Can I use a Macbook for my main computer?

[DarkVictory]

This would be my first mac.

I understand that the macbook Pro is better, but can I use the Macbook as my main computer? Will it's lifespan be significantly shortened by having it on for hours everyday? Or should I just go for the Pro?

[darngooddesign]

Yes you can.

[Sipheren]

I just moved from a Desktop to a Macbook as my mian rig, I hook it up to my monitor and external drives and its left on all the time with no problems at all (so far at least :) )

[rgarjr]

Computers can run 24/7 for many years so don't worry about that.

[jmann]

My MacBook is my main and only computer. It is perfectly suitable as a main computer. And it has the convenience of portability! :)

[NewMacbookPlz]

My MacBook is my main and only computer. It is perfectly suitable as a main computer. And it has the convenience of portability! :)
This is the boat I'm in. As long as I'm not at work on the Dell there, all I use is my Unibody MB

[jmann]

This is the boat I'm in. As long as I'm not at work on the Dell there, all I use is my Unibody MB

Haha I use Dells at work too :D, and I hate every minute on the pieces of junk. :rolleyes:

[Insulin Junkie]

Haha I use Dells at work too :D, and I hate every minute on the pieces of junk. :rolleyes:

Hate Dell? Don't go near the new HP's!

@OP: Yes, definitely, you can use it as a primary computer. I've seen these discussions around in the MBA forum, and I'm not so sure if I'd recommend the air as a primary / only computer, but the macbook...definitely.

[jmann]

Hate Dell? Don't go near the new HP's!

@OP: Yes, definitely, you can use it as a primary computer. I've seen these discussions around in the MBA forum, and I'm not so sure if I'd recommend the air as a primary / only computer, but the macbook...definitely.

Happy one year membership!! :D

[Insulin Junkie]

Happy one year membership!! :D


Aw thanks dude.. you're the first one to notice :)

[philamac]

I don't understand why you think a Pro would last longer as a Desktop than a normal macbook.

When you say you're going to use it like a desktop, theres 2 different useage camps that comes to my mind.
(1) cpu running 24/7 doing background tasks, never sleeps, never turns off
(2) cpu only runs when you're at the computer, sleeps when you step away

If you fall into group 2, then a macbook will do fine.
If you fall into group 1, then there's a discussion. There's issues with battery life and component wear & tear. I would suggest considering plugging your macbook into an external monitor/keyboard/mouse to minimize your wear and tear on the laptop components. Maybe get a laptop cooler so your laptop's own fans won't have to turn on as often or spin as fast.

[jmann]

Aw thanks dude.. you're the first one to notice :)

I just happened to glance at your join date, and checked your profile and saw that actually I was two minutes late and it's actually May 6th. :p

[Insulin Junkie]

I just happened to glance at your join date, and checked your profile and saw that actually I was two minutes late and it's actually May 6th. :p

It's the thought that counts ;) If it's any consolation, where I am it's been the 6th of may for 7 hours now :cool:

[DarkVictory]

I don't understand why you think a Pro would last longer as a Desktop than a normal macbook.

The guy at the MacMall basically told me that the MacbookPro was for people that wanted to replace their main desktop with it, and if you're only going to use it sparingly to go with the regular Macbook. I know sometimes sales people don't have all the facts, so figured I'd ask here.

I want to get the Macbook with the 2.4GHz, w/4GB of Ram. My plan is to connect it to a monitor, mouse, and keyboard and replace my current desktop with it. Then of course being able to easily carry it with me when I want to.

I just want to make sure I can do that without having to go Pro.

Also, assuming I go with the model listed above, can anyone tell me what kind of cable do I need to buy in order to connect it to my HD Samsung plasma? It has HDMI/DVI, PC/Component, SVideo, and composite inputs.

Apple's Display moniter is over $800. I'm looking to get one for about half that. (My current moniter sucks). Is there one that is recommended?

My mac knowledge extends to iTuens and iPods, so any help would be very much appreciated.

