17" mac book pro too big to live with on the road?

[arcbright]

Hello all,

I'd appreciate some experiential advice from any of you folk who have carried a 17" mac book pro with you a lot.

I've been using a 12"G4 for the last 4 years and it's time to upgrade. It's been great for travel but I'm hampered by it's old spec now.

One friend says the 17" is "precisely too big" for the road, the 15" is the sweet spot. I can see that and had planned on a 15" (and big external screen for home docking later), However for the most part I live on my laptop doing everything, batch raw conversion, editing etc.. and the new 17"HD option has just caught my eye.....hmmmm lots more pixels. how many more pallettes could I fit at once?...hmmm..etc. I've yet to go and see it but I imagine the pixel -pitch is pleasingly fine. anyone gone for this -presumably for video editing?

I'll be globtrotting with carry-on luggage for all camera and laptop gear. one concern is the flexing stress on the bigger 17" in a rucksack. Are there rigid cases to reduce that which would not take up too much space?

is this folly and I'll curse my choice for the next 4 years? (except when stationary or showing clients). Am I just seeing 'greener pixels over the fence' having been cooped up in a 12" pasture for too long?

thanks

 

[7heaven]

I can tell you, after travels to Europe, Asia, Canada and the U.S., the 15" just fits on the pull down trays of major airlines -- and it is a tight fit at that. In a couple of cases, I've had to put it on my lap during a flight. A friend of mine purchased the 17" and he almost never takes it out of his house. There are times when I wished Apple made a smaller macbook pro (like the in old G4 days).

 

[arcbright]

-thanks 7heaven,

yeah that's my fear, that I'll end up over-protecting it and under-using a 17". my 12" is ideal for soho use like writing and web stuff when travelling, just a bit small and slow now for Photo-editing, I'll miss it. The 4:3 screen is perfect for slide shows.

Looking on the bright side the 15" has LED lit screens which are said to be 30% less battery hungry, brighter and more even.

 

[TraceyS]

I've gone on one flight with my 17" (well, 2 - 1 each way ). It fit fine on the tray and i didn't sit there swearing my choice in computers (that was Southwest Orlando-Dulles). I'm not thin, but didn't feel that hampered it either.

I"ve been on flights my prior 12" laptops barely fit though (iBook & Sony R505).

My 17" is my only computer at the moment. No external monitor to hoook it to either. it's the perfect size having come from 12" for the last 5 years.

BUT, if i was spending that much time on the road, i'd seriously examine the bag issue - i know the Lowepro AV Trekker (?) series needs the one up from what i have to fit it in, but that bag fit nice as a carry on when i flew with it last year.

It's hard to say - how often are you "lugging" your way thru the airport? Weekly? I think with the right bag set up i'd be ok with it. I'm a dreamer - i dream of when i can be "jet set" (a big dream that will probably never happen), and i think that i'd nto trade my 17" in on something smaller. I'd be cool with it.

I"ve done a month in Europe out of a carry-on bag, so always go with that experience when thinking about it.

ANYWAY, I think that for you going and looking at the machines side-by-side would be necessary. The 17" isn't THAT much bigger - but it might be just THAT much too big for you. Look at gear bags and their sizes too - shop backwards that way. Compare to what you carry now.

I love the computer - i've got a good evenly lit screen, it's just awesome. The new ones are just that much MORE awesome - you won't go wrong either way....

That was probably useless - but i'll post it anyway

Tracey

 

[Najinsky]

When I bought my G4 powerbook a few years back I was of the opinion that the 17" was too big and the 15" was just right.

But the more I got into photos and video, I found I wanted more screen real estate. So for the MBP last year I went with the 17" version.

It goes in the same brief case the !5" PB went in and there is virtually no difference in carrying it. For me it has definitely been the right decision. However, I lug it between bases rather than go on the road with it.

-Najinsky

 

[PerL]

Hello all,
I'd appreciate some experiential advice from any of you folk who have
carried a 17" mac book pro with you a lot.

I've been using a 12"G4 for the last 4 years and it's time to
upgrade. It's been great for travel but I'm hampered by it's old spec
now.

One friend says the 17" is "precisely too big" for the road, the 15"
is the sweet spot. I can see that and had planned on a 15" (and big
external screen for home docking later), However for the most part I
live on my laptop doing everything, batch raw conversion, editing
etc.. and the new 17"HD option has just caught my eye.....hmmmm lots
more pixels. how many more pallettes could I fit at
once?...hmmm..etc. I've yet to go and see it but I imagine the pixel
-pitch is pleasingly fine. anyone gone for this -presumably for video
editing?

I'll be globtrotting with carry-on luggage for all camera and laptop
gear. one concern is the flexing stress on the bigger 17" in a
rucksack. Are there rigid cases to reduce that which would not take
up too much space?

is this folly and I'll curse my choice for the next 4 years? (except
when stationary or showing clients). Am I just seeing 'greener pixels
over the fence' having been cooped up in a 12" pasture for too long?

thanks

I had a 17" Powerbook for three years. When it was time to get a new one I bought a 15" MacBook Pro. The 17" was a little on the big side (but it was one of the best and most reliable computers I have owned - I bought my first Mac 1986).
--
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[Jeff_WI]

Then by all means get the 15" and not the 17". I travel a great deal for work, and have both--the 17" stays at home when I travel as it was just too bulky for regular travel.

