Right now I am using a 13" MBA and an ATV3. I have been thinking about switching things up and I'm looking for some opinions on this possible set up.
I really only need a "desktop machine" for downloading A/V files, working on some occasional Word documents, typing out long emails, and watching/streaming A/V. I would say that I spend 80-90% of my time on my iPhone now, using Facebook and doing random Google searches, messing with my fantasy sports teams, and general web browsing. While the iPhone is capable, it isn't exactly "enjoyable" to use past 30 seconds at a time (its good for quick tasks, not so much for longer, more complex tasks). My MBA mostly serves as a media server at this point - streaming movies/TV shows to my TV. It works ok, but as most know, AirPlay isn't perfect. Also, it only has a 128GB hard drive, so I have to play most of my files off of an external drive.
I'm considering picking up a Mini and connecting that directly to my TV via HDMI. This will allow for more local storage, and it will give me direct access to my media files right through my TV rather than having to stream everything to the ATV. I can get a BT mouse and keyboard and basically just use my TV as a monitor at all times (I have a nice LG 55" LED TV). My couch is about 6-8' away from the TV.
Additionally, I am thinking about picking up an iPad Air/Mini. This would give me a more enjoyable day to day experience as opposed to using my iPhone all the time, it gives me obvious portability, and I could use the BT keyboard to pound out longer emails and things like that.
I'm envisioning using the iPad about 90% of the time, using it as my "primary machine", and the Mini about 10% of the time, mostly for downloading/watching movies and TV shows, playing audio through the surround sound, managing iTunes, and very rare tasks like editing photos, typing up Word documents, things of that nature.
Does anyone else have a set up like this? Does it make sense or am I overlooking something?
I really only need a "desktop machine" for downloading A/V files, working on some occasional Word documents, typing out long emails, and watching/streaming A/V. I would say that I spend 80-90% of my time on my iPhone now, using Facebook and doing random Google searches, messing with my fantasy sports teams, and general web browsing. While the iPhone is capable, it isn't exactly "enjoyable" to use past 30 seconds at a time (its good for quick tasks, not so much for longer, more complex tasks). My MBA mostly serves as a media server at this point - streaming movies/TV shows to my TV. It works ok, but as most know, AirPlay isn't perfect. Also, it only has a 128GB hard drive, so I have to play most of my files off of an external drive.
I'm considering picking up a Mini and connecting that directly to my TV via HDMI. This will allow for more local storage, and it will give me direct access to my media files right through my TV rather than having to stream everything to the ATV. I can get a BT mouse and keyboard and basically just use my TV as a monitor at all times (I have a nice LG 55" LED TV). My couch is about 6-8' away from the TV.
Additionally, I am thinking about picking up an iPad Air/Mini. This would give me a more enjoyable day to day experience as opposed to using my iPhone all the time, it gives me obvious portability, and I could use the BT keyboard to pound out longer emails and things like that.
I'm envisioning using the iPad about 90% of the time, using it as my "primary machine", and the Mini about 10% of the time, mostly for downloading/watching movies and TV shows, playing audio through the surround sound, managing iTunes, and very rare tasks like editing photos, typing up Word documents, things of that nature.
Does anyone else have a set up like this? Does it make sense or am I overlooking something?
Much more responsive than doing everything through AirPlay/Apple TV. And of course the iPad is what it is...a beautiful device and a great couch companion. 