Screen size/portability regrets?

Closing in on a decision to purchase either the MB or MBP, but am curious how many folks bought one and decided they needed something more portable or with a larger screen size, and wish they had gotten the other laptop. I'd be interested to know what percentage, if any, actually did an exchange. I suffer from Buyer's Remorse, if you can't tell already

As I stated in another thread earlier, I am an engineering student looking for a laptop. I did stop by Fry's yesterday and compared the two side by side, trying to run Grapher and TextEdit and Omni Outliner. The larger screen of the MBP is just so much nicer, but it does feel like it's one of those "if you never knew, you'd never care" sort of things. Seems like I shouldn't be 'restricted' with the smaller MB screen, even though the change seems drastic moving to the MBP.

And I guess portability shouldn't be an issue if I plan to carry the laptop in my backpack at all times?

 

If there were an 15,4" MB this would make more sense... you can't just compare the screen size alone. That said, I am happy with the portability of my MB, but a 15,4" MBP is just slightly larger, and almost the same weight. And thinner. If I had the money I'd buy it probably.

 

I went from an Asus W7J with a 13.3" screen to a MBP with a 15.4" screen. I would never go back to a smaller screen, and with the MBP being so light it is very portable.

I originally purchased the Asus specifically because I wanted something small and portable - but in reality it was just to small to work on for hours. It was a nice machine, just too small.

I love my MBP - we're still getting to know each other and I have a few minor issues, but overall I'm very happy with my choice.

Good luck!

 

I've always wondered what fry's was like in person. I went to an Apple store for my comparisons where they have every stock configuration on display. I like the 15 MBP because it really is very light, and thin. My decision took months to make and I had considered the MB several times. But in the end..the screens were just too small and "cute" for me to feel I could get any real work done. I use graphics design programs and enjoy video/sound editing, so screen size was one of my biggest concerns.

 

For those of you with the MBP, do you find wifi reception to be an issue? I have been reading about the inferior reception of the MBP antenna compared to the MB. If this is true, I think I'll spring for the MB.

I agree with you guys on screen size. I'm a resolution whore and love having a wide open space for my eyes to rest on.

Come on, Apple, reveal the MBP LED screens already!

 

After working on the MBP for a while, I go back to my 14" Thinkpad and it is a real letdown. I love the acreage, too. No portability issues here.

Regarding WiFi, the MBP -- just sitting at home -- picks up 2 to 3x the stray signals as the IBM. It seems very sensitive, and my own wireless signal is always at full bore.

 

I don't know, yesterday my macbook was delivered. If i compare the screensize to my 15,4 asus a6ja i see a real difference but mobility is important for me and i don't regret buying this 13,3 notebook, the fonts really seem to be small, you should test see it for yourself but i think you get used to it, especially with virtuedesks and expose you can have apps just maximized and change the desktop with just some keystrokes or a mousemovement.

No, i don't regret it. But opinions change from time to time, remember this is my 2nd day i am using this great notebook. I am still very happy.

edit2: What i toally forgot to tell, well it does not have much to do with the original question but it might be very important to you, since the MB doesnt have a dedicated graphics card the battery life time will be much longer, i really appreciate that!

Maybe i should add: It is also a big difference in terms of the size, i carry it around alot (everyday to school) and i would not want to go back to a larger screen because of the mobility, it is just so small and cute hehe. Just the opposite of Lisaw.

But maybe it will turnout i will someday think like him/her

 

I have no regrets in choosing the MBP 2.33 Ghz over the Macbook. I just got the EX720 Sprint Expresscard and compared to my Sprint phone tethered by a USB cable the card is wicked fast; almost 400 Kps faster download and 174 Kps faster upload. Not to mention all the other additional ports on the MBP and a decent gaming GPU; I have no need to look back.

 

I love having such a portable screen. The only regret I have about my Macbook is that I wish I bought the one with the dvd burner. (Superdrive instead of Combodrive)

 

I have had great results from the WiFi so far...

 

Problem is, the only difference between the Macbook and the A6Ja is screen size, rather than resolution... both are WXGA. The OP is asking whether the extra resolution on the MBP (WXGA+) is worth the extra bulk and weight.

 

My wifi picks up networks from the house next door and across the street...usually at home I see like 3 other networks other than my house network.

 

I'm in one of those strange positions where nothing applies. My Compal I like a lot. The resolution is good. Then I bought a Macbook. Because I already had a laptop with a decent resolution, I get along ok with the smaller resolution, and it's a ton easier to move arond with, given its size. I'm starting to learn to deal with the lower resolution a bit too... though higher is still much better.

Both > Resolution > Size, I guess is my answer. The MBP is a bit smaller than this Compal too... though... it's also lower resolution. I shrug. Had I to choose between the Macbook and Macbook Pro, not owning any other computers, I'd choose the MBP. I don't want to live in 1280x800, even if it's tolerable.

 

I wouldn't talk about weight because the difference between the MacBook and MacBook Pro amounts to a mighty 140 gram.

I am very happy that I got my MacBook Pro nearly a year ago. Great machine although I had many troubles with the first one I got. Got it replaced and haven't looked back since

I take it with me everyday and it poses no portability issues. I really feel for those dragging their 15.4" Dell bricks with them to lectures though...

 

When comparing my MBP to my wifes Inspiron 6000d I always laugh. Same screen size, but twice the bulk. I think the MBP is by far the most portable 15" notebook out there.

 

maybe it's time for you to treat your wife to a new laptop haha

i've been wanting to own a macbook pro ever since they came out with intel chip. i played around with it at apple store on various occasions but i always ended up using it for the browser. i love the matte screen finish on a aluminum casing. to this day i can't seem to fully justify the cost given that i'm only going to use it for web browsing/office suites although i do appreciate its lightness and its portability.

oh and there seems to be compatibility issues with some websites and msn?

 

Dont have buyers remorse. ONce you open the box youll forget ALL about it!

Or you could always get one of each

 

Yeah, not surprised. Microsoft doesn't like to play nice with some stuff, and firefox on other OS' seemst o fall into that category. I can't access xbox.com correctly through Firefox in Linux either, but works fine in Opera.

Really, the price for the MBP isn't that bad if you think about it long enough, but most people don't need the power that it offers, and you just have very limited customization options unfortunately.

 

The only reason for me to get the MBP over the MB is the higher resolution and the matte screen option.

I am worried that Lightroom, for instance, would be unusable on the MB's 1280x800 resolution screen. I have used the MB for general web browsing and don't recall it being 'limiting,' and I know that I can use Expose to manage my active windows.

However, the MB has 1 hour more battery life it seems and I like that the casing doesn't seem to be dent-prone like the AL casing of the MBP.

I think I will wait for Leopard and the MBP LED screens before I make a decisions. I know they're not that dissimilar in size, and since I'll carry the laptop in my backpack, portability shouldn't be an issue.