Can't Decide Between 14" and 16"

[BB8]

Should I pull for the 16" if I'm going to be watching a lot of shows/movies? Like, I can't tell how much actual display difference you get with the 16" specifically for watching video.

 

[Pokolasko]

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”
View attachment 1907911

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

View attachment 1907912

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Thank you very much for your answers. These are very good notes from everyone. The thing is, moving to a Macbook 16 "wouldn't be new to me since I've been using the Macbook 15 2013 for many years, but I'm wondering what benefits I'd get after moving to a 14, as I see more people praising it. Of course traveling hundreds of miles by train , buses, sitting in cafes and riding a bike with a Macbook 15 2013 has never been fun but since my brother's Macbook 13 seemed so cramped that I didn't think about it at all. The thing changed with the Macbook 14 ", because of the performance and because of the performance slightly larger display.

My dilemma is like that. I really like the Macbook 16 ". Ever since I knew the Macbook 14" was coming, I assumed I'd buy the one. But he was overshadowed by a Macbook for 16, a Macbook for 14 seemed to me like his younger brother trying to impersonate an older brother. Since then, I only wanted a Macbook 16, and after viewing both models in the store, I liked the Macbook 16 more and more. Honestly, the 14 "Macbook screen doesn't seem much bigger than the 13"

I know the rational choice is the Macbook 14 "which I will connect to the external display for more serious projects, but the Macbook Pro 16 is something what I want. I have a feeling that if I choose the Macbok Pro 14 I will lose something.

 

[mattlukea]

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.

What’s it like for using on the sofa or in bed? I’d like the 16 but worried it’s too big for things like that.

 

[nquinn]

What’s it like for using on the sofa or in bed? I’d like the 16 but worried it’s too big for things like that.

Intel 16" - sofa = perfectly fine, bed = annoying but not horrible

 

[macnplay]

I had both the 14 and 16. I ended up keeping the 16 and returning the 14. The 14 was just a little to small the 16 is slightly big but when using it on the go as your only screen it is worth the weight.

 

[nylon]

I know the rational choice is the Macbook 14 "which I will connect to the external display for more serious projects, but the Macbook Pro 16 is something what I want. I have a feeling that if I choose the Macbok Pro 14 I will lose something.

There is no right or wrong answer. If you can, the best thing is to able to live with and use both machines for 10 days and then keep the one that fits your needs best. I know this is not possible in all countries but I was all in on the 16" initially until I spent some time with both machines. In the end the 14" was the better option for me. For some people it will be the opposite. Only with usage can you really narrow down your preferences.

 

[nquinn]

Haha this year is so tough.

Emotional me just thinks the 14" is the most pure. My heart likes it the most for it's sleekness - and as a laptop, it's doing what a laptop should do, which is be portable.

In reality though I know my laptop gets tons of home use (probably 80-90%) so it's a little harder to decide.

I generally avoid hybrid products that try to do 2 things and end up doing neither well, but Apple Silicon is making things a little different this time around because the laptop can act as a very powerful home main system as well. Add on the value of the 16" (bigger screen, better thermals, better audio for only +$200) and it's even harder.

 

[Jl006p]

Apple VPs love the 14"

At the 25:00 mark

 

[TinyMito]

I love having 14" on my bed.

 

[DHagan4755]

Intel 16" - sofa = perfectly fine, bed = annoying but not horrible

Intel 16" - sofa = legs feel sunburned after using, bed = like a small furnace
M1 Pro 16" - sofa = perfectly fine, bed = annoying but not horrible

Fixed it for you!??

 

[DHagan4755]

I love having 14" on my bed.

One letter makes all the difference in this sentence ?

 

[Fomalhaut]

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.

I agree. If you are tyring to minimize the extra size and weight for travel (or just out and about a lot in your daily life), then any extra weight and bulk is a disadvantage

I used to travel a lot for work with a 2007 MBP15" and was OK with it - equivalent Windows laptops were thicker and heavier - but then I got a MacBook Air and loved it for travel. Super slim (could fit in a folio with other papers) and so light I once thought I'd left it in the hotel only to realize I was still carrying it in my bag... it was a bit underpowered though.

If you are just going from home to an office once a day and carrying it in a backpack, then I don't think the 16" is a problem for most people. If you are pulling it out of bag 20 times a day, working in cramped conditions, or simply carrying it for a long time, even in a backpack, then you will notice it more. If you like to travel light (or trekking, cycling etc.), then needing a larger backpack and carrying more weight is a disadvantage.

 

[DHagan4755]

I'm wondering what benefits I'd get after moving to a 14, as I see more people praising it. ... Honestly, the 14 "Macbook screen doesn't seem much bigger than the 13"

I know the rational choice is the Macbook 14 "which I will connect to the external display for more serious projects, but the Macbook Pro 16 is something what I want. I have a feeling that if I choose the Macbok Pro 14 I will lose something.

Gosh this resonates with me. When the new MacBook Pros were announced, my impulse was to order the 14" model. It seemed practical and it was also the cool, new kid on the block. My sensibilities started to change the closer my 14" was to delivery. Coming from the previous 16" MacBook Pro, the loss of screen real estate going to the 14" ate away at me. When UPS finally came, I got in my car and exchanged it for the 16" model. No regrets!

