Air & iMac or wait for new MBP?

[Trimmer2]

I currently have a MacBook Pro built in '05 so we're coming up on a 3 year old MBP. I love it don't get me wrong but, it's time to upgrade for more storage and etc...

My initial thoughts were to wait for the new MBP expected in June or fall. I can wait but, have thought of another solution. Currently I'm connected to a 23" Cinemax display and wireless mouse and keyboard. Good set up in my opinion and I'm quite content. I would probably keep the same set up with a new MBP.

My other solution would be to purchase the MBAir and an iMac. I like the horsepower of the iMac and the portability of the Air. What issues besides Air storage would there be in keeping the two synced? I'm often on the road for a week or two at a time but, at home I'd like to have my iPhoto, iTunes and other storage intensive programs accessible. Not necessary as my iPod takes care of the tunes and important pics currently.

Is this a valid option or should I just wait for the new MBP? What other suggestions for a power user at home and a road warrior? ...I also NEED to stay current with technology so, that's a factor too.. ;)

[Philflow]

Have you considered upgrading the harddrive in your MBP?

There are new 320GB harddisks that deliver very good performance, or 200GB that deliver the best performance.
http://www.storagereview.com/php/benchmark/suite_v4.php?typeID=10&testbedID=4&osID=6&raidconfigID=1&numDrives=1&devID_0=355&devID_1=359&devCnt=2

[Trimmer2]

I haven't considered a hard drive upgrade. I'm also looking for new graphics card, more memory, faster wifi and etc... 3 years is OLD for a laptop and 1.5 years longer than I've ever gone. It's just time to upgrade/freshen up.

Besides the $$'s what are the pit falls of an Air and iMac combo vs. new MBP?

[nick9191]

You must have a powerbook not a macbook pro if you got it in 05.

I would just go for the current macbook pro if you need it now, the next update wont add any worthwhile features really. The current ones are still at a good price point as well.

I would pick up an external display as well so at home you can use the nicer screen. This will be cheaper, and will let you have all your work on one computer.

Edit: Oh you already have a display, even better.

[jnc]

Wait for the new MacBook Pro. It's a portable iMac, and two machines gets irritating after a while if you plan to use them both frequently - which I'm sure you'd want to in the case of a brand new iMac and MBA. I have a Mac Pro (FS - see sig! :D) and a MacBook and I enjoy using the MP at home but obviously once on the move I require the MacBook. The MBP offers the best of both worlds - (power/portability)

[rom]

If you can wait, wait until you find the configuration that suits both your needs and budget.

[jonswan]

I have the iMac / MBA set up and for me it's perfect - they are both excellent machines. I like having both especially if one breaks down, the portability of the MBA is amazing. However, only you can decide if it's worth changing your set up completely. Go play with them at the Apple store and take your time deciding.

[ayeying]

Im awaiting for the new MBP to replace my air as a primary computer. I agree with some ppl saying iMac + Air would be a great combo for when one system dies or such, but for me, its a hassle to use 2 systems with 2 different sets of files and settings and such.

[twoodcc]

my question is how do you sync the files?

[juro]

iMac and MBA are perfect - I have the same setup right now. Of course, my iMac is an older G5, but the complement each other very well. I get the storage and power from the iMac and I get the portability and form factor of the Air.

If you can afford to buy them both brand new - I'd say go for it!

[Philflow]

I would always choose a separate desktop and ultraportable. Laptops of 2,5 kilo are not meant for the road.

Plus I don't like unpacking my bag, connecting and disconnecting my portable to power, LCD, keyboard every time I get home.

my question is how do you sync the files?

I use my gmail account to sync some small files, like bookmarks. For the rest I don't sync.

[jnc]

my question is how do you sync the files?

It would be cool if you could sync your folders iPod-style :D

[wordmunger]

I have pretty much the setup you describe. I use .mac and iDisk to keep my most important files available on both computers. It's not ideal though because iDisk is not backed up through time machine. I'd love to know of a better way to keep files synced.

For access to all my files I could use Back to My Mac, but I've never needed it.

For mail syncing I use gMail's web platform on the MBA and only download the messages to Mail on the iMac.

Overall, it works great to have an iMac and an MBA. You could get the smaller 20-inch iMac and pair it up with your 23-inch display to have a very nice system.

[i0Nic]

I'm in the exact same situation but I'm coming from a MB not a MBP.

