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Can't Decide Between 14" and 16"
- Thread starter StoneCold X
- Start date
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After the first day of use, I must say that the 16 "display is very addictive.
I honestly like the weight of 16 ", it's hard, but it's nice for me. It doesn't bother me at all when I transfer it from one room to another.
The funniest part was when I bought it and carried it in a recycled paper bag in which they gave it to me at the store, the bag began to tear slowly under the weight of a Macbook 16 "max. They probably didn't prepare for the weight of that Mac.
So I walked about 5km with a paper bag and that was the only time I felt the weight of my mac as if I were carrying heavy purchases in a paper bag. But after unpacking, it doesn't seem that hard at all, it's very balanced when you have the display open.
The macbook fits perfectly in the backpack The north face borealis. It's hard but with a good back system it doesn't matter. 600grams between 14 and 16? I usually carry 3 books with me when I can't decide which one I'm going to read so I probably would just offset that weight with some other nonsense if I saved it at 14 ".
Okay, everything is beautiful on this Mac, but the only thing I can't get used to is ergonomics. Macbook is taller, so the edges bother me when writing and using the trackpad. I don't know how other Macbook 16 users feel? I've never tried a Macbook 14 on a desk so I don't know how ergonomic it is. I only tried it in a shop where ergonomics can't actually be tried because you are strangely crouched and you use it from a height, and even if you bend your knees, it's not ideal. Also when sitting on a sofa so the edges push on the wrist because the Mac is wide and long. I guess at 14 it could be better. And even though I write the correct technique with a raised wrist still when I put my hands on the surface, the edges bother a bit. Maybe it's a matter of habit, I hope. How are the others?
Yes, I'm still wondering what the Macbook 14 would be like. But I'm sure I'd always be envious of people who have big screens. I would still be amazed by the sight of the big Mac screen. I did this when I had a certain time Macbook 13 M1 and my girlfriend had a Macbook 15 "2015, I was pretty cool with the Macbook 13 M1 for performance but every time she opened her 15 I was amazed. I'm also sure that now her I will envy her Macbook 13 "M1 for which she exchanged for Macbook 15." But I will envy her only when it is closed or when I see it from the back, the screen will definitely cool me down. This is one of the perspectives that convinced me in my indecision between 14 “and 16.” I will not be completely satisfied with either.
I will travel with the Macbook for long distances by train and bus, but I rarely work during the journey, only in emergency mode if I am pushed by a deadline. I will move from my temporary residence to another residence and I can only have an external display in one place so the large display will be convenient. The idea of a Macbook 14 "from which I can walk around the city and take it anywhere, but in reality I do serious work at the table. In recent months, I have only moved the Macbook long distances where I have a desk. And I honestly seem to be sitting on a seat ergonomics at 16 "are healthier because the 16" display is taller and you don't have to bend your neck as much as with the smaller Macbook.
As far as performance is concerned, so far I've only tried to edit about 15 minutes of video in Davinci Resolve, RAW files from Sony A7S III played for playback without any problems. before, I always had to do a proxy for smooth playback. But I can let you know more references later, I have it for a day.
I honestly like the weight of 16 ", it's hard, but it's nice for me. It doesn't bother me at all when I transfer it from one room to another.
The funniest part was when I bought it and carried it in a recycled paper bag in which they gave it to me at the store, the bag began to tear slowly under the weight of a Macbook 16 "max. They probably didn't prepare for the weight of that Mac.
So I walked about 5km with a paper bag and that was the only time I felt the weight of my mac as if I were carrying heavy purchases in a paper bag. But after unpacking, it doesn't seem that hard at all, it's very balanced when you have the display open.
The macbook fits perfectly in the backpack The north face borealis. It's hard but with a good back system it doesn't matter. 600grams between 14 and 16? I usually carry 3 books with me when I can't decide which one I'm going to read so I probably would just offset that weight with some other nonsense if I saved it at 14 ".
Okay, everything is beautiful on this Mac, but the only thing I can't get used to is ergonomics. Macbook is taller, so the edges bother me when writing and using the trackpad. I don't know how other Macbook 16 users feel? I've never tried a Macbook 14 on a desk so I don't know how ergonomic it is. I only tried it in a shop where ergonomics can't actually be tried because you are strangely crouched and you use it from a height, and even if you bend your knees, it's not ideal. Also when sitting on a sofa so the edges push on the wrist because the Mac is wide and long. I guess at 14 it could be better. And even though I write the correct technique with a raised wrist still when I put my hands on the surface, the edges bother a bit. Maybe it's a matter of habit, I hope. How are the others?
