Having 2 Macs - Your Thoughts?

[Caitlyn]

Just curious.

How many of you believe in the one machine way of life and how many of you believe in a portable and a desktop?

[wordmunger]

I have a portable and a desktop. I was portable only for many years, but now that I have both, I'm not planning on going back. Hardest part is keeping everything in sync. Dotmac does an okay job, but I wish there was a more direct way of handling it. I may move email entirely to GMail. That would solve a lot of problems.

[Clydefrog]

I have a powerbook, but i am looking to buy a macpro

[CyberPrey]

I believe in the Mac Pro on my desktop..
I believe in the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me...
I believe in the AMD 64x24400/dual 7800gtx sitting on another table next to the mac pro.
i believe in the 2.4ghz celeron system runing my TS server/fileserver on top of the AMD system...
I believe in the Apple //e I use to play Wizardry and Ultima 1-5 on :)

I would go on, but then you would all realize I am a total geek and have no life when not plugged in..... I'm trying to purchase a Mac Mini as I type :)

[cbetta]

I have a MBP, but recently I bought a iMac G4 for the cuteness. Still, I actually like having two macs, lets me work on both...

[joshwest]

i actualy have 3 macs, iMac g5 for home desktop, macbook for on the go and at work, mbp for on the go and lazy sit around the house laptop.. Im pretty set right now even though im looking to buy another for a fileserver but i think ill just buy another external like 500 gig or 1 TB and just call it a day.

[Zygon Gambit]

I have a portable (iBook, which my wife thinks is hers) and a very much non-portable (eMac). I keep them in sync with each other using Chrono-Sync.

I prefer the portability of the iBook over the desktop, but having two machines isn't much of a pain to keep in sync.

[zap2]

i Have a desktop and a Laptop, both of which i use regularly. I have thought about getting a laptop and using it on my ACD, but i could get a cheaper desktop. Also my Laptop specs don't need to be all that good.. my G4 will last a while.. my desktop on the other hand i like to be faster..even if its just the intel Mini, its still fast

[NATO]

I have a Power Mac G5 and a MacBook Pro. I consider the Power Mac to be my 'main' machine, or central hub where I keep all my files etc. The MacBook Pro is used as a day-to-day machine, but in the end, all files created will eventually be transferred over to the Power Mac. It's mainly to do with storage - The Power Mac has much more storage and I can afford to have everything located on it, with only the essentials on the MacBook Pro.

I could probably get by with just a desktop, but the Laptop gives me a lot of freedom

[Keebler]

Just curious.

How many of you believe in the one machine way of life and how many of you believe in a portable and a desktop?

i would say it depends on how one lives and what they do.

for example, i don't need/want a laptop. i work at home, therefore i have 2 powermacs to keep me going. i would only have 1 if they weren't for work, but they are constantly running projects..

if it was a student, i would have a laptop in a heartbeat. never a desktop.

if i was really rich and didn't care about spending, i would probably have a laptop and a desktop for pure convenience.

[mrgreen4242]

Well, I technically have both a desktop and a laptop. The desktop (mini) is the main machine - I do most everything on it. The laptop (Wallstreet G3) is a "backup". I use it upstairs in the bar/recroom (office is downstairs) as an internet terminal, and it's handy to take with me on trips to check email, etc. It's also great for when my wifes Dell goes on the fritz so I don't have to drop everything and fix it right away. :)

[FFTT]

Having a desktop and a portable is the ultimate convenience.

It also helps to insure that you always have back-ups of everything.

If you have a powerful main workstation desktop, you can usually spend less on your notebook for essential portable needs.

You can also save buying refurbs of either machine or both.

[dcv]

I believe in both - I have an iMac G5 (well two actually, though one is broken) and a PowerBook G4. I could probably live without the desktop but couldn't live without the notebook. I don't take the PowerBook outside the house very often but I use it in different rooms and that's my main computer. I hate sitting at a desk at home. The iMac is mostly just used as a DVR - I have an Elgato EyeTV hooked up to it. It's certainly nice to have a 'spare' Mac around in case anything goes wrong with one. I think an iMac or Mac Mini plus a notebook is an ideal setup for a home/non-pro Mac user.

[TBi]

Mac Pro - 2x2.66ghz, 2gb RAM, 3x250gb 1x300gb HD's, 7300GT, Acer AL2032 Monitor (X1900XT on order)

Don't you mean 4x2.66ghz :)

I'm all for a desktop and portable. It's a pain to have to connect the laptop up all the time (although if there was a docking station like latitudes have then i'd say different).

It's also good to have two machines in case a family member needs to use one or in case of emergency when one goes poof!

I'm waiting for the new iMac's to come out but it's taking too long and for the price i'd get a nice build it yourself pc. Hurry up merom!

[ricgnzlzcr]

As much as I'd love a mac pro to perform my computing needs, I could never ever sit down in one spot and do what I have to. I have a powerbook and it goes everywhere with me. As a college student, it's constantly going from class to class, in my dorm room, and such. I tried to have an external monitor last semester to go with my 12 inch powerbook, but it was just uncomfortable for me to sit there for long periods of time. I sold the screen and upgraded from a 12 inch powerbook to a 15 inch. I couldn't be any happier now as I don't even have a desk. I sit on the couch and do everything I have to.

