Can't Decide Between 14" and 16"

[nquinn]

I did just that and my new 16" is on its way. This year, working on a 13" has been hell, even with an external monitor.

I'm really torn too but this is my fear.

Here's the other thing for me - I don't understand how external monitors help unless you decide to go full clamshell mode with an external keyboard. Clamshell is also a problem because you lose touch ID on the keyboard, though the new magic keyboards can probably solve this now. For $150. =/

When you combine a laptop + external monitor, the keyboard is still on the laptop, so the most immediate screen directly in front of you is.... the LAPTOP's screen. Even if you want to use a 24-27" monitor as your primary display, it means that it will be offset, or your laptop's screen will be partially blocking it directly in front of you. I've always sort of hated working with a laptop+monitor at my job, but maybe someone has a better layout that would work.

Sooooo basically what I'm saying is, I think you either should probably go 16" for real work, or 14" in clamshell + wireless keyboard with touch ID and wireless mouse.

How have the M1 devices fared in clamshell mode?

 

[joejamr]

I cancelled my 14" and ordered 16" because I realized that while it's tempting to have a very powerful computer in a small form-factor, I rarely need more portability than being able to move from my home office to the sofa. When I fly two or three times per year then of course the size and weight will be noticeable, but ultimately I decided that since 90+% of the time this will be sitting on my desk I'll have fewer regrets by not missing out on the bigger screen. I also have an iPad Pro 11" if I just want to do some lightweight computing on the go.

 

[flapflapflap]

I cancelled my 14" and ordered 16" because I realized that while it's tempting to have a very powerful computer in a small form-factor, I rarely need more portability than being able to move from my home office to the sofa. When I fly two or three times per year then of course the size and weight will be noticeable, but ultimately I decided that since 90+% of the time this will be sitting on my desk I'll have fewer regrets by not missing out on the bigger screen. I also have an iPad Pro 11" if I just want to do some lightweight computing on the go.

I'm a non-Pro and I'm in the same situation. Note the 16 offers much better battery life, too. I typically travel 3-5 times per year. Unless absolutely required, I will be bringing my iPad Pro 11. I'm sure this is a much tougher decision to make for Pros.

 

[nquinn]

I'm a non-Pro and I'm in the same situation. Note the 16 offers much better battery life, too. I typically travel 3-5 times per year. Unless absolutely required, I will be bringing my iPad Pro 11. I'm sure this is a much tougher decision to make for Pros.

I did consider that also. For traveling an interesting option is an ipad air + new keyboard, but that quickly can hit like $700+ where you start approaching Macbook air territory. The nice thing about the ipad though is you can re-use it as a book reading device.

 

[flapflapflap]

I'm really torn too but this is my fear.

Here's the other thing for me - I don't understand how external monitors help unless you decide to go full clamshell mode with an external keyboard. Clamshell is also a problem because you lose touch ID on the keyboard, though the new magic keyboards can probably solve this now. For $150. =/

When you combine a laptop + external monitor, the keyboard is still on the laptop, so the most immediate screen directly in front of you is.... the LAPTOP's screen. Even if you want to use a 24-27" monitor as your primary display, it means that it will be offset, or your laptop's screen will be partially blocking it directly in front of you. I've always sort of hated working with a laptop+monitor at my job, but maybe someone has a better layout that would work.

Sooooo basically what I'm saying is, I think you either should probably go 16" for real work, or 14" in clamshell + wireless keyboard with touch ID and wireless mouse.

How have the M1 devices fared in clamshell mode?

If I keep the 16, I will be using it alongside my ultra-wide monitor for extra screen space. I'll probably have it sit right below and in front of my monitor because I like to use touch-ID (on my M1 MBP) and enjoy the awesome screen.

 

[UltimateSyn]

16” MBP + 12.9” iPad Pro

or

14” MBP + 11” iPad Pro

Hmmmm

 

[flapflapflap]

I did consider that also. For traveling an interesting option is an ipad air + new keyboard, but that quickly can hit like $700+ where you start approaching Macbook air territory. The nice thing about the ipad though is you can re-use it as a book reading device.

the iPad is pretty awesome - I use it to also remote into my M1 MBP in case I need a real computer for tasks involving excel/powerpoint/word.