Yes, I'm still wondering what the Macbook 14 would be like. But I'm sure I'd always be envious of people who have big screens. I would still be amazed by the sight of the big Mac screen. I did this when I had a certain time Macbook 13 M1 and my girlfriend had a Macbook 15 "2015, I was pretty cool with the Macbook 13 M1 for performance but every time she opened her 15 I was amazed. I'm also sure that now her I will envy her Macbook 13 "M1 for which she exchanged for Macbook 15." But I will envy her only when it is closed or when I see it from the back, the screen will definitely cool me down. This is one of the perspectives that convinced me in my indecision between 14 “and 16.” I will not be completely satisfied with either.
I will travel with the Macbook for long distances by train and bus, but I rarely work during the journey, only in emergency mode if I am pushed by a deadline. I will move from my temporary residence to another residence and I can only have an external display in one place so the large display will be convenient. The idea of a Macbook 14 "from which I can walk around the city and take it anywhere, but in reality I do serious work at the table. In recent months, I have only moved the Macbook long distances where I have a desk. And I honestly seem to be sitting on a seat ergonomics at 16 "are healthier because the 16" display is taller and you don't have to bend your neck as much as with the smaller Macbook.
As far as performance is concerned, so far I've only tried to edit about 15 minutes of video in Davinci Resolve, RAW files from Sony A7S III played for playback without any problems. before, I always had to do a proxy for smooth playback. But I can let you know more references later, I have it for a day.
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the calendar is in sync and that's all I need. 2 different laptops for 2 different purposes.
I TOTALLY love the 14 the most though.
I think because I had the 16 inch I9 that it was just more of the same and the 14 inch is very different. Bit like when I got the iPhone 13 plus max from the 11 plus max... It was just like ..meh.. more of the same SO I ditched that and got the iPhone Mini13 and also TOTALLY love that!
Yeah. But I think the solution to having both Macbooks is a high class solution. Most people just have to opt for one.
I suspect most people who have two Macs opt for a desktop and a laptop, not two laptops (unless they are actually used by two different people). It will be interesting when the upcoming larger iMac comes out. I expect some of those with two MPBs are going to be looking pretty enviously at the new iMac. Especially as most (affordable) monitors to attach to a MBP are limited to 4k and mediocre pixel pitch.
For people who have had the opportunity to try both 14 and 16 or who have been using Macbook 16 for a long time. How do you find ergonomics when writing or working with the trackpad?
I only have a Macbook 16 "for two days, but I can't get used to it being taller. I have the right writing technique without leaning my elbows.
I try to figure out if it's just a matter of habit or it will always bother me.
I only have a Macbook 16 "for two days, but I can't get used to it being taller. I have the right writing technique without leaning my elbows.
I try to figure out if it's just a matter of habit or it will always bother me.
If you're just talking about keyboard economics, and not the ergonomic problem of the screen being too low, I had the same feeling in the beginning, but now I like the bigger one way better. Still not sure about the size, but in terms of typing, I feel like it gives you lots of space to rest your palms compared to the smaller model.
I had both the 16 and the 14. I kept the 16. Overall I like the 16 more for all reasons known throughout this forum... thermals, screen size, etc. 14 was great for more portability and my favorite part about the 14 was the keyboard, it felt more solid than the 16. Even with that difference, I still opted to keep the 16 which I am enjoying very much every single day.
That's exactly what I'm talking about. I have a strange feeling that when writing I have to raise my hands unnaturally high so as not to rub the wrists against sharp edges. With the old MacBook 15 ”2013, I never felt this problem because it is thinner on the table. I didn't have a chance to try the MacBook 14 on the table.
I had the exact same experience as you. Kept the 16" mainly due to screen size, but I did like the keyboard of the 14" more for some odd reason. The portability of the 14" (although I will say it did get a bit warmer with the same light usage compared to the 16") is awesome but I opted for a bigger screen since I also have the 12.9" iPad Pro. Purely personal preference though, I think both are great machines.
