Laptop screen size 14" or 15.6"

[Eric552]

Hey Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop for my first year of medical school. I have always had 15.6" screens, but due to the importance of a laptop that was stressed by the school, I expect to be packing it every day. Therefore I am considering a 14" instead. The 14" laptop I am considering also has 9 hrs of battery life vs. 6 hrs.

Any opinions?

---

Members don't see this ad.

 

[Dave89]

Hey Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop for my first year of medical school. I have always had 15.6" screens, but due to the importance of a laptop that was stressed by the school, I expect to be packing it every day. Therefore I am considering a 14" instead. The 14" laptop I am considering also has 9 hrs of battery life vs. 6 hrs.

Any opinions?

With respect to weight, I don't find my 17.3" very heavy. And are you sure you can handle staring at a 14" while studying for hours at a time? Advice: go to BestBuy and try 'em out.

 

[JP2740]

With respect to weight, I don't find my 17.3" very heavy. And are you sure you can handle staring at a 14" while studying for hours at a time? Advice: go to BestBuy and try 'em out.

Yup even if they don't have the laptops you're looking for, ask to look at those sizes. I have a 15.6 and love it, but to some people that might be way too big.

 

[Petypet]

Hey Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop for my first year of medical school. I have always had 15.6" screens, but due to the importance of a laptop that was stressed by the school, I expect to be packing it every day. Therefore I am considering a 14" instead. The 14" laptop I am considering also has 9 hrs of battery life vs. 6 hrs.

Any opinions?

My spider senses tell me that I saw your post on facebook this morning 😎

 

[Sheldor]

I vote 13" MacBook Air. Best laptop on the market for those who want portability and functionality.

 

[sibitrum]

I vote 13" MacBook Air. Best laptop on the market for those who want portability and functionality.

Not sure about that anymore. Samsung has a 15" ultrabook with ivybridge that just came out.

 

[red10]

It'll be easier for everyone behind you to tell you're checking facebook during lecture with a larger screen.

 

[AWittyName]

I vote 13" MacBook Air. Best laptop on the market for those who want portability and functionality.

And it starts at $1,199.00 (MacBook Air) ... Personally I believe people that buys macbooks have no sense what so ever. You can buy a bigger screen, faster processor, etc.. For around $500-$700 (maybe $800) or even cheaper if you look harder. Sure it may weigh more than the air but it's not like you're carrying around a brick though. (untill you look into the gaming pc's)

I sort of recommend the asus u46e-bal5 which is a 14" screen with seven hours of battery life.

 

[mimelim]

And it starts at $1,199.00 (MacBook Air) ... Personally I believe people that buys macbooks have no sense what so ever. You can buy a bigger screen, faster processor, etc.. For around $500-$700 (maybe $800) or even cheaper if you look harder. Sure it may weigh more than the air but it's not like you're carrying around a brick though. (untill you look into the gaming pc's)

I sort of recommend the asus u46e-bal5 which is a 14" screen with seven hours of battery life.

This is what you personally believe, to differentiate from your professional belief? You 'sort of recommend'? Hedge much?

I'm pretty anti-Mac (see the mac vs. PC thread), but really? The profile and weight are the selling points of the MacBook Air (which you seem to understand). It doesn't make sense to you that profile and weight might matter more than other factors to a certain fraction of the market? You really see all of humanity as this homogenous block that all weigh variables in the laptop market exactly the same as you?

 

[Eric552]

My spider senses tell me that I saw your post on facebook this morning 😎

What good spider senses you have. 🙂

 

[Sheldor]

And it starts at $1,199.00 (MacBook Air) ... Personally I believe people that buys macbooks have no sense what so ever. You can buy a bigger screen, faster processor, etc.. For around $500-$700 (maybe $800) or even cheaper if you look harder. Sure it may weigh more than the air but it's not like you're carrying around a brick though. (untill you look into the gaming pc's)

I sort of recommend the asus u46e-bal5 which is a 14" screen with seven hours of battery life.