 

[ascender]

Here's the other thing for me - I don't understand how external monitors help unless you decide to go full clamshell mode with an external keyboard. Clamshell is also a problem because you lose touch ID on the keyboard, though the new magic keyboards can probably solve this now. For $150. =/

I've been using my 16" front and centre, with a 27" monitor on a mount behind and off to the right. I have some apps on a single desktop on the monitor at all times and a couple of other desktops with full screen apps running which I don't need to use all the time.

Whatever I'm doing as my main task is on the laptop screen.

 

[ascender]

the iPad is pretty awesome - I use it to also remote into my M1 MBP in case I need a real computer for tasks involving excel/powerpoint/word.

Which app do you use for this if you don't mind me asking?

 

[nquinn]

I've been using my 16" front and centre, with a 27" monitor on a mount behind and off to the right. I have some apps on a single desktop on the monitor at all times and a couple of other desktops with full screen apps running which I don't need to use all the time.

Whatever I'm doing as my main task is on the laptop screen.

That's kind of my point. If you're not using clamshell mode, I think most people still end up doing a lot of their primary work on the laptop even if a large monitor is attached just because it's RIGHT in front of you.

So I'm mostly now researching how well clamshell mode works to try to justify downgrading to the 14" (but also having to spend $ on an extra keyboard and mouse)

 

[flapflapflap]

Which app do you use for this if you don't mind me asking?

I've been using Screens

 

[tim1000]

16” MBP + 12.9” iPad Pro

or

14” MBP + 11” iPad Pro

Hmmmm

Can someone post a 12.9 iPad Pro next to 14 mbp?

 

[justinf77]

That's kind of my point. If you're not using clamshell mode, I think most people still end up doing a lot of their primary work on the laptop even if a large monitor is attached just because it's RIGHT in front of you.

So I'm mostly now researching how well clamshell mode works to try to justify downgrading to the 14" (but also having to spend $ on an extra keyboard and mouse)

I use clamshell mode all the time, it works great. I do have the keyboard with Touch ID which I would highly suggest, it's a major convenience.

 

[Jára Tyky]

16” MBP + 12.9” iPad Pro

or

14” MBP + 11” iPad Pro

Hmmmm

I have the first setup

 

[nquinn]

I use clamshell mode all the time, it works great. I do have the keyboard with Touch ID which I would highly suggest, it's a major convenience.

Did you go with an ultrawide monitor or something like the LG 4k/5k?

 

[patrick.a]

Just got out of the Apple Store. The 16inch reminds me so much of my beloved 17inch back in the days! It feels like a workstation that you can carry around if you really have to. But my situation has changed and so has the hardware. My Mac Pro is my workstation now. The 14inch seems way more portable and that‘s the main reason for me to buy a laptop. Also, it‘s just as fast as the 16inch, so no hardware penalty for the smaller size. I think I‘ll „downgrade“ from 15inch 2018 to 14inch 2021!

 

[Realityck]

16” MBP + 12.9” iPad Pro

or

14” MBP + 11” iPad Pro

Hmmmm

I notice you went the opposite 14" MBP + iPad Pro (12.9")

 

[BoxerGT2.5]

So if you decide to exchange at Apple, is it better to just buy the laptop via Apples app and return the one you have (I did a trade in as well). Or, go there and hope the laptop is in stock when you get there.

 

[nquinn]

I did just that and my new 16" is on its way. This year, working on a 13" has been hell, even with an external monitor.

Have you considered just moving to clamshell mode + a widescreen monitor? Curious what you don't like about the 13" + monitor combo

 

[justinf77]

Did you go with an ultrawide monitor or something like the LG 4k/5k?

I use a Dell 27" 4K, works perfectly for my needs.

 

[justinf77]

So if you decide to exchange at Apple, is it better to just buy the laptop via Apples app and return the one you have (I did a trade in as well). Or, go there and hope the laptop is in stock when you get there.

Buy the laptop online for pickup and then return the one you have. That's essentially what they would do at an Apple Store anyway as I don't believe they do official "exchanges".

