15" vs. 17" MBP

[TheGeek]

I am going to be buying a Macbook Pro for school and installing XP on it for the apps i need. but i am torn between a 15" or the 17". i know the different specs of each and after the developer discount i get the 17" is only $200 more, but im concerend that it'll be too big. can anyone offer some considerations that cant be found in specs (practical size, weight, battery life, etc.)? it'd be greatly appreciated. Thanks

edit: and no matter which one i get, it'll be the same config (2.16ghz, 1GB, 100GB 7200 rpm drive)

 

[AmigaMan]

I kinda wished I had gotten the 17" one myself. My 15" MBP is nice, but the extra resolution would definitely come in handy as a developer.

 

[Commodus]

As always, the answer is "it depends." If it'll be your main system, the 17" is probably a good idea. It's definitely a big system - you'll probably need a new laptop bag - but it's hard to argue with a laptop that has the same resolution as a 20" desktop display. Just be aware that if you're bringing it into class, people probably wouldn't appreciate the 17" as it would crowd people out at the desks.

I've also heard that the X1600 graphics on the 17" are clocked higher than on the 15", so you may get more performance for gaming.

 

[dnuggett]

If you are bringing it to class... you are a toolbox.
IMO 17" do not belong in class.... unless it is in a very open setting, and even then, you are still a toolbox. But, I have been out of school for a little while. Maybe the coolness of bringing a huge laptop to school is in now?

 

[andyfasthands]

I would agree that 17" too big for school, however I would not be so harsh as to call you a "toolbox" if I saw you with one. I'd just be jealous

 

[TheGeek]

hmm. this has kind of gone off topic. can anyone tell me anything abuot the battery life or practical size (too big to carry around) or any other tradeoffs of going with one or the other. i need to make a decision on which one tomorrow or monday, so any help or advice would be sweet. thanks.

also, glossy or matte screen? im thinking matte, but im not sure if anyone else can give me advice.