Is the screen resolution and extra space on the 17" that much better to justify the extra $$$ over the 15"? (all other specs being equal: 2.4G processor, 2G memory, GeoForce 8600 w/256M RAM)?
I'd like to get the 17" just to have more real estate 'cause I do a lot of multi-tasking - Mail, Excel, Safari, Word kinda stuff - no serious gaming happening here. But not sure I can justify the extra $300 or so for that wee extra bit of screen space.
Any feedback greatly appreciated!
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I don't think you will need the 17-inch MBP, unless you really think the 15.4-inch and 1440x900 resolution is too low. The 1920x1200 offered on the 17-inch MBP is truly sweet, though.
If you really want to have a lot of real estate, maybe you should consider getting an external monitor with the money you save from not getting the 17-inch MBP, and getting the 15.4-inch instead?
And just a note in case you didn't notice this: the 17-inch MBP doesn't have a LED-backlit screen yet, unfortunately. -
I agree with Sam... the extra for the 17" probably isn't worth it. WXGA+ is a great resolution for a 15" screen... even for multi-taskers like yourself.
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It is a weird coincidence, two Sams from Vancouver -
External monitor...tempting! Thanks for the quick replies - definitely making my decision easier...
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No problem, GeekGrrl. Any other questions, just ask!
And what a weird thing just happened...whoa...PM me if you want to know.
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Sam: Btw, are you asian as well? I sure am...
Anyway, the 15" Macbook Pro is more portable anyway! The smaller footprint is nice when you want to carry it around...
(I cleaned up the thread, too) -
You are not serious....I am too!
With perfect English and Chinese, with no accents on either side! -
> As mentioned above, the additional screen space is the closest I can get to duplicating the dual monitor setup on my desk. Once you go dual monitor, it's hard to live with a 15" laptop monitor if you need to have lots of windows open. I am just more productive if I can have multiple applications viewable at the same time.
> The 17" MBP is very light and compact for a 17" laptop. Compared to my old HP 17" (or some of the other Windows 17" heavyweights), the MBP is in the featherweight category.
> It's just not that tough to carry around. I carried my HP in a laptop case; and yes it was a bit heavy, but it was worth it when I pulled it out and got to work. And with the MBP being so light, it will be even better!
> Yes, it's more expensive, but I think over three+ years, I will be a lot more productive and the cost-benefit will be tangible.
> OS X has some excellent screen magnification options and shortcuts that help overcome small font issues in documents or on web sites. And an Apple Store guy told me that magnification features will be much enhanced in Leopard. This may really make the high-res MBP 17" a versatile machine.
> I can't wait to run my Windows apps next to my Apple apps. That should be amazing! Talk about double-productivity!
What about concerns? I still have a few minors ones...
> Glossy vs. matte. Since I do mostly text and spreadsheet work, probably matte. True or enhanced colors don't really matter to me. Readability is what counts.
> I've heard that the 17" screen has a lot of give in the middle, and carrying the MBP in a bag can cause the keys on the keyboard to scratch the screen. I plan on resolving this by just keeping that felt sheet that comes with the laptop.
> Usability in tight situations. It's tough to open a 17" laptop in coach class on an airplane, but I'm gonna try!
I'm saving up and am gonna go for it. Now I just need to wait for the Penryn update (q1 08?) and for Leopard to go through a few updates, and I'm good to go!Good luck in making your choice.
Buy the 15" or 17" Pro?
Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by GeekGrrl, Oct 16, 2007.