Currently own MBP. Should I get an external monitor/keyboard or buy a new iMac?

aaronchow · Jul 23, 2011, 01:00 AM

I currently own a mid '09 13" based model MacBook Pro. If I want to upgrade my screen resolution, do you recommend that I purchase an additional monitor/keyboard combo or should I just sell my current MBP and re-purchase a based 21.5" iMac instead?

CPU speed isn't an issue for me as my work mainly deals with web design and .net programming, but I find that my current MBP's screen resolution is a bit too low for me, so I have to hide most of the panels and it really slows down my work. And I am using it more and more like a desktop, so mobility is not an issue to me as well.

Any advice is appreciated!

Hellhammer · Jul 23, 2011, 03:32 AM

Sounds like external monitor an KB+mouse combo is better for you. Portability is always a nice option and you said you don't need the extra power offered by iMac either.

nightfly13 · Jul 23, 2011, 05:30 AM

Personally, I LOVE the concept of a current-gen MB* with Thunderbolt plus a new TB Display. Massive connectivity and a great display for workstation mode, plus portability. Unfortunately it's not really possible with your MBP. Hammer is correct, the simplest route might be good for you (external mouse + keyboard/mouse/trackpad) but it's not crazy to sell yours, buy a new one with TB + a new display with TB.

soLoredd · Jul 23, 2011, 05:34 AM

If you don't need the portability, I guess getting the iMac makes more sense. Personally, I love having a portable desktop. And being able to run dual screens is very nice, even on the 13".

quasinormal · Jul 23, 2011, 05:57 AM

The older 20" Apple aluminium displays are quite cheap (at least compared to what they cost originally) and still very useable. I use mine with a MP and MBP via a DVI KVM and USB keyboard and mouse.

Jul 23, 2011, 01:00 AM	#1
aaronchow macrumors regular Join Date: Sep 2007	Currently own MBP. Should I get an external monitor/keyboard or buy a new iMac? I currently own a mid '09 13" based model MacBook Pro. If I want to upgrade my screen resolution, do you recommend that I purchase an additional monitor/keyboard combo or should I just sell my current MBP and re-purchase a based 21.5" iMac instead? CPU speed isn't an issue for me as my work mainly deals with web design and .net programming, but I find that my current MBP's screen resolution is a bit too low for me, so I have to hide most of the panels and it really slows down my work. And I am using it more and more like a desktop, so mobility is not an issue to me as well. Any advice is appreciated!
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Jul 23, 2011, 03:32 AM	#2
Hellhammer Demi-God (Moderator) Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Helsinki, Finland	Sounds like external monitor an KB+mouse combo is better for you. Portability is always a nice option and you said you don't need the extra power offered by iMac either. __________________ SSD Editor for AnandTech You can also follow me in Twitter!
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Jul 23, 2011, 05:30 AM	#3
nightfly13 macrumors 6502a Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Ranchi, India	Personally, I LOVE the concept of a current-gen MB* with Thunderbolt plus a new TB Display. Massive connectivity and a great display for workstation mode, plus portability. Unfortunately it's not really possible with your MBP. Hammer is correct, the simplest route might be good for you (external mouse + keyboard/mouse/trackpad) but it's not crazy to sell yours, buy a new one with TB + a new display with TB. __________________ 27" iMac (i7), SSD+HDD 15" MBP, SSD+HDD the new iPad, iPhone 4s
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Jul 23, 2011, 05:34 AM	#4
soLoredd macrumors 6502a Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: California	If you don't need the portability, I guess getting the iMac makes more sense. Personally, I love having a portable desktop. And being able to run dual screens is very nice, even on the 13". __________________ 2011 13" MBP/iPhone4S/iPad 2/AppleTV/Gaming PC
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Jul 23, 2011, 05:57 AM	#5
quasinormal macrumors 6502a Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Sydney, Australia.	The older 20" Apple aluminium displays are quite cheap (at least compared to what they cost originally) and still very useable. I use mine with a MP and MBP via a DVI KVM and USB keyboard and mouse.
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