This is why I don't bring the 16" MBP on trips

[zephonic]

This is why I leave the 16" M1 Max MacBook Pro at home and bring a borrowed 14" M3 MacBook Pro with me on trips. There's barely enough room for the 14".View attachment 2465081

I’m coming at this from a slightly different angle. I have downsized my entire rig.

I never felt my old 13” MacBookAir was great for working on a flight, but my iPad + keyboard is actually a pretty good fit for the tray tables!

I downsized my old cheesegrater MacPro to a 16” MBP and that is great because now I get to take my desktop computer on trips. At home it operates strictly in clamshell mode with an Echo 20 dock, and on trips I have that amazing 16” display and surprisingly good speakers.

My iPad + keyboard + stylus is my de facto laptop. There is not a lot it can’t do. It’s probably the device I use most, more than my phone and MBP.

The MBP stays in my backpack on flights and only comes out at airport lounges and hotel rooms.

 

[zephonic]

But does it fit inside the safe deposit box in the hotel room? This is one reason I take my old-faithful 2014 13" MBAir everywhere when I travel. Once took my 15" and it would fit inside the Europe-size hotel safe deposit boxes.

Yes, this is definitely an issue with the 16". It doesn't fit in half of the hotel room safes out there.

 

[chars1ub0w]

I’m coming at this from a slightly different angle. I have downsized my entire rig.

My iPad + keyboard + stylus is my de facto laptop. There is not a lot it can’t do. It’s probably the device I use most, more than my phone and MBP.

Unfortunately, I have to use a mac. (My sponsor kindly lent me a 12.9" iPad Pro, an old one, but I can't really use it. Except perhaps as a 2nd display when presenting so I can see slides ahead. I considered bringing along but it's weight.) All the code (I write and run) only runs on the mac. If they made a hybrid macOS/iPadOS, I wouldn't mind downsizing to the iPad, assuming there was enough memory on the iPad. So, basically, I want the smallest mac, which used to be an Intel 12" MacBook. If that can be an iPad-like mac, great. But Apple seems to want to clearly distinguish between the two lines despite the common hardware.

 

[smirking]

I wouldn't bring any laptop onto a plane because people are nosey and the people sitting right next to you will watch what you're doing.

I call this a missed opportunity. I know people will be nosy on a plane so I plan accordingly.

That unpublished novel that you've been peddling for years? Sorry, it still won't sell, but for the cost of a plane ticket, you will leave the plane with the satisfaction of knowing that while you'll still be an unpublished author, you'll no longer be an unread author.

I like to do photo work on the plane. Finally, someone will get to see the vacation photos that causes even my mother to change the conversation to more engaging topics... like taxes. I especially like queuing up any shoots I did that involved fake blood. They can try to look away, but they won't be able to.

I don't pay for in-flight entertainment, because damn you, I AM the in-flight entertainment. Mile-high performance art is theatre at its finest.

 

[smirking]

But I’m a relatively petite person so leg room often isn’t an issue and so I’ll just put my laptop on my lap if I’m working on the 16” on a domestic flight.

I hadn't thought of that angle. I don't take up that much space myself so, like you, I have a lot of options. An old friend of mine used to joke that he provided free lumbar support to whomever was sitting in front of him. Someone like him would never be able to put something on his lap comfortably.

 

[Acronyc]

I just finished my downsizing from a 14-inch M1 Max MBP and M1 Air to an M4 Pro Mac mini and an M2 Air (my M1 Air screen broke, and I got a great deal on an M2 16GB variant to hold me over until the M4 Air comes out).

I hated traveling with my MBP and it was only the 14-inch. I can't imagine how annoying I would find the 16-inch to be. I do a lot of walking while carrying various gear when I travel. For me, it's more the weight and footprint combined with the expense of the device and the areas I travel for work that kept my MBP at home.

The Air is a much better travel companion for me, whether I am traveling for work or holidays. Some find the 13-inch screen small, but I never have. The virtual desktops are a huge help and make it more than big enough for my use.

