Macbook Pro 13 vs. 15 inch?

[TheTrojan320]

Hey, I am starting college this year as a freshman in the science major... I am stuck between a $1199 13 inch macbook pro or a $1799 15 inch macbook pro. I will be using the laptop for reports, homework, projects, internet surfing, watching movies, editing pictures, and movies...video chatting and thats basically it. Which one should I go for and why?

 

[NickCage]

I just did my first year at college with a 13" MBP. My buddy that lived next door had a 15" MBP.

For watching movies, the 15" is noticeably more enjoyable.
Otherwise, you might just like the lighter 13" for taking to lectures. Its really a preference thing.

 

[chscag]

Go for the 13" and use the $600 you saved to buy books that you'll need.

 

[BrianLachoreVPI]

I continue to think that a student will greatly appreciate the increased screen real estate the 15" offers over the 13". Over time as the projects become more involved and you spend more and more time on the machine - the larger screen will be helpful. 1lbs carrying weight difference wouldn't be enough for me to have a limited viewing area.

 

[Deckyon]

I have to agree about the screen size. Sure, if you dont plan on being in front of the 13" MBP a lot, then it wont matter, however if you are, then the extra screen on the 15" will reduce eye-strain over the long run. Now, if you save the "$600" difference, then get a big monitor and use it at the dorm/apartment.

The only time I recommend a small PC like a 13" (or the MBA) is when it will be used almost primarily for travel when overall size/weight make more of a difference, and you are not on them hours at a time.

 

[amanda_cake]

I'm planning on taking the plunge and purchasing a 13in once they ship with Lion on them. I will be a college freshman as well. I'm currently using a 13in. laptop that I feel like is plenty big enough... I'm not a very big person, so I don't want to be toting around a hefty computer. I rarely watch movies or anything of the sort on my computer now so I think the 13in. will suffice. It's all about what you want, however.

 

[dmccloud]

I connect my 13" to a 23" LCD monitor I picked up on sale for $150 when I'm at home. It really helps when doing photo/video on the MBP. But when I'm surfing the internet, using Pages/Keynote/etc, the 13" LCD works just fine for me.