Curious more about how you use devices as opposed to what devices you have
Thanks for the responses, especially those that shared
why and
how they use the devices they have.
For my self for example, I have my aforementioned setup and use it as follows:
1. MBA 11" 128GB SSD Core i7
- As my main and only computer. I prefer to have one computer to reduce clutter in my life. I sometimes work away from home so need the mobility and the power for my needs (multitasking, and the occasional photo/video edit at most). The MBA meets these needs well, especially with the higher-end configuration.
2. Thunderbolt Display (planned)
- for those big work sessions with multiple windows that require more screen room, the 27 inch screen is a perfect companion for an Air. All the other drives and peripherals can just be plugged into the display and I simply plug in the thunderbolt/magsafe adapter when I get home.
3. iPad
- for non-work general use and mainly content consumption. I use the iPad a lot (as - good for me - I'm not working around the house so much), and it comes in handy for attending some meetings and note-taking sessions, and also as an organiser. Great for the kids too.
4. iPhone
- for those quick everyday communications, navigation, as an mp3 player, quick news updates, and general fall-to device that goes with me wherever I go. A little trusty companion, what I think of modern day servants (who needs a servant messenger when your phone can do it for you?).
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respectabilia,
I have four Apple products I currently use: 2007 MB, 2010 13" MBP, 2011 13" MBP, 64GB iPod Touch 4. For a while I retired my 2007 MB because the battery died and I was using the 2010 MBP for everything. I use my iPod for music, dictionary, and I sometimes try to snag open WiFi when I am out, so I usually keep it in my bag to check email or maps if I get lucky.
I had the option of getting the 2011 MBP for a considerable discount this year. I didn't need it and I didn't really want it but I figured I could at least buy it and sell my 2010 MBP and totally break even.
I figured for now I would keep both MBPs because: 1, they have the same parts and I can use the 2010 to do repairs if it ever comes to it; 2, I take my MBP into sketchy situations where I am never sure it is going to come out unharmed, or come out at all. I'd rather have the 2010 MBP for taking risks and the 2011 MBP for feeling secure. I'm still not sure this method is cost effective.
As I have only been running both MBPs for about two weeks now, I am very exhausted trying to utilize them both fully. I don't need two. One or the other is simply a backup to me, and I don't really have the space, uses, or the monies to keep both.
My MB was useless to me for about a year. It has case issues and the battery won't charge. I was going to give it to a friend but I didn't want to give up my precious old school MagSafe charger, or part with the new kind. In trying to use and sync two MBPs at once and with having small SSDs providing little space, I put my MB on my network with my external Firewire storage attached. It isn't very fast with FW400 or over WiFi, but I finally have easy access to all my files without being tethered to external drives.
Since you are looking for ways to balance and utilize all your devices, this way seems to work. You would use your future iMac to share your iTunes library, your documents, to facilitate your backup, etc.. My MBPs are both set up like a MBA: small SSD, no optical, no significant storage. File/library sharing over WiFi is a must. Sync your iPad and iPhone here. I do manual syncing with my iPod and this makes it easier to sync across multiple docking stations, so if you are traveling or away from home you can use your MBA.
I have a couple external Firewire drives. One is bus powered and it is my portable work drive for editing on the road. I use my iPod as my portable music drive. I wish there was wireless syncing and wireless library sharing from my iPod to my MBPs, since I share from my iPod to my lightweight notebooks.
I'd like to get an iPhone because relying on WiFi with the iPod is unreliable. I'd maybe make do with a 32 GB model. I wouldn't want to keep my iPod. I don't like having an armful of devices. Sometimes it just takes up too much space in my bags or is too heavy.
I'd also like to retire the MB again and use the 2010 MBP for file sharing but I am worried about killing the battery this way or wearing down the hardware. I need my batteries to be in top condition because I do Firewire based field recording where I record 3 hour sessions completely off battery.
My line of work is photography and art. Audio recording is my hobby. I have Firewire audio interfaces and a pricey Epson tabloid scanner, along with my cameras, lenses, and microphones. I sometimes carry my external drives -- a RAID 1 array to protect my data, and I use a Magic Mouse for editing. I travel with everything in flight cases. One thing about gear is to manage it well and keep it concise and tidy or it gets in the way of production -- one reason to own only the amount of devices you need.
I know I've been smearing the Apple Thunderbolt display all day, but getting one seems right for what you already have. It is going to far out live an iMac. Apple displays easily last up to 8 years. You can increase the price gap between the display and the iMac by going refurb or clearance. Also, Apple stuff is great, but there are other professional level displays out there that might save you a couple hundred in your currency.
I think those people that have every Apple device under the sun really love having toys and aren't too concerned with efficiency and money.
Interesting. Photography and art field must demand a lot, and it's not necessarily excessive, but don't you feel you'd be more stress-free if you got rid of the older and less used devices? Less to worry about and maintain?
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iMac, iPad, iPhone, iPod touch 4TH gen(stolen), iPod touch 2nd GEN(never used). I manage them all by using Dropbox!
I hope the 'stolen' part is just some tasteless humour. Otherwise, best you steer clear of this community of Apple users in real life. One of them is probably your theft victim, and I would happily join him in giving you a much-deserved beating!
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In our house we have:
1) 2011 Mac Mini i7 quad core
2) 2009 Mac Mini C2D HTPC with 2 TB of directly attached external HDD for media
3) 2 iPhones
4) 2 iPads
5) 3 iPod Touches
6) 1 Shuffle
7) 3 Apple TVs
Personally, I use both Mini's, an iPad, an iPhone and the shuffle (for cycling, working out instead of the iPhone). I keep contacts, Safari bookmarks and calendars synced over the iPhones/iPads/2011 Mac Mini with Mobile Me and use Dropbox for any necessary files that either my wife or I need access to. Oh, and I also use Back to My Mac/file sharing to transfer occasional files to my Mom's computer up North and Screen Share to assist her with anything she's not quite familiar with, download updates for her, etc.
I myself was (and still am to an extent) contemplating using the Shuffle for cycling and gym as you do.
But how comes you have 2 Minis and 3 Apple TVs? Do you keep all the Minis in full sync with each other (I'm assuming you use dropbox premium account for that?)?
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I have 3 laptops (2 older Alum MacBook Pros and a G4 Powerbook), and a Mac Pro. I also have a 1st Gen iPad, and a iPhone 4. I have a 3rd gen iPod as a source in my car, and I have a 5th gen iPod currently in retirement, but I have plans to use it with my stereo system. In the garage, unused, I have both a PowerMac 8500 and 9600, a Quadra 700, and my first Mac, a Mac 128 that was upgraded to a Plus. I have kept the G4 Powerbook around for compatibility with some older stuff, but will probably sell it soon. Actually, now that I think about it, I'm pretty sure that I also have a Powerbook Duo 280 stored away somewhere...
I have been using the Mac Pro as my backup and 'sync' point (all 4 drive bays filled). But I will be looking at iCloud with interest.
Likely will buy a MacBook Air (or next gen MB Pro) in the near future.
Wow. That's one collection. I suggest you hold on to these and pass them over to your grandchildren one day as tokens of a bygone era. I wish for example I still had my old NES I could show off to the little ones. I'm sure it'll turn into a collector's item that people pay a lot for after a while right?
