How small is 13.3"? and loads of other MB questions...

[appledu]

Hello all,

I'm debating between a Macbook - with a 23" Apple display eventually and a 15" MBP.

This is assuming that Macbooks get updated soon, and we all know that they will...

Basically, how small is 13" 1280x800? Are things big enough to see (especially text and general web surfing)?

Is the white MB powerful enough to do photoshop and movie editing on the screen, and eventually a 23"?

I often watch films/shows on my 15" 1600x1200 Dell.
As it isn't widescreen, I get big black bars at the top and bottom...
Would I actually see more on a 13.3" MBP (widescreen) as opposed to the 15" Dell with the black bars?

The laptop would be used everyday. The Dell I'm using is a "pro" model, and is in great shape for a 4 year old computer...would the MB last that long...

Finally, if I was to give the MB to my parents, who are used to a 15", how much smaller would a 13.3" screen be for them to see stuff...

appledu

 

[ChickenSwartz]

The difference between the 13 and 15 were enough for me to get the 15''.

But, I am not nor planning on using an external monitor.

As far as the size goes, I would say look at your needs when you are just using the laptop. I think the MB, 2GB RAM, will handle all the things you said just fine.

Your parents probably wouldn't like it. I say this based on what my parents would say.

But if you are looking at the BlackBook, you might be better off spending the the extra $500 for the MBP, bigger screen, bigger HD, more RAM standard, better graphics, faster processor.

Plus, are you happy with the glossy screen? It is a small thing but you will be looking at it ever day, it is something to consider.

 

[wallock]

Message deleted

 

[Cybergypsy]

Macbook is perfect........chose not to get a pro........and am happy about it

 

[NewSc2]

The only thing with the 13.3" (and all widescreens, for that matter), is that your internet pages are going to be kind of stumpy. Other than that, it's excellent for viewing movies and doing all sorts of regular browsing. I even compose on mine, but it's a bit hard. I've used a 12" iBook before, and even then it's not that hard to surf the web and do casual computer work.

 

[xJulianx]

I also had concerns over the MacBook's screen size, especially as I was coming from a 15" Dell laptop. Initially, I thought I had made a mistake, because I found the screen very small, but after a couple of days, I got used to it, and now, non widescreen 15" displays just look wierd.

13.3" is fine for websurfing and general use, the rest is down to personal preference.

 

[operator]

I think 13.3 is plenty of space. I work on a 12" iBook every day, all day, creating websites, listening to music, browsing the web, emailing, using MS Word, Photoshop, Flash 8, etc. I find the 12" enough. At home, I sometimes plug into my external LCD, and on the road, my laptop is so small I can forget I'm carrying it. I plan to upgrade to the MacBook once we see another update. If they would make a 13" MBP, I be on that in a second!