Anybody have a laptop but only use it at home? (re: couch/casual usage)

[old-wiz]

13" is perfect for using on the couch. I think the 11" screen is just too small. You do need to keep a close eye on the 13"...spouses tend to grab them when you are not looking... I had to buy a 2nd MBA since mine kept vanishing..

 

[sofakng]

I know it might be irrelevant but IMO there's no point of getting a MBA if it's going to stay at home mostly?

Well, I already have a "main" PC but it's downstairs in the basement because I don't have an office on the first floor of my house.

I have two kids (newborn and three years old) so it's hard to find time to go downstairs and use the PC. However, if I had a laptop I could use it on the couch or even the dining room table and put it away when I'm finished.

...that's why I'm thinking about a laptop. :/

 

[Moakesy]

I had a 2008 MacbookPro since new, then had an iPad since the iPad2 came out. Instantly, I used the iPad for 90% of my stuff at home, and the MBP got used less and less. Upgraded the iPad a couple of times, currently having the iPad Air.

However, since getting a new rMBP 15" two weeks ago, I've found I am using a laptop more frequently again. The main reason is the screen, the retina screen just looks superb and I find I actually enjoy using a laptop again.

I've busted my ankle a week ago and can't drive, so last week I've being sitting with my feet up every day, doing around 10 hours work on battery alone.

I don't know if a 15" rMBP was really an option you were considering, but check them out if your budget can stretch to it. I've found it's a HUGE upgrade (esp the screen) and one that means my iPad is getting used less and less.

 

[cincygolfgrrl]

I bought an MBA-11 almost two years ago as a replacement for a 15" Dell. These days it's mostly used at home, where it's plugged into a 20" monitor for photo editing in Lightroom. But for the first year and a half I just used the the laptop alone at the desk, on the couch, during travel (airport, airplane, hotel) and at the local coffee shop. It's a amazing machine that takes care of my every need (though secretly I covet a 27" iMac for photo work).

I'm old and have questionable eyesight; but the 11-inch screen rarely seems too small. CMD + resolves any visibility issues. I have an iPad Mini that I use mostly for reading but the MBA goes anywhere in the house and is used for almost all computing needs.

 

[MacManTexas56]

I know it might be irrelevant but IMO there's no point of getting a MBA if it's going to stay at home mostly?

I have a Macbook Air myself and I rarely use it at home unless it's used for Target disk mode through the iMac. I think the point of owning an ultralight laptop is portability and I paid a lot of premium specifically for it so I use it a lot for outdoor computing. OTOH the iMac never leave the house (obviously) and I also have the iPad Air for browsing and reading on the coach/bed or even travelling.

If it stays at home, the money will be more well spent toward a desktop computer, like the iMac. Same $$ for more performance or less $$ for same performance.

Not everyone wants to sit at a desk to use the computer.

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Well, I already have a "main" PC but it's downstairs in the basement because I don't have an office on the first floor of my house.

I have two kids (newborn and three years old) so it's hard to find time to go downstairs and use the PC. However, if I had a laptop I could use it on the couch or even the dining room table and put it away when I'm finished.

...that's why I'm thinking about a laptop. :/

Desktops are on the way out. We have an office but we just use it to relax and read etc. the laptop gets used all over the house. Most of the use is on the couch or at the kitchen table. I'd go with the 13 inch. I have both and the 13 inch is great for browsing

 

[iSayuSay]

Not everyone wants to sit at a desk to use the computer.

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Desktops are on the way out. We have an office but we just use it to relax and read etc. the laptop gets used all over the house. Most of the use is on the couch or at the kitchen table. I'd go with the 13 inch. I have both and the 13 inch is great for browsing

Yep desktops are getting less popular but sadly performance and price point is not catching up yet, especially in graphic department, not even after these decades of notebook existence. A beefy gaming notebook costs around $4000 and it barely catches up with a well built $1500 desktop with a lot bigger and better display. Thanks but I'd rather stay at my desk.

I would gladly remove the desktop off the table and stick with a laptop entirely when the performance is there.

 

[aaronvan]

My 13" MBA replaced my desktop. In my office I use and external monitor, keyboard, and trackpad. When I need to roam I just unplug it and off I go.

 

[MacAndMic]

sofaking,

I have a similar situation where the "big" machine is downstairs. That machine runs my business (Winbox CAD Station) and I also had an iPad to play with while on the couch. Unfortunately I kept finding myself running downstairs due to limitations of the iPad so I bought a 13" Air (11" did not agree with my eyes).

Since buying the Air 4 months ago, I have not touched the iPad though the kids do still like it. I have also removed everything personal from that business machine and all of that info now resides on my Air. This was the perfect solution for me and I literally only use the machine downstairs when I work, everything personal is Air.

Lastly, I think if you bought an Air, you might find new uses other than the couch. Though I work at home, I have taken the Air on vacations and such, it is very convenient, especially if you use a digital camera and can offload photos day to day or just want to catch up on whatever it is you do.

 

[sofakng]

Well... I've purchased a MacBook Air 11" and I've been using it for about two weeks and I've been mostly happy but the size is just too small. I was going to use it as an iPad replacement but...

I've borrowed a friends MacBook Air 13" and I am absolutely returning my 11".

However, I also have a few extra dollars so I might go for the Retina MacBook Pro 13"...

Tough decision I think!

...but I know that the 11" isn't the right size at least for me.