MBP as only computer?

decisions... decisions...

the main use i picked up from your post is that you're doing a lot with photos. photos can be edited and run very smoothly on any imac or macbook pro. so either would suit you power-wise.

the main decision you have to make is if you "need" a portable computer. the macbook pro is going to be more expensive, because it is portable. that is the cost you pay for portability. typically too, the MBP is going to be less powerful than an imac (because they are squeezing A LOT into a small space on the MBP). the imac has more room for the larger and faster hard drive, faster cpu because of more room eliminating thermal constraints that the MBP has).

many people do own just a laptop for their main/only computer. it is very common today. some people buy a laptop because they "need" it, or because they "want" it. it's really a personal preference today if money is not an issue.

i'd say, consider your finances, and consider if you "need" the portability. you're paying a premium to have a portable. your description sounded like you don't "need" a portable computer, but you wouldn't mind one! so if you have the finances, you can treat yourself if you'd like. otherwise, the imac would save you money (you can purchase applecare, more memory, larger hard drive, external hard drive for Time Machine backups, etc). OR, you can just save your money!

I used to work at Apple retail, and i would encounter this dilemma on a daily basis with customers. if you don't need a portable, don't get one. you save money. if you "want" a portable, and have the money, treat yourself if you'd like.

You mentioned you wanted the computer to lasts 3 years (with Applecare). Applecare is an excellent purchase. Especially for laptops. Because the laptops are portable, they can get banged up, dropped, smaller enclosure which can overheat, etc. Remember though, applecare doesn't cover water damage and physical damage, or theft. The iMacs have the lowest failure rate of the macs, one big reason is they are sitting on a desk their entire lifetime! not much moving at all.

All things to consider. Message me if you have any more questions.

 

I have a 2006 17" MBP and use it as my main computer. Have vmware, bootcamp all sorts of things. I browse the internet, edit video, watch tv via eyetv. Upgraded to a 500GB drive. I have a desktop pc too but I put it in storage. Also have a Thinkpad from work, but my mac is better so I installed what I needed in bootcamp and work that way. The 17" is a big enough screen, but it's not very portable. If I were to start over I would get a 15" (since I like the discrete gfx) and use my LCD with it. I would prefer a 13" but don't like the integrated video card.

Only thing I added was a NAS to store all my crap that doesn't fit on the laptop.

 

agree with the above poster. also consider if you move the computer around the house which doesn't sound like you do. i know many people who like to watch tv while surfing with their laptop during commercials. you have a monitor already which is ideal with a laptop (big screen + portable).

 

I've recently replaced a Mac Pro and a MacBook Air with a 17" MBP and I don't regret it at all.

I used my desktop for CAD, CFD and FEA and used the Air for pretty much everything else. The MBP is able to replace both machines fairly well.

You won't regret buy either an iMac or a MBP.

 

I have a 15" uMBP + BT keyboard/mouse + 24" LED Cinema Display.

I often forget that it's a uMBP when I have it hooked up to the Cinema Display. To me, it looks/acts virtually the same as an iMac, except I can unplug it and easily use it on the couch/take it out of the house...