[Sipheren]

You just need the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter from Apple.

LINK (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MjkyNjI0MQ)

As for monitors, the 24" from BenQ in my sig is quite good and was rather cheap :) (G2400WD)

[jmann]

The guy at the MacMall basically told me that the MacbookPro was for people that wanted to replace their main desktop with it, and if you're only going to use it sparingly to go with the regular Macbook. I know sometimes sales people don't have all the facts, so figured I'd ask here.


That guy is probably paid on commission, so I would take his "advice" with a grain of salt. The MacBook is perfectly suitable for most people's needs. Also don't pay apple for upgraded ram. It is way overpriced, and it is super cheap and easy to upgrade it yourself.

[michael.lauden]

You just need the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter from Apple.

LINK (http://store.apple.com/us/product/MB570Z/A?fnode=MTY1NDA5OQ&mco=MjkyNjI0MQ)

As for monitors, the 24" from BenQ in my sig is quite good and was rather cheap :) (G2400WD)

you could also try the HP2207 which you can find on eBay for very cheap. im using that, as well as my girlfriend (graphic designer) - i dont see why a MacBook couldn't be your main computer... it's mine - and seriously the choice of many other professionals... perfect for portability and power when you need it.

[philamac]

I think what the Macmall guy meant was, that a macbook pro is better suited as a desktop replacement mainly because it has a bigger screen, and a couple more expansion ports.

If you're contemplating between a a 2.4ghz MB and a 2.4ghz MBPro, then you've only got 2 questions to ask yourself.
1) Do you need a discrete graphics processor? That is the biggest advantage a MBPro has over the MB. If you plan on playing any video games, or hooking it up to any monitors larger than 22" then you might want the Pro.
2) When you're on the go, do you prefer a 13" or 15" screen?

Other than the above, as long as you don't require Firewire, i think you're alright with either one.


PS - That quip about 22" monitors only applies to computer monitors, not TVs, because computer monitors above 22" run at 1920x1200 resolution or higher and you'll need the Pro's discrete graphics to run HD movies at that resolution.

[ArtursBoy]

I think what the Macmall guy meant was, that a macbook pro is better suited as a desktop replacement mainly because it has a bigger screen, and a couple more expansion ports.

If you're contemplating between a a 2.4ghz MB and a 2.4ghz MBPro, then you've only got 2 questions to ask yourself.
1) Do you need a discrete graphics processor? That is the biggest advantage a MBPro has over the MB. If you plan on playing any video games, or hooking it up to any monitors larger than 22" then you might want the Pro.
2) When you're on the go, do you prefer a 13" or 15" screen?

Other than the above, as long as you don't require Firewire, i think you're alright with either one.


PS - That quip about 22" monitors only applies to computer monitors, not TVs, because computer monitors above 22" run at 1920x1200 resolution or higher and you'll need the Pro's discrete graphics to run HD movies at that resolution.

This is what I was about to point out about the MacBook Pro recommendation. The MacBook Pro has a bigger screen, and a slightly higher resolution, which might be more comfortable for you to use for long periods of time (and is it just me, or is the aluminum macbook pro's display brighter and more vivid than the aluminum macbook's display?).

You mentioned you would use an external display along with an external keyboard and mouse, in that case, the MacBook would suit you fine. I have the white MacBook and use it as my only computer, I try to take care of it but I don't "baby" it, it keeps going in and out of my backpack going back and forth to school, library, class lectures, around my university they have wifi everywhere, which is good news for me and bad news for my macbook :). The Aluminum MacBook feels even sturdier than mine, while weighting less, which would make it more comfortable to carry around. The MacBook Pro also weights more.

As I'm sure you've been told before, if you dont do any intensive video editing or use graphics intensive applications (ex. gaming), the MacBook is a nice alternative, since it can handle most tasks without breaking a sweat, even some light gaming.

Check out the refurb section on the apple website as well, they have some pretty decent discounts on certain models.

[kismoore]

This would be my first mac.