[quruli]

2 is the way to go. I have a 12" PB G4 and soon a Mac Pro.

I don't believe in paying tons of cash for a portable though if it isnt your main machine.

[slffl]

ONE is the way to go for me. I don't like trying to keep things updated on two systems. I want all my photos, music, files, and latest programs in one place.

[iGary]

My setup works perfectly. Sure, I'd like a little more speed on the road, but my PB does fine. :)

Can't imagine just having a desktop with what I do - but that's me. Your mileage may vary.

[clayj]

I have a portable and several desktops (two Mac minis and two Sony PCs). I don't believe in using a laptop as my sole PC if for no other reason than laptops sacrifice all sorts of functionality (bigger HDs, bigger screens, etc.) for portability.

[Josias]

I've had a desktop, but back then, i just used it for games. I though I could live with a desktop today, but found out I couldn't. I need portability, but have no need for a desktop.

I believe in a rev. b 15" MacBook Pro with X1800XT and 2 GB RAM...:D

Every time I get a new computer, I either have to pass it on to parents/little brother, or sell it.;)

[steamboat26]

I have a mini, which while being more portable than a regular desktop, is still kind of a hassle to move around. I believe that if i got a laptop i would use it. So i have been looking into getting an ibook G3 (except for the problems with the logic boards), an ibook G4 (wait for prices to fall more), or a powerbook G3/G4.

[KingYaba]

2 Macs > 1 Mac. Yeah I bet many would enjoy a desktop to come home to after a long trip using their notebook. You won't wear out one or another as much.

[JAT]

Don't you need one for every room?

[CANEHDN]

I say, the more the merrier. I would love to have a notebook and a desktop. I would probably never use the notebook but why not.

[tristan]

I would rather spend the total dollars on one great system. I have a PBG4 15" 1.67ghz w/2 gigs of RAM and a 19" LCD and keyboard are on the way. I've spent maybe $2k on everything and its both a desktop and a laptop. I'll keep the setup for another two years or so and then sell and upgrade.

So I think two macs is kind of wasteful because you can only use one at a time. Just my opinion of course, no offense to you lucky bastards who have two macs. :-) I may break down and join you one day - I used to be one of those dudes who had like three computers and two video game systems but became more frugal as I got older.

[viccles]

I have a MBP which I use as my main computer and a PC on my desk and in the other room is the mini but its not getting much use now since I got my MBP. I think 2 computer is good to have though in case one breaks down

[strydr]

I'm a multi-user too.
I have my trusty powerbook for on-site visits to customers.
@ home, I have my iMac for daily stuff, my Mini for certin windows tasks, a AMD PC for gaming, and a old PowerMac for file sharing. I've also just bought a MacPro, to replace the AMD system soon.

I love having several systems. The PB usually stays in the car (garaged). I sync all important doc's through email (either gmail, or my CO's email-love IMAP).

@ one point, I had 3 rack-mounted servers (file server, AD/DHCP/DNS, and security camera server) living in a closet, but the heat generated was way too much for my little house. I've since moved, and the security cameras are being replaced with IP based stuff, so I don't need so much equipment anymore.

[thworple]

I have my trusty Powerbook for use at home, but it will soon be joined by a MacPro. I love the fact I can use my Powerbook al over my house with my wi-fi connection, and in the garden too, when it isn't raining (as it so often does in this damn country).

But I need a more powerful machine to accompany it, hence the MacPro. One for work, one for play!

In-fact I really want a Mac Mini as well, hooked up to my TV in the living room. Coupled with an EyeTV add-on and Front Row, it would improve our home entertainment system greatly.

So I'm all for multiple machines. As long as they all serve a decent purpose.

[twoodcc]

i'm all for multiple computers.....but i must admit i have trouble keeping them organized.*

right now i have 2 laptops and a desktop. right now my girlfriend is borrowing one of my laptops

[drummerbooker14]

i have a portable and a desktop, and i think that is the way to go

[ITASOR]

I used to have my iBook G4 and a Quicksilver. It was a pain to keep trying to work on things and remember that I did that file on the other one, then having to copy it over. I really hated it. If I was working on something on the quicksilver and decided to move to another room to finish it on the iBook, I would have to copy everything back over to the laptop.

So, I eventually sold the Quicksilver and kept the iBook. Now, I've sold the iBook and bought a MacBook. I need portability, so having a laptop makes sense. It works just as good as a desktop on my desk for me, so I have no complaints.

I do have other desktops...powermac G4, G3, G5, etc. but I do not use any of them more than twice a month.

[Chone]

I couldn't do without a single computer, I have 5 computers currently, I used to have 2 PCs and 2 Macs but then I traded the PC for another Mac and got a PowerBook G4, honestly all I really need is two desktops, a PC and a Mac, portables are not really my thing.

[FredClausen]

To be honest, I'd like to have a desktop and a portable but the inconvenience is too much for me. If I work on something on my laptop I want to be able to work on it on my desktop too, but I can't unless I sync somehow. For a while I used a network share on a third machine, which was alright but if I'm on the road and I don't have a the right services on my third machine I'm out of luck.

I also tried setting specific tasks for each computer. My laptop was for certain things, my desktop for others, but invariably I would want to do a task that the other computer was intended for. Also what is the point of having two fully functioning devices if you won't be using them to their fullest?

