I think the high res 15" 1680 x 1050 version is optimal.
Got a normal res 1440 x 900 which still works ok with MixEmergency.
Also got a 17" MBP for video editing and graphics work,
but personally I think its to much to bring to gigs.

I bought the 17"MBP over a 15" because I do video. It's nice t have the larger screen & extra USB port, but not neccessary.

I have MBP 17" now Core Duo 2.8Ghx but had my eye on a deal for a MBP 15" i7 but it only 1440 x 900... the 1680 x 1050 are hard to come by used. :(

Then Id probably stay with the 17" for a while, if you have a bag to fit it,
and you can make room in the booths you play.
My first SSL machine was a 2.0 ghz or even lower specced Dell, 2GB ram 17".
Big & heavy as shit, but I used it for about a year..

My philosophy/policy when it comes to computers, don't buy a new just cause its tempting, wait until you really need it, but make sure to have some sort of backup if shit hits the fan...

Great advice! Thanks WarpNote and Taipanic!

my previous mbp was the 15. i loved it. worked great for ssl, video (ME) and audio recording/editing and video post/vfx.

it got stolen and i was all set to buy a late 2011 15 mbp when my friend approached me with a deal of a lifetime. Brand new late 2011 17 mpb, 512 SSD, hi-res anti-glare screen and 8gb ram for $2500.

it seems alot bigger than the 15, but it's really not. it fits in my laptop bag and my technics lp bag. i'll probably end up getting a udg creator compact (if it fits 17). the extra screen real estate is ridiculous, but definitely overkill.

if i had to pick i would go 15 for a nice mix of size and portability.

LOVE MY 17 and would never buy anything less ever again. Hell if they made a 19 i would buy that. Screen size is a big deal to me. and when vsl is open on a small screen you can see like 5 tracks. I want to see 50 at a time.

Awesome guys thanks. I just got a new 2011 i7 2.4Ghz 17 MBP loaded so now I can utilize my 2010 MBP as my backup!