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|| SportsShooter.com: Member Message Board
MacBook pro 15" or 17"
Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 12:34 AM on 02.13.11 |
| ->> Time for a new MacBook. Just need to decide on which size to get. Any pros/cons. Any MacBook users out there let me know what you have. Thanks! |
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Greg Kendall-Ball, Photographer, Assistant
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Abilene | TX | USA | Posted: 1:08 AM on 02.13.11 |
| ->> I went with the new 15", but upgraded to the hi-resolution, matte screen, and been very happy with it. It's great for photo work, and isn't too big to easily fit in a bag. |
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Mike Janes, Photographer
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Attica | NY | USA | Posted: 1:41 AM on 02.13.11 |
| ->> I went with the 15" as well and been extremely happy with it. Had a larger Dell before this and it was just too bulky, think it was 17 or 18". Flying seems easier losing those few inches, now only if my belly would follow suit. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Augusta | GA | USA | Posted: 2:27 AM on 02.13.11 |
->> If you have to edit video on the fly go with the 17" if not, the 15" should suffice.
However, since switching to the 17", I'll never go back. The nice big screen is just too gorgeous. For only a little bit more, I find it worth it. Anti-glare screen of course. |
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Alexander Pylyshyn, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Newmarket | ON | Canada | Posted: 2:45 AM on 02.13.11 |
->> Just gonna pipe in here and say you might want to wait if at all possible.
Correct me if I am wrong...but I believe the MBP line is about to receive their yearly upgrade and a part of that, depending on how imminent it is, could include Intel's new sandy bridge processors, which is a pretty significant upgrade from what I have heard.
Just my two cents. If you absolutely need it now, of course feel free to ignore me. |
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Ed Wolfstein, Photographer, Assistant
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Burlington | VT | USA | Posted: 8:08 AM on 02.13.11 |
->> Yes, the time for a MBP update is on the horizon (or so say the industry gurus) so unless you absolutely need it TODAY, perhaps holding off is a good idea as Alexander says. Here's a handy web page that lists Apple products and how they sit in their respective development cycles (again, industry opinions... tea leaves?)
http://guides.macrumors.com/Buyer%27s_Guide
Cheers!
- Ed. |
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Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 9:19 AM on 02.13.11 |
->> Thanks. I read the same websites. Gonna hold off till March/April.
I think the 17" will work best. I do not need it to be super portable and it will stil fit in my Thinktank Airport rolling case. |
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Mat Gdowski, Photographer
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Las Vegas | NV | USA | Posted: 9:32 AM on 02.14.11 |
->> Since you don't need it to be really portable (your last statement), they I would definitely go with the extra screen space. I just sold my 17" PC and went to the 15" MBP i7 and I do love it. I admit that it's easier for me because I carry my MBP pretty much whereever I so, so this has made it much easier on me. The 17" was big, bulky and weighed a ton! I'm sure the 17" MBP is better than my PC was (regarding weight, at least), but it's still a lot to lug around.
I got used to the smaller screen pretty quickly and can still edit without any issues while on the fly. I can use my 19" monitor at home for some serious editing if I really need it. |
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Kenny Fey, Photographer
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Seneca | SC | USA | Posted: 9:19 AM on 02.16.11 |
| ->> I have the 13" and I feel the 15" would be a better fit.but for me the 17" is nice,but a little to big for me.I have had my 13" for to years and very happy with it. |
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Steven Limentani, Photographer
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Charlotte | NC | United States | Posted: 11:18 PM on 02.16.11 |
| ->> I started with a 17" but down sized b/o portability. If that isn't an issue than bigger is better. The 17" is hefty! |
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Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 2:08 PM on 02.17.11 |
->> Since a have a few weeks till the new macbooks come out. who makes the best laptop case or messenger bag?
I like the Thinktank Airport Check In laptop bag the best so far.
Thanks! |
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Chris Large, Photographer
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Okotoks | AB | Canada | Posted: 1:54 AM on 02.18.11 |
->> I've done the 13", the 17" and the 15". If portability isn't the key then the 17 is great.....but if you you travel the 15 is a great compromise - 2 inches does make a difference in your bag, on an airline seat tray etc.
I think I have the best of all worlds - 15"mac book pro with a 23" Apple Cinema in my office. Big screen to work on, easier laptop to travel with |
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Bryan Hulse, Photographer
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Nashville | Tn | USA | Posted: 8:34 PM on 02.18.11 |
->> I am little disappointed you didn't title your post: Does Size Matter?
I used to have a 17 inch and loved the screen, but it was a little cumbersome to lug around at times. Now I am in the camp of having the 15", which is a little quicker handling and easier to haul, and I use a big 'ole monitor when at home. |
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David Minton, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Denton | TX | USA | Posted: 11:54 PM on 02.18.11 |
| ->> Is it just me or is it getting harder and harder to find bags that will fit the 17" MacBooks? It seems like with the Netbook revolution of the past few years, everyone is concentrating on smaller computer bags, leaving big laptop kids out to dry. |
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Jon Durr, Student/Intern, Photographer
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Morton Grove | IL | USA | Posted: 12:25 AM on 02.19.11 |
->> I was just at the Apple store today asking about this. The differences between these two models is a little more than just the screen size.