What a pain.

I'm now just on my laptop. I really do want a desktop machine with some real oomph, but I don't think that is in the cards. The only upgrade I can see myself getting in the next year or so would be to upgrade my MB to a MBP, but that is only if I get serious about photography, which I doubt I will unless someone donates a nice SLR camera with nice lenses to me. I can dream can't I :)

What someone needs to do, and if someone has please someone point it out to me, is automate syncing Macs so that if I can a file on one all I have to do is hit a button and my home folder is synced. I'm not asking for entire computer syncing, just my user folder. Rsync is nice, but I don't want to muck with that stuff on the command line, and I don't want an rsync repository on a third machine, etc.

Apple would do very well building that functionality into OS X.

[EGT]

I'm seriously considering a Mac Pro purchase in the next few months but until then, the Powerbook is my main machine. I'll probably keep it running for as long as possible, using it for email/browsing while on the road. I'm just in love with the Mac Pro setup. It has everything you could want, superb CPUs, RAM capacity and hard drive space (!!!).

Still not sure though, the portables pack so much power these days. It's hard to ignore them. But one machine is so much easier to look after. :p

[FleurDuMal]

Well, I'm seriously considering getting myself a Mac Pro, even though I already have a Macbook - although this won't be for a while (probably next summer).

In fact, the more I think about it, the more I think I should've just waited for the Mac Pro and then got myself a cheap refurbed iBook, as all I would really be using it for is my endless hours in the library. Although I love my Macbook to pieces and is perfect for my needs at the moment (I got one of the perfect ones :D ), I fear in a couple of years it may become a bit of an obstacle for my purposes. Its inability to drive a 30" monitor, or dual monitor setup, will seriously hamper any future plans I may have to buy get such a display setup for my photography. The fantastic upgradability of the Mac Pro means it'll probably be able to tackle any task thrown at it in the next four/five years - something which I very much doubt my Macbook will be able to do. Furthemore, the incredible potential for storage on the Mac Pro is better than having loads of different external hard drives cluttering up my desk, which is mandatory if you have a laptop.

I suppose time will tell whether I made a mistake in thinking that I could use a laptop as my main system. I can definitely see myself getting a Mac Pro when the latest editions of Photoshop and Aperture begin to show my Macbooks age. But I will always need a laptop as I spend so much time in the library - but I just think it didn't need to be as powerful as the Macbook.

[FleurDuMal]

I'm now just on my laptop. I really do want a desktop machine with some real oomph, but I don't think that is in the cards. The only upgrade I can see myself getting in the next year or so would be to upgrade my MB to a MBP, but that is only if I get serious about photography, which I doubt I will unless someone donates a nice SLR camera with nice lenses to me. I can dream can't I :)


I thought about selling off my MB to fund an MBP, then realised it wouldn't really be worth the money I'd lose out on. For photography purposes, the only gain you could get from doing it at the moment would be a 0.16GHZ speed bump (I don't know how much a dedicated graphics card really hampers photographic software such as Aperture and Photoshop - but my guess is not much). OK, you'd get a bigger screen with nicer resolution, but the money you would lose from the upgrade to the MBP would probably be better spent on a 23" ACD/24" Dell to attach to your MB.

Well, that was my thought process anyway :o . I personally don't think the different between MB and MBP provides value for money - not for us photographers anyway. I may be wrong.

[milozauckerman]

(I don't know how much a dedicated graphics card really hampers photographic software such as Aperture and Photoshop - but my guess is not much)
Photoshop not so much, but Aperture relies on the GPU quite a bit for a 2D program.

[Nermal]

I own two desktops but didn't find myself using the second (slower) one, so I put my website on it* and gave it to a friend for long-term loan. He loves it, and only touches his XP box for games now :)

*That was a sneaky way to get 24/7 uptime on my personal website. "You can borrow the computer for as long as you like, so long as you don't reboot it" :p

[Cybix]

I find that since buying my MBP, I use it for everything, everywhere.. I gave my old P4 3Ghz pc to my inlaw's... it's garbage compared to my new mac anyway.

I still have a home office setup, with printer, card reader, 17" tft, and other peripherals that i can plug into while I'm at home, but find myself on the leather couch in front of the tv, with the MBP, more and more... (home office = wasted dollars!)...

Unfortunately I have to use an IBM thinkpad at work, i hate it. it's total junk compared to my MBP *sigh*.. it actually makes my job dull and boring, and sometimes annoying. I'm going to install SuSE on it today and see if I can get away with working on that instead of in wind0ws..... (at least it will be closer to OS X)..

with powerful portables, I dont really think desktop's are needed these days. Unless your a really hardcore power user doing seriously intensive work...

hrmmm

[ghall]

I whouldn't know what to do with 2 computers. I think it's definitaly helpful for a lot of people, but having a laptop and a desktop whould only hinder me. I like moving around a lot. Sometimes I work on the couch, sometimes I work in bed, sometimes I work at my desk, sometimes I work outside, etc, etc. Having just a laptop is perfect for me, and fits perfectly with my lifestyle, which is what Apple is all about, right?

