I would like some advice. I travel a lot and I am trying to decide between the 13in or the 15in pro. I dont want to settle for the 13 if the 15 is a good size for travel. Any advice would be great. Thanks.
The 15" is about 2" bigger than the 13" and weighs about a lb more. For travel, I prefer smaller and lighter. But it's a matter of choice. One thing that I believe is unaffected by the smaller format is the keyboard. That could be important to you if you use the computer for typing.
The 13" MacBook Pro is a MacBook Pro in name only, as it was a MacBook only 3 months ago. Apple just changed the name. So the real question here is, do you need a "Pro" level MacBook, or will the 13" work? For me, I had to have a "true" MacBook Pro, as integrated graphics (like both the 13" and the low-end 15" MacBook Pro have) were insufficient for my needs, and I needed discrete graphics. This would force me to buy at least the mid ($1999) MacBook Pro if I were to purchase a new one. If you are comparing the two lowest cost MBPs, then all you are really talking about then, is 2". As both have pretty much the same internal hardware (using nViida integrated graphics instead of discrete). So, your best option (in this case), is to try and find a store that sells MBPs, and going and testing out a 13" and 15" and see which you prefer. Good luck!
If you had to have a "true" MacBook Pro then the 17" is the only one at this time with a ExpressCard/34 slot. Then again this is not true either because there is no such thing as "true" Pro. Pro is just marketing nothing else.
Regarding the size of the computer it depends on your type of travel. The 13" is best for those flight tables and carrying around. It's the typical student size, in and out of the bag multiple times in a day. It is more portable and a computer to go. The 15" is a good all around for travels just a bit bigger. 🙂
The 15" is not a problem with any type of travel. I have travelled to Europe, for example, many times with a 15." And, I usually carry one a great deal wherever I am. It is true, however, that I once travelled to a country, the name of which I will not divulge, with a 12" iBook and was pleased to be able to put it in my room safe on one occasion, but this fortuitous event is the exception, not the rule.
I've had 2 13" Macbooks and now have a 15" Macbook. I used all of them to commute to NYC every day. The only difference I've noticed is that the 15" is a little big to open fully on the train sometimes, but it works ok. The difference in weight is not even noticeable, especially if you have the laptop in a backpack. I had the same concern on weight and size when I switched but I decided to take the plunge because I needed the power and wanted a tad more screen space.
Honestly, I don't think I'd ever want to go back to a 13".
