[TPmac]

Hello to all.

I am an expat working in Asia and will get a new laptop on my next trip back to the states in Sep. I have decided on either the 12 or 15 inch PB. My biggest criterias are screen quality and mobility.

Looking at the 12 and 15 inch screens side by side, I think that the 12” has a brighter screen but the 15” while darker is slightly sharper overall. What is hard to compare is how these two screens would hold up with heavy usage.

I have read plenty of “professional” reviews on both PBs and the 15” screen received very favourable comments while the 12” screen reviews have been mixed.

I am looking for inputs on how 12” and 15” owners feel about their screen quality. Specifically, after using the laptop for a few hours, is there any eye fatigue? I am currently using an iMac 15” FP and I definitely get some eye strain after a few hours.

By the way, I just saw the new Sony TR1A laptop with a 10.6” screen that is absolutely amazing in brightness and clarity. I hope Apple will update their screen with the next revision.

Thanks in advance for all inputs.

[Sandbaggins]

I've had my 12" for one month now and its been my primary computer. The screen is great. I use it under many different lighting conditions and have had no problems. I use my PB to edit videos and to surf. The screen is sharp and is a joy to use. I have no experience with the 15" whatsoever so no comments. The 12" is a superb product IMHO.

[Westfoto]

I have the 15" TiBook and find that the screen is wonderful. very nice size, my son has a 12" iBook and that seems so small to me.

I also use a 19" sony E400 with my 533 DP at the office. I am finding that I am using the TiBook more and more, even at the office.

my .02 cents for what it is worth,

West

[The Placid Casual]

I used a 12" Powerbook for a few months earlier in the year... I currently use a new 867 TiBook.

Whilst both screens are nice, I would choose the 15" PB every time. Awesome quality and very very easy on the eyes.

The screen on the 12" was also nice, but just not as nice as the 15"...

Peace,

Marc

[Eug]

Last few times I checked in the stores, the 15" beat the 12" every time. It was no comparison. The 15" was in a completely different league. The 17" rivals it, but I think the 15" beats the 17" as well, although the two are very close.

The 12" PB screen looks identical to the 12" iBook screen. The 12" iBook screens also look worse than the 15" screen, which would thus make sense.

[variable06]

I've been very impressed by the screen on my 12 inch; it has been very easy on the eyes even after long viewing. I haven't really seen it in comparison to the 15 inch so I can't really say, but going from a 17 inch CRT to this screen has been an easy transition.

Jason

[Toyin]

Originally posted by Eug:
Last few times I checked in the stores, the 15" beat the 12" every time. It was no comparison. The 15" was in a completely different league. The 17" rivals it, but I think the 15" beats the 17" as well, although the two are very close.

The 12" PB screen looks identical to the 12" iBook screen. The 12" iBook screens also look worse than the 15" screen, which would thus make sense.

This is what I've thought as well.
12" PB Owner

[alpha rays max]

Well I haven't owned or extensively used a 12" PowerBook, however I used to own a 12" iBook and I can say that the screen was very bright and crisp. My 15" PowerBook seems nearly as bright and just as crisp, but the extra screen real estate is phenomenal.

A 12" PB would be a great travelling companion, I think, but if I were using it as my only or primary computer, I think I would have to go with the 15". 1024x768 (especially on a 12" screen) is simply too cramped (IMHO) for every day, all day use.