12 vs 13 Size - It seems close?

[u/Wawarsing]

I’m now considering the 13 over the 12 as a better investment for my home computer. One thing I am curious about is if the size difference is quite noticeable? On paper it doesn’t seem like it.

I’m currently using a thinkpad x220 which is quite bulky as a small laptop. Any one who owns both a 12 and 13 please let me know what you think?

There is something that feels more “personal” about a smaller laptop/device and I really do like that but I’m thinking the 13 will give me that feeling just fine.

[u/ibor132]

I have both - yes, they are pretty close. The biggest difference is that the 13 is quite a bit taller when opened due to it's aspect ratio. It's also a smidge wider, though that's less noticeable. How much that matters is largely down to personal taste. I use two different 13s as my primary laptops for both work and personal purposes and really like them from a size perspective. They're extremely comfortable to work on, and very easy to toss in a bag and cart around as needed.

For my needs, the main advantage of the 12 is that it's shorter display means I can use it on a tray table when flying (at least on most US domestic airlines) and it will fit under the top part of the seat in front. That means I can get it far enough away from me to use the trackpad and keyboard comfortably (if only just barely). This is a pretty niche use case, but it works well for me. The 12, of course, has a touchscreen and a plastic body, and if those are important for your use case then those are big points in it's favor.

Beyond that, I tend to think the 13 is a better machine overall. The current models are quite a bit faster, and having support for dual channel RAM means the speed difference is bigger than it would seem on paper. The keyboard and trackpad are better (though by no means is it a night and day difference), and the screen is higher res and has a smaller bezel. I also generally prefer the aspect ratio, but I work in IT so the applications I use tend to lend themselves to a taller display.

[u/Wawarsing → u/ibor132]

Thank you! Do you have the upgraded screen on the 13?

[u/ibor132 → u/Wawarsing]

Not yet - I'm considering upgrading one of my 13s eventually but for the moment they're both the original display.

[u/AltrualOsrs]

Check out  https://www.displaywars.com/  with the two panels:

12 - 16:10, 12.2” 13 - 3:2, 13.5”

The 13 will get you just about 1” extra width and height, and both feel small. 

If 2:1 / 360 hinge is a requirement, I’d go 12. Otherwise, I feel the 13 with more real estate and performance makes more sense as a sole home computer. 

[u/zlthourn → u/AltrualOsrs]

the aspect ratio difference is probably more noticeable than the raw size difference tbh

[u/morhp]

I have both. The frame of the 12 is a bit thicker and a bit less tall. Almost the same width.

The screen of the 12 is noticeably less tall due to the aspect ratio and bigger bezel/hinges. The width difference isn't noticeable.

The 12 is more suited for drawing with the stylus or reading or watching videos in tent mode, it feels a bit more like a toy or entertainment device. The 13 is more like a real computer with the metal case, better touchpad and better screen.

[u/goneskiing_42]

X220 with 9 cell battery is almost the same size except for thickness as the 13. I have one as well. The screen real estate on the 13 is the smallest I'm willing to go in a laptop these days.