As someone else pointed out, the new 15" has the more environmentally-friendly and less power-hungry LED backlight. The extra battery life alone would be a big plus for the 15" when considering a travel computer IMO.

Jeff
--
http://www.pbase.com/jhapeman

 

[arcbright]

thanks Tracey, Naj, perl and Jeff,

seems like the consensus is towards the 15" though as I've said Naj, I feel those extra pixels calling, I do a bit of video though I'm mostly stills.

If I was able to take more than ONE piece of carry on luggage thanks to 9/11 I would not have a problem toting a 17 in it's own brief/peli case and that would be my choice. but thanks to 'security theatre' I have to restrict my carry on to one not very big bag damit. And that bag often has a wieght restriction too so compromise is inevitable. I will not check in my core-kit to hold-luggage. I've seen how it's handled in the good airports let alone third world.

How are people coping with theses restrictions generally?

 

[Marco]

As much as I love my 17", if I'd need to travel a lot I would have bought the 15.4"

Nothing beats the old PB 12" for travel, but the 15.4" is IMO the sweet spot between portability and comfort in use without an external monitor.

Ciao

Marco

 

[Najinsky]

To help push you along the 15" route I will add that I did get by with the old 15" PB, and the new 15" MBPs have a higher resolution so you would still have more real estate than I was getting by with. I also fully understand how airport travel now requires a reduced baggage footprint so both size and weight are at a premium.

For 7 years I've been commuting between the Islands around where I live (in Europe). It used to be exclusively on a small 15 seater plane with an already restrictive baggage allowance, but as I was a regular traveller they used to turn a blind eye to my occaision over-allowance bag (even with 'just' a 15" PB). Since 9/11 they had to get stricter but the real problem became delays. I was spending far to much time stuck in departure lounges so I decided to buy a boat! I now use that to motor between the islands (weather permitting). This cured both the delays and the baggage restrictions in one stroke.

On a slightly political note, I think some of the over-the-top secuirty procedures add little protection to the traveller and seem more about protecting the security agents / airports from being sued. If they didn't protect themselves they would be corporately negligent which is one now of the most serious crimes you can commit in America (Enron). So I do think the US's legal appetite for sueing at the drop of a hat is contributary to the current situation.

-Najinsky

 

[Chester S Parks]

I have the 17" MacBook Pro and found it to big for comfortable travel, especially when lugging around two NIKON bodies, 4 lenes--2 of them big ones- and a tripod. I have since purchased a 13" MacBook and find that it is ideal for travel, daily shoot review and downloading. My 17" is now my main office machine for all CS3 work and it never travels anymore. The 13" is quite adequate for my use and I like the smaller size.

Chet

 

[arcbright]

thanks Nj and chet,
the scales are firmly swinging down on the 15" side.

If I had more time in a base office I would consider th 13" and a muscular desktop station, but for my circumstances it's gotta have the full ports and grunt of the 15" with maxed out ram.
I'm starting to feel at home with the idea

-a

 

[TraceyS]

Hmmmm, 1 personal item, 1 carry on.

Personal Item: Incase Sling bag with 17"

Carry On: Scrapbook tote (not small OR light)

http://www.ilugger.com/airline.cfm (i hope this quotes right!)

This chart is a guide only. The FAA has limited passengers flying within the United

States (including international flights going to and from the United States) to one
carry-on and one personal item, which includes: purses, briefcases, laptops and
small backpacks. In addition to one carry-on and one personal item, passengers
may bring onboard a coat, umbrella, book or newspaper, small bag of food and
devices such as wheelchairs and walkers.

You are fine!!! But i could send you a newly minted 3 year old to tote around so you get to have 2 more to carry with you (KIDDING people.... well, she was a handful today on her birthday!! LOL!!)

Tracey

 

[Jeff_WI]

How are people coping with theses restrictions generally?

Well, they are annoying, but its life. When on a photography jaunt, I use a ThinkTank Airport Security bag. On all but the smallest planes, it will qualify as a carry-on, and it holds a ton of camera gear. The laptop and assorted accessories then go in a typical laptop bag, which qualifies as a "personal item." Overall, that works pretty well. I have to check all of my clothes, but I figure I can buy clothes almost anywhere I go if they lose them...the same does not apply to my cameras/lenses and computers.

Jeff
--
http://www.pbase.com/jhapeman

 

[anyu]

Yes it's kinda heavy and big for travelling but I've used it on planes and hotels all over the world with only a minimum of swearing when carrying that thing. A cabinbag on wheels is a lifesaver. For car journeys and client presentations it's perfect.

My next laptop will be a 12" macbookpro, if Apple ever makes one.

--
http://www.ayimages.com

 

[Najinsky]

For example, a ladies handbag counts as carry-on baggage. You can (could) literally carry on one thing.

