15" vs 17" battery life

I am taking the 13" out of my consideration because I can't stand the small screen. On the other hand I have to carry the notebook with me outside ALOT! I want to know which size of MBP will give me most battery life, a 15" i5 2.4Ghz + **high res** or a 17" i5? my mobile task is mostly excel, words and internet browsing(no flash) with 330m off (if there's a way to manually shut it). I have read many reviews regarding the i-core MBPs but I'm not convinced. I am quite strong for a nerd so weight isn't really a big concern for me. If I have to carry a 17" with me and be look like a dork so be it...

 

I want to say the battery life will be comparable between both. The reason is that even though the 17" has a larger screen, it will also have a larger battery. If screen real-estate is important, then go for the 17".

Side note: I'm a software developer and I actually am comfortable using the 13" MBP. It gives me the flexibility of being mobile, and when I'm developing software all I need to do is connect to my monitor. I get the best of both worlds.

 

If 13 is too small, 17 is gonna be too big. Go with 15 and return it if you hate the size.

 

this may sound unethical, but i was thinking of buy 2 laptops to test the battery then return the one i like less ~

 

Doesn't sound unethical to me. You aren't harming anyone. Perfectly reasonable.

 

Just remember the restocking fee

 

More like refurb fee.

OP, if you decide to do that, make sure that you get a 15" i5 with the hi-res antiglare. I'm buying a refurb in three weeks.