always plugged in). The only times I use the laptop screen is when I'm traveling - 14 wins again here since it's more portable ?

I don't really mind the fans - also it seems the 14 manages its thermals good enough (it doesn't seem to hit that thermal ceiling easily), for my workflow I rarely max out the processors (cpu or gpu).

 

[archi penko]

Does anyone have any real world photos, to help us who are still deciding?

 

[Appltsla]

Thank you. Do you try typing with 16 inch ?

Yes, I will connect my macbook to the monitor when editing video, but at the same time I will need it quite often in places where I will not be able to connect it to an external monitor. But I've never had anything less than 15 so I don't know what it's like on 13/14. 16 is a relatively sufficient screen for more serious work (video editing, photo editing)

Ok I think I just got what you are talking about. I just got my base 14” today (which I will be returning once my max arrives).

This is 14”

This is my old 15” which has similar dimensions to 16”

When using on the desk and typing on 14”, the edge of the MacBook is at the wrist, which perfectly avoid touching it. Whereas for my 15”, because the keyboard is a lot more inside, the edge of the laptop cuts into your forearm. This happens when you table is higher than elbow. Not the ideal ergonomics but difficult to fix unless you have an height adjustable desk. I would imagine this will be worse on the 16” as it has even greater depth.

 

[clarencek]

I’ve had both the 14 and 16 and kept the 16.
Agree with what posters have said - the 14 is easier to type on. You hands hang off the side, the trackpad is smaller so less chance of inadvertently brushing it.

On the 16 your hands are positioned flatter since they rest on the speakers, and you have to angle them wide to avoid the large trackpad.
But I kept the 16 because multitasking on a 16 screen is so much better. You can have a vid conference in one corner - large enough to see a screen share, email or a browser on the other side and multitask. That’s not really possible on the 14.
That increase in productivity is worth the adjustment I have to make for typing. I’m sure I’ll get used to it. I used to have the 16 intel and then went with the 13 M1 when it came out. It’s nice to be back to a larger screen. I just need to adjust to the new hand positions.

 

[Fomalhaut]

Because people say to get the 14" when you need portability. But when you are on the go, that is exactly where you will appreciate the bigger screen.

I think people really have to think if the weight difference is really that big of a deal.

This is a very good point. I’m travelling currently for a couple of months and have my MBP 16 with me. It is slightly inconvenient when carrying and using it on planes, trains etc, but when actually using it on a desk (with a stand to elevate the screen) I appreciate the extra screen size because it’s the only one I’ve got!

However, if I were carrying it every day between home and the office where I have external monitors, the 14 inch would definitely be more convenient especially when riding my bike to work. Before the pandemic I found carrying my MBP 16 every day to be just too much hassle and ended up leaving it in the office and using a Mac Mini at home.

 

[Pokolasko]

I also want to ask that I see a lot of posts here that the Macbook 16 "is too big to carry. I'm a little confused because I owned and carried a Macbook for 15" 2013 for 7 years and it didn't seem that problematic to me.

Is there anyone who has switched from Macbook 15 2015 and below or Macbook 16 intel to 14 "and felt an improvement in comfort or is it more of a regress when it comes to screen size?

Yes, the Macbook is amazingly portable, but when I look at its display either in the store or in YT reviews, its display seems pretty cramped. Yes, I know it will connect to an external monitor later, but in my case it's about 50/50.

 

[Graybeard7]

I also want to ask that I see a lot of posts here that the Macbook 16 "is too big to carry. I'm a little confused because I owned and carried a Macbook for 15" 2013 for 7 years and it didn't seem that problematic to me.

Is there anyone who has switched from Macbook 15 2015 and below or Macbook 16 intel to 14 "and felt an improvement in comfort or is it more of a regress when it comes to screen size?

Yes, the Macbook is amazingly portable, but when I look at its display either in the store or in YT reviews, its display seems pretty cramped. Yes, I know it will connect to an external monitor later, but in my case it's about 50/50.

I used a maxed out 2015 Macbook Pro for over 6 years. I was a photojournalist and traveled with it from coast to coast. It was a workhorse which I refused to give up due to the port situation. In short order I went from the 13" M1, to a !4" Macbook Pro and settled on the 16" Macbook Pro. Although the lightness of the 13 and 14 were tempting but I missed the screen size, when it comes down to it, you can't beat the screen real estate of the 16 for visual work. If you are used to the 15, you experience no difference. There really is no right or wrong answer, it all depends on what you prioritize in a laptop.

 

[vinay427]

I also want to ask that I see a lot of posts here that the Macbook 16 "is too big to carry. I'm a little confused because I owned and carried a Macbook for 15" 2013 for 7 years and it didn't seem that problematic to me.

Is there anyone who has switched from Macbook 15 2015 and below or Macbook 16 intel to 14 "and felt an improvement in comfort or is it more of a regress when it comes to screen size?

