Need help with what size Macbook Pro I should get

[XIPE]

Well I finally saved up money to get one of these awsome macbook Pros!!! The thing is I'm having more trouble deciding on if I should get the 15 inch or the 17 inch Macbook Pro.

I'm heading off to college as a graphic artist and I'll be working with 3d modeling programs like Maya and programs like photoshop....etc etc


Would the 17 inch be good for that? I will also be taking this laptop everywhere I go so I need as much info as I can before I order one.

What are your thoughts?

 

[techound1]

If you are just taking it to class and then back to your room, consider getting the 15" for portability and then a cinema screen to do the majority of your design work.

 

[joelypolly]

unless you have a monitor 20"+ that you can hook up i recommend the 17" with its extra pixels

 

[dmw007]

As the other two posters have stated, go with either a 15" MBP w/ a 20"+ LCD or go with a 17" MBP.

Either way, you will have a very nice setup XIPE.

 

[adk]

Figure out how you want to carry your laptop around. If you want to use a messenger bag style case, a 17" might be sort of portable. If you want a backpack type case, a 15" is as big as you can really go. Also, if you travel a lot keep in mind that a 17" won't fit on an airplane tray table very well. Take the price difference and buy a big monitor with your 15".

 

[XIPE]

Well I do not have a 20+ inch screen or the money to buy one

I think I might go with the 17 inch becuase I know I'm not going to be taking it anywhere like on an airplane or anything like that.

The only place I'd take it to is my friend's house or even Starbucks and school.

plus the 17 inch has 8x double-layer SuperDrive and FireWire 800 when the 15 inch doesnt so I think I'll go with the 17 inch or wait another month to see how people like theirs!

Thanks for your support!

 

[dmw007]

Well I do not have a 20+ inch screen or the money to buy one

I think I might go with the 17 inch becuase I know I'm not going to be taking it anywhere like on an airplane or anything like that.

The only place I'd take it to is my friend's house or even Starbucks and school.

plus the 17 inch has 8x double-layer SuperDrive and FireWire 800 when the 15 inch doesnt so I think I'll go with the 17 inch or wait another month to see how people like theirs!

Thanks for your support!

Well, then it sounds like the 17" MacBook Pro is the best computer for you. Enjoy it when you decide to purchase one.

 

[dbruzzone]

Figure out how you want to carry your laptop around. If you want to use a messenger bag style case, a 17" might be sort of portable. If you want a backpack type case, a 15" is as big as you can really go. Also, if you travel a lot keep in mind that a 17" won't fit on an airplane tray table very well. Take the price difference and buy a big monitor with your 15".

That's not entirely true... There are plenty of backpacks in which you can carry a 17" MBP.

Apple sells Brenthaven's (http://www.brenthaven.com/) bags and backpacks in their stores and on their site... I used to own one of their packbpacks when I had a 15" TiBook and was very happy with it.

I just ordered my 17" MBP and since I currently use Tom Binh's (http://www.tombinh.com/) Brain Bag I ordered a Monolith sleeve for it.

I'd even argue that carrying a MBP in a backpack is more comfortable since its weight is evenly distributed on your shoulders (as opposed to a messanger bag which would "cut into" the shoulder you're carrying it on; I know someone that carries their 17" PB like this and cites this as one of the reasons why they don't like their PB... )

Cheers...

Dave

 

[iSee]

Well I do not have a 20+ inch screen or the money to buy one

I think I might go with the 17 inch becuase I know I'm not going to be taking it anywhere like on an airplane or anything like that.

The only place I'd take it to is my friend's house or even Starbucks and school.

plus the 17 inch has 8x double-layer SuperDrive and FireWire 800 when the 15 inch doesnt so I think I'll go with the 17 inch or wait another month to see how people like theirs!

Thanks for your support!

Just one other suggestion: When you get a chance, go to an Apple store and look at, pick up, etc. them both. Also, get a decent bag/case/sleeve for it. Enjoy!

 

[witness]

Aside from the size, the 17" MacBook Pro is much better value for money - bigger screen, faster dual layer dvd, faster processor as standard, etc... And besides it's only 1.6 inches larger and I've used my 17" PowerBook on planes with no problems.