I understand that the macbook Pro is better, but can I use the Macbook as my main computer? Will it's lifespan be significantly shortened by having it on for hours everyday? Or should I just go for the Pro?

I am using a 17" macbookpro (glass screen) as my full-timer for the last 3 years. Portability, beauty, perfect function... I've been in computing heaven since SHE arrived. We've sold all the desktop versions in our home and I will never return to anything less than a macbookpro.


~It's like I say, "Once you've been with a man in chaps..."

[clyde2801]

It used to be that in the pc world, laptops had twice the price, and half the power and features of, a desktop.

That's no longer the case. There still is a slight price premium for a laptop, but that it does have portability.

[maflynn]

definitely and while I have a 15" MBP, I typically keep it on the integrated GPU so in a sense, its a glorified MB (with firewire) :D and it does everything I need it to do.

Photoshop, Aperture, VMware Fusion, Rapidweaver, office apps, etc.

Great computer and in fact if it wasn't for the dual GPU of the MBP, I'd probably have gotten a MacBook. I love the 13" form factor, its really a perfect size for working and being mobile.

[morrisman1]

the unibody macbook's graphics are perfectly fine unless you want to run some really 3d intensive stuff like crysis, or other brand new games. it will run them fine on low but forget about anything else.

I run mine through an external monitor, a 1920x1200 24" dell, you definetely know that its working harder - when not connected to the monitor the fans will sit at about 1200rpm but when the monitor is connected the fans dont get below 2000rpm. the graphics card has to render something like three times more area of screen so its got to work harder. It doesnt stuggle and i can play 1080p movies on it perfectly.

The macbook is pretty well featured when it comes to little details, like combined headphone port with optical audio port.

My macbook is my primary and only computer. its turned on from 8am to about midnight (or later) every day and doesnt get turned off in between times really.

Only things i dont like about it is the lack on an expresscard slot or firewire 800, i would like one or the other but there simply isnt room inside the machine for apple to put something like that in without making it considerably thicker (and stacking the HDD over the mobo).

If you are using it as a desktop computer i would suggest getting an external monitor just to that extra working area, even if its just a 20" or whatever, it will still make a big difference. Also get a usb hub that has its own power source. the macbook's usb ports are quite close together which can at times be an inconvenience when you have wide usb devices. Also buy an external mouse with five buttons. I have a M$ mouse and use the two extra buttons to bring up spaces and expose and its absolutely magic, transforms the speed at which you can work at. I dont use an external keyboard but i do think it would help a bit.

I hope this helps, I am meant to be working on an assignment so you are very privileged to have some of my time!

[morrisman1]

just to add another point there,

if you arent taking the laptop anywhere then it would be very wise to cycle the battery a bit. maybe run it down to 50% a couple of times every week.

If you leave it on the charger all the time to put it simply, it forgets how to hold a good charge!

Apple recommends that you calibrate the battery every now and then. i do it once every couple of months or somewhere around there. It involves charging the battery and having it at full charge for 2 hours, then running it dead flat, leaving it for 6 hours then charging it until it is full. What it does is it allows the computer to calculate the capacity of the battery and consequently charge it as best as it can which helps extend the life of it.

My old macbook has about 180 cycles on it and it is still reporting the battery having 100% health. I put this down to moderate use of the battery, not leaving it on the charger all the time and doing calibrations every month or two.

[SPEEDwithJJ]

The following thread should answer all the OP's questions:

http://forums.macrumors.com/showthread.php?t=695378

[ux4all]

Computers can run 24/7 for many years so don't worry about that.

Thread tangent... I always heard that it was best to leave it on all the time. The flux of heat (when on), cold (when off) creates fatigue? Therefore a computer likes being on all the time right?

or is that just one of many reasons?

[kdum8]

Should be no problem at all. I use a Macbook Pro as my main computer. I run it in clamshell mode with an external monitor, mouse and keyboard.
Since the new macbooks have a dedicated graphics chip, and can handle 4GB or more of RAM they are really worth the money.

