MBP 15" or 17" for a design student?

[Andrew7724]

hi, I'm going into a design school to study either media or industrial design.

Now that the 17" mac book pro is out as well, i don't really know which one to pick. I really like the double layer burning, the 3 USBs, and the screen, but is the 17" just too big? Is it even portable? that is the thing I need to know.

I don't think I will bring it to school everyday, but I know that I might need to carry it around sometime.

Could the people that have had or still have the powerbook 17" comment on it's portability?

Thank you so much!

 

[faintember]

1.2 lbs

Ok..its 1.2 lbs difference, plus better stats/price for the 17".

Personally i say buy the 17" unless you cant hack the extra 1.2 lbs.
Some people will say the 17" fits uncomfortably in their lap, but my uni's 17" fits nicely in mine. I actually prefer the feel of the 17" on my lap to the 15".

Just my 2¢.

 

[DrDoOdMoNdAnG]

Seeing as you'll be going into design, I think you'll like the extra screen space. Also, when you think about it, that extra pound isn't that much. So I'd say go for the 17".

 

[Peyton]

Depends on how much you can bench.

jk, I'm going for the 17 inch, I think its the better value and being the same resolution as a 20inch ACD, you can get away without having another monitor.

jmo

 

[Temujin]

As to transport check my reply here https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/196293/

 

[kgarner]

The screen is awesome for design, but the size (not weight) of the 17" make it a little harder to haul around. If you aren't going to be moving around much then it might not be a big deal. I am going to get a 15" MBP because I like the balance of screen, power, and portability. The 17" is a great laptop, but make sure you take into account the added dimensions and how you will be using it.

Probably wouldn't hurt to take a look at a 17" PB at CompUSA or an Apple Store to see if it looks too big to you.

 

[caveman_uk]

The new 17" is a good price compared to the 15" features-wise. It comes down to size. The 17" will make your backpack kind of large....though not unmanageable. It is still portable and I seriously considered it before going for a 15" machine. Remember the MBP's have DVI outputs....you could get a 15" for portability and plug it into a bigger screen back at home. Dell does some good prices on LCD displays.