At my previous job, I used a 13" MacBook Pro daily. It didn't necessarily feel cramped to me. That's probably because whenever serious work needed to be done, it was docked to a large display. And also in my brain was the reassurance that I had my 16" MacBook Pro to come home to for that extra screen real estate. But I loved both sizes of the MacBook Pro. The portability of the smaller MacBook Pro was great! Kinda makes me want the 14" too. God gear lust is a problem!

 

[beardev]

I struggled with this decision every time it was time to upgrade. But every time without fail, I end up falling in love with whichever size I picked and thinking that the other one looks absurdly big or small after a few weeks. Recognizing this has made me feel a lot more comfortable with just going with the flow and not stressing about it, I realized that I would be happy with either.

 

[archi penko]

basically I’ve come to the conclusion that the 16” is a home computer, practically more like a desktop.

It’s the home computer im going to take around the house. And work wherever I want. I have an external monitor so if I want to be at my desk, it will be hooked up.

I just have to figure out other lightweight options for when I travel… as the 16” might get unwieldy for my size.

 

[msRN2021]

If I only have one device, I would actually pick the 14. Why? Because I can easily hook it up to a monitor then easily take it out and be more mobile... everywhere.

But if you have an iPad/tablet, an ultrabook.. or just an iPhone max, the 16 stays home with an occasional travel if need be. Also, since the screen is so beautiful, buying a 4k monitor is not necessary anymore. Editing photos/videos laptop mode while lounging on the couch with the 16 screen is truly a wonderful experience. I feel like if I have the 14, I will still use external monitor to edit effectively. 16 is still the winner for me

 

[arvinsim]

If one wants to use a laptop on their actual lap, I think the 14" might be better.

Personally, I use my iPad for this kind of use case. If I am getting a laptop now, I will get the 16".

 

[Jl006p]

Pro tip: If you are still indecisive see if your local Bestbuy has stock. They started their extended holiday return period so you have until January 16th to return it. That should give you plenty of time to take one home and test it out.

 

[nquinn]

Pro tip: If you are still indecisive see if your local Bestbuy has stock. They started their extended holiday return period so you have until January 16th to return it. That should give you plenty of time to take one home and test it out.

Apple is also under Holiday return period though. Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 1, 2021 and December 25, 2021, may be returned through January 8, 2022

 

[ascender]

First time traveling with the new 16" and its pretty much as expected. I've been using that and an 11" iPad Pro depending on where I am when actually traveling, but at destination and the office, its the 16" all the way. Even just in the hotel, the speakers are great for playing music, they fill the room... the screen is brilliant for working-on while away from an external monitor and at night I've been grateful of the big screen for watching movies.

Only downside so far? On a cramped train, I couldn't have used it comfortably, but that's when I cracked out the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

 

[tekmoe]

I've owned the 12", 13", 15", 16", and 17" PowerBooks/MacBooks and I have to say, the 16" is a really good compromise for me. I'd still buy a 17" if they made them though. I rarely ever use an external display, plus the screens in these new 2021's are the absolute t!ts and are gorgeous to look at so the bigger the better (that's what she said)! I read one review out on the web where they said these actually looks better than Apple's $5k Pro XDR display - wow!

 

[Jl006p]

Apple is also under Holiday return period though. Items purchased at the Apple Online Store that are received between November 1, 2021 and December 25, 2021, may be returned through January 8, 2022

Good to know. The reason I throw BB out there is b/c there’s only like 200+ apple stores compared to 1000+ bb here in the states.

 

[mattlukea]

First time traveling with the new 16" and its pretty much as expected. I've been using that and an 11" iPad Pro depending on where I am when actually traveling, but at destination and the office, its the 16" all the way. Even just in the hotel, the speakers are great for playing music, they fill the room... the screen is brilliant for working-on while away from an external monitor and at night I've been grateful of the big screen for watching movies.

Only downside so far? On a cramped train, I couldn't have used it comfortably, but that's when I cracked out the iPad Pro with Magic Keyboard.

Do you find it too heavy to carry around? I’d love to buy the new 16” this time around but because I’m used to a 13” I’m worried it might be too big. Is it comfortable to use on your lap/sofa/bed?

 

[Pokolasko]

I finally found a store that had a MacBook 16 ”available. It can be returned within 14 days so I have the opportunity to try it. MacBook 14 is out of stock. The screen is amazing and very quickly I forgot how big the MacBook is. It's immersive and I'd be very sorry to plug it into an external monitor, I even started thinking about how to edit videos just on this screen. The speakers are incredibly great. I think the screen is worth the weight of the MacBook 16. But I still feel some discomfort when writing and using the trackpad. I think it's the height of a MacBook, it's noticeably higher than the MacBook 15 ”2013/2015. it is as described by the people above in the posts. I even used an external mouse instead of a trackpad because my finger started to twitch. It's only the first day but I'm already thinking what it would be like from 14 ".

 

[nquinn]

I'm kind of ridiculous and just stopped by the Apple store again. I have to say the 16" with the killer screen just looks incredible. The 14" size being so small means the mini-LED gloriousness doesn't really shine through and it just feels a lot like a faster version of old 13" to me.

Agree with Poko though that I dislike typing on the 16" models compared to the 14".