[mkrishnan]

I was against it for the longest time, and then I really was in love with the iMac design and got an offer I couldn't resist. :o I've been really happy rockin' two. Part of what I like is that I can roll with the punches and be happier upgrading later and with used / refurb equipment... so it is not necessarily more expensive. (For instance, I bought my new iBook G4/800 in Dec 03, and then my used iMac G5/2.0 in Jan 06 for a very reasonable price. Because I have the iMac, I am pretty happy waiting even as long as for a used Merom MB with Leopard pre-installed...whereas I would've gotten sick of my iBook by now. Upgrading the iBook to a used MB won't be *that* expensive, cuz I'll get a little back for the iBook and a little off the MB....)

Also though I use them in concert sometimes. I suppose I could've done the same with a faster notebook and an external screen, but this setup wasn't particularly more expensive. I actually sort of viewed my iMac in some sense as a sort of compromise to get another display and wireless network attached storage. :D

[daneoni]

I use to own two then i sold my Dell now i want to go back to having two machines. Dont get me wrong i love my PowerBook BUT i yearn for a full size desktop keyboard/mouse and display and something with a little more ooph which isnt possible by just adding a display and keyboard to my PB.

So i'll be looking to get a MacPro soon. 2 machines are definately better than one because relying on one isnt safe particularly nowadays where computers get more delicate and are prone to failure.

[JAT]

We have several. One is now for the kids although it used to be pretty much the only one in the house, iMac (500MHz G3). Can't get rid of this right now since it can run both Classic and OS9 directly. My wife has a Macbook she uses for everything. I have an old PC running Win2K that is basically just sitting here so I can program remotes and Tivo hard drives when necessary, I never even put the cover back on since I only ever use it to swap stuff in and out. Some of that might switch over to my Mini with BC or Parallels; the Mini is intended to be an audio and photo server for the house, possibly video for the home theater at some point. But right now it's doubling as my main computer...I want a MBP for my main computer. Can't afford it right now, so waiting for RevB and cash flow.

This doesn't count the ancient stuff, but those are basically just collectibles now, never turned on.

[DanielGilbert]

What someone needs to do, and if someone has please someone point it out to me, is automate syncing Macs so that if I can a file on one all I have to do is hit a button and my home folder is synced. I'm not asking for entire computer syncing, just my user folder. Rsync is nice, but I don't want to muck with that stuff on the command line, and I don't want an rsync repository on a third machine, etc.


Well, I'm currently a Windows user with a laptop and a desktop. I had the same problem as you do, so I browsed around for a while and found an app called FolderShare. Basically, it automatically keeps folders on both computers in sync. It does it over the internet, and it even means that if you log in on the foldershare website, you can access your files on the web. It has worked flawlessly for me.

Now, as you will have noticed, I stated I'm on Windows. However, I'm looking at getting a nice shiny MB to replace the laptop soon, so I browsed around and found that FolderShare actually works on Mac too, allowing for Mac-PC, PC-PC and Mac-Mac synchronisation.


It has worked perfectly for me - if you've got the same problem, the URL is:

http://www.pcworld.com/downloads/file/fid,62693-order,1-page,1-c,alldownloads/description.html

[CrackedButter]

I would like to have 2 mac but for the moment I have no need or the cash so I'm good.

[QCassidy352]

I had 2 (ibook G4 12" and powermac G5 single 1.8) for a while. To be honest, I didn't like it all that much. Keeping things synced was a real pain, and I'm the kind of person who's easily bothered by something like that.

Now, however, I do find myself very drawn to the idea of getting a desktop again (intel mini or imac). A lot of the reason is that my experiences over the past few months have shown me how easy it is to be left without a mac all of a sudden!

[devilot]

iBook and iMac G5.

But I'm thinking of selling the iBook... I have always preferred desktops to laptops. Although, if I didn't have the iBook, I wouldn't be able to surf MR right now. :p (And seeing as my battery is one of those recalled, 4-6 weeks w/out a battery renders the "portability" aspect null.)

[lasuther]

I have my iMac, which is a WoW machine. And I let my wife think the MacBook is hers.

I think a laptop is necessary. And having a desktop at home is really nice, especially if you don't life alone.

[Origin]

I have 4 Macs at home :

- MacBook Pro for my job and personnal use in "mobility mode" :D
- Soon, a MacPro for the day-to-day in "desktop mode"
- PowerBook G4 17" : for my wife ;)
- A MacMini G4 with an external drive connected to my plasma for HomeTheater/MediaCenter/Storage/Backup server

That's a great confort in fact. But, seriously, I think that a Desktop AND a Laptop is the ultimate combinaison ;)

[7on]

I used to have a B/W 400MHz in addition to the Macbook - but I sold that tower for $175 in sweet sweet cash. I brought up my old P3 800Mhz up from home and have win98 on it for a good ole fashin FFVII playing.

[miniConvert]

I'd have a separate machine for every occaision if I could :D

I certainly believe in having a full blown desktop and then a portable for travel needs. I currently have a Mac mini purely for fun, and will soon have a Mac Pro for business. I hope to replace my Sony Vaio T2XP with an Apple ultraportable as soon as one becomes available, but Apple seem to be snubbing that market right now. Then maybe a larger MacBook Pro too? Who knows!

[Dane D.]

I would like to have a portable Mac. I use two computers at home, one to capture video (PPC 8500) and the other (B/W G3) to do everything else. The video capture is slow but, it works, then just send it across the network to my main unit. I plan I buying another used G4 for daughter. So having 2 Macs, I say you can't have enough of them.