I still haven't made up my mind yet, also wondering about the syncing problem and if it would be too much of a hassle to be worth it. A big fear is paying for two premium computers and only using one of them the majority of time. I am at my desk 80% of the time, however that might be because my laptop is tethered to the display and I can't be bothered unplugging/plugging all the time.

[jnc]

I have pretty much the setup you describe. I use .mac and iDisk to keep my most important files available on both computers. It's not ideal though because iDisk is not backed up through time machine. I'd love to know of a better way to keep files synced.

For access to all my files I could use Back to My Mac, but I've never needed it.

For mail syncing I use gMail's web platform on the MBA and only download the messages to Mail on the iMac.

Overall, it works great to have an iMac and an MBA. You could get the smaller 20-inch iMac and pair it up with your 23-inch display to have a very nice system.

Or... he could get a MBP and plug the display directly into that when at home, not have to worry about file overlaps and save a boatload of money. HMMM, DECISIONS.

[wordmunger]

Or... he could get a MBP and plug the display directly into that when at home, not have to worry about file overlaps and save a boatload of money. HMMM, DECISIONS.

Sure, it's up to him. Personally I prefer to have a much more portable computer. Every time I look at my wife's PowerBook, I think to myself what a clunky, ungainly thing it is. I barely notice the MBA when I put it into my bag to carry around. I can't say that about the iBook G4 I used to carry. I also like not having to plug a mouse and display into my laptop whenever I want to get down to serious work. For me, it's great to have a central, always-on computer that can serve up music and photos to the rest of the house. But for other people, those things aren't as important as saving $700 or so, depending on your configuration.

[jnc]

Sure, it's up to him. Personally I prefer to have a much more portable computer. Every time I look at my wife's PowerBook, I think to myself what a clunky, ungainly thing it is. I barely notice the MBA when I put it into my bag to carry around. I can't say that about the iBook G4 I used to carry. I also like not having to plug a mouse and display into my laptop whenever I want to get down to serious work. For me, it's great to have a central, always-on computer that can serve up music and photos to the rest of the house. But for other people, those things aren't as important as saving $700 or so, depending on your configuration.

more like $1000 at the least... that's the price gap between a MBP and the MBA/iMac combo, at base specs...

[wordmunger]

more like $1000 at the least... that's the price gap between a MBP and the MBA/iMac combo, at base specs...

Or $500 if you get the 512 MB video card. Whatever. Look, if you really want to save money, you could get a Mac mini and a MacBook for less than a MBP. Clearly money's not such a big deal to this guy. I'm just saying that the ultra-portability is worth it to some people, and it's worth it to me.

[jnc]

Or $500 if you get the 512 MB video card. Whatever. Look, if you really want to save money, you could get a Mac mini and a MacBook for less than a MBP. Clearly money's not such a big deal to this guy. I'm just saying that the ultra-portability is worth it to some people, and it's worth it to me.

If 2.4lb weight difference + gimped features on the move at the cost of $1k is his thing, he needs medical diagnosis. Everything in the OP suggests he'd go for MBP anyway.

[wordmunger]

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz

This debate has been going on ever since the MBA was announced. If you don't want an MBA, DON'T GET ONE!

[jnc]

If you don't want an MBA, DON'T GET ONE!

Settle down sir. I'd love an MBA, but I just can't rationalise it. Seeing as this guy is trying to make a choice rather than just going for one or the other, I guess he's trying to weigh things up too.

[wordmunger]

Settle down sir. I'd love an MBA, but I just can't rationalise it. Seeing as this guy is trying to make a choice rather than just going for one or the other, I guess he's trying to weigh things up too.

Look, I'm just tired of the same old arguments being repeated over and over again. As I said many times in this thread, for some people, it's worth paying for portability. Others, not so much. Personally I can't understand why anyone would pay the exorbitant monthly rates for iPhone service. Others seem to be happy to pay. I'm willing to pay a $700 premium over a MacBook to save 2 pounds in an MBA. Others think I'm crazy. That's life. No logical argument is going to convince me that it wasn't worth it to me to pay the extra for the MBA.

[i0Nic]

I am leaning towards a MBP+display setup for the cost effectiveness and simplicity of not having to transfer files. The two main things I'm giving up with this configuration are 1) A very portable laptop, 2) Giving up using the laptop as intended (since it will mainly be in desktop mode).

However for the times I do decide to take it with me I think this setup will be more useful than having a whole other computer with a premium price just sitting around idle most of the time. I think if I was going to be carrying around a laptop every day to work or wherever I would go for the iMac and MBA option, but carrying a MBP around the house and to work once every couple of weeks won't drain me.