I've been using my 16" at a few different desks/tables at home and the typing experience depends on the chair height in relation to the table/desk height as far as comfortability factor with typing.
Higher seating position seems better for typing, lower seating position is better if I'm just using the trackpad.
Do you think you had a better feeling of ergonomics when typing or did you feel better with the keyboard itself, of keystrokes or stiffness?
I think it was a mix. The 14" was a bit better ergonomically for me, but not by a lot. The keyboard though did feel a bit more solid as you said; the 16" just feels a little bit hollow. Maybe it's just the sound but it gives the impression that the keys are a bit mushier. Hard to explain. Ultimately not a huge deal either way personally.
After having followed this thread since the beginning, I went back and forth for almost three weeks now, and finally decided to go with the 14 inch. I think it comes down to this post from a few pages ago:
The 16 inch just doesn't feel right to me, I don't like taking it out and take my iPad instead, the 14 inch is a great size. I thought I would get the 16 inch and not buy an external monitor, but when trying the 16 inch, I quickly realised that it does not really replace a monitor for me, because the ergonomics are almost as bad as with the smaller model. I am really into minimalism and thought I could just use a laptop for everything, without having to buy a monitor, keyboard and trackpad, but I feel like the ergonomic benefits I am going to gain, working on it 6-8 hours a day are going to be worth it.
In the end, just try to make the decision that feels right for you. There is a funny technique I read about on Reddit, where you throw a coin, and in the moment just before you see the result, you listen to that feeling you have, where you hope for it to be either heads or tails. So if everything else doesn't work, you might just try that to make your decision ?
Both of these laptops are awesome machines, which is why this decision is so hard, so try to gather all the facts that are important to you, set yourself a time limit, make your decision and be happy with it. This constant agonising over stuff like this just makes me enjoy it less in the end, at least for me. So have fun with this beautiful new device, whatever size you pick!?
The 16 inch just doesn't feel right to me, I don't like taking it out and take my iPad instead, the 14 inch is a great size. I thought I would get the 16 inch and not buy an external monitor, but when trying the 16 inch, I quickly realised that it does not really replace a monitor for me, because the ergonomics are almost as bad as with the smaller model. I am really into minimalism and thought I could just use a laptop for everything, without having to buy a monitor, keyboard and trackpad, but I feel like the ergonomic benefits I am going to gain, working on it 6-8 hours a day are going to be worth it.
In the end, just try to make the decision that feels right for you. There is a funny technique I read about on Reddit, where you throw a coin, and in the moment just before you see the result, you listen to that feeling you have, where you hope for it to be either heads or tails. So if everything else doesn't work, you might just try that to make your decision ?
Both of these laptops are awesome machines, which is why this decision is so hard, so try to gather all the facts that are important to you, set yourself a time limit, make your decision and be happy with it. This constant agonising over stuff like this just makes me enjoy it less in the end, at least for me. So have fun with this beautiful new device, whatever size you pick!?
Had the 16 Max, then went to a 14 Pro, then to a 16 Pro, and now I’m back to the 16 Max.
Agree with the comments here. The 14 had the most solid keyboard probably because they had to pack everything into a smaller case so it was more solid.
However the 16 trackpad is more solid for me. The 14 trackpad had a weird click sound.
In the end the larger screen - being able to work with windows side by side is what did it for me. I just finished a project with a diagram on the half the screen and a spreadsheet on the other half. I had to use both to do this project. It would have taken twice as long on a 14 switching back and forth.
I use my 16 max on battery almost all day. I can go from 9 am to 6 pm with 10% left consistently - video calls, office work, etc.
gaming on the max is amazing for the few games it can play. That’s the I my time the fans turn on.
Agree with the comments here. The 14 had the most solid keyboard probably because they had to pack everything into a smaller case so it was more solid.
However the 16 trackpad is more solid for me. The 14 trackpad had a weird click sound.
In the end the larger screen - being able to work with windows side by side is what did it for me. I just finished a project with a diagram on the half the screen and a spreadsheet on the other half. I had to use both to do this project. It would have taken twice as long on a 14 switching back and forth.
I use my 16 max on battery almost all day. I can go from 9 am to 6 pm with 10% left consistently - video calls, office work, etc.
gaming on the max is amazing for the few games it can play. That’s the I my time the fans turn on.
