Ask HN: Which size of laptop do you prefer?

[boundless88]

My current laptop is 14 inches, but I'm thinking of if I should get a bigger size of laptop, like 16 inches. I enjoy the 14 inches size due to it's easier to carry around. It seems that bigger size of laptop has better experience when you working outsize without external monitor. What do you think?

[LinuxBender]

For me personally the bigger the laptop the better but that is far down my list of prerequisites. I primarily look for:

- User serviceability. Easy to upgrade memory, storage, battery.

- Multiple USB 3.2+ ports.

- Mostly easy to disassemble without laptop specific tools or proprietary knowledge. It should come with a tech manual meant for service techs that includes any hidden features and functions.

- Built to handle significant physical abuse. (Hiking in the mountains, off-road, horseback, exposure to sun and snow) I should be able to easily mount it in front of a plate carrier.

I would really like to see higher quality batteries and battery management with a guaranteed rating much like one would find on LifePo4 RV batteries. I should be able to fully discharge and speed charge the battery at least 20,000 times without losing more than 80% capacity. The battery should just pop out the back of the laptop and I should be able to snap into place a much bigger one. I am not buying any more laptops until these things are easy to find.

[drweevil]

I'm very happy with my 13" Framework, which uses a 3/2 aspect ratio 2.8K screen. It hits a sweet spot of large enough and light enough. For coding I find that a tiling window manager like Sway helps me maximize the use of my screen, so I've never really felt the need for an external monitor.

[bell-cot]

Mostly it's a matter of how young & sharp your eyes are.

[JSDevOps]

This is my Existential crisis. Some days 16, some days iPhone Mini will do. Then I buy a 4x inch monitor and hate myself for it. Thanks for bringing up this trauma.

[throw4950sh06]

Macbook Air 13" because it's exactly the same size as A4 paper and fits into most small city bags.

[tony-allan]

I love 16-inch but at the cost of 2.1kg. With the bigger screen I don't need an external display.

[noashavit]

16 inch for sure if you are using it without an external monitor

[gregjor]

iPad Pro 13 inch. High-res and bright screen means my old eyes can read code at normal type size. I did have an external monitor for a while but sold it, the single screen works for me.

[anujbans]

Macbook Pro 14" is perfect for me.

[cranberryturkey]

12" is best for me.

[boundless88]

Do you ever find the 12-inch screen too small, especially when reviewing code?

[cranberryturkey]

nope. i love it. light weight, i can take it anywhere and battery lasts hours longer.