[YS2003]

I am also into having more than 2 Macs. I don't want to be in the position I cannot send in the machine for repair simply because I don't have the back up machine. As you can see in my sig, I have a few back up units. So, if my PB needs the warranty repair, I will send it in and I will keep working on my work with the other machines. Sometimes, I run 4 Macs at the same time (one for iTune internet radio, one for Word/Excel reporting, one for Photoshop work, one for Illustrator/Indesign or MX2004 files, each on separate machine.

I usually use one of those 100 GB or 120 GB external portable Lacie HD for keeping the master files. So, for example, if I do my Word/Excel work on my iBook, I just copy them into Lacie and move on to my other Mac if I need that file.

[dpaanlka]

A lot of people here have a lot more than two Macs.

[jrk07]

I only own one Mac and that is an iMac G5, and I really enjoy it but could see having a portable at times. I've been living at home since graduating college back in June, and have really enjoyed using my dad's powerbook around the house and taking it with me at times.

When I move out I could see myself getting a portable and a nice new desktop, but right now being able to use my dad's is just fine.

[mikes63737]

What alot of people are saying about having a backup machine makes alot of sense. I think that you should keep your old Mac as a backup.

I also think that unless you're doing work where you absolutely need a desktop (or don't think you would use a laptop enough), you should get a laptop and a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse. It's like 2 computers in 1. And, you keep your old Mac as a backup computer.

[classicnerdgrrl]

i like old macs and have a hard time retiring useful machinery of any sort, but i did donate most of my stable to a re-use & recycling place last month. that leaves me with an ibook and an 8500 and a 5500 and a box of parts & pieces. i've always had at least 2 Macs since 1994. i go absolutely ballistic when i can't get online, i'm very rural and it's my line out to the world. So when one is not working (pilot error in adding new parts, upgrading, etc) there is another standing by.... we have satellite and a LAN out here at our community farm. i can wifi ibook in the orchard or record the band in the studio on the 8500. for someone who is heavily into their Macs for work and play, NOT having more than one seems weird.

[mkrishnan]

I also think that unless you're doing work where you absolutely need a desktop (or don't think you would use a laptop enough), you should get a laptop and a monitor, keyboard, and a mouse. It's like 2 computers in 1. And, you keep your old Mac as a backup computer.

At that rate you can just get a KVM and you'll have a real twofer! :)

[aswitcher]

As soon as they release a Mac that will serve well as a multimedia machine for the lcdtv I will have two.

[dsnort]

I have a 20" iMac intel core duo for home and a Black Macbook for work,( I travel a lot). I like my MB, but don't find the ergonomics of any portable as comfortable as a desktop, so i prefer my iMac whenever I'm near it.

[Kirbdog]

I only had the 12" PowerBook while I was in school, it totally fulfilled my needs at the time. Once I was finished school I really needed a large display for photo editing. I considered just getting a 20" or 23" display to hook to the PowerBook but I ultimately could not resist the 20" iMac. The two factor that swayed me was the preformance boost from the Intel chips and a refurbished iMac only a few hundred dollars more than a 23" display.
Have not regreted it for a minute.

[aaron.lee2006]

I have a MBP, but recently I bought a iMac G4 for the cuteness. Still, I actually like having two macs, lets me work on both...

I have an MBP but am looking into a g4 mini.

[Demoman]

I have multiple Macs, but they mainly serve three primary services. I use 2 (very soon to be 3) PM/MP's for rendering and encoding video. It is also nice to have your entire post-production flow on the screens at the same time.

I also have a PB 17" G4 for when I travel. We usually vacation 2-3 weeks at a time. So, I need a Mac to travel with.

I also have a G4 Mini that my wife uses. I became tired cleaning her machine of viruses and malware. She also has a couple Dell's, but she always uses the Mini for Internet and email. She also uses it for iPhoto, iTunes, Pages and Keynote.

The Mac faithful might be glad to know, as of yesterday, my entire family has been converted to Apple. It took 20 months, although all but three were done in less than 13 months.

4 Mini's
6 iMac's
2 MB's
2 MBP's
1 PB
1 PM
(plus me)

[Mrjynx]

i have a few macs.

First one started as the powerbook 12" in university. It allowed me to code on our Sun boxes anywhere on the campus network (ie. No smelly labs!). OSX was "powerful" enough to let me stream my xwindows apps through the os, something that was done very badly in windows(never figured it out).

Loved the powerbook, eventually bought the iMac 20" G5 2ghz. used that for awhile, and now I'm finally typing this message on my Mac Pro (waited a month!!!)

I have a few PC's left over in pieces, but they'll probably remain that way for the time being :)


MrJynx

[freebooter]

I've got a shelved B&W 350 mhz collecting dust, a mini which i will soon sell to get an iMac 20 or 24". I'm hoping to get an old powerbook G4 for cheap so I can read, look at stuff in bed, and do some things with it at work.

[nosen]

Gotta have a portable and a desktop! :o

Easy to keep them synced up with .Mac. For me its the most valuable piece of that system. Bookmarks, mail, etc, all stay the same, and the iDisk is handy for transferring files around.