Without turning this into a mac vs pc thread, I think you are being very close minded. There are many, many factors that go into determine what is "best" for a particular person. My recommendation was for medical students and based on what I believe are the most important criteria:
Weight, battery life, functionality (notes, power points, etc) and longevity.

It is still my opinion that the 13" Macbook Air is the sweet spot for medical students because it is the best combination of those factors. That said, I agree that if you want a bigger screen, faster processor, etc with the downsides those bring (heavier, less battery life) then mac is clearly not the most cost effective way to go, but still the best 🙂

The biggest reason I recommend the Macbook Air when I speak with people is because of its longevity. Most medical schools give a loan allowance once during the four years of medical school. So you need to get a laptop that will last four years. I've owned many laptops, and interacted with many people around me, and if you want to maximize your chances of having a laptop still be working after 4 years, Mac's will win every time.

Also, for students the 13" starts at $1149 with $100 towards apps.

 

[SoundofSilver]

Personally, I would stick with the 15.6 inch. My current laptop is 15.6 inches and I think it's perfect.

Regardless of what size screen you get, I would try to get 1920X1080 resolution if possible. You'll get more screen real estate to work with at a higher resolution and everything looks fantastic. You'll never want to go back to a low res display again.

 

[kpcrew]

Not sure about that anymore. Samsung has a 15" ultrabook with ivybridge that just came out.

are you talking about this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B006R10E5C

 

[Heday]

Hm, I don't think 15.6 inch is that bad as long as the laptop you end up getting is pretty thin. For example, if you're looking into lenovo thinkpad (egde or T series), either 15.6" or 14" one would be fine. Just make sure your backpack can fit a laptop with an extended battery.

The Thinkpads are pretty awesome becuase they have trackpoint.. you start using it and after two weeks, you won't be able to go back to using a regular touchpad. It's really convenient when you're taking notes (since it minimizes how much you have to move your hands).

Right now I have a 15.6" BULKY R-series, which has persuaded me to get a 14" my next purchase because sometimes it seems heavy but it's around 6.5lbs. So more important that size is weight. Some other laptops you may want to look at: Dell Ultrabooks and Asus Zenbook. Of course if 13" is too small for you then you might want to look at other options, but I'd recommend at the very least the laptop weigh less than 5lbs. Zenbook weights under 3lbs.

You could also just get a netbook AND a laptop. Back up your files onto a flash drive. Have best of both worlds.

 

[Petypet]

In my limited opinion, for school, the only concern should be weight, heat, warranty, and ample hd space. You are only taking notes on a powerpoint slide or using word, and internet surfing. The 13" laptop (whether it be mac or windows) in most cases will be cooler, lighter, and more convenient for class work. This would lead me to suggesting an ultrabook or a 13" dell/mac. I only lean against the ultrabooks because no CD-ROM, and while CD's are outdated, I have used mine a lot more in the last 2 years than I would've realized (I was considering buying a macbook air).

I like my 15" dell and it fits in my messenger bag, but sometimes I feel that it is cumbersome to hold and take notes, especially in a lecture hall (mostly b/c of the size and heat). I am not so worried about the battery since I will never be in lecture more than a few hours, and there are always plugs.

Since the laptop is meant to be portable for the first 2 years (class, home, library, etc) get something that is comfortable for you and maybe look into a monitor to convert it into more of a desktop. With most computers now you can quickly alt tab or change desktop screens to other open programs, so having a 15" vs 13" to have more than 1 thing open is kinda a moot point.

edit: Don't worry about the battery life. Most people plug their stuff into outlets in lecture/library/starbucks. If you get a portable power splitter you will be the hit of the class (can't tell you how many coffee's people have bought me when I whip out my splitter to share an outlet).

