<p>karma that is a funny analysis because smaller screens will have a direct effect on web browsing unless it is really high resolution (not the case here) whereas video and images will usually scale ok</p>
<p>the only reason people get smaller screens is so that they can carry them around.....that is the only plus they have besides using less power, the rest are cons</p>
<p>the bottom line is people will tell you different things.....the macbook isn't exactly rare so why don't you go to your local computer store and actually look at one and then compare it to a 15.4 (preferably one running at a resolution higher then 1280x800 like the macbook pro or a number of others)...you don't want to be in a situation where you look across your dorm room and wish you had your roomate's 15.4 lappy or where you wish you had a small one like the macbook - once you have them side by side decide which size you like better</p>