[Clix Pix]

I have long had at least two computers in the household, one desktop and a laptop..... When I switched to the Mac, I started out with the 20" rev B G5 iMac, fell in love with it and OS X and not too long after bought a PB for travel and mobility around the house. I knew that I would want to have a Mac on the road rather than my old Windows laptop. Later succumbed to the temptation of the MBPs and now I've got the three machines, the MBP being plugged into the 30" ACD I later bought in anticipation of my next Mac purchase, the Mac Pro.... Eventually when I've got the Mac Pro I'll put the MBP back to use as the travel machine and will sell the PB.....

I find it very useful to have more than one computer and would feel bereft if I had only one.....

[janstett]

Only two? No, I couldn't live that way :)

Let's see, I'll chime in to prove what a geek I am (I am a professional software developer)

- Mac Pro 3.0GHz on the way
- MacBook Pro gets taken to work
- Mac Mini in the kitchen, my wife's surfing computer
- IBM Thinkpad X60 for ultraportable work
- IBM Thinkpad X40 on 24/7 as a media server and download mule
- Dell XPS5 (dual core Pentium Extreme) as my main desktop
- Gateway 2.5 GHz P4 as my Fedora Core 5 desktop
- HP 17" laptop used as a media center PC with my 51" DLP HDTV.
- HP 3.0 GHz P4 used as my home theater PC.
- Compaq 1 GHz MAME PC (complete with arcade joystick and portrait-rotated CRT)

Then there's the semi-retired list
- Thinkpad A22P (1GHz, probably destined for Ubuntu)
- Fujitsu ultra-portable with broken screen (no idea)

Then there's the hall of fame in my basement, oldest being an Atari 400.

[slffl]

So the reason I like 1 mac is I like having all of my media in one place. Which brings me to my dilemma. It would be really nice to have an iMac as well as a laptop.

Does anyone here know of an easy, painless way to sync photos, music, etc between two macs on a weekly basis?

[sierra oscar]

or daily basis if you need = .mac

[scorpio8977]

i just have the one MBP 15" right now, couldn't be unfaithful to it. No, in all seriousness, a G5 is on the shopping list at some point, but I think I'll stop then.

[twoodcc]

or daily basis if you need = .mac

but what about if you're dealing with more than 1 GB of files? and you can't afford .mac?*

how is everyone with many macs keeping their files organized? this is my main problem

[tjwett]

i've been on two for a while now, laptop and desktop. i have a dot mac account for syncing that stuff but i think i'll be moving to a MacBook for my "only" working machine and put the mini in the livingroom. in the past the portables just didn't have the power, that's all changed now. i like simplicity personally.

[OldCorpse]

I believe in the Mac Pro on my desktop..
I believe in the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me...
I believe in the AMD 64x24400/dual 7800gtx sitting on another table next to the mac pro.
i believe in the 2.4ghz celeron system runing my TS server/fileserver on top of the AMD system...
I believe in the Apple //e I use to play Wizardry and Ultima 1-5 on :)

I would go on, but then you would all realize I am a total geek and have no life when not plugged in..... I'm trying to purchase a Mac Mini as I type :)

What?? Sorry, but this is nuts: "the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me". That monstrosity is 11 pounds. You lug 11 pounds everywhere you go??? You must either be built like Schwarzenegger to carry it constantly, or built like Quasimodo from your back being permanently crippled by this monstrosity.

Going around everywhere carrying that hideous thing like a millstone just so I can have a Windows experience... shudder. Some people never cease to amaze me. That's how I know that certain thing I'll just never understand.

To me, it seems logical that you'd want as light a laptop as you can for portablility (I didn't say necessrily "smal", just "light"), and as powerful desktop as you can manage for the heavy lifting of computing. And having a windows machine is not all bad, though at this point with bootcamp and paralells a dedicated unit seems no longer 100% required. YMMV.

[mkrishnan]

- IBM Thinkpad X40 on 24/7 as a media server and download mule

Just out of curiosity, why do you use a notebook for this when you have so many desktops?

By the way mad props for having a MAME computer. :D If only there were some way to run MAME on a Nintendo DS... :D

[TBi]

What?? Sorry, but this is nuts: "the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me". That monstrosity is 11 pounds. You lug 11 pounds everywhere you go??? You must either be built like Schwarzenegger to carry it constantly, or built like Quasimodo from your back being permanently crippled by this monstrosity.
He forgot to mention the little wheely trolley (http://www.seniorshops.com/wheely.html) that goes everywhere with him too!

[janstett]

Just out of curiosity, why do you use a notebook for this when you have so many desktops?

Lower power consumption and less fan noise than a desktop, plus the battery is like having a UPS for free.

[generik]

What?? Sorry, but this is nuts: "the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me". That monstrosity is 11 pounds. You lug 11 pounds everywhere you go??? You must either be built like Schwarzenegger to carry it constantly, or built like Quasimodo from your back being permanently crippled by this monstrosity.


Just because you spend 9-5 sitting in front of a computer doesn't mean that our attractive and affluence Dell using executives are not idly working out in the gym, or getting some exercise for that arm playing golf.

11 pounds might be too heavy for you, but to a real man, it is nothing :rolleyes:

[PieMac]

I've had various laptops through the years-from iBooks to Powerbooks to my current Macbook and was sharing our 20" iMac G5 with my other half up until about a week ago when she moved it out to her studio for a better work flow (she's an artist).

