13 inch or 15 inch Macbook Pro?

Hello, I am currently in high school and am looking for a laptop to use for class as well as in college. I am in a film class where I would edit videos quite frequently, and plan to study film in college as well. I would mostly be using it for editing, web, and maybe some light gaming here and there. Not much intensive after effects rendering, etc. but I may be doing some in the future. I am deciding between the top model 13 inch with 16gb ram upgrade, or the base model 15 inch. I know the 15 inch is more powerful, but would the ram upgrade in the 13 inch enough to compensate for it? I love the small form factor of the 13 inch and worry that the 15 inch may be too big to use at school and in public places. Which would be best for me? Thank you!

Posted on Feb 26, 2016 5:15 PM

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6 replies

Feb 26, 2016 6:01 PM in response to LoganS17

Remember some facts about upgrading the new Macs ... The units are not designed to be opened by users (just opening the case may not void a warranty, but changing internal parts on your own will). RAM is fixed at time of purchase. Currently the SSD installed in the system can only be serviced or replaced by Apple-certified sites so is effectively fixed at purchase. Some use this low-profile SD card http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1141670-REG/transcend_ts256gjdl130_jetdriv e_lite_130_256gb.html because it fits almost flush with the MBP body ... provides many more GB conveniently on-to-go.

Feb 27, 2016 4:01 AM in response to LoganS17

Before you buy, spend some time at an Apple store to try them both.

I think you will be happy with either.

The 15" specs are more powerful. i.e. the 15" macbook pro has an i7 chip which is quad core, where the i5 and even i7 in the 13" macbook pro is only dual core. Not a big problem for most things.


Test lifting them both up and see if you would be ok carrying it all day in your backpack.


Good Luck,

Kim

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13 inch or 15 inch Macbook Pro?

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