How can you keep more than one MacBook in sync?

[Fireball Dragon]

Okay, so I have a 15" MacBook Pro which is my 'powerhouse', and used for CPU heavy tasks like video editing, ZWIFT, etc. I find it a little cumbersome to carry everywhere, though, so it mostly stays at home.

I have a 12" MacBook which although underpowered, I take out as I don't do anything CPU heavy away from home. So mostly writing, internet, mail, etc.

I am thinking that perhaps a 13" fully specced out machine would be the middle ground, but it is not financially viable to sell both machines, and I'm not even sure a 13" would be powerful enough for some of the heavier tasks the 15" does.

I use iCloud to keep everything in sync, but find keeping 2 laptops to be more of a hassle than anything else and there is only so much iCloud can do. Keeping both iTunes (music) libraries the same, as well as downloaded apps and open windows is an issue.

How do other users keep more than one machine in sync. Any tips? it would be great if there was a way to have the same windows pop up on both machines, so for example, when I come home after working on my 12" all day, I can simply open my 15" and have the same windows there and continue from where I left off.

 

[ahostmadsen]

I have exactly the same setup (15" MBP + 12" MB). I think just keeping files in sync is sufficient. Opening windows again seems a minor problem. What is more annoying is that some programs (e.g., Microsoft office), does not allow modification in open files. So, if you have Word open on both machines with the same document, that's trouble. But that's the software developer's problem. it works fine with for example Pages.

 

[Bart Kela]

The MacBook is not a viable replacement for a MacBook Pro for CPU intensive tasks.

MacBook CPU performance is stunted by its hardware design. No fan = no extra CPU cycles for prolonged processing. The system will throttle down processes when the temperature reaches a certain threshold. It doesn't matter if I have a top-of-the-line built-to-order i7 running at 1.4GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6GHz.

If you can segregate your CPU intensive activities from your light tasks, then the MacBook can be considered.

My 2013 MacBook Air (11") can transcode video 10% faster than my 2017 MacBook. That's how stark the performance difference is (particularly for CPU intensive tasks).

 

[Fireball Dragon]

The MacBook is not a viable replacement for a MacBook Pro for CPU intensive tasks.

MacBook CPU performance is stunted by its hardware design. No fan = no extra CPU cycles for prolonged processing. The system will throttle down processes when the temperature reaches a certain threshold. It doesn't matter if I have a top-of-the-line built-to-order i7 running at 1.4GHz with Turbo Boost to 3.6GHz.

If you can segregate your CPU intensive activities from your light tasks, then the MacBook can be considered.

My 2013 MacBook Air (11") can transcode video 10% faster than my 2017 MacBook. That's how stark the performance difference is (particularly for CPU intensive tasks).

The 12” MacBook is definitely underpowered, hence why I have 2 machines. I was referring to a fully specked out 13” MacBook Pro as a potential option in the future to replace both machines.

 

[ZapNZs]

I use a 12 and a 15 also. I mainly use iCloud Drive (in addition to the built in syncing that comes with Photos/contacts/cal/IMAP email accounts/etc.) I've also used Chrome's sync features in the past, although I am not ATM. A lot of the work I do on the 15 I do not do on the 12 (it's not designed for it, as you have noted) so my own syncing requirements are limited. What specifically do you need to sync? Is it beyond the capability of what handoff can do?

 

[Fireball Dragon]

I use a 12 and a 15 also. I mainly use iCloud Drive (in addition to the built in syncing that comes with Photos/contacts/cal/IMAP email accounts/etc.) I've also used Chrome's sync features in the past, although I am not ATM. A lot of the work I do on the 15 I do not do on the 12 (it's not designed for it, as you have noted) so my own syncing requirements are limited. What specifically do you need to sync? Is it beyond the capability of what handoff can do?

Cheers. It’s mainly windows. So when I’m out working on the 12”, I have quite a few windows open. PDF’s I’m annotating, pages and perhaps keynote, etc. Everything is stored in iCloud, but having to come back home and reopen all of the documents is mildly inconvenient. Sometimes at home it’s easier to just open the 12” MacBook and resume working, even though I have the option to move to a larger display. So conclusively, a way to have the same windows automatically open on both MacBooks. The more m thinking about this, the more unlikely it seems to be honest.

 

[NavySEAL6]

Did you consider remoting in to the machine at home and working on that?

 

[Samuelsan2001]

Drop all your files in the cloud then at least all your documents and work will be in sync, other than that no there is no automatic way to do it you could always back up one when you use it then restore the other from the backup but that would take hours every time.

 

[Trey M]

I’ve got the same setup. It can be tedious sometimes managing 2 laptops (downloading software updates, reopening apps/windows, etc) but to me the benefits are worth it. I agree with others that file syncing is usually enough for most tasks.

I do think the 13 MBP will be a suitable replacement if you wait for the 2018 MBP iteration where we’ll likely see quad core processors in the 13. If you really would just prefer one device, that would be the way to go. While the 13 is no 12” MacBook, it’s still an ultraportable device.

 

[Fireball Dragon]

Thanks, guys. Looks like I'm doing all I can, same as you all.

Everything is neatly placed in iCloud, photos are all synced and I manage iTunes manually.

Was just thinking I may have been overlooking something and there was another easier way for windows, but apparently. not.

The convenience of the 12" MacBook of being an ultra portable is very important as I prefer to travel light. Occasionally I do take the 15" MBP out if I need the extra computing power, but for my daily tasks away from desk, the 12" MB is sufficient.

Also interesting to see others with the same set-up! I thought I was alone (and somewhat crazy) for owing 2 MacBooks.