Does the 16 Max give about the same battery life as the 16 Pro with your use? Did you get a chance to compare at all?
Or you can easily buy it at a local store without the possibility of return. By doing so, you have to adjust to the size you have already bought. I think that many shortcomings will become irrelevant then: D
Well, I finally pulled the trigger and got the 16 inch MB Pro. I'm in love.
I just recently moved from Android to IOS so its been a really big change in that regard and now I'm dumping my windows server that I mostly use for Plex / Torrents and will be replacing it with Macs. Figured why should I keep my Lenovo windows laptop if I'm going all in?
I went to Best Buy a month ago, Nov 1, to try out the MB air. It was on sale and I figured low risk purchase. I loved it and used it for a few weeks before I started to get interested in the larger Pros. They are expensive and I had a bit of buyers remorse with the MBA. Great device, you just can't compare the screens though.
Simple by chance I went to the Best Buy site and pulled up my old receipt. I was shocked to see I could still return it, a full month after I bought it and then some for a refund!
I immediately wiped the MBA and stuck it in the box, brought it to the store today and went over to the Apple store and picked up a 16 inch pro 16gb/1tb that they had in stock.
Really impressed with the MacBook and I am totally happy with the 16 inch over the others. The size difference isn't nearly as bad as what people are making it out to be. The size difference on the screen is very much worth the trade off. I use this machine mostly for browsing but I'm a retired trader who loves to keep multiple windows open and different trading platforms up. The larger screen is just so much easier to deal with much less the added color and sharpness. The MBA screen is washed out in comparison.
VERY HAPPY. Wallet is lighter, but I am pleased.
If you are on the fence, get the 16.
I just recently moved from Android to IOS so its been a really big change in that regard and now I'm dumping my windows server that I mostly use for Plex / Torrents and will be replacing it with Macs. Figured why should I keep my Lenovo windows laptop if I'm going all in?
I went to Best Buy a month ago, Nov 1, to try out the MB air. It was on sale and I figured low risk purchase. I loved it and used it for a few weeks before I started to get interested in the larger Pros. They are expensive and I had a bit of buyers remorse with the MBA. Great device, you just can't compare the screens though.
Simple by chance I went to the Best Buy site and pulled up my old receipt. I was shocked to see I could still return it, a full month after I bought it and then some for a refund!
I immediately wiped the MBA and stuck it in the box, brought it to the store today and went over to the Apple store and picked up a 16 inch pro 16gb/1tb that they had in stock.
Really impressed with the MacBook and I am totally happy with the 16 inch over the others. The size difference isn't nearly as bad as what people are making it out to be. The size difference on the screen is very much worth the trade off. I use this machine mostly for browsing but I'm a retired trader who loves to keep multiple windows open and different trading platforms up. The larger screen is just so much easier to deal with much less the added color and sharpness. The MBA screen is washed out in comparison.
VERY HAPPY. Wallet is lighter, but I am pleased.
If you are on the fence, get the 16.
No… definitely used more. I’m not sure if it’s the 16 vs 32GB RAM and / the extra GPUs but the pro would end the day around 20-25% v 5-10% for the Max.
This was my situation. The 16" is just perfect for me as a portable workstation for my photo editing and editor scheduling/email/Zoom. I love the bigger screen. I can split screen with ease and just get stuff done. Also, and probably most importantly, the resolution on the 14" was straining on my eyes and I wasn't able to multitask as easily. The 14" is gorgeous but so is the 16" - can't go wrong on this one.
OK. So I'm back in the indecisive nightmare.
I used to spend the last few days in the field so I only used the Macbook 16 "in the evening / at night. I always had it on my desk, the display is simply immersive, beautiful and I feel very productive and I would say inspiring to try on it. This is something I've never experienced before on a Macbook, it was just a Macbook, nothing more interesting than any other.
But today I travel 2 hours by bus and 8 hours by night train, I already felt the pain of my right hand on my desk. I suspect it's a tall Macbook and ergonomics, the keyboard is set too far back. I can't figure out what is causing this pain, my pinky finger and palm are suffering too - this can be a subjective problem.
I didn't think I would have to feel a Macbook 16 "max in my backpack. But with other things in The North face borealis backpack, I feel like a Macbook as a load-bearing brick. It's not hard for me, just a little uncomfortable. I have to say I was surprised because I thought the difference between 14 "and 16" was negligible - 600grams.
