Need one more Mac, advice please

[entatlrg]

I have a 15" MBP as my main computer for desktop and portable use. I also have a MacBook Air, I use it everywhere when I don't need the power of the 15" MBP with me.

I'm lacking a computer that will be primarily my desktop. For example when I travel for a holiday I take both my MBP and MBA with me leaving no computer at home. What I need is a 'home base/server computer'. Something I can connect my external hard drives too, my security camera's, usb sticks I download movies to etc.

This computer won't get used much at all....only to search/download movies, store files, power peripherals etc.. I don't like working at a desk much so my MBP and MBA get a lot of use away from my desk.

I thought of a 17" MBP, but after spending some time typing on one I find the resolution is too high for the size of screen it is, for me anyways the native font is too small...

What should I buy? Price isn't really a concern, having a 'great' set up that works well and communicates together is.

I thought about an iMac but it's a lot of computer just to sit on a desk. My wife has one for her office and loves it. Maybe a Mac Mini, I don't know? Would it have the power? Maybe another 15" MacBook Pro, it does what an iMac or a Mini plus it's easy to move around should I want too.

What would you buy?

 

[SkyBell]

Your needs don't sound very intense...I'd say a mini w/ maxed out RAM should do the trick.

 

[MacMini2009]

I think the Mac Mini will be fine for your needs. Just upgrade the RAM to 4GB and a larger/faster hard drive in the future if you get one.

 

[MovieCutter]

I'd go for a low end 20" refurb iMac. Nice all in one package, better specs, longer life, etc. You can find them on Craigslist for cheap now as well.

 

[TRAG]

Just a Thought

I'd say sell your MBP and get an iMac. That way you don't loose too much power and gain a desktop. That's if you're interested in parting with the MNP and only using MBA on the road.

 

[Theclamshell]

i third the 20 inch imac

 

[entatlrg]

I'm leaning towards the Mac Pro actually, I have an ACD I can hook up to it ... would be the ultimate.

If I was going to go the iMac route I'd almost get another 15" MBP instead and use it as my desktop... then I could take easily take it with me should I need too.

I dunno.... the iMac and Mini don't appeal to me so much as the Mac Pro and 15" MBP's do.