 

[Droid13]

I wouldn't bring any laptop onto a plane because people are nosey and the people sitting right next to you will watch what you're doing. Plus a friend of mine had his identity stolen on the plane. It's very easy for anyone to steal others identity on the plane and you won't even know it.

Magnetic privacy screens are available - I have one from Kensington that works quite well; and always entering credentials using TouchID helps - but I agree. There is an upper limit to what can be achieved in a public space - my organisation has issued some guidance and some rules on the subject.

 

[macman4789]

For me, 13” iPad Pro is ideal for this scenario (I know it’s not for everyone) and the screen size of the 16” is perfect balance between portability and productivity. I personally don’t find the 16” particularly heavy considering what you can do with it and that your are almost carrying around a portable desktop.

 

[Aka757]

Magnetic privacy screens are available - I have one from Kensington that works quite well; and always entering credentials using TouchID helps - but I agree. There is an upper limit to what can be achieved in a public space - my organisation has issued some guidance and some rules on the subject.

Slightly off-topic but how does that Kensington privacy screen in terms of glare reduction? How much does it reduce image quality if you’re looking at it straight on?

 

[Droid13]

Slightly off-topic but how does that Kensington privacy screen in terms of glare reduction? How much does it reduce image quality if you’re looking at it straight on?

It’s double-sided - one side is glossy and the other is matt. There is less glare on the matt side than from the MBAs display.

Looking at it head on, the image is dimmer (so you end up cranking up the brightness a little) but as long as it’s sitting flush with the display the image degradation is minor.

The problem is that if it isn’t sitting flush then (a) it doesn’t protect your privacy as well and (b) there is noticeable blurring and loss of usability in the area affected.

Unfortunately, getting it to sit consistently flush can be a problem depending on how your screen is tilted.

It’s definitely not perfect.

 

[DeepSix]

I just finished my downsizing from a 14-inch M1 Max MBP and M1 Air to an M4 Pro Mac mini and an M2 Air (my M1 Air screen broke, and I got a great deal on an M2 16GB variant to hold me over until the M4 Air comes out).

I hated traveling with my MBP and it was only the 14-inch. I can't imagine how annoying I would find the 16-inch to be. I do a lot of walking while carrying various gear when I travel. For me, it's more the weight and footprint combined with the expense of the device and the areas I travel for work that kept my MBP at home.

The Air is a much better travel companion for me, whether I am traveling for work or holidays. Some find the 13-inch screen small, but I never have. The virtual desktops are a huge help and make it more than big enough for my use.

Though I will agree that the Air is king for weight and form factor. The Pro just has so many benefits over the air that it makes it worth lugging around the extra weight and thickness. I was in love with the Air 13 form factor but I don't miss it at all since selling it 3 weeks ago. And this is coming from someone who was skeptical of the Pro hype.

 

[Acronyc]

Though I will agree that the Air is king for weight and form factor. The Pro just has so many benefits over the air that it makes it worth lugging around the extra weight and thickness. I was in love with the Air 13 form factor but I don't miss it at all since selling it 3 weeks ago. And this is coming from someone who was skeptical of the Pro hype.

I can see that. In my use of Apple laptops since 2010, I've alternated between the Air and the Pro.

With the M series of chips now, the power of the Air is so good that it meets 95% of my use case when traveling. For me, I don't miss the weight, heft, thickness, and priciness of the Pro at all. My eyes may be bad, but I don't notice that much of a difference in the screen between the Pro and M2 Air and the Air speakers and webcam do the job well enough. I don't miss my Pro at all since selling it a few weeks ago.

I only use my Air for traveling, though. I have an M4 Pro mini at home that is my main computer. If I only had one computer, like I used to, it would be a Pro because I do need a computer for traveling a few times a year.

But I much prefer my new combination. For the price of a base M4 Pro mini and 16GB M2 Air, I paid over $1,000 less than I did for my MBP. The mini is awesome, and the Air is just fine for my travel needs.

