Macbook Pro + iMac Setup vs. Macbook Pro + Monitor Setup?

[anthonymarkiv]

Hey guys! Hope to get some input here. I'm currently debating on picking up the new 16" Macbook Pro to be my "main" laptop that I work from 90% of the time. I also have a 27" iMac (5K) (Late 2015) that I use for certain tasks. I'm debating between adding the MBP to my existing Apple ecosystem OR sell my iMac and use the money to purchase a nice monitor and dock, that way the MBP is truly the brain of my setup that is portable. Only downside is I LOVE how beautiful an iMac screen looks and I don't want to spend thousands on displays either replacing it.

What do you guys think? Add the MBP to my collection and just share/airdrop when needed to the iMac, or sell the iMac and use the money towards investing in a monitor and take a bit off of the MBP price?

Any input is really appreciated, thanks!

 

[mightyjabba]

If you had a slightly older iMac you could have used it as a display, but that doesn't work with the 2015 model. Personally, I would recommend trying out using both for a little while and see how it goes. It won't cost you anything. There are definitely some benefits to having two computers, and some drawbacks to trying to use a laptop as a desktop, but then again there are also benefits to it as well. But you may not full realize what they are for you until you've tried it.

 

[anthonymarkiv]

If you had a slightly older iMac you could have used it as a display, but that doesn't work with the 2015 model. Personally, I would recommend trying out using both for a little while and see how it goes. It won't cost you anything. There are definitely some benefits to having two computers, and some drawbacks to trying to use a laptop as a desktop, but then again there are also benefits to it as well. But you may not full realize what they are for you until you've tried it.

Thanks for the input. My current workflow is most of the heavy duty work is done on my HP ENVY laptop and to be honest, I'd say I use the iMac about 5-10% of the time during a given work week. I guess I just need to figure out a) is the MBP going to be now my main work horse machine and if so b) do I want to use the iMac has a secondary machine or just get a monitor so I could skip the steps of having to airdrop / share work in progress when going machine to machine. If I'm going to spend +$2K I would expect the laptop to be my #1 for everything.

 

[Costino1]

I was in your situation last January when I bought my 2018 15" MBP. I was debating that over a iMac. I chose the MBP route and use an external monitor and am happy with my decision. I dont take my laptop out of the house too often, but its very very nice having that option to take my computer with me on vacation or to travel. Also nice being able to move about the house with my MBP too if I dont want to be tethered to my desk.

 

[ruslan120]

I went with an iMac + 13” Macbook Pro setup. Everything I use often (photos, music, videos for editing) lives on a portable 2TB SSD and if needed I can take that on the go.

Apple’s pricing on the 2016-2019 Macbook Pros had me switch to such a setup, and at this point, I would be reluctant to go back. Before 2019, I exclusively used a 2013 Macbook Pro + external screen.

95%+ of the time I’m at the desktop and it offers a significant performance boost, even over the top tier Macbook Pro.

 

[fpenta]

I used to have a MBP 2016 and after 2018 15" + a LG Ultrafine 5k. Didn't like this configuration at all. Switched to the current 2019 i9 iMac and still use my MacBook Pro when I need portability. Best decision I made. A desktop all in one is a so much cleaner, quiter, more powerful and handy solution if you don't need the portability.
Now that the new 16" became larger and heavier I'm happy that I didn't sell my 15" for a 13". Will wait for a 14" if it will ever come out.