Macbook Air..docking limitations?

[Tom R]

I lack knowledge and am concerned about any limitations on a new Macbook Air which will be used as a portable (actually a transportable) docking station for three different locations. Some limited use as an actual laptop.

My uses are basic Office/internet w/multiple tabs open/Excel/Turbo-Tax, etc. Am used to buying more capability than I need...and keeping for a long time...currently on a 2010 17" MBP with larger processor.

Specifically concerned about docking and other limits with the small number of USB ports? Also concerned about docking what will be new monitors at each location...ie: if I decide to buy premium monitor will the MB Air limit my options? Also, are there adapters for the video connections I have on my current MBP? I wish to hook up to what I have and while I decide what new monitors to purchase?

In essence what might I notice or regret with a new MP Air vs buying a new MBP? I am probably willing to risk the keyboard and hinge issues...particularly since I dock a keyboard and the unit will be clamshell 90% of its use?

Thanks All...get the new MBP or a new MB Air? Tom R

 

[NorCalLights]

The current retina Macbook Air supports 1 5k external monitor, or 2 4k external monitors at 60Hz in addition to (and simultaneously with) the internal display. That should be plenty to drive any premium monitor you'd be looking at.

In 5 years, if the internal graphics card starts to drag you down, the Macbook Air also supports external GPUs over the Thunderbolt port.

And as far as the small number of USB ports... who cares? As you said, you'll be docking it when you arrive. There are plenty of cheap USB-C hubs that will give you most of what you would need (USB A connectors, card readers, and ethernet ports). And if you need more ports, there are plenty of not-so-cheap Thunderbolt 3 docking stations (HDMI/DVI/VGA ports, more USB-C ports, Thunderbolt pass-through, faster charging, more USB-A ports...)