 

[DeepSix]

OP why aren't you using a case on your MBP? Especially travelling with it a case is a must.

 

[chars1ub0w]

OP why aren't you using a case on your MBP? Especially travelling with it a case is a must.

The Mac goes into a sleeve. Then the sleeve is just sized correctly to slide into a laptop bag. Cordura laptop bag has an aluminum frame (outline visible here) and a female connector at the bottom to securely slide and click into a block on my trifold bike. It seems waterproof too. Rode hundreds of km in December with it. Or took trains, taxis or walked.

 

[G5isAlive]

But does it fit inside the safe deposit box in the hotel room? This is one reason I take my old-faithful 2014 13" MBAir everywhere when I travel. Once took my 15" and it wouldn't fit inside the Europe-size hotel safe deposit boxes.

Um, if you’re staying in the kind of hotel where you have to worry about the staff risking jobs and jail time over a device that’s easy to track and worthless except for parts…then you have bigger problems than what laptop to bring.

 

[DeepSix]

Weighs 4.4Kg packed. And you don’t have to have it on your back most of the time.

I used to have a german partner and her carry on bag was just the tea, first aid and medicine collection. Perhaps I am damaged and overcompensating the other way now 🤣

I know a friend who brings two carry on's onboard and each bag weighs at least 150lbs, serious. It's not easy to get it in the compartments above. 300lb combined weight and this doesn't even include her check in luggage.

 

[DeepSix]

The Mac goes into a sleeve. Then the sleeve is just sized correctly to slide into a laptop bag. Cordura laptop bag has an aluminum frame (outline visible here) and a female connector at the bottom to securely slide and click into a block on my trifold bike. It seems waterproof too. Rode hundreds of km in December with it. Or took trains, taxis or walked. View attachment 2466813

I use a sleeve inside a bag too but have been looking for a really thin case because I want to put a sticker on my lid to cover the apple logo. I usually don't put stickers on my laptops but Ive decided that I kinda want to personalize this MacBook. I tried two cases and didn't like either, one was ridiculously thick despite it having glowing reviews. Ordered another one today that is soft and bendable so it won't crack and will see how it goes.

My biggest concern is accidentally scratching the bottom when you put it on surfaces. Unless you wipe down every surface before putting the laptop down on it, there could be sharp particles that will scratch the bottom of the laptop without you knowing until it's too late. Having a case on it gives me peace of mind.

 

[zephonic]

I know a friend who brings two carry on's onboard and each bag weighs at least 150lbs, serious. It's not easy to get it in the compartments above. 300lb combined weight and this doesn't even include her check in luggage.

Wait, you know my wife? Where from?

 

[chars1ub0w]

My biggest concern is accidentally scratching the bottom when you put it on surfaces. Unless you wipe down every surface before putting the laptop down on it, there could be sharp particles that will scratch the bottom of the laptop without you knowing until it's too late. Having a case on it gives me peace of mind.

I'm not a case person. I prefer minimal bulk, so I'll have to take my chances

. See my iPhone here.

 

[DeepSix]

I can see that. In my use of Apple laptops since 2010, I've alternated between the Air and the Pro.

With the M series of chips now, the power of the Air is so good that it meets 95% of my use case when traveling. For me, I don't miss the weight, heft, thickness, and priciness of the Pro at all. My eyes may be bad, but I don't notice that much of a difference in the screen between the Pro and M2 Air and the Air speakers and webcam do the job well enough. I don't miss my Pro at all since selling it a few weeks ago.

I only use my Air for traveling, though. I have an M4 Pro mini at home that is my main computer. If I only had one computer, like I used to, it would be a Pro because I do need a computer for traveling a few times a year.

But I much prefer my new combination. For the price of a base M4 Pro mini and 16GB M2 Air, I paid over $1,000 less than I did for my MBP. The mini is awesome, and the Air is just fine for my travel needs.

The new Mini is great value, especially here in Canada. A friend told me that due to the current dollar, expect price increases on Apple products after the new year. It may not happen right away but it will at some point next year.

