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jiholl

macrumors regular
Original poster
Feb 10, 2003
129
33
Hi...want to get Thunderbolt display and a mac laptop...like idea of having a desktop and a laptop if need be (though mostly will use as desktop replacement) . Seems like current MBA can handle the display fine...but is it "safer" to get MBP with the discrete Video card?....I really just do basic stuff on the computer...dont game, but wonder if MBA Intel graphics will get so outdated over next 3-4 years...my usual replacement cycle. thanks
 
Hi...want to get Thunderbolt display and a mac laptop...like idea of having a desktop and a laptop if need be (though mostly will use as desktop replacement) . Seems like current MBA can handle the display fine...but is it "safer" to get MBP with the discrete Video card?....I really just do basic stuff on the computer...dont game, but wonder if MBA Intel graphics will get so outdated over next 3-4 years...my usual replacement cycle. thanks

I have an 11" MBA and it works just great with a Thunderbolt display.

Certainly Intel graphics will get outdated over 3-4 years. As will discrete graphics. Your Thunderbolt display will last for a lot longer, which is the whole point of the laptop/display as a desktop replacement.

So if you're going to replace the computer in 3-4 years anyway, then no problem.

I'd focus more on what you need from the laptop. Ultra-portability without the need for an optical drive, with plenty of grunt for everyday tasks and even some moderate graphics work/gaming? Then MBA. Something more powerful? MBP.
 
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