The only thing the macbook doesn't have is an Expresscard 34 slot, but for most people that isn't a major issue.

[NewMacbookPlz]

I run mine through an external monitor, a 1920x1200 24" dell, you definetely know that its working harder - when not connected to the monitor the fans will sit at about 1200rpm but when the monitor is connected the fans dont get below 2000rpm. the graphics card has to render something like three times more area of screen so its got to work harder. It doesnt stuggle and i can play 1080p movies on it perfectly.



MB fans are supposed to default to 2000rpm as the minimum they'll run. Mine idles there all the time, regardless of setup.

[VSMacOne]

Main computer here, I use it at work and home. I don't have a problem watching movies, doing browsing, playing some games, etc.
It's perfect for MY needs.

[sam10685]

Yes you can.

A 5 year old 12" powerbook g4 is this household's main computer so a macbook will be fine...

[dontwalkhand]

Before I got my iMac, I had a MacBook pro setup as a "desktop" computer. I sold the MacBook pro, and getting a white MacBook.

[Cheffy Dave]

[QUOTE=Sipheren;7574100]I just moved from a Desktop to a Macbook as my mian rig, I hook it up to my monitor and external drives and its left on all the time with no problems at all
Me too as of Jan 08, I just love my BMB:eek:, oh,:D ok "like":p

[DarkVictory]

I'm almost positive I'm going to end up with the Macbook 2.4 GHz w/ 4 GB Ram.

A couple more questions...

I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?

Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?

I will probably do some video editing on it (not a lot). This macbook can hadle it?

The Applecare protection plan: If you need to use it can you take your macbook to an Applestore where you didn't purchase it? Or do you need to ship it to Apple to get it fixed/upgradeded?

How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.

I realize these may be dumb questions.

[Sipheren]

I'm almost positive I'm going to end up with the Macbook 2.4 GHz w/ 4 GB Ram.

A couple more questions...

I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?

Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?

I will probably do some video editing on it (not a lot). This macbook can hadle it?

The Applecare protection plan: If you need to use it can you take your macbook to an Applestore where you didn't purchase it? Or do you need to ship it to Apple to get it fixed/upgradeded?

How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.

I realize these may be dumb questions.

I use a 24" with no probs at all, as for video editing I also use Final Cut Pro and it works just fine, its faster than my old PowerMac G5 :)

[Apple all life]

I'm almost positive I'm going to end up with the Macbook 2.4 GHz w/ 4 GB Ram.

A couple more questions...

I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?

Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?

I will probably do some video editing on it (not a lot). This macbook can hadle it?

The Applecare protection plan: If you need to use it can you take your macbook to an Applestore where you didn't purchase it? Or do you need to ship it to Apple to get it fixed/upgradeded?

How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.

I realize these may be dumb questions.
For the Mini Displayport to DVI it depends what TV you have. My setup is Mini Displayport to DVI ----> DVI to HDMI, and it works perfect.

[Nocturnal22]

Yes you can all i have is my macbook and Its great as a main computer love the portability

[morrisman1]

MB fans are supposed to default to 2000rpm as the minimum they'll run. Mine idles there all the time, regardless of setup.

i use fan control.

at 1200rpm and idle the processor runs at about 43°C

[kdum8]

i use fan control.

at 1200rpm and idle the processor runs at about 43°C

Why would you want to limit you fan to 1200 rpm? Just to keep the processor temps down? Couldn't that damage your mac?

(Oh and how come you have two macbooks, do you really use both? just curious.. :p )

[morrisman1]

Why would you want to limit you fan to 1200 rpm? Just to keep the processor temps down? Couldn't that damage your mac?

(Oh and how come you have two macbooks, do you really use both? just curious.. :p )

I bought a new one and mum uses my old one. It's still sorta mine, i dont use it though.