For my needs I think mbp/display is the best option... however even better would be a more capable Macbook Air + display.

Since I'm upgrading at the start of next year, I'm really hoping that sometime around then the MBA gets updated to a 2ghz processor with 4gb RAM, 128gb SSD and a better integrated vid card. I think those specs would allow me to get the Air over the MBP, barring massive price difference.

[Philflow]

Settle down sir. I'd love an MBA, but I just can't rationalise it.

It's the people that need to rationalize their decision that you see carrying around 2,5 kilo laptops :)

[ninjapenguinart]

You could always get an Eee 900 (with linux) if all you want is portability, and it's only $550.

[netdog]

An iMac and an MBA make for a great solution. Assembling and disassembling your home work setup is much more of a hassle than you might think.

As for keeping the critical documents that you need in sync on both machines, there are a number of easy automatic software-based solutions.

I used to carry around a MacBook Pro. The MBA really is much more portable.

[Satori]

Look, I'm just tired of the same old arguments being repeated over and over again. As I said many times in this thread, for some people, it's worth paying for portability. Others, not so much. Personally I can't understand why anyone would pay the exorbitant monthly rates for iPhone service. Others seem to be happy to pay. I'm willing to pay a $700 premium over a MacBook to save 2 pounds in an MBA. Others think I'm crazy. That's life. No logical argument is going to convince me that it wasn't worth it to me to pay the extra for the MBA.

Absolutely!

I don't know why folks who don't want an MBA themselves seem so determined that no one else should want one!

[i0Nic]

An iMac and an MBA make for a great solution. Assembling and disassembling your home work setup is much more of a hassle than you might think.

As for keeping the critical documents that you need in sync on both machines, there are a number of easy automatic software-based solutions.

I used to carry around a MacBook Pro. The MBA really is much more portable.
I kind of agree with you on the assembling/disassembling the home setup being a hassle with a laptop/display setup. It's like this, I'm at my desk right now with that very setup, I would probably be more comfortable downstairs in front of the fireplace (it's cold here). However my laptop is tethered and it would be a hassle unplugging it and then knowing I'd have to replug everything later.. so I stay here.

Also coming home from uni, I can't just sit down at my desk and browse the net. I have to unpack my bag and hook everything up to use my computer. It can be a bit of a hassle.

However which is more of a negative, syncing files and maintaining two computers, or reassembling your home setup. It's a hard decision with some factors to weigh up like, how often are you going to be taking your laptop on the road or to the office? If it's every day, then you might be better off with a smaller less capable laptop (MBA) and a desktop computer.

If it's not too often like me, then maybe the MBP/display option is best. Or even an iMac and an EEEPC. An EEE to keep costs down and so I don't feel so guilty for not using it too often as it's not as freakin expensive as a MBA.

[jnc]

Look, I'm just tired of the same old arguments being repeated over and over again. As I said many times in this thread, for some people, it's worth paying for portability. Others, not so much. Personally I can't understand why anyone would pay the exorbitant monthly rates for iPhone service. Others seem to be happy to pay. I'm willing to pay a $700 premium over a MacBook to save 2 pounds in an MBA. Others think I'm crazy. That's life. No logical argument is going to convince me that it wasn't worth it to me to pay the extra for the MBA.

I don't even know when this winded up being a MBA discussion. My original point was that MBP seems more convenient than having two computers and all the data swapping that might incur, but it got lost in the fire.

It's the people that need to rationalize their decision that you see carrying around 2,5 kilo laptops :)

If I can only choose one Mac (which is the case) I'll take the 1kg hit in weight for all those extra features any day. However much I love the MBA it wouldn't be viable as a primary computer for my requirements. If I had a powerful home computer I'd certainly go for the MBA as my road machine.

I kind of agree with you on the assembling/disassembling the home setup being a hassle with a laptop/display setup. It's like this, I'm at my desk right now with that very setup, I would probably be more comfortable downstairs in front of the fireplace (it's cold here). However my laptop is tethered and it would be a hassle unplugging it and then knowing I'd have to replug everything later.. so I stay here.

Also coming home from uni, I can't just sit down at my desk and browse the net. I have to unpack my bag and hook everything up to use my computer. It can be a bit of a hassle.


I hope I will be okay in the home environment with a MBP acting as a DTR. I've a Cintiq I'd need to plug into the DVI and USB, but USB devices will be managed with a hub. Then two fw800 external hard drives, daisy-chained and using just one port.