A few months ago it was being enforced strictly but it seems the security staff have grown weary of dealing with hormonal shoppers!

The number of people with 2 'items' seems to be increasing again without much resistance at security.

The whole airport has now been re-arranged around getting though security. It used to be you couldn't get to the gate until the flight was called. But the number of people (it has to be said, mostly ladies) trying to get through with too many items (shopping + small trolley case + large bag) caused arguments with security (not armed). This in turned caused big queues and delays with many people in danger of missing their flights. They would then push to the front causing more arguments and fights. It was like being back at school (or a zoo)!

Security went on strike a few months ago threatening to close the airport if they didn't get more staff to cope with the situation. They got their extra staff and now the ticket prices have gone up!

The situation has improved greatly with the new layout, open gate policy and extra staff as everyone has more time to get though security and now queues are rare.

-Najinsky

 

[arcbright]

thanks again all,

I think like you Jeff, I only want to check in what I can afford to buy again on location....plus tripod and lighting accessories ...sigh.
Najinsky,

I use heathrow (2) a lot and they've added some extra x-ray lanes which has helped but they are just as pedantic about ONE item, such that I can't even get through with a camera in a bum-bag (fanny pack / "bananne") seperate from my ruck sack. I have to put it in the ruck sack to run the gauntlet of yellow-clad enforcers at the begining of the departure line. Once past them no-one else cares. They have increased in number and sometimes pull people back out of the que who sneaked past with a suspiciousy large or multiple bags (not me ;-)

If you are flying business class a roller and slim brief-case seperately is allowed. As a freelance cheapskate that's a rare luxury for me...and lordy I might have to wear a suit!

-a

 

[arcbright]

tracey,
thanks for ilugger, great resource page on dimensions there.
the notices at heathrow state 9"x18'x22" (possibly 24")

The critical one I have noted is the 9" depth as when the bag is fully stuffed it will reach 11or12" which starts to get a bit tight to push down between the seat. I like to put my bag on the floor under my seat where possible and the gap between the seat and back of the next one is the measurement that dictates the fattest bag you can use.

quite a few manufacturers are doing carry on rollers or rucksacks approximating these dimensions, but they naturally are pushing the boundaries. I met a shooter at heathrow who was checking in luggage and shedding stuff from his camera pack to get it to squeeze through the exageratedly small dummy slots they now have at the airport AVOID THESE. One of the advantages of only going with carry-on is that you are not scrutinized by the check in staff who can insist you pass your cabin-bag through these needles-eyes (and will almost certainly fail to pass if over-stuffed).

Ideally we should all carry compact enough gear to get through one of these 'letter-boxs' it would take some weight of us. I'm curious if anyone carrying a 23" imac in an ilugger bag could take it as cabin luggage!

 

[TraceyS]

I'm bummed that "you" guys don't get the personal + carry on. Gee, there is a perk to being "stuck" here huh??? (LOL, i really do long to be a world traveller...). And UGH. Well, I guess i'd have to take my husband along - he can carry my 2nd thing thru security since he insists he's not taking ANYTHING next time.

I'm cracking up at the "suit" - I flew Los Angeles to Heathrow non-stop. I was soooo tired, business class was empty (totally EMPTY) and so they were letting us use those bathrooms. I fell asleep in the seat.... nice lady asked me for a credit card to upgrade my ticket, i thought about it for a few minutes, realized my parents would surely kill me for blowing my budget before i reached foreign soil Back to crapped coach (747) i went.....

Back to lugging at hand - i have managed to avoid those stuff drop your bag in things so far..... although they would have passed last time. The Incase Sling is very thing, and my scrapbook tote was thin enough, but normally, that is NOT the direction i can make things fit.

I can't imagine toting the 24" iMac around - my Dad's 23" ACD is heavy enough - maybe ONE time?!?! LOL!!

OK, so where should I send the 3yo????

Tracey

PS - i'm sure you have/have seen this stuff, i have it bookmarked because when my money tree starts growing (and I can do that world travel thing) i'm getting one.
http://www.thinktankphoto.com/ttp_product_ArprtInl.php

 

[Roger Monroe]

I was in the same situation as you, with a 12 inch PB that was not up to the tasks now required by my business. I bought a 15 inch MBP somewhat reluctantly. Frankly, I prefer the smaller laptop, and a 13 inch MBP would have been my preference.

I recently had a shoot where I brought the new MBP for the first time. It was manageable on the airplane, but it's definitely a tight fit in the seat compared to the 12 inch PB. I was somewhat envious of my colleagues 13 inch Macbook- I wish Apple would have released a 13 inch version of the MBP. Still the new MBP was only slightly more of a hassle than my previous PB.

I can't imagine using a 17 inch on the road, for me the size of it would start to detract from the benefits of having it. If the gear becomes too much of a pain, I don't bring it or use it. The larger the laptop, the larger the case or back back required to carry it, and the less room for other gear. Traveling globally with the 17 would be a major pain in the a$$ in my opinion.

As with cameras, the best laptop is the one you have with you... ;-)