Imac + 13 " MacBook Pro or 16 " MacBook Pro for designer

[pookitoo]

Hello everyone,

Just want to know what do you think about that choice :
I'm a graphic designer (web design, logo designer, graphic designer, photography and video a bit), I'm in love with my iPad pro 12,9 " but need a laptop for some software ;(

I love to be minimalist but to have what I need to succeed my work.

I want to change my setup and I have 2 choice :
- Imac 5k + 13 " MacBook Pro :
Pros : good comfort when I'm at my desk, excellent portability when I'm outside, always easily available, so gorgeous screen at my desk
Cons : 2 computers to "manage" , not so minimalist, poor screen size when I'm outside, "poor" performances when I'm outside

- 16 " MacBook Pro :
Pros : Minimalist in some way, same comfort everywhere, great performances everywhere I am
COns: in some way a little screen at my desk, not too much portability

Thanks for your feedbacks !

 

[mightyjabba]

Assuming these cost more or less the same amount of money, I think having both the iMac and MacBook Pro is probably preferable, although it will depend on how much time you will spend away from your desk. Obviously if you need to work on the go a lot it will make having a better laptop more appealing.

But you could also get an inexpensive monitor to use with the laptop when at your desk to expand the screen real estate.

 

[pookitoo]

Thanks for your reply So it's depend a lot about my time in front of the desk or away, I'm a freelancer, so sometimes during 2 month, I'm mainly at my desk and sometimes during 2 months I'm always outside.

And i tried a lot of external monitor and don't like mat monitors dont' like 4 k dpi, don't want to spend 1100 $ in an external screen, and don't like the calibration and boring to calibrate and so many ghosting experience with external screen (and so in love with glossy Mac screen quality

 

[||\||]

There is no way I could sit at a 16” screen doing layouts all day. It would be too small for me to see everything I need at a scale that is comfortable. Get the 5K iMac. Those things last forever.

 

[fs454]

I would go 16" MBP and build out your desk setup a little. Solid high-DPI IPS 4K displays can be had under $400 and nicer USB-C ones for under $1k. Just because it's your only computer doesn't mean it has to be your only display.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B078GVTD9N/ref=psdc_1292115011_t1_B073VYVX5S this would work great and has 60 watts of USB-C power delivery which will keep the 16" charged unless you're pushing it hard / doing long exports. A refurb LG 5K Ultrafine 27" (same panel as the iMac 5K and 90W of power over USBC) is just under $900. Charges and sends display data through one cable, as well as additional USB-C ports on the monitor for general use.

Come home, plug in, have a Magic Keyboard in front of you and use the laptop off to the right so the trackpad is positioned where your mouse hand would be. Need to bring your work on the road? Unplug and have all the power with you and the 16" display onboard.

 

[dwig]

Given the current state of the hardware reliability, in particular the junk keyboard, of the 13" MBP, the 2 computer option is a non-starter. Also IMO, you overlook a range of options and Pros/Cons of the combinations you list.

If you are doing this work professionally, I would recommend having at least two computers that can do all of the work by themselves. It is an aspect of having backups, not just for your data but also having a backup device. If the current 13" MBP was reliable my vote would be for the two device setup.

If you go with the 16" MBP then a second large monitor, a docking station, full keyboard, and mouse would be my recommendation. That way you have the good display and functional input devices on a par with an iMac when you are at the desk and no significant management issues when working in the field since its the same computer. You are, though, putting all of your eggs in one basket as a computer failure puts you completely out of business until it is repaired and data is restored. This isn't a big issue for personal work, but when you have client deadlines to meet it can be fatal to your business reputation.