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How can I use my MBP as "desktop"?

Lucagfc said:
Good setup except for the mouse. Is a Logitehc MX Revolution and it's wonderful for number of buttons and ergonomics but the precision is really really bad. I had not noticed before I bought the Magic Mouse! Magic Mouse in really really better in precision, now, when I try the logitech its an horrible experience!
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I had a magic mouse with my 27" iMac and it hurt my hand after long periods of use (as does the Magic Trackpad). I admit that the Logitech is kinda spotty on precision but the comfort outweighed that for me. I don't do too much pinpoint clicking anyway :p
 
cube said:
I couldn't care less about one inch. That's not the point. The difference is that one is a stupid Full HD monitor with limited connectivity and the other one is a serious and multimedia display.

Vertical pixels is one of the top priorities in selecting a computer monitor.
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Very true and I'm not arguing this but the average user may not need 16:10 and will benefit from the savings that can be put towards other accessories.
 
MUBiomed said:
I recently made the switch to a single computer setup (I was using a 27" i5 iMac and 11.6" MBA) using the MBP in the sig. I am very happy with the switch as I can grab the laptop and head out to where I am going without worry about syncing files between systems or uploading everything to iDisk/Dropbox. Here is a quick shot of my new setup after everything was said and done.

If you have any questions let me know.

Edit: sorry in advance for the crappy iPhone picture
Click to expand...


I have a couple questions:

-How are you splitting to two external screens?
-How is that dock working for you? I read reviews saying it has subpar build quality and the ports don't always line up.
-Did you have to buy any special cords for the dock, or does the standard apple mini display to dvi adaptor work with the dock?

Thanks in advance.
 
AFPoster said:
I've never bought nor used an Apple display so why is it so many people don't like the new 27" or all past models?
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Its only really the designers/photographers that hate the fact that Apple dont offer any professional monitors, even though they have always been called "cinema displays".

It would be great if they could offer anti glare options for people who need color accuracy etc, but Apple only cares about 1 thing these days.... SHINY!
 
striker33 said:
Its only really the designers/photographers that hate the fact that Apple dont offer any professional monitors, even though they have always been called "cinema displays".

It would be great if they could offer anti glare options for people who need color accuracy etc, but Apple only cares about 1 thing these days.... SHINY!
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Yeah I forgot to write that in my question, the only thing that I've ever read as a "reason not to buy" was it didn't offer anti-glare. I had always thought the ACD was the best monitor to buy whether using Windows or Mac, it's just great. For me it would be perfect at my office, especially since I don't mess with photos or editing.
 
If you have a display and peripherals

1. Close laptop
2. Connect display
3. Connect USB keyboard / mouse (or bluetooth set to wake up)
 
MUBiomed said:
I had a magic mouse with my 27" iMac and it hurt my hand after long periods of use (as does the Magic Trackpad). I admit that the Logitech is kinda spotty on precision but the comfort outweighed that for me. I don't do too much pinpoint clicking anyway :p
Click to expand...

Yes, the thinness of the Magic Mouse is not for everyone. Logitech MX Revolution is wonderful for his ergonomics but I can' t live with this imprecision of the pointer!
 
Lucagfc said:
Yes, the thinness of the Magic Mouse is not for everyone. Logitech MX Revolution is wonderful for his ergonomics but I can' t live with this imprecision of the pointer!
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Logitech MX518. Ostensibly a "gaming mouse", it's comfy and fantastically precise.
 
MUBiomed said:
I recently made the switch to a single computer setup (I was using a 27" i5 iMac and 11.6" MBA) using the MBP in the sig. I am very happy with the switch as I can grab the laptop and head out to where I am going without worry about syncing files between systems or uploading everything to iDisk/Dropbox. Here is a quick shot of my new setup after everything was said and done.

If you have any questions let me know.

Edit: sorry in advance for the crappy iPhone picture
Click to expand...

Don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are you using to get dual monitors working in your setup? So far I've only come across goofy USB video adapters. If you're using one of these, how do you like it?

Also, whats the stand for your notebook called? I'd like a setup similar to what you've got going on.
 
2tallyAwesome said:
I have a couple questions:

-How are you splitting to two external screens?
Click to expand...

I am using one MDP adapter to DVI and one USB to DVI adaptor on the second monitor. The USB video adapters can be pricey (especially if you want them to drive a high resolution monitor), but I am very happy with mine. You can check out displaylink as they have links to different models of adapters.

Edit: This is the adapter I am using- http://sewelldirect.com/Sewell-Minideck-USB-to-DVI-Display-Adapter.asp

2tallyAwesome said:
-How is that dock working for you? I read reviews saying it has subpar build quality and the ports don't always line up.
Click to expand...

I have only had the dock for a week or so but it has been working out very well. I have been impressed with the build quality since it is made out of a very sturdy plastic. It has not scratched my new MBP at all since I have been using it and the ports connect perfectly. I did have some initial difficulty docking but after following their advice (to leave the MBP plugged into the dock overnight to bend and adjust the cables perfectly) it has been very smooth docking and un-docking. I tried going the "book arc" route but the constant hassle of plugging and unplugging cables gets VERY OLD and I was more prone to scratch up the side of my MBP doing that every day than using this dock.

Edit: For those asking it is a Henge Dock- http://www.hengedocks.com/


2tallyAwesome said:
-Did you have to buy any special cords for the dock, or does the standard apple mini display to dvi adaptor work with the dock?
Click to expand...

The dock includes all of the cables you will need to hook it up properly (except for the video adapters). I am using the standard Apple OEM adapter in conjunction with the USB adapter mentioned earlier.
 
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enklined said:
Don't mean to hi-jack the thread, but what are you using to get dual monitors working in your setup? So far I've only come across goofy USB video adapters. If you're using one of these, how do you like it?

Also, whats the stand for your notebook called? I'd like a setup similar to what you've got going on.
Click to expand...


Please see the above post for some information.

In regards to the adapter, I really like it. I used it with an iMac before as well and I always enjoy the extra screen real estate. You will not be wanting to watch movies in the monitor being driven by that USB adapter but for most uses (Browser/iTunes/Chat/etc...) it shows no lag at all. I would definitely recommend it.
 
That's how I use my 2011 13". Actually forget clamshell mode. I tend to use my MBP as the secondary monitor. And I use the Apple wireless keyboard & magic trackpad on my 22" LED/HD BenQ. It is truly delightful :)
 
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