I am curious to see how people are set up. My fear in owning a laptop again is that they are delicate and I have no backup, but I think owning two costs more in the long run.
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Do you own a laptop, a desktop, or both?
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Both, but my 27" imac has now been regulated to being a media server and an external monitor for my new quadcore 15" MBP. The new MBP's are powerful enough to finally be the all-you-need computer IMO.
Both, I have an old as dirt core duo mini that acts as an itunes server, and a macbook air 11" ultimate. I wouldn't worry about laptops being delicate, they're way more sturdy than a desktop, especially if you're taking them both everywhere you go.
Both. Primarily desktop because they are easier to use for long periods because of better ergonomics and larger, higher quality displays. I use my laptop only when I need portability.
It is true that laptops are more delicate, or perhaps they are more subject to abuse because they don't spend their lives anchored to a desk. But the lack of backup is solely your problem/fault.
Of course owning two costs more!
It is true that laptops are more delicate, or perhaps they are more subject to abuse because they don't spend their lives anchored to a desk. But the lack of backup is solely your problem/fault.
Of course owning two costs more!
We own multiple desktops and laptops with each being used for different purposes and in different ways. Variety is good. 
I have owned a laptop since the beginning of high school (I'm almost out of college now). I bought a 27" iMac and I loved it but I was lamenting the obvious lack of portability. I decided to exchange it for the top-of-the-line BTO MBP. My one concern is that I will want the machine to be my everything machine and thus I will expose it to the rigors. Keeping the 27" and getting an Air may have been the best idea. Oh well...
Desktops. Never owned a laptop. Used one at work 10 years ago with a docking station.
But that's it.
Lately I've though about getting one because I have less space currently and would like to move computer form room to room.
Also towers take up so much room and the power of laptops has started to outstrip most of what I use a computer for.
Still like the big screens of a desktop. Nothing like a 24"monitor instead of a 13"-17" one.
You can add a monitor to a laptop but then the expense rises.
Also with a desktop you can easily change out components. Add a second hard drive. gpu if you like some games. new mb and cpu when the time is right.
Also like that if you spill a drink on your keyboard it's only the $30 keyboard that gets hosed not the $1000 laptop or in the case of a 15" MBP - the $2000 laptop.
But that's it.
Lately I've though about getting one because I have less space currently and would like to move computer form room to room.
Also towers take up so much room and the power of laptops has started to outstrip most of what I use a computer for.
Still like the big screens of a desktop. Nothing like a 24"monitor instead of a 13"-17" one.
You can add a monitor to a laptop but then the expense rises.
Also with a desktop you can easily change out components. Add a second hard drive. gpu if you like some games. new mb and cpu when the time is right.
Also like that if you spill a drink on your keyboard it's only the $30 keyboard that gets hosed not the $1000 laptop or in the case of a 15" MBP - the $2000 laptop.
I have both. I find I am using my macbook a little less now. I like having the large screen on my iMac compared to the MBP. But I also like having the portability with the laptop. But recently I have starting using my iPad for web surfing at the expense of the MBP. Knowing what I know now I would have been better off buying a 15inch MBP with the 27 inch Cinema Display instead of having the iMac.
MBP 17" 2011: main
MBP 17" 2007 (need to sell)
iMac 2.13: media / test machine
PowerMac G4: server
Highest spec PowerMac G4: new server, not set up yet.
MBP 17" 2007 (need to sell)
iMac 2.13: media / test machine
PowerMac G4: server
Highest spec PowerMac G4: new server, not set up yet.
What do you mean "delicate"? They're just as durable as a desktop. If properly cared for, a notebook can serve for many years, both as a portable and as a desktop solution. I've used nothing but notebooks for over 10 years and have been very satisfied by how they perform and last.
I had a refurb 2009 iMac and a MB (which I sold for a 13" MBP) but last November I sold both and bought a 15" 2010 MBP (base model) and a quality external monitor. No regrets at all for this move. The only fear is if my MBP fails. As a matter of fact I do need to have the base replaced as the key pop out a lot but I can't afford to be without a computer for a week to 10 days - the genius bar cannot do this repair in store
I own a PC, and just my mac. I always wanted a back up just incase, but that's from worries when I used to own acer's, dell's, I know with Apple I'l covered for 3 years and it's probably going to last me for 4-5 years. So I'll sell my desktop soon. x
Macs as below.
95% of the time I use the MacBook. The mini mainly runs some VMs for software testing and is a file/backup server via FW800 drives.
Also have a overclocked Core 2 Duo PC that runs a couple of flavours of Windows. It only gets used for LAN gaming bashes.
95% of the time I use the MacBook. The mini mainly runs some VMs for software testing and is a file/backup server via FW800 drives.
Also have a overclocked Core 2 Duo PC that runs a couple of flavours of Windows. It only gets used for LAN gaming bashes.
Both, but my desktop machine is a Windows machine. Although, I will probably be getting a Mac Pro in the next couple of months.
I agree and I do back up to a 1TB Lacie external hard drive. I meant a backup computer -- but that's probably an unnecessary luxury. I'm content.
I own both, although I have a feeling my next computer update will be getting rid of my desktop and laptop, buying a new MBP, and installing Windows on it.
I have both a desktop (PC) and a laptop. I rarely use my desktop, but I use the monitor for TV. My laptop is my 13" MacBook Pro, and then I have an iPad.
I own both.
PowerMac G4 DP as my main home office computer. PowerMac G3 for my interest and craving for Mac OS9. An iMac G5 for the gf, so that she would not mess with my home office main PowerMac. A PowerMac G4 MDD single for the daughter. A hackbook for mobility, it is soon to be replaced by a PowerBook 15" HRes. Portability is excellent with my hackbook and it is running 10.6.7 atm but I just needed a higher resolution for my field work and the PB 1.67 will fit that need.
PowerMac G4 DP as my main home office computer. PowerMac G3 for my interest and craving for Mac OS9. An iMac G5 for the gf, so that she would not mess with my home office main PowerMac. A PowerMac G4 MDD single for the daughter. A hackbook for mobility, it is soon to be replaced by a PowerBook 15" HRes. Portability is excellent with my hackbook and it is running 10.6.7 atm but I just needed a higher resolution for my field work and the PB 1.67 will fit that need.
do you own a laptop, desktop, or both
both, plus...
iMac 27" w/ W7 in bootcamp
older HP PC w/ WXP
17" MBP for its portability
13" MB, required by work
much older eMac
all are used daily, if in hometown; portables on-the-road
smartphone and/or tablet to upgrade-to later this year
passed on netbook a year ago
both, plus...
iMac 27" w/ W7 in bootcamp
older HP PC w/ WXP
17" MBP for its portability
13" MB, required by work
much older eMac
all are used daily, if in hometown; portables on-the-road
smartphone and/or tablet to upgrade-to later this year
passed on netbook a year ago
I prefer to do all the heavy work and most of everything else on my desktop (Mac Pro). my laptop (12.1" HP Elitebook) is only for light work away from home.
laptops are catching up CPU-wise, but no matter how fast they are, the cooling is worthless, parts aren't easily replaceable, and you're stuck with manufacturer customizations.
laptops are catching up CPU-wise, but no matter how fast they are, the cooling is worthless, parts aren't easily replaceable, and you're stuck with manufacturer customizations.