[C-Bear]

All right, an odd title, I know, let me explain:

I remain torn between the new 12" and 15" Powerbooks as my next purchase, and the reasons are varied. The one I'm focussing on in this thread — and it's aimed specifically at current 15" owners — is how physically comfortable a laptop is the 15" to use? I'm not talking about using it at a desk or a table, I'm talking about curled up in bed or stretched out on the couch or on a park bench with the Powerbook resting on ones lap or propped up on their thighs, does the 15" feel natural and comfortable to use that way?

In the past I've used an old Powerbook 2300c, roughly the same size as a 12," and I loved the fact that I could sit in any old non-workstation way and it felt utterly natural to work on, and I worry that a 15" might be too cumbersome in the same situation.

I love the compactness of the 12" but prefer the screen quality and size of the 15." With physical ergonomics in mind, how are you 15" owners getting by?

[Commodus]

I use a 15" TiBook, and I'd say that the 15" is a better choice for desk use than as a literal laptop computer. Both systems are supposed to generate heat on the bottom, and while neither is really uncomfortable while you're wearing pants, you might start to feel a bit woozy if you sit with the PowerBook on your lap for an hour or two.

It's not heavy or uncomfortable in terms of dimensions, so that's a point in its favour. But I would seriously consider a 12" just because it's supposed to avoid the underside heat and is going to be more flexible as far as position goes.

[TerryJ]

I'm in kind of the same position. I have a Ti 1GHz, loaded with SuperDrive, Airport, 1GB of ram and it does everything and more than I need, not one complaint. I have been giving some serious thought to selling it and picking up one of the new 12" AlBooks however. I have had a couple 12" iBooks in the past, and now I'm spoiled by the G4 power, but that small form factor is really enticing. Has anyone else made this kind of switch and if so, how do you like it? Any good suggestions on where to market an absolutely perfect 15" Ti with 2+ years of AppleCare left? Thanks!

[Commodus]

TerryJ: in your position, I'd wait until the 12" PowerBook G5! All you'd really be gaining is a faster FSB and the smaller design. The video is actually a step backwards (a 32 MB GeForceFX 5200 Go versus a 64 MB Mobility Radeon 9000).

That's what I'm thinking about doing, personally.

[h00ligan]

i actually ahve an easier time with the 15" becuase i have big hands.. and can't rest them comfortably on a 12.l. fwiw.. i am 6'5" so guage hand size accordingly.

[tooki]

Well, if you're gonna have it on your lap (as i often do), you'll probably want to set it to "reduced" processor speed to keep it from becoming uncomfortably hot on your lap (the top of the computer does not get appreciably warm). Also, unlike my trusty old Pismo, the edges of the aluminum machines are comparatively sharp, and can dig into your wrists if you lean on them the wrong way.

tooki

[KP*]

The Al15" is my first Mac laptop, so I can't compare directly to the 12" or any other Mac, but I find it surprisingly comfortable to use it on my lap, something I never did with my old Dell. I have short legs, so I need to be in a position where I can elevate my feet a little so that my thighs angle the 'book towards me and not spill it on the floor. It's quite warm, but I find that if I put something between the 'book and my lap such as a blanket or a large hardcover book, etc. it blocks enough of the heat to make it comfortable. I also like the weight and balance of it. The bottom half feels solid and the keyboard is very spacious and easy to type on. I never feel like it's topheavy or about to tip over.

The 12" is probably naturally more suited to mobility and non-table surfaces, as the 15" is pretty big and heavy. But if your other reasons make you want the 15", I think it would suffice.

[Chemmy]

My computer before this 15" was a 12" iBook, and I can say the 15" is just as easy to use while in bed.