Are Laptops Becoming Redundant? The Case for the iMac

[MICHAELSD]

With the advent of tablets and very capable smartphones, it seems that having a full-blown portable computer is becoming unnecessary. Sure, many pros still require a full-blown computer and it is superior for a multitude tasks but for most on the go just as much can be accomplished with an iPad or iPhone. Candidly I have never, not once the entire time I have owned it, felt the need to bring my Retina MacBook Pro out of the house (oddly enough, nor have I felt a desire to take an iPad on the go with me). There was no need nor desire to have to drag around a device that is nowhere near as portable as an iPhone.

So even though my 2012 Retina MacBook Pro still feels modern and compares well to the new iMacs spec-wise, I feel that I would be better-suited giving up the form factor and ease of use of the MacBook Pro for an iMac that would in theory make me more productive with its larger display and fixed desk location. If I never need the portability of a MacBook Pro, preferring a tablet or even phone, I see no reason not to have a more comfortable experience (besides the hassle of selling and transferring over to an iMac). Even though laptops seem to be the more popular option, for professionals not constantly traveling it seems to make more sense to go all-in with a full-blown fixed computing experience. That would leave room in a workflow for, say, an iPad Pro, if necessary.

 

[JoelTheSuperior]

For professionals a desktop is definitely a good choice - I currently have both a MacBook Pro and my lovely Hackintosh, though at some point (though probably not any time too soon) I'd quite like to replace it with an iMac.

I definitely think that desktops are becoming less desirable - many people would much rather just have a laptop simply because a laptop can fulfil their needs just fine.

My only real complaint about the iMac other than the 5400RPM hard drive (really now Apple?) is the graphics - unfortunately I can still build a PC for not too much with a very nice graphics card.

 

[MICHAELSD]

For professionals a desktop is definitely a good choice - I currently have both a MacBook Pro and my lovely Hackintosh, though at some point (though probably not any time too soon) I'd quite like to replace it with an iMac.

I definitely think that desktops are becoming less desirable - many people would much rather just have a laptop simply because a laptop can fulfil their needs just fine.

My only real complaint about the iMac other than the 5400RPM hard drive (really now Apple?) is the graphics - unfortunately I can still build a PC for not too much with a very nice graphics card.

Unfortunately they choose mobile parts including the GPU for the form factor.

 

[JoelTheSuperior]

Unfortunately they choose mobile parts including the GPU for the form factor.

Which I'm honestly a bit concerned about. Having seen the benchmarks of the GPUs I'm really a bit surprised - I can get a GTX 970 for a desktop for around £230 which absolutely destroys anything the iMac has in benchmarks as far as I can tell. I'm really hoping the new Retina iMac has something a bit better...

 

[cycledance]

Which I'm honestly a bit concerned about. Having seen the benchmarks of the GPUs I'm really a bit surprised - I can get a GTX 970 for a desktop for around £230 which absolutely destroys anything the iMac has in benchmarks as far as I can tell. I'm really hoping the new Retina iMac has something a bit better...

your hackintosh is worth nothing. a used mac retains it's value better and longer and can be sold easily.
apple is premium. that's just how it is.

i know i sound like a fanboy but i am not. i can´t stand the apple of the last 5 years.

the mac mini should be a focus for apple. it needs to be affordable and upgradeable and u'd see a lot of pc users switch.

OT: desktops are much less important than laptops. but neither can be replaced with tablets or smartphones. i don´t think ever.

 

[shaunp]

There are times when I can live of a phone and it's nice to not have to cart a laptop around with me. Have you seen the dock Microsoft have for the new Lumia 950? You might not like MS products, but you might like the concept of a doc that turns your phone into a computer.

 

[fompsweeva]

Maybe redundant for someone that stays at home all day, but so long as people travel laptops will have its purpose.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

Choosing the right tool for the job does not imply other tools are useless. It all depends on what functionality a given individual requires to do whatever it is they need and/or want to do. I think there will continue to be a place for the various current hardware options for a long time going forward. They offer different things from one another in various significant ways.

 

[kinster]

Without laptops you won't have your apps. Don't think you'll see many iMacs at TechCrunch Disrupt or hackathons.

 

[Mark.]

I chose a laptop over a desktop simply due to space. I live in a modest sized apartment in London and there is just not enough space for a large desktop to sit permanently, so I use my laptop wherever I feel like; sofa, table, bed, etc.

 

[Dirtyharry50]

I love my 27" iMac myself but if money was no object, I would have a laptop too for the couch. Instead, I suffer the television while reposing there. As such, I try to limit couch time.

 

[MecPro]

I have a MBP constantly plugged into the power source and a TV. I need it for media consumption and IT based work. Laptop could be enough, but I do not travel enough to buy a new MBP.

 

[maflynn]

I need a laptop, I cannot get my work done on an iPad or a phone. There's no way I can effectively or easily log into servers using either of those devices. I know technically I can do that, but working efficiently, is another matter.

I have a SP3 for my travel needs so I was looking at a desktop for a variety of reasons, though I am underwhelmed with the current crop of iMacs.