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Too annoying to use MacBook Pro as a laptop

devilstrider said:
Why get a laptop when you really want a desktop?
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I imagine, it's because if you haven't done something previously you won't know if you'll like it or not.

Like the OP, on one hand, I think the flexibility of a notebook computer is pretty neat, but on the other hand, I like having a decent set of speakers, an external hard drive, etc. Since I've never had a notebook computer before, I hadn't really given much thought to the OP's situation presented above, now that it's been brought up, I too wonder if it might be a detriment to getting a notebook computer.
 
DewGuy1999 said:
I imagine, it's because if you haven't done something previously you won't know if you'll like it or not.
Click to expand...
So true, assessing what you need before you use it for awhile, can be tricky. In my case there's no question my work & personal requirements dictate the need for my Mac Pro & my MBP.
 
is your macbook powerful enough for what you need?

If so then consider the following in addition to your macbook:

-Wifi router - possibly a timecapsule (Great deals in refurb store); the benefit is you have wireless internet + wireless back + usb port to hook up a hub for hard drives, printer and access your devices anywhere you need to pick up and go around your home.

- Apple LED Display (also good deals in the refurb store); benefit, you can keep your charger in your bag or in another location of your home or ready to go on the move as the display charges your computer, plus the 3-USB ports (if your drives are usb compatible this helps as you only have 3 cables to unplug from your macbook and not have to pick up everything and go. just unplug the powercable, USB & Displayport and be out of there easily.
the other plus is with this is more screen realestate.
A drawback could be that you may be able to find a decent priced refurb 27" as a secondary machine to use as a desktop instead if you sell your macbook.
However I'm unsure if you want to manage two separate machines.
 
mcmike100 said:
Does anyone else have this problem? Or, even better, a solution?

I do a lot of serious computing work (programming, web design, graphic design, etc.), so I have a nice desk setup with a big monitor, mouse, keyboard, speakers, etc. I also use my MacBook Pro as my main computer, i.e. as the desktop.

Thus, I have all the following plugged in at all times: power, ethernet, monitor, USB hub with multiple external hard drives, speakers, and SD card.

My problem is that I find it so annoying to unplug all that stuff (especially safely ejecting all the external hard drives), and then plugging it all back in when I'm done, that I hardly ever actually use it as a laptop except on trips. I mean, it always seems like far too much work even to just browse the web on the couch for a while.

Any thoughts?

Michael
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This is the very reason I sold my 17" macbook pro i7 model and replaced it with the mac pro desktop. I thought to myself, since my macbook pro is plugged in 90% of the time, I might as well just get a powerful desktop. :D
 
Don't Move it.

If you don't want to unplug everything then just leave it plugged in until you have to move it(a.k.a if you went on a trip or was working somewhere else). Treat you laptop as a desktop. Also get a bluetooth mouse and use a wireless router to unclutter you desk a little.


P.S. Are there any USB plugs on a apple monitor. If there are then just keep some of your stuff plugged in there like your Hard Drive and mouse.
 
For that macbook pro you paid for, you might have been better off with an iMac and a macbook air for on-the-go work.

Out of pure curiosity, what exactly do you do and at what locations? :)
 
I just use the Macbook Pro screen most of the time when I use the laptop.

Try a mouse & keyboard that work over bluetooth and WIFI.
 
I had the same problem :eek:

.... Until I decided to go and get an ACD. Expensive solution, yes, but preserves my need for a desktop/laptop hybrid. :D I basically just plug EVERYTHING into the ACD (usb hubs, externals, mem card readers, etc.) and I have a wireless keyboard/mouse/printer so the ACD acts as a docking station. When I need to carry my mbp somewhere, I just have to unplug the 2 ACD cables. :cool: I usually shut down my mbp before unplugging it so I don't do all the ejecting clicks so you could try doing that. :)
 
I always get like this heh. I've built my own desktops since I was in middle school. One day I will say "I don't need my desktop anymore"..sell it..buy a macbook...realize how annoying it is...then sell my macbook. Build another desktop...then 6mos later, Repeat. It's messed up.

Oh and btw, I CAN'T STAND the following:

Wireless mouse/keyboards.
WiFi at home.
small screens (under 24'')
 
vnle said:
I had the same problem :eek:

.... Until I decided to go and get an ACD. Expensive solution, yes, but preserves my need for a desktop/laptop hybrid. :D I basically just plug EVERYTHING into the ACD (usb hubs, externals, mem card readers, etc.) and I have a wireless keyboard/mouse/printer so the ACD acts as a docking station. When I need to carry my mbp somewhere, I just have to unplug the 2 ACD cables. :cool: I usually shut down my mbp before unplugging it so I don't do all the ejecting clicks so you could try doing that. :)
Click to expand...

A USB hub and a 3rd party monitor would accomplish the same thing with a lower cost.
 
On a side note. The hengedock looks cool... but I thought that the Macbook pros has ventilation issues when you used them shut as opposed to open due to the fan ventilation area in the back being closed and the keyboard not being open to the air? I wonder if the temps would be up if you were doing some intensive stuff?
 
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