.Mac synching capabilities really does take the headache out of things to a large degree; however, I would love it if Apple would incorporate a way to keep iPhoto and iTunes libraries in synch....that's the biggest headache for me-epecially with iPhoto as I've been delving into a little photography freelance work. That said, I've just ordered the new 24" iMac as I can't really do photo editing work to any degree on my little Macbook. My SO wants me to Ebay my Macbook to help defray the cost...and I know I should, but I just hate the idea of not having it as well. Yesterday she made me a "deal" and said that I could keep both if I downgraded to the 20" iMac. I really would love that 24" display to work on and it just seems redundant to have another 20" iMac in the mix. What to do, what to do....!

[slffl]

What to do, what to do....!

Well I happen to just be doing some PS work on my 17" PB. I was just thinking it would be REALLY nice to have more screen real estate for all of the different tool windows.

I say keep the macbook and get a 23" display, or get the 24" iMac.

[PieMac]

I say keep the macbook and get a 23" display, or get the 24" iMac.

I considered adding the display, but decided that I would be better off in the long run with the capabilities of the iMac-especially if I wind up getting Aperture down the road. The Macbook is a great machine, but just not as capable in some repects.

[Gaelic1]

Just curious.

How many of you believe in the one machine way of life and how many of you believe in a portable and a desktop?
I have a desktop G5 and I use it for everything. I like to burn DVDs of photos and movies I take. I just bought a G3 powerbook which I use to check e-mail and download photos I take while away on trips. It works for me but I wouldn't need a new PB since the price wouldn't be worth it.:)

[Foggy]

I need both. I work away from home a lot so have a Vaio 17" laptop (which also gets used in the house all the time for web browsing in the lounge), but couldnt live with that permanently, my main machine has dual screen setup and is much better for working. I then use my older laptop as a chat/irc/edonkey machine. File wise it isnt an issue for me as I also have a server that I work off (I do web development and dont keep any files on the local machine for that) and for music etc I use a terastation NAS.

Looking forward to replacing the Vaio with a mbp soonish, then in the new year will replace the desktop with a mac pro (currently an Athlon running Gentoo).

[steelfist]

i'd recommend at least two computers, so if one has a problem, you have another to continue your work, and continue surfing online. one can always be used to diagnose the other, (very useful for PCs) and gaming is pretty fun if you have a friend come over. i have a friend that sent his computer for fixing and still got his work done with his other computer, accessing his backed up homework files on his external hard drive.

[deputy_doofy]

When the new MBP is released, I'll have 3 Macs. :D

[disconap]

I believe in the Mac Pro on my desktop..
I believe in the Dell XPS M170 that goes everywhere with me...
I believe in the AMD 64x24400/dual 7800gtx sitting on another table next to the mac pro.
i believe in the 2.4ghz celeron system runing my TS server/fileserver on top of the AMD system...
I believe in the Apple //e I use to play Wizardry and Ultima 1-5 on :)

YES. Ultima IV was the third best game I ever played in my //c. One was Wasteland and two was Neuromancer (I still have both).

PS--I have 6, soon 8, macs, but I personally only use 4 of them--the G4 Sawtooth is my main machine, the G4 ibook is my home/portable, the G3 b/w is our audio recording/mixing machine, and I have a 233 G3 imac that I use to test webpages on. All the others are for interns.

[meepm00pmeep]

it's good if you can afford both a desktop & a portable... i only have 1 (when i get my MBP) and it's good enough until i save up enough to get a iMac as well for a desktop

[aussie_geek]

Having 2 Mac's is great. My PowerBook goes to work every day for internet ,surfing, email and burning the odd cd. When I get home, it is straight onto the G5. I have the PowerBook set up next to it for email and sometimes to watch tv with evetv.

Another advantage to having 2 Macs is when you are playing WoW. It's always great to have Thotbott's (http://www.thotbott.com/) WoW database at your fingertips. :D


aussie_geek

[1dterbeest]

I've always been an advocate of having two computers.

For awhile I had my iMac G4 and a windows desktop,
both on the same desk! Then I sold my windows box
to help pay for my MBP. After a few months of two
macs, I decided that I definitely didn't need both. I'm
in the process of trading my iMac for a pretty good
windows desktop again.

No matter what, when you have two computers, a
high capacity external hard drive is a really handy thing
to have. My 200GB Seagate has been really handy.

[macman2790]

I've always been an advocate of having two computers.

For awhile I had my iMac G4 and a windows desktop,
both on the same desk! Then I sold my windows box
to help pay for my MBP. After a few months of two
macs, I decided that I definitely didn't need both. I'm
in the process of trading my iMac for a pretty good
windows desktop again.

No matter what, when you have two computers, a
high capacity external hard drive is a really handy thing
to have. My 200GB Seagate has been really handy.
I think you should just sell your imac g4 and get a new merom imac. Use bootcamp or wait for leopard so it's more reliable. just buy a copy of windows xp and put it on your imac. or maybe in 2013 when vista comes out it'll be compatible with bootcamp on mac os 15.3

[jlewis2k1]

if i were to get a laptop i would also get one of those network drives just so i can just save my files onto that without the hassel of sycing all of the time.

[sejanus]

hi guys

so - has anyone found an app that can sync folders between 2 macs?

specifically I have a macbook pro and a mac pro - I want my itunes + iphoto library to be sync'd between them.

