MBP 2.53 13" vs 15" shootout?

Can anyone weigh in on the less obvious pros/cons of the 2.53 versions of the 13 and 15 inch models? The base specs appear identical.

I've been using a 15 inch Dell for 2 years and am used to that screen size, but am tempted to go for the 13 inch as its more portable and is a great deal. Am curious to hear feedback from others that downsized to 13 inch. Any/no regrets?

Thanks for your input!

 

all i can say is that i've used a dell xps m1330at my local retailer and the 13.3" screen was so small that it gave me headache(note that i wear specs..)

 

Best thing is for you to go try them both out at the Apple store. I was initially set on getting the 13 inch one, but after comparing in person, I felt the extra money was worth the extra 2 inches of screen size considering I use it mostly away from home. The 13 was just too small for me. The extra weight of the 15 is not an issue for me either in terms of portability. I use it everyday for school.

Good luck,
HCGT

 

what you get with the 15" is; better screen (higher colour gamut, viewing angle, etc), speakers (more speakers in MBP bigger drivers also if im not mistaken), heat dissipation (from bigger surface area).

the only downside to this is the price, and size, and the feeling of owning something that has been made to a price (missing the 9600m gt).

what i found also was that the 13" is really nice form factor to travel, it is small and the palm rest size is just right for me to rest my hand and type (really) comfortably. i also has the 17" MBP which i found that typing on it is awkward, since the keyboard is kinda small for the laptop size and the palm rest and sides overhang is a bit large.

filling out the What to buy FAQS might help. specifically; where/how do you plan to use your notebook? travel a lot/mostly stay at the desk? brings to school/lecture or home/office desk use?

 

I love my 13" MBP and won't go higher ever. Maybe go lower, like to a 12".

The portability is amazing, it fits in places a normal 13" wouldn't, yet has 13" of screen space, which is very comfortable on the go.

If you're going to be using yours as a main comp, I would probably suggest the 15".

I prefer the 13" because I have a triple monitor setup at home. So I am not lacking in screen space.
If I had to use the 13" as my main comp always, I would feel very very restricted.

 

Thanks for all the input so far. Very helpful.

I was at a store today to check out the 13 and 15" MBPs in person. Clearly there are trade-offs on both sides. The 13" is a really compact little package that's convenient to handle, e.g. try holding it open with one hand. Its image quality seemed just a tad inferior than the 15". The biggest limitation I anticipate is the difficulty working efficiently with multiple windows open.

The 15" screen feels *much* roomier. On the flip side, I found it a more awkward to handle due to its extra width and weight over the 13". It still great for a 15" though.

Am planning to go with the 13" and using it through an external monitor when not traveling. I will post separately for suggestions for a good monitor.