13 inch too small?

I've not found that a problem, but I came from a 12-inch iBook G4.

I also have an eMac with a 17-inch display, and I rarely use it. I'm almost always on the MacBook.

I always have multiple applications open at once, and they're easily accessible via the Dock. Usually Safari is running in front of everything else for me, but you could reduce the size of the window if you wanted to view another app simultaneously. I use Stickies a lot, a Mac application that comes with the OS and simulates Post-It notes on the display. You have the option of having "floating" notes that will stay above other applications, and they "Window Shade" up so that only a title bar shows on the display. Command + h hides every application except the foremost one. In my opinion, it's easy to find ways to optimize your work flow that more than compensate for the smaller screen.

However, size isn't the only issue here. The resolution of the 15-inch is 1440x900 compared to the 1280x800 of the 13-inch model. If you need (or want) the greater resolution, that could be the deciding factor for you.

Whatever you decide, I don't think you'll have any regrets because you'll be too busy enjoying your Mac to worry about what you didn't get.

Good luck with it!

10issguy wrote:
thanks for all the help- i think im going to wait for the new ones to come out before i make my final decision... i think they are expecting them to come within the next 3 weeks.

You mean the same ones that were expected in early-to-mid January? 😉

I'm a college student and I carry my 15" MBP with me every day. I don't think its too large or heavy to carry around for 8 hours. I got mine with the extra graphics card for gaming and also to future-proof it a little more.

That said, most of my friends got 13" MBPs and they are more than adequate for their needs and for yours as well, I think. As long as you don't do any brand-new 3D games, then you'll be just fine with the 13". The added portability is a bonus. And, you can use the money you save to get a large display for home use if you would like the extra screen space when not on the go.

I think the best option for you is the 13". Get 4GB of RAM though. The 2.53 13" is really nice if you can afford the extra couple hundred. A nice sleeve (I have an Incase) is also a must for college. Put the sleeve into a backpack with a dedicated, padded, laptop storage compartment and you'll be good to go. That's how I carry mine and it is still in mint condition after 4 semesters!

--Travis

I would deffo go 15". My wife has the 13" and I think it is too small. The 15"is far better and is fine to carry about. I have one of each being 13, 15 and 17. The 17 can be a pain to carry around but the 15" is great. Go middle of the road and you can't go wrong. Hope this helps.

You'll know they're coming when they arrive, and probably not before. Speculation about when that will be isn't allowed here.