 

[BoxerGT2.5]

Buy the laptop online for pickup and then return the one you have. That's essentially what they would do at an Apple Store anyway as I don't believe they do official "exchanges".

Thank you, didn't know how it worked with having a few trade ins on the transaction.

 

[Grohowiak]

I'm really torn too but this is my fear.

Here's the other thing for me - I don't understand how external monitors help unless you decide to go full clamshell mode with an external keyboard. Clamshell is also a problem because you lose touch ID on the keyboard, though the new magic keyboards can probably solve this now. For $150. =/

When you combine a laptop + external monitor, the keyboard is still on the laptop, so the most immediate screen directly in front of you is.... the LAPTOP's screen. Even if you want to use a 24-27" monitor as your primary display, it means that it will be offset, or your laptop's screen will be partially blocking it directly in front of you. I've always sort of hated working with a laptop+monitor at my job, but maybe someone has a better layout that would work.

Sooooo basically what I'm saying is, I think you either should probably go 16" for real work, or 14" in clamshell + wireless keyboard with touch ID and wireless mouse.

How have the M1 devices fared in clamshell mode?

Laptop on the side sitting on a raised & angled stand + hub with plenty ports. Big screen on the center with external keyboard with mouse.
I still have the touchID and have the extra screen which is sometimes very useful if you are building an app and want to see how it looks/behaves natively.

As for me the 14" was the choice. At home is connected to external anyway + better portability. I had the Intel 16" last gen and that thing was a brick.

 

[TimothyJohn]

I used the 17" MacBook Pro i7 quad core for years. UAD Solo Laptop. Axiom Pro. iLok. Scarlette 18i20. Running ProTools. Took it to school (I'm a music Educator) anytime I was running rehearsals or planning to mix. Nice thing about the express card feature was I could pop out the UAD Solo, and pop in an SD card reader. I was in a position to have to travel to Florida quite a bit. 1000 mile 2 hour flight. I'd STILL be using it, if the graphics didn't fail the second time. I had upgraded to an OWC 6g 1tb SSD system drive, and swapped out the optical drive for a 3g SSD 1tb session drive. I could run a two -three hour session, totally on battery. Life was good!

The first time the overheated GPU caused dead screens, it was out of warranty. Because of a class action suit, Apple fixed it at no cost. I got another three years out of it before the same issue happened again.

NO WAY was I ever going to get another toaster. I researched to find the MacBook Pro that generated the least heat and fan noise. It was at this point I realized that "best processor" = LOUDEST HOTTEST machine! But then? ARM! New Apple processors! I bought two MacBook Airs. One for my wife, one for my daughter. December. I'd use my daughter's til she was finished HS, and in June get a new upgraded laptop. Two ports and a 13" screen could NEVER cut it!

The rest is history. Postponed released has had me computer-less since July. I HAVE gotten accustomed to the 13". AAND the lack of heat and fan noise!! An absolute DREAM! The M1 handles anything I throw at it. ProTools ran fine on the 17", albeit hotter and noisier. Not to mention much less battery life.

I acquired an 11" M1 iPad Pro to handle web browsing and scores. Plus I plan to use it as a second screen via side car; although in Monterey, my understanding is that this function is even more refined.

I enjoy the portability, but from MY perspective, the new 16" is smaller AND lighter than my 17". I was tempted to go with the 14", but I enjoy the screen real estate. I can send pics comparing the new 16" with my now bricked 17". Here is a screen shot of the specs, 14", 16", 17" (insert):

 

[Lucas Curious]

I connect 16" under a big display but I find that I look at the 16" as main and dislike turning my head to look at monitors. My conclusion is that only a 24" is practical or any single screen while sing spaces since I get tired looking around to read off screens. I want to say that 16" is ideal for around the house use but a joke if you travel on airplanes and want to use it there.
I did use a 15" for 6 months travel 100% of the time. different hotel every 3 days and it was ok to use.

I want to say that ideally you need 2 laptops. 16" for home/office use and a 12" for on the go and airplanes. I tested both for travel over 3 years and the 12" was a must for on the go. 16 is nice to have at home. Big screens are not really all that practical for general use. too much looking around to find things on screen. My brain wants to look straight. 14" felt kinda small to me compared to the bigger one at the store.