17" MBP or 13"MBP + 24"iMac?

[Luba]

Ideally I should get a desktop probably an iMac every 3 years or a Mac Pro every 5-6 years plus a notebook (13" MBP or 13" Air) but how do I keep the 2 machines coordinated? I am sure there's software but new to Apple so don't know the name of it or whether it's easy to use.

My other option is to get the 17" MBP. A little too big to carry around and the screen too small for desktop use. Well not small but not luxurious and comfortable like a 24"

 

[Luba]

By coordinated, I mean whatever work I get done on the notebook I'd like the desktop to get updated so I could then work on it at home. Then have the notebook get the updated file so I can work on it on the road. Is there an easy way to do this?

 

[iBadger]

You should look into a 13"(maxed out) + 24" External monitor/keyboard/mouse. That's what I currently use and it works out well. No need to move any files between computers.

 

[Hellhammer]

I would get iMac + 13" MBA or MBP. 17" MBP is great but it isn't the most portable machine. 24" iMac is performance wise quite same as 17" MBP so you'll not lose any speed.

 

[miles01110]

Don't get two computers at the same time. Then you just want to replace them both at the same time.

 

[TSE]

Get a 13" MacBook Pro with an external monitor, or if you need the graphics card, get the $1999 15" MacBook Pro and get a 24" external monitor.

 

[Bengt77]

At one time I had both a 13" MacBook and a 24" iMac. I never owned a laptop before, but once I did I found out I was definitely a laptop guy. I sold my iMac because keeping all the files in sync proved to be a burden. So one more vote for a 13" MacBook Pro and a 24" display. Get the Apple Cinema Display; it looks just like an iMac.

 

[ecstasy]

Co-sign everybody here.

Take the 13" + display.