Once you get a system setup you like, for syncing, using two laptops is not only enjoyable, but as noted earlier if one goes down, you don't miss a beat.
I'm very happy with my current pairing. Main laptop is a 15" fully optioned MBPr, with my 13" MBA as its companion. Both new, on the same rev of 10.8.x, max ram, the speed of their SSD's make a great combo.
The 15" _feels_ much lighter & more compact than it is when traveling which I do weekly. The screen size is priceless since my workflow involves multiple windows & desktops.
Syncing is very easy once you turn it into a habit. It's autopilot & very fast.
That's a nice set up!
You didn't say what you will be using the Mac(s) for. Will the screen resolution of the 11" be high enough for you to comfortably work on it. Also, some people consider 15" portable but that depends on how you travel while carrying the laptop. If you're carrying it mostly in a car, the size shouldn't matter that much. If you're using public transportation a lot, then size would probably matter.
And again since you didn't say what you were using the Mac(s) for, let me toss out some alternatives:
- 13" Air with 15 MBP - 15" for when you neediit, 13" for when weight and size matter. Not as small as the 11" but not bad.
- 15" MBP and an iPad. When you need to save the weight, would an iPad be enough?
- 15" MBP (reasoning stated above)
I own a design, engineering and manufacturing business, (consumer products). I'm rarely in my office, instead I do most of my design work from my home office or my cottage, rarely sit at a desk. I also write and reply to a high volume of email. I travel often, mostly by car.
We buy mostly Mac's for our staff, I can choose any Mac(s) I want. I've tried both the 11 and 15" two computer set up, and the 13" rMBP set up, still undecided which I prefer ... that's why I'm asking about others experience with similar setups. Thanks for the comments so far.
On my last 5 day trip I took a 13" rMBP, my iPad and phone. The iPad goes with me everywhere, but not adequate for my design work, great for Siri email and reading pdf's. I missed the 11", it's so convenient when working away from a desk, I also missed the 15" rMBP screen size a little but not as much as the small, lightweight 11". I use the 11" for long hours when doing concept drawing in illustrator and run CAD software ... the 11" handles it fine, not as quick at the MBP's of course.
The screen is small for that kind of work but some of my best idea's/designs come to me when I'm reclined on the couch, or outside on the deck. The 11" screen clarity (TN panel) sucks compared to the rMBP's, and probably a reason why I shouldn't use the 11" for long hours, certainly noticeable eye strain...
My trip before that I brought an 11" Air and my wife's 15" rMBP, ended up using the 11" 80% of the time. It's not what I should of been using but it's what I enjoyed using most. As they say in photography, the best camera is the one you always have with you. The 11" is sort of the same idea.
There's strong points for both the 13" rMBP setup and the 11" and 15" setups. I think what I 'should' do is make the 13" rMBP work, reason being it's easier on the eyes, the footprint isn't that much larger and not much heavier than the 11", yet there's something about the 11" I can't resist. And the 15" rMBP is such a powerful/beautiful light and thin laptop it's hard not to want to use that screen size at times, plus the added power is nice.
To add to the mix, I have an old Mac Pro that I'd like to set up as a server, it's being used now for manual back ups and entertainment.
I make numerous business decisions instantly everyday yet I'm so undecided on my tech setups.
Thanks again.