So, fw800, USB hub, DVI and power. Four things to connect. I hope that doesn't get as annoying as you make out :(

[grandeabc]

For me, the MBPro is like a desktop, because it is too heavy and too big. The MBA is the best solution for portability, and better if you can buy a desktop (iMac). So, if you can buy only one machine, get the MBPro. But, if you can pay more, the best option is to have a MBA plus an iMAC. I had the MBPro and I quite never carry it out, beucause it is too heavy. Even at home the MBPro was not nice to carry. Now, I have a MBA and I'll buy an iMac in this Week. For sync I'm thinking about SyncTogether app instead of dot Mac. Also, if you do not neew to carry a MB, and if you have already a display, as you really have, I would buy (in you case) a MBA + TimeCapsule 1tb (to stream midia) and use your display at home.
Best solution for you, in my point of view: MBA + TimeCapsule 1tb, in case you do not run heavy programs for work.

[beast]

This decision really depends on how much power you need on the move..... If you don't need a lot of power and disk space when you are away from the desk, then the air and imac combo is a good one. However, if your portable needs stretch beyond basic everyday computing, then get an MBP.

[johnnyjibbs]

What's the hassle in taking a laptop out of a bag and plugging the power cable in? You have to do that with the MBA when you get home anyway. I would say keeping files synced between computers is actually more of a hassle.

[i0Nic]

What's the hassle in taking a laptop out of a bag and plugging the power cable in? You have to do that with the MBA when you get home anyway. I would say keeping files synced between computers is actually more of a hassle.

Agree with the fact it may be more of a hassle to keep the computers synced then having to plug in. However... it is more than just having to plug in a power cable and you're done. Personally, I have an array of connections, I use up basically all the ports on the macbook at my desk. In addition, I have to wake the computer, enable both the screens, which then requires me to re-adjust the window sizes of the various apps I've had open on the smaller macbook screen. Before I do this I have to walk upstairs, unpack my bag, unzip the macbook out of it's case and place it on the stand.

I know this sounds fairly trivial, but when you do this routine every day, sometimes I think it would just be easier to have a seperate desktop Mac and a portable. That way my laptop can be as intended to be used portably. It could live downstairs where I'd most like to use it. In addition, when I got home all I'd have to do to start computing is either stay downstairs with my laptop, or go upstairs and press a single key on the keyboard and my iMac would wake.

However.... the dreaded syncing issue comes into play, and this is the main reason that's stopping me from going this route.

[Philflow]

What's the hassle in taking a laptop out of a bag and plugging the power cable in?
Well in my case:
-unpacking bag
-plugging in power cable in Air and in power outlet
-plugging in mini DVI cable
-plugging in keyboard and mouse

And then when I leave I would have to un plug everything and pack my bag.

On average I would have to pack & unpack twice a day.


You have to do that with the MBA when you get home anyway.
No I leave it in my bag. And work at my desktop at home.

I would say keeping files synced between computers is actually more of a hassle.
Well maybe in your case, not in my case.

I do most of my work online, so I hardly sync files.

[i0Nic]

Well maybe in your case, not in my case.

I do most of my work online, so I hardly sync files.

Tell me more about how you do your work that you don't often require to sync.

[Philflow]

Tell me more about how you do your work that you don't often require to sync.

Part of my job is a lot of email: I use a gmail account

Other part of my job is updating a website; all files are online. I work in Adobe dreamweaver which is installed on both systems.

For the rest I read a lot of stuff, also online.

The only syncing I sometimes do is the bookmark file of Firefox, I save that as a draft in my gmail account. Takes hardly 5 seconds.

[jnc]

Before I do this I have to walk upstairs,

OH

unpack my bag,

THE

unzip the macbook out of it's case

HORROR! http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/r/rofl.gif

I know this sounds fairly trivial

Sure does. Phew, I think I'll survive :D

[wordmunger]

OH
THE
HORROR! http://e.deviantart.com/emoticons/r/rofl.gif
Sure does. Phew, I think I'll survive :D

Give it up. Some people find this inconvenient. Clearly you don't. We get it.

[jnc]

Give it up. Some people find this inconvenient. Clearly you don't. We get it.

okay, dad. :rolleyes:

[mhnajjar]

I am sorry guys for digging this up, but I am interested to know the OP's decision because I am thinking of doing a 24" iMac + 1.6 MBA!

[bb10lue]

I have the 24'' imac and 80hdd macbook air, IMO its the PERFECT combo!! Absolutely LOVE it!!! I do most of my works on imac (love the big screen), and macbook air when im away(man....its amazing!!!).

