moving from 2 computers to 1?

Hmm, you've a lot of questions...

Overall, I think there are a growing number of people who use a mb or mbp as their primary machine.

Yes, I use my laptop as my main machine, although my uses aren't as demanding as yours.

As far as I know, your mb should have no problem running an ACD.

Wireless keyboards are more of an aesthetic choice if you have a typical desk set up; if you want one go for it, but I can't see any tangible benefits (plus think about the need to change the batteries).

 

Many people use laptops as their primary machine. Everyone in my family does except my mother, as do most people I know. Modern laptops are powerful enough that you're not sacrificing anything - especially when you plug into an external display.

The MacBook should be fine in clamshell mode, but maybe invest in a cooling pad for peace of mind. I use mine connected to an external display, keyboard, and mouse, but I extend the desktop and leave the MB open. I've run it closed, though, and there didn't seem to be any trouble. And the MB will have no trouble driving your display.

As for keyboard... get what you like. I opted for the wired one because the wireless keyboard does not have a numberpad.

 

You could replace the hard drive on your current laptop (here a 500 GB for your macbook) for less than 130 bucks, upgrade the RAM to 4 GB for about 60 dollars and get a 1 TB external for backups (remember your hard drive will die someday) for about 120 dollars. There you go, a "practically new" machine that will last you for years to come, and connected to a external display could be your Primary machine for all the needs you list.

Yes, I have my Macbook (SR 2.2 GHz) that I take everywhere, and when in my house I mount it in a "laptop-stand" (it's actually a book holder), connected to a Viewsonic 22 inches display, a SeaGate FreeAgent external drive for backup and storage, and use it with an old bluetooth apple keyboard (that has a numeric trackpad) and bluetooth mouse.

Yes, but ALWAYS keep at least ONE backup. You know, laptops get stolen all the time, plus, it's going to fail one day.

I don't know, I don't think so, because there are products in the market that are directed to use it that way, but why would'nt you put it on a stand, use it open and have 2 displays at your disposal (more screen real state is always better).

Yes

It's up to your preferences. But keep in mind that the new wireless keyboards do not have a numeric keypad.

 

I have used a laptop as my primary machine for about 8 years now, much prefer it to having either a desktop or desktop and laptop. So much easier to work from different locations, plus I travel a lot so it's great

 

I'm moving in that direction right now - my MacBook is my main computer for everything... except Warcraft. I have an old iMac g5 with a real video card for some light gaming. I also have an external display hooked up, and I have found one benefit that no one else has mentioned: dual displays. When I'm computing, I have the laptop open and run the external monitor as an additional display - I've found it very handy to have that little bit of extra screen space for stuff like iTunes/instant messenger/etc. I actually run three screens on my PC at work, but that is overkill most of the time...

 

Based on your current mac, any new Apple laptop would be faster, and some much faster.
You could go with the new 2.0ghz 13.3" Unibody Aluminum with 2gb RAM (upgradeable to 4gb) and upgrade the drive yourself for $150. That way you have a little room to budge in this computer by upgrading RAM to 4gb later and to an SSD in a few years for more speed. $1299 +$150=$1449

You could go with the new 2.4ghz 13.3" Unibody Aluminum with 2gb RAM (upgradeable to 4gb) and upgrade the drive yourself for $150 (or stay at 250gb). You would also have some room to budge via RAM or SSD, but you start out faster. $1599+$150=$1749

You could go with the white Macbook that is similar to the 2.0ghz Aluminum, but will have a slower bus speed. Upgrades can be the same, but this machine will start out the slowest. $999+$150=$1149

You could go with a new Mini and use that as a primary computer for a while. The problem with that is that it is unable to be easily upgraded. You can get a 2.0ghz with 4gb RAM and a 320gb HDD for $924.

You could go with a Macbook Pro (I know you don't like the 15" screen, but you could use your old Macbook when you need more portablilty. The Pro is also thinner than your Macbook, although its footprint is quite a bit bigger. You also get more for your money.)
If you want a lower price, go with the 15" 2.4ghz and upgrade the HDD for $150. You can upgrade RAM later up to 4gb. ($1999+$150=$2149)
If you want more upgradeability, go with a 15" 2.66ghz stock. You can upgrade the HDD later and the RAM goes to 8gb. That runs $2499.

Personally, if I had the money, I would go for the MBP 2.66 because of its upgradeability. You seem to have enough for a Macbook and Mini, so you probably have the cash for a Pro.

 

Now of your applications required a lot of "power". Storage is the issue. You could upgrade the internal disk to 500gb and also buy a 1TB external drive to keep on the desk ad another 1TB or 1.5TB for Time Machine. You woud have to leave some of your data on the desktop on the 1TB external but that is no different from if you had two computers.

 

Your model can use up to 3.3 GB - install 2x 2 GB sticks or 1x 2 GB, 1x 1 GB (but you loose some performance if sticks have different size). Only Core Duo (not Core 2 Duo) machines were limited to 2 GB.

You MacBook supports 1280x800 on the built-in display and 1920x1200 on the external at the same time. No worries here. Still, running with only the external speeds things up because memory reserved for graphics isn't split between 2 displays.

 

There's some confusion here. The core duo macbooks maxed out at 2.0 Ghz. So:

- If the processor speed is 2.16, it's a core 2 duo and can take up to 3.3 GB RAM.

- If it's a core duo, it cannot be 2.16 Ghz, and moreover, it can take 2 GB max.

Just look "about this mac" under the apple menu to see your CPU speed.

 

Hi,
I'm basically the same as you. I had both a laptop and desktop, both PC. I used them until they were on there last limbs. I always said to my Dad that Mac was so much better than PC.

I then convinced him to let me save up and buy a MacBook and after a lot of nagging, he relented. I fell in love with Mac the day I received the MacBook. I then decided to replace my desktop. I was thinking "I'm going to get a Mac Pro" but then I woke up from my dream.

After a few weeks of having the MacBook, I got some crazed idea in to my head to sell some unwanted items, laptop and desktop PC on eBay UK. I fetched enough to buy a Mac Mini and a pair of decent speakers. I'm happy as larry.

I say you stick with two machines. One on the desktop and one for being portable.

For portability, you would want maybe a MacBook Pro and upgrade the HD and RAM to its maximum size. I would then get a base model Mac Mini and upgrade it to the Mini's full potential.

 

Apple is known for stating incorrect max RAM limit in tech documentation. The most recent example is the 4 core Mac Pro - Apple says it can only support 8 GB, but tests proven that it can take 16 GB (and I think 32 GB would also be possible once 8 GB sticks are released).

The pre-SantaRosa Core 2 Duo MacBooks had Napa chipset and it was proven to use up to 3.3 GB.

Right, I didn't notice he said Core Duo 2.16. Yes, its either Core Duo or Core 2 Duo 2.16 GHz.