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using a MBP as a desktop 90% of the time?
- Thread starter Whackintosh
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If you are sure you will be using it 90% as desktop then better get an imac (for the price of a MBP you get a nice 24" iMac with medium-high specs, dont get me wrong, I like MBP a lot, I own one, but a iMac is better choice as desktop, and you would not need external monitor unless you want to go ahead and do a dual screen)
Of course - remember the iMac uses laptop parts, so you'd be better off with a MacBook Pro if you'd ever want the portability. Even if it was just surfing the net on the sofa with your feet up after a long days work, or even doing work on the sofa with your feet up!
The stand MacDawg showed you is fantastic - that along with an Apple Cinema Display and you'll really look the business. Dual screens and plenty of power in a MacBook Pro. It really is a very capable machine.
Also, I'd advise you against using clamshell mode (where you have the lid closed and using an external display) - the new Unibody MacBook Pro's don't dispatch heat very well when closed. The exhaust is basically completely covered, and even with fans at 6000rpm very little air flows out, compared to the MBP being open, where the air comes rushing out of the exhaust.
What? You can power an external display on battery you know. And you can run it without having to be in clamshell mode. An app like InsomniaX is the easiest way..
The stand MacDawg showed you is fantastic - that along with an Apple Cinema Display and you'll really look the business. Dual screens and plenty of power in a MacBook Pro. It really is a very capable machine.
Also, I'd advise you against using clamshell mode (where you have the lid closed and using an external display) - the new Unibody MacBook Pro's don't dispatch heat very well when closed. The exhaust is basically completely covered, and even with fans at 6000rpm very little air flows out, compared to the MBP being open, where the air comes rushing out of the exhaust.
What? You can power an external display on battery you know. And you can run it without having to be in clamshell mode. An app like InsomniaX is the easiest way..
You advise against clamshell mode for the unibody, what about classic? i have an early '08 penryn being delivered some point this week and plan to hook my samsung 2032bw up to it - will i encounter similar problems or is the heat distribution and dissipation better with the classic design when the lid is closed?
Many threads on this topic, for example:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/667081/
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/663672/
Bye bye MBP. After a LOT of thought I have decided against what most people on this particular forum say and to send it back to Apple. Sorrrrry guys :-(
2 reasons as to why I advise people in the same situation not to get one :
1-If your going to use it at your desk 90% of the time then it's most likely that you'll end up wanting to get the ACD or a monitor. After a lot of thought I don't think it's wise to set up a MBP in clamshell mode with a monitor for long periods. I personally like to play a few games and this baby overheats when I do, its worrying. The main point is I just don't like the look of the MBP open with screen on show PLUS an ACD. I like simplicity and less is better so I'd want it closed all the time if at the desk. Its a bad option in my opinion, because not only will it drain the MBP a lot faster, I doubt it was primarily designed to be used like this.
2-Cost. I would have to spend £600 more on an ACD, yet I just can't justify that for what I use it for. I only wanted a powerful computer so it would last quite a few years. I can't see using a £1500 MBP mostly connected to a monitor lasting for as long as an iMac being used naturally. I also am not a big traveller and only need the portability for home use...sitting on sofa etc-but that's just lazy and the net ain't that amazing.
So, back it will go, they are collecting it soon so someone go snap it up in the future on refurb because it's in perfect condition! I'm going to get the iMac and I'm looking forward to finally feeling comfortable at my desk with a proper style desktop. Screw the MBP and ACD combo! - It's just not worth all that money unless you desperately need portability. I can pick up a MB at nearly the same price as it all combined and use that for net surfing around the house.
Oh and the eye strain/headaches of using a MB are annoying. The screen is simply too small for the size of everything and resolution, it's obvious. Lovely piece of hardware, highly recommend, but some advice for people confused over a laptop or desktop I say go for the desktop and don't follow the mass.
2 reasons as to why I advise people in the same situation not to get one :
1-If your going to use it at your desk 90% of the time then it's most likely that you'll end up wanting to get the ACD or a monitor. After a lot of thought I don't think it's wise to set up a MBP in clamshell mode with a monitor for long periods. I personally like to play a few games and this baby overheats when I do, its worrying. The main point is I just don't like the look of the MBP open with screen on show PLUS an ACD. I like simplicity and less is better so I'd want it closed all the time if at the desk. Its a bad option in my opinion, because not only will it drain the MBP a lot faster, I doubt it was primarily designed to be used like this.
2-Cost. I would have to spend £600 more on an ACD, yet I just can't justify that for what I use it for. I only wanted a powerful computer so it would last quite a few years. I can't see using a £1500 MBP mostly connected to a monitor lasting for as long as an iMac being used naturally. I also am not a big traveller and only need the portability for home use...sitting on sofa etc-but that's just lazy and the net ain't that amazing.
So, back it will go, they are collecting it soon so someone go snap it up in the future on refurb because it's in perfect condition! I'm going to get the iMac and I'm looking forward to finally feeling comfortable at my desk with a proper style desktop. Screw the MBP and ACD combo! - It's just not worth all that money unless you desperately need portability. I can pick up a MB at nearly the same price as it all combined and use that for net surfing around the house.
Oh and the eye strain/headaches of using a MB are annoying. The screen is simply too small for the size of everything and resolution, it's obvious. Lovely piece of hardware, highly recommend, but some advice for people confused over a laptop or desktop I say go for the desktop and don't follow the mass.