I was hesitant to get the new M4 MBP but I noticed Best Buy has a sale on the 14" with $200 off right now, so I went and got my difference back yesterday. I was just within my 30 days phew. Not a huge discount but any discount is better than nothing. I'll take it.

 

[DeepSix]

I'm not a case person. I prefer minimal bulk, so I'll have to take my chancesView attachment 2467012. See my iPhone here.

I used to be the same until I accidentally dropped and smashed my last phone, screen hitting concrete and it costed me $400 to replace the screen. Costly lesson. Since then I only use the thickest cases like Otterbox to protect phones now. The more protection the better.

I find phones without a case to be too thin and feel terrible in the hand. Plus the corners are sharp and easily cut your hands. But the biggest benefit is that by having a case on it, you will get much better resale value when you sell it.

 

[G5isAlive]

My biggest concern is accidentally scratching the bottom when you put it on surfaces. Unless you wipe down every surface before putting the laptop down on it, there could be sharp particles that will scratch the bottom of the laptop without you knowing until it's too late. Having a case on it gives me peace of mind.

and? so for one thing you don't have to wipe down EVERY surface, going to assume you don't wipe the plane ceiling with the laptop, you only have to wipe one surface, the tray. But even still, what grave world ending consequence will happen if there is a grain of silica (sand) that can potentially scratch the bottom of your lap top for an inch or two as you position it on the tray? will the computer stop working? no. will it's integrity be compromised? no. Will anything at all happen besides a small hard to see scratch on the bottom of the computer where no one normally sees anyway?

Sorry. It's a tool. Nothing more, nothing less.

 

[AeroSatan]

I used to be the same until I accidentally dropped and smashed my last phone, screen hitting concrete and it costed me $400 to replace the screen. Costly lesson. Since then I only use the thickest cases like Otterbox to protect phones now. The more protection the better.

I find phones without a case to be too thin and feel terrible in the hand. Plus the corners are sharp and easily cut your hands. But the biggest benefit is that by having a case on it, you will get much better resale value when you sell it.

There are all tools, not The Holy Grail you can't scratch.

Also, I've found OtterBox cases atrociously clunky, heavy, collect grime on the inside and defeating the purpose of a beautifully built device. I use nice minimal cases and use Apple care to make sure I don't pay a ridiculous price to fix a screen.

 

[smirking]

But even still, what grave world ending consequence will happen if there is a grain of silica (sand) that can potentially scratch the bottom of your lap top for an inch or two as you position it on the tray?

I'm that paranoid is the week before I'm about to sell or trade-in my Mac, but I probably don't need to be even then. After I handed the Apple rep my meticulously cleaned and polished MBP to be traded-in, he plops it upside down, slides it all the way across the table to get a better look at some numbers on the bottom. The whole time, you could hear the crunching of small bits of debris grinding against the lid as it slid across the table.

I was thinking, "I better not get dinged for scratches on my case," but I didn't need to worry. He checks to make sure it turns on and without further ado, asks me to sign off to receive my full trade-in credit.

The thing is also that they don't get visible scratches *that* easily. Tiny scratches that you can't see without patience and a flashlight... sure, but just a basic amount of caution is enough to avoid easily visible scratches unless you just happen to get unlucky one day.

 

[DeepSix]

and? so for one thing you don't have to wipe down EVERY surface, going to assume you don't wipe the plane ceiling with the laptop, you only have to wipe one surface, the tray. But even still, what grave world ending consequence will happen if there is a grain of silica (sand) that can potentially scratch the bottom of your lap top for an inch or two as you position it on the tray? will the computer stop working? no. will it's integrity be compromised? no. Will anything at all happen besides a small hard to see scratch on the bottom of the computer where no one normally sees anyway?

Sorry. It's a tool. Nothing more, nothing less.

A mint device will still always get you a better resale value down the road. It's worth the trade off IMO. Cases also make a device feel better.