How well does clamshell mode work for you (M1 only)?.. and 14" vs 16"?

[nquinn]

With the upcoming 14" and 16" models coming up soon, I'm deciding which route I want to go.

Main use cases: learning to code, web browsing, maybe dabbling in some media in the future.

Right now I just work with a laptop from the couch or kitchen table. I'm trying not to spend a fortune on a new setup, so debating the following:

1. 14" Macbook + new largest new apple monitor on a standing desk. Could use the 14" either in clamshell mode, or use it as a separate screen. I've generally found that using a laptop screen+separate monitor isn't the best experience though because they usually aren't at the same height and the keyboard ends up in a weird place.

PROS: More portability for laptop. Cheaper than a 16" model
CONS: Smaller screen space

Cost: Probably $1800ish + $1000ish monitor = $2800?

2. 16" Macbook + monitor - basically the opposite of above. Less portable, more expensive, though I'd get more horsepower out of it. Advantage would also be that if I'm not running in clamshell mode I'd have more screen real estate to work with

Cost: Probably $2700ish + $1000ish monitor = $3700

3. 14" Macbook + Mac mini + monitor - gets the most portability and don't have to deal with clamshell/docking. Downside is cost and only 14" screen space when not at desk. I wouldn't go 16"+mac mini because it's simply too expensive.

Cost: $1800 + $1000 + $1300 (16gb/1tb) = $4100

Any thoughts on long-term which would be a nicer setup? I guess it gets down to how much time I think I'll spend at a desk vs couch/kitchen table/etc.

I ask the question about how well clamshell mode works, because another option would be to add a mac mini (could do something like a 14" + mac mini instead of 16"), though I think I'm not super interested in that option. It could work as a nice mini-NAS though w/ external storage.

 

[deeddawg]

Clamshell works fine but you can also leave the system open and still use external keyboard/trackpad. Bonus is you get to still use TouchID and touchbar functions. This is how I typically work at my home office setup, using a Caldigit TS3+ to provide single-cable docking. Desktop QHD monitor is designated as primary display, M1 MBP sitting to the side, apple magic trackpad & keyboard on the keyboard tray.

Keeping your files synced between two computers is an unnecessary complication for your described needs.

I wouldn't invest much time trying to guess what to do regarding rumored unannounced models. Apple has a habit of doing whatever the heck they want regardless of what the rumor mill claims. Yes, it's likely that sometime this year the four-port MBP models will migrate to Apple Silicon in some form, and that the 16 will likely remain 16. We'll see what happens with the 13.3 size model. My point is don't set your expectations based on rumor.

As for 14 vs 13.3 -- my work windows laptop is 14 and screen isn't discernibly different in size from my MBP unless I specifically put them side by side to compare.

 

[nquinn]

Good point on the fingerprint reader - that would be annoying to give up unless separate magic keyboards included it.

 

[deeddawg]

Good point on the fingerprint reader - that would be annoying to give up unless separate magic keyboards included it.

I have yet to see an external replacement for TouchID. While we could always see a surprise, I'd put the probability on not seeing such a thing become available.

Some of the authentication functionality can occur via Apple Watch in lieu of TouchID, but it hasn't seemed perfect and I've really not paid a lot of attention to what does or doesn't translate when in clamshell vs open.

Anyway, the main point is it's easy enough to designate the external as your primary display and work with the laptop open and to the side if you wish.

I'd also say that I also frequently (at a different desk) work with the laptop display & keyboard and a 2nd monitor sitting behind and to the side. I've not found it to be a big problem having screens at different height. YMMV.

My suggestion is when you're ready get a system and try it out in the least complex/cost setup that'll do what you need -- then add external keyboard & trackpad if you find you would prefer it. We each have our different preferences and what works fine for me may not work great for you.