[agent mac]

I recently upgraded my kit from a G5 MacPro and a 12" Powerbook to a 3GHz iMac and a 1.8 Ghz/64 GB MBA. I couldn't be happier with them. I had worries about the reflections on the iMac, and the truth is it's a complete non issue. As for the Air, reading these forums I was really wondering whether I'd made a horrible mistake, but again, my machine is fast, silent, and yesterday I callibrated the battery and to run it down played videos on YouTube for half an hour and it was absolutely fine!

As for the amount of memory...if you reinstall the OS and leave out things like Printer Drivers for printers you won't meet, and odd languages and GarageBand etc, and then you run Xslimmer to take out the PPC code, you end up with plenty of memory for a machine out on the road. I have Word, Excel and Powerpoint 2008 on mine, with Pages and Numbers, Aperture, Xslimmer and Starry Night, and I have 44GB free. That's plenty for a decent selection of music and photos and enough documents to keep anyone busy.

So what you do end up with is a light machine that doesn't weigh your bag down, is powerful enough for most things you'd want to do away from home, and a beast of a desktop for any hardcore video work etc.

Good luck!!

[jnc]

Until recently I had a Mac Pro and a MacBook, moved to a MacBook Pro 15"

I couldn't go back. The 15" matte screens are glorious, bright and size/resolution makes for a notably larger workspace; the difference in physical dimension + weight ARE negligible - MBP feels no heavier, and even fits in my old MacBook sleeve...

The iMac/MBA really is an extravagance, and I'd never opt for two glossy machines - especially not a powerful home machine with fixed display. If anything, I'd hunt for a 24" white iMac. Anyway, if you can afford the iMac/MBA setup, I'd strongly recommend MBP + a huge external display instead, unless the MBA's -2.4lb weight-for-performance trade off is going to make a WORLD of difference to you.

[Sound Evolution]

Dear,

I was there with you. Since the introduction of the MBA I needed months to think it over. Especially based on the negative reactions from posters on the internet (like the MBA is only good for web browsing and heavy underpowered etc.).. Boy what are they wrong! So I took the step and bought a MBA. I was planning to buy a Imac and a MBA and the MBA I bought as first. Soon it become clear that in reality I can use the MBA as main computer. I do heavy CAD/CAM designing and it is fast like lightning. As a matter of fact the MBA is the fastest computer I ever worked on. After a couple of days getting used to the small size and incredible light weight you never want to go back to a heavy chunky laptop. That is my experience. Yes I have some rev. A issues with my MBA but I feel confident It will get solved in a good way by Apple this week.

With kind regards,
Bas

[ins0mniaque]

(like the MBA is only good for web browsing and heavy underpowered etc.).. Boy what are they wrong!

So true! Two months ago I was looking to replace my work laptop (an old HP Pavilion P4 3Ghz, 2GB RAM), and since I'm a developer and wanted to do some iPhone development too, I thought a MacBook Pro would perfect; I could boot into Windows for Visual Studio needs, and have Xcode too. I could now own and eat the cake at the same time!

But oh boy did my trip (my first one!) to the Apple store changed my mind. Entered the store and saw those magnificent MBAs laid down everywhere... Couldn't resist trying one, and immediately fell in love with it. After a couple of minutes with a clerk there (a genius ? lol), I was told that I could buy the MBA, and if it wasn't powerful enough in Windows for Visual Studio, I could just bring it back and exchange for a MBP. Wow! Every store should handle customers like that! Showed him my credit card, pointed a MBA (1.8 SSD) and happy like a lil' girl who just got a pony I was.

I've been working with it for two months now, and it simply is an INCREDIBLE machine. I have had no core shutdown/panics, and no w3ird noises. I don't even boot into Windows! I run my full Visual Studio 2008 environment side-by-side with Xcode in a VMware Fusion XP machine; and still can't believe it compiles faster than most machines I've used before (probably because of the SSD).

If you need a laptop, don't need a powerful graphic card and you can afford it, I would definitely recommend it.

EDIT: Typos.

[Diatribe]

As for keeping the critical documents that you need in sync on both machines, there are a number of easy automatic software-based solutions.


And which are those? I'm curious as that would be my preferred set-up too (iMac/MBA).

[mhnajjar]

I am only waiting to get my hands on testing 1.6 HDD vs. 1.8 HDD vs. 1.8 SSD in order to decide which one to buy to get along my 3.06 24" iMac.

I am kind of in between 1.6 & 1.8 HDD since SSD isn't justified yet and I can always upgrade my HDD to SSD in the future.