Preferred Laptop screen size

I'm looking to purchase a new laptop. My problem is deciding on which screen size to acquire, 15.6 vs 17.3. Therefore, I would appreciate learning about preferences. This unit will share duties as a desktop versus "field" duties.

Thanks,
Don

I had a 15 incher and just bought a 17 incher because I found at least for me the 15" screen was to small for post processing and unless at home you are going to attach an external large screen I would go with the 17" screen on your laptop

You might consider changing your footprint. If you add a large external monitor at home, say 24" or whatever, then the laptop screen size wont matter at home. Now you can base your choice only upon how big you want your laptop to be for travel, and do all of your final processing at home.

I agree with Lance, but if that is not an option, and if you plan on using your laptop for image editing, then the most important matter in my view is to buy a laptop with an IPS monitor instead of the usual TN glossy screen monitors.
The color accuracy, color gamut and especially the extreme viewing angles available are second to none. Admittedly they are few and far between (I use a Lenovo x220), but I can guarantee that you will never return to a TN monitor after using one.

Thanks to one and all for the great info.

don

Hi John,

That's a great suggestion. I've been hunting forma laptop with an IPS panel and just discovered the Lenovo Thinkpad X220 last night. I do wish it was available in a higher res.

Hey Don, I have a 15 in and I love it. The main reason is that I use this machine for traveling and a desktop with a larger monitor when at home. I could not travel with a 17 in laptop, too large for a plane seat and too large to carry around a campsite. Guess it depends on your use.

Thanks everyone. It looks like the "15" has it.

Don

I went with 15" for the same reason, travel. To offset the smaller size I did get 1920x1080 resolution rather than the standard "720p" resolution. I find it's a good compromise.