Auido differences between MBP 15" and 17"

Irish_Tom

Irish_Tom

Irish_Tom

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Lo all.

I've been scanning the Shop website gearing up for my switch over to a MBP and I noticed the Monster iCable Fiber Optic Kit.

It says it's compatible with the 17" MBP, IMac and PowerMac to deliver full Dolby Digital or DTS surround sound.

I'm assuming it works as a pass-through cable to an external amp rather than as a DD encoder but that wasn't what really concerned me. I was only planning on getting a 15" MBP because I have a Dell 2405 monitor and didn't really need the extra screen size but this iCable seemed to suggest that there was a difference in audio between the 15" and the 17".

I'm starting to look at the 17" more and more seriously because of a few other features as well such as the 1920x1200 screen resolution (if you upgrade the monitor) and I think if there is a difference in audio it might sway me further to the 17".

Anyone know what the story is or is it nothing to worry about.

Panzer
 
I can't see a difference at a hardware level.

It's probably an oversight on the website, just like how they market the same product under 3 titles so people who are looking for specific item can find it easier :)
 
Panzerbjorn said:
Ah ok cool thanks :)

Might be persuaded to save a bit and get the 15" then... Decisions decisions.

Panzer
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I have a max'd 17" with HD display.. it really is special :)
 
DJLOREY, how do you find it for carting about?

Half the reason I was going for the 15" was because it's smaller size would make carrying it around easier. I would be using it at uni and also whilst travelling around in conjunction with my digital SLR.

I plan on getting a LowePro Computrekker Plus backpack to take my camera and the laptop and I know the 17" will fit in it, but I'm concerned about the extra weight especially with a camera and lenses etc in there.

Cheers for the help.

Panzer
 
All the laptops are around the same size.. 2 cm x 2cm x 2cm difference between 15 and 17".

I have to be honest I could carry this around all day, it really is light..
...and if you can't manage the extra weight from a 15" then you shouldn't call yourself a man ;)

I carry mine in a LaRobe Kakee case, and I've never had issues when putting it in a backpack with my dSLR (and spare lens or two) either, always well protected and it doesn't look like you're carrying a house under your arm :)

That said, if you'd rather the LED backlighting and half hour extra battery then go for the 15" however if you have the cash then go for a 17" and I promise you wouldn't regret it !
 
No difference in the audio between 15" and 17". I've had 5.1 passthrough working via an optical cable into my home cinema amp from my original MBP.

If you are going to carry it around go 15". The 17" is just that bit too big.
 
MagicBoy said:
No difference in the audio between 15" and 17". I've had 5.1 passthrough working via an optical cable into my home cinema amp from my original MBP.

If you are going to carry it around go 15". The 17" is just that bit too big.
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Extra 2cm is too big? :o
 
DJLOREY said:
Extra 2cm is too big? :o
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Yep - in my opinion.

I've used and carried both around. The 15" weighs less, does everything the 17" does and fits in most laptop bags.

Then again I'm a widescreen philistine and would prefer a 12" MacBook Pro with a high res screen. The expensive DVD player brigade can have the 17".
 
I think if they did a 15" with 1920x1200 res I would go down that route without a second thought.

Is it really going to make much difference to my day-to-day usage changing from the native res of the 15" (1440 x 900) to the 1920x1200 of my Dell 2405?

Panzer
 
Depends, are you likely to miss the extra real estate in a situation where you can't get access to your Dell?

I got mine purely so I can edit on the larger screen and don't need to faff around externally :)

I'd go with a 15" if they had the HD res but they didn't so I couldn't
 
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