Should I Buy 16 Inch or 14 Inch?

[Ayther]

Should I buy the 16 Inch MacBook Pro M3 Pro or 14 Inch MacBook Pro M3 Pro? For some context I will be using it for graphic design and apps such as Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. I am at home 90% of the time and the only time I would be using it outside, would be when I am at school. Either way, I will be using a 27 inch monitor whether I get the 16 Inch or 14 Inch. I am also running a business. What do you guys suggest?

 

[herbert7265]

At the end of the day only you can decide if
- the additional size, the additional weight, the additional cost vs
- the bigger screen size and the (potentially / likely) better heat dissipation
is worth it for you, considering that you will use the computer, as of your statement, mostly as a desktop computer with an external monitor.

Personally I also use an 16" MBP (M2) mostly on my desk, but I decided I want to have the possibility to take it with me if necessary and therefore I accepted the above stated downsides.

Herbert

 

[Ayther]

At the end of the day only you can decide if
- the additional size, the additional weight, the additional cost vs
- the bigger screen size and the (potentially / likely) better heat dissipation
is worth it for you, considering that you will use the computer, as of your statement, mostly as a desktop computer with an external monitor.

Personally I also use an 16" MBP (M2) mostly on my desk, but I decided I want to have the possibility to take it with me if necessary and therefore I accepted the above stated downsides.

Herbert

How is your experience with carrying around the 16 inch and using it when you are not at your desk?

 

[herbert7265]

Having the extra screen size is plain and simple great and useful.
I also like the fact that I do not recognize any heat issues with my 16" model, means it is quite rare that the fans work at all.

Now carrying around the 16" model is something to be looked at from different perspectives.

Overall it must be clearly said that the laptop is "big and heavy", compared to smaller and lighter models and for example my 14" Dell business laptop.
While I do not see it as a problem
- moving around in the house,
- having it with me when I visit other people, means you normally drive, and then just walk short distances,
- having it with me in a sufficient sized and comfortable backpack
I could imagine that size and weight matters much more when you face a different situation, for example
- you walk or move by bicycle, train or plane a lot and for longer times
- when weight and size limitations come into play (travel by air)
Under such circumstances I can easily imagine that for some people the 16" model is simply too big and heavy and they have reasons to go for a smaller and lighter model.

My "recommendation": If you have the chance to see as well a 14" and a 16" in reality (Apple Shop, other shop that sells these computers), even it´s an "older" M2 or M1 model, go and have a look in reality, take them in your hands and try to get a feeling of your own. All this is very subjective and what may be "heavy and big" for one person is "tiny and light" for another person.

Herbert

 

[Ayther]

Having the extra screen size is plain and simple great and useful.
I also like the fact that I do not recognize any heat issues with my 16" model, means it is quite rare that the fans work at all.

Now carrying around the 16" model is something to be looked at from different perspectives.

Overall it most be clearly said that the laptop is "big and heavy", compared to smaller and lighter models and for example my 14" Dell business laptop.
While I do not see it as a problem
- moving around in the house,
- having it with me when I visit other people, means you normally drive, and then just walk short distances,
- having it with me in a sufficient sized and comfortable backpack
I could imagine that size and weight matters much more when you face a different situation, for example
- you walk or move by bicycle, train or plane a lot and for longer times
- when weight and size limitations come into play (travel by air)
Under such circumstances I can easily imagine that for some people the 16" model is simply too big and heavy and they have reasons to go for a smaller and lighter model.

My "recommendation": If you have the chance to see as well a 14" and a 16" in reality (Apple Shop, other shop that sells these computers), even it´s an "older" M2 or M1 model, go and have a look in reality, take them in your hands and try to get a feeling of your own. All this is very subjective and what may be "heavy and big" for one person is "tiny and light" for another person.

Herbert

Thanks for the detailed response! I went to the Apple Store the other day and after looking at both I still can’t decide. I might have to go back a second time. Or I can buy one of them and return it and get the other one if I don’t like it. I just need to decide whether to try out the 16 inch first or 14 inch 😅 Also if I do end up getting a 14 inch should I get an m3 max which is around same price as 16 inch m3 pro? Or will I not use the extra power of the m3 max

 

[phrehdd]

Thanks for the detailed response! I went to the Apple Store the other day and after looking at both I still can’t decide. I might have to go back a second time. Or I can buy one of them and return it and get the other one if I don’t like it. I just need to decide whether to try out the 16 inch first or 14 inch 😅 Also if I do end up getting a 14 inch should I get an m3 max which is around same price as 16 inch m3 pro? Or will I not use the extra power of the m3 max

If you are in the arts, I cannot see a real discussion of 14" v 16" as the latter would always be the one recommended if you use the screen (as you indicate you will from time to time). The extra screen real estate goes a long way. I have used all sorts of laptops over the years and the smallest I could go with comfort was 15" and that was pushing it a bit. 16" and 17" are great for those in art. Image and screen tools have some breathing room. In my case I am only involved in 2D still images and it is nice when apps such as Affinity or Photoshop or Capture 1 etc have room for images, tools and review of thumbnails etc. For items like Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro, absolutely a better experience with 16" screen.

If I were a student who only had to read and write papers, the 14" might be very handy and portable. I find the argument of "heavy" to be well...something that doesn't seem to be a bother. I have used 17" laptops, carried camera gear and more and never consider it an issue.

 

[Saturn007]

You have a big monitor at home already, so there's your answer!

Get the 14” — cheaper, lighter, and easier to schlep for the 10% of the time you'll use it that way.

Anyone who's a student will benefit from a smaller laptop — smaller form factor makes it easier to put on a desk, table, classroom folding arm, dining room table, or hold while on a lounge chair in the union or classroom building.

Presumably, you also d some traveling to see family or friends — the 14” will be much more convenient!

 

[teh_hunterer]

I have been using a 14" M1 Pro, work provided. The portability is great for my job where I'm always on a move going to and fro to fix things. I was always happy with it.

But I recently got a 16" M3 Pro for personal use, and I am still blown away by how much nicer it is to use. The extra screen real estate feels great. To the point the 14" now feels like a toy and I find the screen to feel very cramped when I go back to it. I actually really don't like using it anymore and strictly use it on the job now.

I've come to the conclusion that the 16" is the best option, and would only go down to the 14" if portability is your utmost concern. I would take advantage of Apple's 14 day return policy, get the 16" first and see if you can live with it. It's the better computer.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

Are you a student?
Lots of "toting the MBP around" from class to class?

If so, the 16" model is likely to become "a burden" hauling it around with you.
The 14" -- much easier.

You could take the money you save with the 14", and buy a nice 27" 4k display for home.
That will make a very nice setup.