13" Laptop for Music Production?

[Dustin V]

Hey DJTT, so as the thread title mentions, do you think that a laptop with a 13" screen size would be fine for music production?

The reason I ask is that I'm thinking of downsizing from my current 15" MBP to a 13" MBP. I use my laptop primarily for DJ'ing, and daily use including music production, but I thought that getting a 13" laptop would be more practical, and convenient for daily use and commuting, and for portability when DJ'ing. Do you think that 13" screen would be sufficient for production, or would I be better off sticking to a 15"?

Do any of you have any experience with a 13"? Thanks.

[tekneeq]

I find my 13" screen to be way to small and inconvenient when I'm in the final stages of creating a track. It's definitely doable, but will slow down your workflow.

[PatriceMooring]

I think Lenovo laptops don't pose these problems..despite of the small screen size they provide a wide visibility and stance.

[Tarekith]

Ditto, might be fine for sketching ideas on the road or something, but even a minimalist like me would find that pretty constraining for detailed work.

[SJJVEN]

What you could do is have a monitor at home to hook up to. Lets say a 24" monitor or even a 27, then you can still have the great portability of the 13" and have all the room you can ask for once you hook up to your monitor.

[ProfessorStrangeman]

What you could do is have a monitor at home to hook up to. Lets say a 24" monitor or even a 27, then you can still have the great portability of the 13" and have all the room you can ask for once you hook up to your monitor.

Exactly what I do. Works perf.

[grazz16]

yeah i dual monitor with my laptop and an external monitor, theres no way i wouldn't find producing on a single laptop screen annoying now. I just love the ability to drag things on to that second screen and have everything i need always in view.

[BiggChev]

I definitely second the dual monitor set-up at home

[Tarekith]

I love working on a single laptop screen myself, couldn't wait to get rid of my external displays Not liking 13" screens though.

[R01]

I feel so spoiled with my (no longer manufactured) 17" MBP (beefed up with all the upgrades it can handle).

Depending on what you do DJ-ing, you'll want to decide if 13" is enough or not. If it was me, I'd probably get the most juiced 15" MBP available. I'm only saying this because you don't want to be held back when producing. Everyone hits a wall eventually when producing, so it's worth it to make sure it takes quite some serious processing to get there.

My recommendation would be to run your MBP in clamshell mode and utilize a wireless keyboard + mouse. It actually taxes the computer less when you do this, and you still get a bigger screen out of it.

Now off the record, I wouldn't really suggest buying a new MBP right now unless you're in a pinch.
I always check this website before considering buying apple products.