Office upgrade: iMac 27" vs the New MBP 16" alongside iPad Pro 12.9"

[iMi]

I currently own an iMac 27" (2017) and the 13" MacBook Pro (2018). I also have the latest iPad Pro 12.9. The MacBook is used for traveling mostly and around the house. In the office, I use the iMac and the iPad (used either as an iPad or as a secondary display). I am considering the following changes:

Replace both the 13" MacBook Pro and the iMac with the new 16" MacBook Pro (higher spec) and use it alongside the iPad Pro when in the office. Then when traveling just take the MacBook (longer trips) or just the iPad.

The way I see it is that the 16" display and the 12.9" should give me combined workspace of about 29" and therefore negating the need for the iMac and my setup will be simplified. I use Affinity Designer, Publisher and Photos, plus heavy office use. Two email clients, dozens of spreadsheets, presentations, few productivty apps and few dozen of web pages etc.

Gaming is not a concern. I build a dedicated Ryzen rig (3600 + 5700XT). Plenty of muscle there. It's available for office use as well, should the need arise.

Any thoughts or suggestions?

Does this make sense? Is anyone else considering a similar change? Pros? Cons?

Really need help deciding what to do...

 

[Abazigal]

I think it makes sense. You consolidate two devices into one, don’t really lose any performance in doing do, and there are always external displays and hubs if you need more screen space or ports. You also don’t have to bother with keeping your data synced between multiple Macs.

I guess the only thing to bear in kind is that the 16” MBP isn’t as portable as your current 13”, but it is by no means a brick, and I think you will appreciate the added performance.

I am not sure how the math works out, but if you can get a good price for both, go for it, I say.

 

[cambookpro]

One thing I'd just say is that you can't add two screen sizes and compare them to a single diagonal measurement. The 27" iMac will still provide a lot more screen area compared to a single 12.9" and a single 16" device.

If that's not a problem, I think it could be a good idea - I always prefer one device over two as you don't have to worry about things like syncing. I guess you could always get an external display for the 16" if space is an issue, but cost does start creeping up if you do that.

 

[nicho]

One thing I'd just say is that you can't add two screen sizes and compare them to a single diagonal measurement. The 27" iMac will still provide a lot more screen area compared to a single 12.9" and a single 16" device.

If that's not a problem, I think it could be a good idea - I always prefer one device over two as you don't have to worry about things like syncing. I guess you could always get an external display for the 16" if space is an issue, but cost does start creeping up if you do that.

It's like the bottom half of a 29" device, essentially. There's two huge sectors of the "29"" missing.

OP says he has a gaming rig, I'd assume that he has a display for that already. Throw an external display into the mix and there's plenty of workspace.

 

[kave]

I hate using two computers. Use the mbp in clamshell mode with a good hub and U won’t miss the iMac. I recommend a 27” inch display.

 

[iMi]

It's like the bottom half of a 29" device, essentially. There's two huge sectors of the "29"" missing.

OP says he has a gaming rig, I'd assume that he has a display for that already. Throw an external display into the mix and there's plenty of workspace.

I do. I have a 27” 4k monitor with the gaming rig. Also in my office, so it could serve a dual purpos.

 

[pshufd]

What would you use for backup? I have 2014, 2015 15 MBPs and a 2015 MBP 13. If one machine died, I would have a backup that I could use until I replaced the one that died.

 

[iMi]

What would you use for backup? I have 2014, 2015 15 MBPs and a 2015 MBP 13. If one machine died, I would have a backup that I could use until I replaced the one that died.

hmm... iPad would probably work for basics. I would probably replace the one that died the same day. It’s a business necessity.

 

[pshufd]

hmm... iPad would probably work for basics. I would probably replace the one that died the same day. It’s a business necessity.

It would take me about three hours to do a replacement (one hour to buy it, two hours for Time Machine restore), but it would still be nice to be able to work during the restore. I think that most people don't have access to an Apple Store or Best Buy to be able to replace a Mac that quickly.

I think being near an Apple Store is part of the Mac value equation.

 

[iMi]

It would take me about three hours to do a replacement (one hour to buy it, two hours for Time Machine restore), but it would still be nice to be able to work during the restore. I think that most people don't have access to an Apple Store or Best Buy to be able to replace a Mac that quickly.

I think being near an Apple Store is part of the Mac value equation.

I see what you’re saying. I can easily take a day off to do the replacement. So, that’s not a big problem. Plus, I have a Best Buy and Apple Store relatively close to my house.

 

[iMi]

Man, I’m really struggling with the decision. I like the idea of not having to save, close and wait for iCloud to upload everything before I head out of the office. Having one, large laptop that gives me enough screen real estate to comfortably run two apps side by side, but still portable enough to take with me when needed, is really appealing.

On the other hand, my iMac has been a fantastic workhorse. Add to it the fact that the iPad Pro has truly gotten closer to being a replacement for a MacBook on the road makes the decision even more difficult.

Edit: This is the setup now...