The 15 inch has an SD card slot and 2 USB ports.
The 17 inch has NO SD card slot, 3 USB ports, and an Express Card/34 slot.
I have no idea what type of hardware can be put into that Express Card slot, I'm still looking around for that.
Just thought to let you know of some other differences that there are besides screen size. |
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Corey Perrine, Photographer
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Ethan Magoc, Student/Intern
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Erie | PA | United States | Posted: 1:47 AM on 02.19.11 |
->> David — Not just you. Took me many searches to try to dig up something decent and relatively inexpensive to fit a 17 last May. Ended up at Best Buy with Swiss Gear: http://bit.ly/hw0EFX
That's an updated/slightly different model than the one available last time I shopped. Still love it! Super durable, not too heavy. |
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Alexander Pylyshyn, Photographer, Student/Intern
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Newmarket | ON | Canada | Posted: 7:00 AM on 02.19.11 |
->> Rumor has it the new Macbooks are launching next Thursday.
Good call on waiting, Jonathan :) |
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Tom Ewart, Photographer
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Bentonville | AR | USA | Posted: 8:05 AM on 02.19.11 |
| ->> I think that the most important difference isn't the screen size, but the Express Card Slot, It gives you a faster interface with CF readers and Hard Drives. I use it for eSATA connections and it looks like the only way to go to USB 3 since Mac seems to be going with the yet to be rolled out lightpeak technology. I think I could do with a smaller screen but since apple dose not give you all the interface options on the smaller models I feel as though I have to stick with the larger machine just to keep as many options open for me and things that I may want to use. |
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Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 11:07 AM on 02.20.11 |
->> Lets hope Thursday is the day! Ca't wait. Gonna order online so i get the matte screen.
What other laptop bags out there are worth taking a look at. I like the shoulder / messenger bag type. |
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Shaun Sartin, Photographer, Photo Editor
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Glenview | IL | | Posted: 11:48 AM on 02.20.11 |
->> Jonathan,
I picked up a 17'' MBP 18 months ago, but then ended up also getting a 24'' cinema display, so in retrospect. I kinda wish I had the 15. I do as Jon Durr points out, like the extra USB port as I use it mainly connected to monitor (which also has three USB ports). My biggest thing on laptops, etc. is buy as much processor as you can. RAM and HD sizes can be upgraded later. Also, think about the Apple Care. I just replaced my 500GB HD, since it was the 7200rpm version, it had to be ordered in. The repair was covered and I was in and out of the Apple Store in under 2 hours, even though they only promised a 24 hour turn around. As a small business, they do offer business priority repairs, otherwise normal turnaround is probably 3-5 days.
When I shoot and edit in the field, sometimes the 17 is a bit much. Not so bad when you have some desk space at say a NASCAR event, but when you're working from your car, it's a bit more cumbersome. Additionally, when traveling and I need to take the MBP along, it'd sometimes be nicer to have a little less to sling over my shoulder.
Speaking of carrying, you follow with a case question. I actually have three solutions. The simple solution is my ThinkTank Artificial Intelligence 17
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/products/artificial-intelligence-17-computer-...
It's great for the laptop and a few extras, but the front pouch is limited, few pens, card reader, note pad and the power cord. I would definitely look into this bag and their other laptop carrying options.
Next I have a North Face laptop backpack for some expanded storage and carrying. Really only bought this at my wife's request, it was on sale at REI
and we were headed to Europe, although I didn't take the MBP with me for that, it has served some nice medium duty use. The nicest thing about this is that it just looks like a backpack, not a photo/laptop backpack. giving you a more discreet profile.
Lastly, I have a Calumet Photo backpack that has a slot for the MBP as well as.
http://www.calumetphoto.com/eng/product/calumet_bp1500_large_backpack/rm218...
It carries some gear and gives me some flexibility while on the road with my gear. It was a good value bag, but again, depending on your budget vs. need and use, look at the ThinkTank line as well.
Hope that helps.
Shaun |
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Jonathan Nimerfroh, Photographer
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Philadelphia | PA | USA | Posted: 11:53 PM on 02.24.11 |
->> Thanks again everyone. Just ordered the Thinktank Airport Check In laptop bag for the new 17" MBP (matte screen)
I also have the thinktank roller case (domestic flights) so i can also store the laptop in that when i travel with everything. |
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Andrew Malana, Photographer
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San Diego/Tokyo | CA | USA | Posted: 4:49 AM on 02.25.11 |
| ->> Jonathan, let us know how the newest MBP handles for you. I too am looking to upgrade with this year's refresh. |
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