I put the fan speed down to extend battery life. The processor runs cool enough to run with that as the base fan speed. If i place load on it then it will speed up the fans

http://i41.tinypic.com/3163uk1.png

I am running with the monitor plugged in, with a very hungry program (shakespeer) running as well which is why the fan speeds arent at the bottom currently. Unfortunately there arent any alternatives for shakespeer.

[dhuang]

I'm almost positive I'm going to end up with the Macbook 2.4 GHz w/ 4 GB Ram.

A couple more questions...

I think I read somewhere that the monitor you connect to the macbook should not go over 22". Is this true?

Will the Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter also be able to connect to my TV as well, or will I need a seperate one for that?

...

How soon is the next version of the macbook expected to be released? I'd hate to feel like a chump if a better version comes out shortly after.


The Mini Displayport to DVI adapter supports up to 1920x1200 resolution (24" monitor)

You can get a generic Mini Displayport -> DVI adapter and a DVI -> HDMI (hook up to your HDTV) for less than $20 shipped from Monoprice.com.

I'm waiting on mine to come in soon, so I can use my Dell 2407WFP in all its glory!

There is an anticipated macbook refresh this June at WWDC '09

[DarkVictory]

June is only a month away. I might as well wait. No need to buy the Macbook now only to have a newer/cheaper version come out a month later. That would make me feel like a total chump.

[peepboon]

I use mine as a main computer...

i went from desktop but was skeptical but had to swap a tower for a laptop due to uni... i have never looked back... lol

[Jasoco]

I do. And I will never go back.

Ever.

[designgeek]

A 5 year old 12" powerbook g4 is this household's main computer so a macbook will be fine...

Powerbook FTW!

@ OP: A MacBook will easily handle the duties of a main computer, and technically yes a pro is classified as desktop replacement but that really varies for everyone. I don't have a desktop and never have, although I've always had a powerbook or a pro. And with the specs you've decided on it will most definitely work.

[DarkVictory]

So if they do announce a newer version in June, any idea what the day would be?

I was all set to buy it this weekend but now I'm really debating whether to wait for the announcement, to see if I can get a better/cheaper one.

[morrisman1]

an update will only get more ram for the top model, both models will get a small cpu bump, probably to 2.33 and 2.53 penryn chips and larger harddrives but dont expect a 500gb in the top model, apple wants to sell you that as an extra.

theres rumors of a 3g chip so thats a possibility. Dont expect anything else cause you will probably just end up disappointed. No they wont put esata or firewire in because theres no room on the motherboard and there no room for a dedicated gfx chip either.

If you want to wait, i would think it would be so you get snow leopard without having to upgrade.

I heard price drops are on their way but thats possibly NZ specific because our prices were set when the dollar was at about US$0.48 for every NZ$1 but its gone up to about 62c i think.

[Mhmm]

WWDC takes place June 8-12. However the products MAY not be available right away.

Most likely it will be a minor upgrade and not anything huge, but a month is worth the wait in my opinion.

Also, take into account that they are "about" to release the new version of OS X, Snow Leopard. They said in the same conference last year that it would start shipping "in about a year" so that's "about right" for this year's conference. Realistically speaking I don't think it will be available soon enough to be worth waiting for the OS.

I'll be waiting as well to buy my new MB so you aren't alone here. :D

[chrono1081]

This has probably been mentioned but...

Yes you can. Leaving it on will not shorten lifespan as there is no way to predict when a computer will die. There is no average life span either.

I would suggest as your main rig do the following:

Get an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse, and a laptop stand (trust me these make a difference!) Rain makes a nice one. Set up your macbook into extended desktop so that you have two screens, your laptop and your monitor screen. Then you can just unplug the monitor whenever you want portability. Like this:

http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/Chrono1081/IMG_2940.jpg

[dhuang]

My bet is that the 2.0 and 2.4 will be bumped to the next Penryn-3M Intel Core 2 Duo P7450/P8700 chips, which is 2.13/2.53GHz respectively. Hardly the speed boost I am looking for.