I think .mac only does bookmarks and email?

cheers

[Richard Flynn]

hi guys

so - has anyone found an app that can sync folders between 2 macs?

specifically I have a macbook pro and a mac pro - I want my itunes + iphoto library to be sync'd between them.

I think .mac only does bookmarks and email?

cheers
I love ChronoSync (http://www.econtechnologies.com/site/Pages/ChronoSync/chrono_overview.html) from Econ Technologies (http://www.econtechnologies.com/site/index.html). It has some very smart syncing capabilities - whether you want an exact sync between the two folders, one folder to mirror another, one to backup to another, pretty much anything. It can sync with any folder you can mount on your Mac - I had it running syncs between a Windows machine and a PowerBook for a while. It's one of the best $30 USD purchases I've made: I use it all the time, especially now I'm migrating several machines over to a Mac Pro/MBP combination. Day-to-day I use it to sync the desktop and notebook Documents folders and various application settings (templates, fonts, etc.) I'm not quite sure how it'd work with iTunes syncing, but I don't see why it wouldn't work.

Otherwise, look at syncOtunes (http://homepage.mac.com/oligrob/syncOtunes/syncOtunes.html) which is specifically for syncing two Macs' iTunes libraries.

PS - sejanus are you a fan of Tacitus Annals Book IV?

[lowfi]

2 macs here

one for the road: powerbook
one at home: mac pro

In time i might buy a macbook. G4 is aging and slow as hell :P

[sejanus]

thanks for the software links richard. Yes I know tacitus back to front :)

cheers



Otherwise, look at syncOtunes (http://homepage.mac.com/oligrob/syncOtunes/syncOtunes.html) which is specifically for syncing two Macs' iTunes libraries.

PS - sejanus are you a fan of Tacitus Annals Book IV?

[freebird]

Personally I've had enough hard drive failure to not trust a laptop for music/photo/document storage. Those things are just too fragile, and they even fail pretty frequently in desktop computers. I just don't like the idea of so much of my life being rattled and shook around all day.

[EGT]

Personally I've had enough hard drive failure to not trust a laptop for music/photo/document storage. Those things are just too fragile, and they even fail pretty frequently in desktop computers. I just don't like the idea of so much of my life being rattled and shook around all day.

Yeah, this thought passes my mind every now and again too.

...Patiently awaiting Flash drives to increase capacity and decrease price... :p

[Sawtoothdude]

I Beleive in multiple machines.
I have a G4 and am planning to jump up the the Quicksilver G4 with my processor videocard and RAM updrages.
I also plan on getting an intel mini so i can use universal apps.

I used to have a Pc running through a KVM but one day i literally pulled my crappy comp off my desk and tossed it into my living room. *.* Gosh i hated that thing.

as for portable machines i dont really like it as much as a tower because you cant upgrade it and the trackpads are a bit akward.

My dream mac line up would be.
Powermac G5 Quad 2.7
Mac Pro Quad 3.0 16GB Ram...etc
Macbook in black
and iBook G4



My line up now:

Powermac G4 1.8Ghz
Powermac G3 400Mhz
Powerbook 3400c
... too many to list

[FFTT]

I'm hoping to eventually see a full featured MBP 13" WS

I can't type worth a damn, so I prefer the MBP keypad to the MacBook's.

I also can't imagine lugging around anything larger than a 12" or 13" in a laptop.

If I want performance or real estate, I'll use my G5 tower with my Dell 24"

For me the most important benefit of having a wireless capable small laptop
would be to download and upload data.

At home I'm still on dial-up so even the smallest file takes forever.

My daughter's iBook is perfect for that kind of use.

IF....she lets me borrow it.

[mavherzog]

I've gone back and forth. I had a thinkpad and a mini. Got rid of both for a 12" iBook. Added a 20" iMac CD (which I absolutely LOVED!) to the mix. Found myself NEVER using the iMac...would be in the same room, on the couch with my iBook. So, I sold both of them and bought a MacBook.

I DO have a PC that I use as a linux workstation; primarily for VPN'ing into work. I need *x1200 resolution for my work apps...and hate plugging the MacBook into an external display.

IF Apple would release a laptop with a decent high-density screeen (1920x1200 would be the ideal), I would do away with the PC and stick with just a portable till the end of time. :)

(also, my wife has a 17" iMac G5 and the kids have their own Intel mini...I do NOT share computers)

[macg4]

yeah i use my powermac g5 as my main computer, also have a pismo g3 powerbook for on the go mac computing.

[janstett]

OK, my 3.0 GHz Mac Pro quad finally came. Wait till you guys hear this.

I used to have 3 computers on a KVM switch. But with the excitement over the Mac Pro arriving, I decided to rearrange my entire den, and configure my desk like a lab bench -- each computer now gets its own display (in the case of the PC and Mac, two displays each). I have about 6 feet of consecutive LCD screens against my wall :) I bought three 20" widescreen Samsung displays (very nice, and Sam's Club has them for $299).

The PC has a 20" widescreen and a 20" 4x3 rotated to portrait mode.
The Mac has two 20" widescreens.
The Fedora box has a single 18" LCD.

I'm not done with the "surgery" to my den, but I'll post pictures when it's finished.