 

[rajpurohitdhruv]

i have used both 15.6 and 14.. personally i like the 14" wayyy better. before i bought that i was curious/scared about the screen being small enough like a lot of people seem to say.. it makes no difference at all, infact 14 inch is made for students. its the right size to carry in your backpack and as a weight.... the days of carrying 3-4 kilo laptops are gone..😀

if u just need it for schooling, and surfing.. don't spend too much money unless money isn't ur issue..

macbook pro is the best laptop out there 13 inch..then may be air but its doo darn thin, like 10 sheets of paper and will be slower and such..
acer timelinex series are great (8+ hours battery life), yes they do i have one lol
samsung are good too, asus aren't that bad either...

 

[Brotato]

Buy for longevity. The two most solidly constructed laptops brands are Thinkpads & Macs. These two brands just take a beating, especially Thinkpads.

I bought my 12" Thinkpad in 2006. Still using it today in 2012 and probably will last me for another 2-3 years at least. It has never ever crashed or refused to start for any reason (even though I keep dropping it and putting stuff on top of it)

 

[sibitrum]

are you talking about this
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...rd_t=201&pf_rd_p=486539851&pf_rd_i=B006R10E5C

Ya, there are 3 different models available tho:

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-NP900X4C-A01US-15-0-Inch-Laptop/dp/B0083S3NC8

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-NP900X4C-A02US-15-Inch-Laptop/dp/B0082PZ1DQ

http://www.amazon.com/Samsung-Series-NP900X4C-A03US-15-Inch-Laptop/dp/B0082PZ1JU

 

[Acoustic]

I would definitely recommend getting as large a screen as possible. Weight is a non issue, unless you're super in tune with differences in a pound and absolutely refuse to carry that extra pound.

The thing is, when you use it to study you're going to have lots of things open and I personally would go crazy without the real estate. It helps keep things organized. I would recommend getting a large monitor for your laptop for use at home... omg it makes studying so much easier and more enjoyable. They're relatively inexpensive for the amount of ease it brings to studying.

Something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009302

 

[Rumalum]

I would definitely recommend getting as large a screen as possible. Weight is a non issue, unless you're super in tune with differences in a pound and absolutely refuse to carry that extra pound.

The thing is, when you use it to study you're going to have lots of things open and I personally would go crazy without the real estate. It helps keep things organized. I would recommend getting a large monitor for your laptop for use at home... omg it makes studying so much easier and more enjoyable. They're relatively inexpensive for the amount of ease it brings to studying.

Something like this:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824009302

Maybe you can answer this question for me...it would be appreciated! I bought a lenovo convertible tablet PC, and tried hooking it up to my HDTV in order to get the bigger screen and real estate. I hooked the laptop to the TV using a displayport to HDMI adapter. However, the image was the exact same resolution as the laptop. Is there a way to connect the PC so that the resolution adjusts to the size of my nice 32 inch TV?

 

[Acoustic]

Maybe you can answer this question for me...it would be appreciated! I bought a lenovo convertible tablet PC, and tried hooking it up to my HDTV in order to get the bigger screen and real estate. I hooked the laptop to the TV using a displayport to HDMI adapter. However, the image was the exact same resolution as the laptop. Is there a way to connect the PC so that the resolution adjusts to the size of my nice 32 inch TV?

I can't answer how you would do that for your particular system - I use Macs and am not altogether super familiar with tablet PCs. Anyway, the reason it's preserving resolution is because your computer is telling it to. You have to change your display settings on your computer. This should be somewhere in your system display options or something. Ideally after you set it it should auto switch every time you connect. For me, the setting is actually 1080P, but basically just set it as high as you want it to go. If there isn't the option, you might have to search for some drivers, google it.

tl;dr: you need to switch the resolution size in the display properties.

 

[Morzh]

Personally, I would stick with the 15.6 inch. My current laptop is 15.6 inches and I think it's perfect.