I doubt Snow Leopard will be out by then -- possibly just a nice preview to get our mouths watery.

d

[SloopJohnB]

I'm using a macbook as my primary computer too but I have a few concerns about battery life. I've checked apple's website and they say the user should NOT leave the macbook plugged in at all times. They recommend keeping the 'juices flowing' which is the same as using it unplugged for a while and them connecting it again to recharge. That way the 'eletrons' are aways moving and you should have better battery life and lifespan because of that. If you leave your macbook plugged in at all times as a desktop, even on sleep mode, the battery will suffer. I recommend unplugging it once and while and using the battery to keep it alive.

[ZDDP1273]

I'm in college and I use a MacBook as my main computer. I basically just use it to do Word processing, surf the Internet, and email so it suits me fine.

[doubleohseven]

I'm 15 and my MacBook has been my main computer since November 2007. It's still running as good as it did when I took it out of the box. I use my MacBook for around, on average, 3-4 hours a day...rarely lags, and it's always ready for action. :D

[xraydoc]

While this thread is already long enough, I'll add my quick 2¢.

My 2 main computers are listed in my sig below, but in terms of hours per week, my MacBook gets far more use than the Mac Pro. So, in a sense, my MacBook is my main computer and my Mac Pro is my secondary machine.

I use it out and about often, attached to a second (21") display at work, and frequently attached to an Apple 20" Cinema at home.

[Davy.Shalom]

Yea, the only problem you might face is the small screen.

[rgarjr]

Im curious how many hours per day do you guys use your books for?

[toolbox]

I use my macbook for my main computer, have done since i bought it.

[xraydoc]

Im curious how many hours per day do you guys use your books for?

3-4 hrs per day, sometimes longer, and most of it on its 13" screen. At work I'll often plug in a 21" display and use both when preparing Keynote presentations.

[kdum8]

Im curious how many hours per day do you guys use your books for?

These days with my current work at least 5 hours a day and it is never switched off. It is plugged into an external 20' wide screen monitor which auto-powers down if I am away.

[mousouchop]

You can most definitely use a Macbook as your one and only computer. I have done so for three years now and it is great. Before then I had a windows laptop that I used and my only computer. Laptops are able to handle anything and everything that a desktop can.

I even played WoW for 10 hours a day for a whole year and my guy never failed on me. Aside from that, they can even handle pro applications like Adobe Suite amongst other programs.

[dontwalkhand]

I hate to admit, the MacBook sees me more than my iMac does, definitely can use it as a main computer.

I do still call the iMac my "main computer"

[raremage]

3-4 hrs per day, sometimes longer, and most of it on its 13" screen. At work I'll often plug in a 21" display and use both when preparing Keynote presentations.

I use mine for anywhere from 10-14 hours per day or more.

I'm usually online in the morning before I hop in the shower, checking on my email.

Travels with me to my client and is in use all day, often in dual-screen mode to an external HP L1906 (it sucks, but it's what the client provided). As an aside, I am almost always running a WinXP VM (in Fusion) during this time.

In the evening I am online for another hour or three doing various other client work, running my business, or playing a game.

[andalusia]

These days with my current work at least 5 hours a day and it is never switched off. It is plugged into an external 20' wide screen monitor which auto-powers down if I am away.

6+ hours a day. Usually Adium, Firefox, Photoshop, iTunes, uTorrent, Teeworlds, Word, often all at once. Also Pro Tools runs particularly well on this machine. Perfect as a main computer if you don't need to use 3D intensive programs.

[budkid]

i believe you could. Just find a 2.0 USB hub for all your other accessories.

[andrewag]

I have used a MacBook (Rev A black and now 2.4 alu) as my primary machine for around 7 months. Before that I used a PowerMac 2GHz. I switched to the MacBook because the PowerMac was too noisy and hot in my room.

I haven't had any problems using the MacBook as my main machine. I plug it into a 20" ACD while I'm at my desk.

We have around 60 MacBook's being used by staff in the Faculty I work and they've all been just dandy.