Use on the train in lap is completely comfortable, and completely fits on the train table without any problems.
Ok, the problem is. The mixture that my use sometimes causes me pain is that I feel like I'm carrying a brick in my backpack, and when I choose a macbook it also looks like I'm picking a piece of rock makes me constantly think about what it would be like to use and carry a Macbook 14 ".
But overall, uncomfortable feelings are offset by an amazing display and performance experience (a bit of speakers)
I used to spend the last few days in the field so I only used the Macbook 16 "in the evening / at night. I always had it on my desk, the display is simply immersive, beautiful and I feel very productive and I would say inspiring to try on it. This is something I've never experienced before on a Macbook, it was just a Macbook, nothing more interesting than any other.
But today I travel 2 hours by bus and 8 hours by night train, I already felt the pain of my right hand on my desk. I suspect it's a tall Macbook and ergonomics, the keyboard is set too far back. I can't figure out what is causing this pain, my pinky finger and palm are suffering too - this can be a subjective problem.
I didn't think I would have to feel a Macbook 16 "max in my backpack. But with other things in The North face borealis backpack, I feel like a Macbook as a load-bearing brick. It's not hard for me, just a little uncomfortable. I have to say I was surprised because I thought the difference between 14 "and 16" was negligible - 600grams.
Use on the train in lap is completely comfortable, and completely fits on the train table without any problems.
Ok, the problem is. The mixture that my use sometimes causes me pain is that I feel like I'm carrying a brick in my backpack, and when I choose a macbook it also looks like I'm picking a piece of rock makes me constantly think about what it would be like to use and carry a Macbook 14 ".
But overall, uncomfortable feelings are offset by an amazing display and performance experience (a bit of speakers)
Maybe you could test by removing 600g of your other things from the rucksack and go for a walk to see how that feels for the weight?
I chose the 16” 10cpu, 16gpu, 32gb ram, 2tb SSD. I prefer an unbinned chip. The max is overkill for me, my main pursuits are musical. I also pursue video, but not to the extent that demands the max. 32gb of ram gives me enough headroom for the comfortable use of virtual instruments within the context of ProTools. 2tb SSD allows me a workflow WITHOUT external drives. This is phenomenal to me! The ONLY reason I need external drives now, is for archiving and backup. ?
So far as the size? Better thermals. Less noise. Longer battery life. Longer in-the-field recording and mixing/editing. The new audio out lets me use my higher end headphones. Believe it or not, the AirPods Pro are EXCEPTIONAL; even for critical listening! But ProTools and Bluetooth includes latency with its GUI.
But with all the complaints re size; it’s significantly smaller and lighter than my 17”, which traveled to work with me many times, and accompanied me on many flights. I DID get used to the 13” air over the past year; but not enough to consider the smaller 14”. Bear in mind, I have no other larger screen. Nothing touches the 24” lg on the Apple store, ESPECIALLY the connectivity. But the price is still too steep. MAYBE I’ll consider one of the newer iMacs later, but I still hold out for the RUMORED consumer level monitor. One can hope!!
To those choosing the 14”, I’m certain your needs and tastes draw you to that decision. It is a beast!
Here are a few pics showing the decreased size of my new 16” compared with my old 17”. It’s also nearly two pounds lighter!!
So far as the size? Better thermals. Less noise. Longer battery life. Longer in-the-field recording and mixing/editing. The new audio out lets me use my higher end headphones. Believe it or not, the AirPods Pro are EXCEPTIONAL; even for critical listening! But ProTools and Bluetooth includes latency with its GUI.
But with all the complaints re size; it’s significantly smaller and lighter than my 17”, which traveled to work with me many times, and accompanied me on many flights. I DID get used to the 13” air over the past year; but not enough to consider the smaller 14”. Bear in mind, I have no other larger screen. Nothing touches the 24” lg on the Apple store, ESPECIALLY the connectivity. But the price is still too steep. MAYBE I’ll consider one of the newer iMacs later, but I still hold out for the RUMORED consumer level monitor. One can hope!!
To those choosing the 14”, I’m certain your needs and tastes draw you to that decision. It is a beast!
Here are a few pics showing the decreased size of my new 16” compared with my old 17”. It’s also nearly two pounds lighter!!