Regardless of what size screen you get, I would try to get 1920X1080 resolution if possible. You'll get more screen real estate to work with at a higher resolution and everything looks fantastic. You'll never want to go back to a low res display again.

Really? I've heard people recommend the exact opposite, saying that on a 15.6" screen anything higher than 1366x768 will make fonts way too small unless you have amazing vision. That was several years ago, though.

I'd love to upgrade to a 1920x1080 laptop screen if someone with actual experience with vouch for it...

I guess you can always decrease the screen resolution manually if things are too small, but then what are you paying extra for?

Edit: I think it was actually a 1920 x 1200 that was not recommended for a 15". I don't know what the difference is between that and 1920x1080... I suck at understanding screen resolutions and the different types of HD.

 

[calvnandhobbs68]

Really? I've heard people recommend the exact opposite, saying that on a 15.6" screen anything higher than 1366x768 will make fonts way too small unless you have amazing vision. That was several years ago, though.

I'd love to upgrade to a 1920x1080 laptop screen if someone with actual experience with vouch for it...

I guess you can always decrease the screen resolution manually if things are too small, but then what are you paying extra for?

Edit: I think it was actually a 1920 x 1200 that was not recommended for a 15". I don't know what the difference is between that and 1920x1080... I suck at understanding screen resolutions and the different types of HD.

I have a 1920x1080 and I'll have to say you're right...it makes fonts really small by default. It's technically "readable" if you have the eyes of a hawk. I have to zoom chrome at 125% just to be able to read stuff comfortably. I was coming off a 14" 1366x768 screen though so the difference was kind of shocking to me. The screen is really nice for stuff that can utilize the resolution (games, movies) but if you're like me you'll have to set all your fonts at a higher size to work with it.

Edit: The other annoying thing is that lots of websites aren't designed to take advantage of the screen so you end up with huge white spaces on the sides of webpages if you keep the zoom at 100%. Another reason I zoom it in.

 

[Morzh]

I have a 1920x1080 and I'll have to say you're right...it makes fonts really small by default. It's technically "readable" if you have the eyes of a hawk. I have to zoom chrome at 125% just to be able to read stuff comfortably. I was coming off a 14" 1366x768 screen though so the difference was kind of shocking to me. The screen is really nice for stuff that can utilize the resolution (games, movies) but if you're like me you'll have to set all your fonts at a higher size to work with it.

Edit: The other annoying thing is that lots of websites aren't designed to take advantage of the screen so you end up with huge white spaces on the sides of webpages if you keep the zoom at 100%. Another reason I zoom it in.

Thanks for the input. Very helpful.

 

[Oxer45]

Hey Guys,

I am in the market for a laptop for my first year of medical school. I have always had 15.6" screens, but due to the importance of a laptop that was stressed by the school, I expect to be packing it every day. Therefore I am considering a 14" instead. The 14" laptop I am considering also has 9 hrs of battery life vs. 6 hrs.

Any opinions?

Laptops are not like penises. 1.6 inches don't make that much of difference.

 

[mcatsucksss]

get the 14 inch for the portability and battery life while you are at school.
THEN buy a 23 or 24 inch monitor and use that connected to ur laptop at home.
thats the smart way to do things.

 

[mjl1717]

get the 14 inch for the portability and battery life while you are at school.
THEN buy a 23 or 24 inch monitor and use that connected to ur laptop at home.
thats the smart way to do things.

I think this is somewhat reasonable.. Because in the world of laptops (Ive had about 5)
In my opinion:

1)Smaller is better. As long as you do not have to excessively scroll. As mcat said battery life tends to be better..
2)14 inch is more portable.
3) To me Macbooks or Apple seem to have better products although they cost more..
4)The laptop people will not tell you this: But basically they tend to just burn out within 4-5 years.The sales man at Staples told me this was recently changed to 2-3 years dues to plastic parts..And the laptop companies got greedy and prefer you to buy a new one every 2-3 years..
5)That warranty is one of the most important parts..😴