Should I Sacrifice CPU for Screen Size?

I've got a 17.3" laptop that I'm about to replace. My two options are another 17.3" or a smaller 16". The main difference I'm worried about is that the smaller one seems to have a somewhat stronger CPU, though of course both are much better than my current years-old laptop. It does appear that the bigger one has a better GPU which might make up for the CPU loss? I'm not tech-savy enough to understand the nitty gritty ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Is it worth taking a hit to CPU performance to keep the big screen? I'm really reluctant to downsize because I use my laptop to do a lot of visual tasks (design, art etc) and my eyesight isn't so good either. But I'm worried that I'm making a bad choice by compromising on the CPU.

The specifics are:
17.3" = Intel Core i5-1235U, Intel Iris Xe Graphics
16" = Intel Core i5-13420H, Intel UHD Graphics

Reply 1

Kathy89

The 16" looks much better (the two details you just wrote). However, there might be more details you'd like to consider. The keyboard, the screen height and width, how far the computer is from your face. etc.

I have eye fatigue and nearsightedness with astigmatism so if I use the computer without glasses I have to sit closer and move a lot. I tried several computers since university and found out some interesting things:

I prefer the 15.6" over anything else. 13.1" and 14" are too small in high resolution. 17" is too large and uncomfortable to hold, it has to stay on the table so no real use for it as a laptop. In addition, there is very small difference in a comfortable zoom (font size) between 15.6" and 17", however, a huge difference between 14" and 15.6".

Without glasses I have to sit too close for a 17" screen to be comfortable and manage to capture the whole screen so if there is something in the corner I'd have to move the head. The 15.6" is ideal, I still sit closer than an arm length from the screen but I can read only by moving the eyes.

With glasses both are good.

One more very important thing is that the keyboard of the 17" takes so much place on the table compared to the 15.6" ones, and if you use a separate mouse it could mean a lot.

Also, because I usually hold the laptop very close anyway, I find that touch screen is very easy and I really like it. If I'm using it in my bed I prefer being without glasses and use the touch screen to make the font bigger and navigate through the screen. Maybe if you work with graphics it could be useful too.

I hope it helped somehow.

Reply 2

Dunnig Kruger

What about battery life? Is that important to you? The laptop with the H processor, does that have a much larger battery than the U processor laptop?

At 17", do you ever take your laptop outside of your home? Would a desktop PC be better for you?

What about 2nd hand deals? EG on Dell Precision 7760 or 7770 or 7780 on ebay?

Do you have a Wacom type tablet for the art work?

Do you have a large 4k monitor for working on at home?

Reply 3

LunaAngelEclipse

Original post by Dunnig Kruger

What about battery life? Is that important to you? The laptop with the H processor, does that have a much larger battery than the U processor laptop?
At 17", do you ever take your laptop outside of your home? Would a desktop PC be better for you?
What about 2nd hand deals? EG on Dell Precision 7760 or 7770 or 7780 on ebay?
Do you have a Wacom type tablet for the art work?
Do you have a large 4k monitor for working on at home?

Battery life is hard to compare because only one of the laptops seems to give a battery life on their listing. I'm not too worried about it though.

I only take my laptop out occasionally, but when I do I don't encounter any problems.

Both desktops and refurbished laptops aren't an option for me right now.

I do have a wacom tablet

I dont own any independent monitors, though I suppose I could look into getting one if the prices are reasonable. It would require me to be at a desk a lot more than I currently am, since I often work on my bed or a sofa 😅. Maybe a bad habit I should break, but if it works it works I guess.