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Soliciting friendly opinions on a second Mac.

H

heeby

macrumors member
Original poster
Apr 29, 2012
35
0
I have a 17" MBP for daily use but am thinking of picking up a refurb something as a backup in the event the 17" has issues (too dependent on the internet to wait for service), or possibly for semi full time use with my TV. First I thought MacMini as it is suited to TV use, but have also thought a 13" MBP would do everything the Mini can plus be a standalone portable device should I need it. I have also considered the Air but I tend to keep stuff a loooooonnggg time and upgrade until death and the Air just isn't set up for that...and though I love them I just don't have a real use for one vs a 13" MBP given the trade offs.

I know it is a very vague question but just looking for input from others who have used a second Mac as a TV feeder or back up. Want to keep it at 1000 or less which I can do with any of the 3 options if I choose wisely.

I also don't have time to wait for the imminent refresh as I am going to make the purchase while still in the States visiting...which is fine with me as I have always been satisfied with less than the cutting edge as my needs aren't those of a power user.
 
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Sounds like you've answered it honestly. It needs to be ~1000, can't be an air or a mini, and must be a portable mac. Mbp 13.

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Granted - if it is exclusively for Internet and TV, etc. - and you don't have critical work that requires an mbp at all times - I would consider an ipad (3) and apple tv. Save a ton of money and gain a distinct feature set. Seriously, I have a hard time reading on my mbp after experiencing instapaper on the new ipad.
 
heeby said:
I have also considered the Air but I tend to keep stuff a loooooonnggg time and upgrade until death and the Air just isn't set up for that
Click to expand...
Why do you say that, its not really any less capable then the Mac Mini or the 13" MBP especially when you stated you're not a power user. Its just not as upgrade-able.

Given your needs and budget, the MBA could be an excellent choice. Personally I think the 13" MBP is probably a better choice if portability is not one of your main requirements (a nice to have but not a must have). Plus the ability to upgrade the ram, and HD is a plus.
 
heeby said:
or possibly for semi full time use with my TV. First I thought MacMini as it is suited to TV use,
Click to expand...

Go cheap. $100 or so for a jailbroken ATV2 and put the rest in a bank account to earn interest until you have to replace the 17" you already own for whatever reason.
 
maflynn said:
Why do you say that, its not really any less capable then the Mac Mini or the 13" MBP especially when you stated you're not a power user. Its just not as upgrade-able.

Given your needs and budget, the MBA could be an excellent choice. Personally I think the 13" MBP is probably a better choice if portability is not one of your main requirements (a nice to have but not a must have). Plus the ability to upgrade the ram, and HD is a plus.
Click to expand...

It's slower, has no optical drive which is useful in a media-tv device, has less useful space and upgrade ability etc... A lot less capable.
 
I agree with you: the MBP 13" makes a good media machine. Load up with HDMI cables, adapters, etc. from monoprice and you have something you can use to play DVDs, music, whatever to lots of TVs or other displays. And you have a remote. And if you've got an iPhone it works even better as a remote.

I actually like it better for that purpose than the mini.

And I agree the refurbs at the Apple Store are a good deal.
 
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