Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

I am set to buy my first Macbook Pro in 2.5 years. I had pretty
much settled on the top-of-the-line 2.8GHZ model (although you
can custom to 3) with the better video card. Not sure if this is overkill
for someone not into gaming, but I figured the extra video memory
couldn't hurt with video and picture editing.

....then I saw that the 17" is going for $200 more and is loaded with
the same features as the 15" (2.8, better graphic card and memory).

Anyone have any thoughts of why it may be better going with the
17"? Is screen resolution any better?

I used to have a 17" PC years ago. It was heavy and a bitch to use
on an airplane. However, in these past few years the 17" models have
become lighter and I would imagine in Apple's case, more streamlined.

Just thought I would ask for any arguments for or against the 17"


PS: Was the 17" revamped, if only slightly, along with the 15" this year?

I know the 17" got a makeover within the past year but the 15"
boasts a 60% better screen color gamut. Is that the same thing
for the 17" or if it's not, does it make a difference?

The quality of the actual screen image is more important than
the extra real estate I will be obtaining.

Thanks!

Re: Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

Thank you for your comments.

The only argument I have for the 17" is the fact that there is
increased resolution on the screen which is nice.

Also, unlike the older bulky 17" models, this is only one inch
wider and .7 inches deeper than the 15". It is one pound heavier.
My old Dell 17" notebook was 10 lbs. This Macbook Pro 17" is 6 lbs.

Also, the $200 difference is for the new 17" model. If you go to
the Apple website and compare prices all the new MBPs are on the
same page and Apple is quoting $200 more. Of course, I am ordering
from MACMALL as its over $100 cheaper.

Very tempting to upgrade to 17" when you are only talking about
1" and 1lb. at a difference of $200.

Just hope it fits under the airline seat like my 15" does.

Haven't made a decision yet.

Re: Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

Sam,

I am pissed no Blu-ray. What worries me more is that I buy
this new notebook and Apple introduces Blu-ray in another 6-9 months.

Re: Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

So, I took a trip to the Apple Store some 25 miles away to look at
both models side-by-side. The store was crowded at 10:15am. There
was a line outside for something inside the store, though I had no
idea what as I just walked in.

Looked at both. Picked up both. Played with both.

Next to the 15" the 17" is a monstrosity, though in actually, we
are only talking about an inch bigger all around. It just looks huge.

As for weight, there is only a 1 lb. difference between both. However,
picking each up individually, I could feel a noticeable difference with
the 17" though it wasn't overwhelmingly heavy.

Slightly easier to type on the 15" keyboard as the keys seem spaced
more like a desktop keyboard. On the 17" I noticed that the keys were
more spread out. Not a big deal. I think I was typing just as fast on
both.

Screen resolution was nicer on the 17". Everything looked smaller
which to some may be an inconvenience as it makes things harder
to read. However, if you want my opinion, I actually felt text looked
neater on the 17" and you could definitely see that you could readily
have more windows open without sacrificing real estate.

Finally, it seemed the 17" had better color and definition than
the 15" model though the difference wasn't overwhelming. The one
thing I was surprised about was that both screens were surrounded
with black bezel which I though was only inherent of the 17" model.

When it got right down to it, I was more impressed with the
17" Macbook Pro. However, I fly several times a year on business
and it scares me to use it in coach including trying to fit it beneath
the seat. Last time I flew on a plane the guy across from me had
a 17" Dell (I think) and he had to use it on his lap rather than the
fold-down tray.

The weight is not really an issue. What's one more pound?

I'll be making a final decision in a week.

Re: Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

You know what? I didn't even think about that. I am guessing
that the GLOSSY was on display. Usually is. I do know that on
the information tag on just the 17" model they were offering an
antiglare screen for (I think) $100 more.

I want GLOSSY, but I know where you stand on that.


Aaaah, I actually thought they were giving out liver transplants.


Freehold. Don't have to pay that Parkway toll to go all the way
up North.

Re: Whadda you guys think about 15" vs. 17" MBP?

Dave,

I want a SSD. Boot times are supposed to be quick.

Problem is, Apple wants $600 for a 250GB. They can go scratch.

Waiting for the aftermarket SSD drives to drop and then perhaps
I can perform surgery (or pay someone to do it) and replace the
drive.

The one thing I hear about the 17", and I don't know if it is true,
but if you are planning on replacing the drive with a SSD that model
will work more efficiently because it has (do I have this right?) 300 SATA?

Let me know if that makes sense. I don't want people thinking I
am making this shit up.