Yes, the Macbook is amazingly portable, but when I look at its display either in the store or in YT reviews, its display seems pretty cramped. Yes, I know it will connect to an external monitor later, but in my case it's about 50/50.

You definitely can carry the 16" around, and in that sense it's not literally too big to carry. The point I and others would make is that it's more clunky and awkward to carry around and set up, especially if you use a laptop in unfamiliar or less-than-ideal locations. The number of places I use my laptop seems limitless: conference room tables, sofas, shared desks, business/university cafeteria tables, trains/buses/planes, kitchen counters, etc. On a typical desk where I spend much of my day, I'd prefer the 16", but that's precisely when I'll often have an external monitor. The 16" display could never substitute for even a decent monitor in resolution/size or certainly ergonomics.

 

[ctjack]

The point I and others would make is that it's more clunky and awkward to carry around and set up, especially if you use a laptop in unfamiliar or less-than-ideal locations.

That is true. You have to think of the locations you are using it.
While i was in university, we had pretty narrow tables, and 15 inchers would almost barely fit and you have to stare at the screen real close. Not an option for students bringing their Macs to the classroom.
Starbucks - window sitting. Since window sitting is so narrow, you'd be better of with 14". Pretty fine if you don't use cramped starbucks window sitting but regular tables.
Airplane - no way to open and use 16" unless you do business/1st class.

If your use cases are not that strict location wise, then the bigger screen is always better. I can fit 2 PDF/word docs side by side on 17 inch Win(equal to 16.2" Mac) but doing so on 13.3 inch feels really bad and cramped.

I am also content with my regular iPhone 13 screen. But whenever we do compare photos after lightroom with my wife, i really feel gravitated towards 13 Pro Max - big screen is a big screen hands down.

 

[TinyMito]

Got the 14" the niche perfect size for me, 16 is too big and I had a 15 a long time ago. It is still quite heavy for me. 13" is too small on the other hand.

I saw the 16" in Apple Store, yeah if that is going to be your truly only computer at home. Go for it. I have an Ultrawide 35" monitor so having that 16" around is just putting a toll on mobility without much benefits.

 

[nylon]

I also want to ask that I see a lot of posts here that the Macbook 16 "is too big to carry. I'm a little confused because I owned and carried a Macbook for 15" 2013 for 7 years and it didn't seem that problematic to me.

Is there anyone who has switched from Macbook 15 2015 and below or Macbook 16 intel to 14 "and felt an improvement in comfort or is it more of a regress when it comes to screen size?

Yes, the Macbook is amazingly portable, but when I look at its display either in the store or in YT reviews, its display seems pretty cramped. Yes, I know it will connect to an external monitor later, but in my case it's about 50/50.

I tested both new 14" and 16" models. My current machine is 15" Touch Bar MacBook Pro which weighs 4 lbs. It is the perfect size and weight for a large screen laptop. I found the new 16" crosses the threshold for portability and general lapability at 4.7/4.8 lbs. On paper that might not seem like much but day to day it is significant. I find it cumbersome to use even for rudimentary couch surfing duties. The 16" is an amazing professional workstation class machine that seems to be primarily designed as a desktop replacement and thus to stay put most of the time with portability as a secondary priority. The new 14" feels like the more versatile machine to me and will be my go to. Everyone's decision matrix is going to be incredibly varied on this issue based on their usage.

 

[nquinn]

You definitely can carry the 16" around, and in that sense it's not literally too big to carry. The point I and others would make is that it's more clunky and awkward to carry around and set up, especially if you use a laptop in unfamiliar or less-than-ideal locations. The number of places I use my laptop seems limitless: conference room tables, sofas, shared desks, business/university cafeteria tables, trains/buses/planes, kitchen counters, etc. On a typical desk where I spend much of my day, I'd prefer the 16", but that's precisely when I'll often have an external monitor. The 16" display could never substitute for even a decent monitor in resolution/size or certainly ergonomics.

I think you also have to consider what else you're carrying.

If only the 16" in a backpack to a coffee shop - no big deal.

If traveling internationally and you have to lug it everywhere you go along with 10lbs of other luggage those 1.2 lbs and size make a big difference in your pack or luggage.

 

[yoak]

I've had a few 15" MBPs, then I got a 11" for backing up footage when on location. I just loved the size of that thing, I even edited a corporate gig I shot on the Sony Fs7 once using only the 11".
So I got the M1 Air when it came out, loved that too (even more as it could play back Red 8K footage)
But I wanted a bit more power and was between the 14 and 16. Found an "openbox"14" today 16gb 1TB that was (the equivalent of) $450 under retail price.
That made me finally go for one of the 2. I´ll keep my savings for the next iMac.
14 Seems like a good compromise for my use