Using a MBP as a desktop replacement?

Hmm...the macbook pros do get hot after extended use, but with proper air flow, it shouldn't be a problem. I'm guessing that you're going to be using it in Clamshell mode right? Get a good stand to put it on, and be sure to have the vents in the back unobstructed.

Out of curiosity, what are you going to be using it for primarily?

 

I've used laptops exclusively for years. I had 2 Dells over 5-6 years and I just bought a MBP. No special stand yet, although I do have my eye on one, so I can have it sit higher and use a real keyboard when I am at my desk. I often use mine, OHNOES!, on my lap.

It gets warmish and the fans usually kick in. If they don't I have several smcFanControl profiles that I can use in 2 shakes of a tail feather.

I guess it depends on your needs. I admit that I've been eyeing up the iMac. But for now, this works fine.

 

what is a link to a good stand? I'm thinking of buying a Cinema Display for my macbook pro and would like a stand to put my MBP on when it is in my room.

 

An iMac not enough, and you are asking about the MacBook Pro...

They are basically the same machine inside, except one is portable and the other isn't.

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However if you can squeeze out enough for a MacBook Pro, look at a refurbished Mac Pro or wait for the next upgrade and buy the "special deals" on old models.

And there isn't a need for new monitors, etc. with a Mac Pro -- use what you have.

 

I think I'm going to use my mac book as much as my desktop and haven't even thought of getting a stand for my MBP (17")... What would be a good stand for one of them?

 

MBP s a desktop replacement

I have a C2D/2.33/2G machine and it replaces my desktop as well as the remote server on which I used to run small-scale numerical work (matlab, for the most part). I wouldn't use it to run 10-hours long simulations, though -- wouldn't risk overheating, but apart from that it's a perfect replacement.

 

My MBP is used exclusively for all my design work using Adobe CS3 plugged into an external monitor. It performs effortlessly.

 

Well, no mbp here but a G4 powerbook. I use it as primary machine for my design work (mostly Adobe CS2, soon CS3), and when I'm not working I play some WoW on it. It's been running 10+ hours every day without problems for the past 2+ years, connected to a 21" Eizo monitor on my desk, or on the road.

If you don't really need the power of a tower I can recommend using only a notebook. No "omg I forgot that file/font/whatever on my desktop" problems.

 

I'm using a macbook and i feel it suffices as a desktop replacement so...

 

For recommendations on stands, I use a Griffin Elevator which is great for my macbook. Ive also heared good things about the mstand, google them to find out more .

 

My MacBook has occasionally run both CPUs at full blast for 48 hours in a row or more. When I do that, I put it on a could surface, with nothing in the way of the fans, just in case. I think it should be able to handle this.

 

A MacBook Pro is a very capable desktop replacement....even more so the 17" model as its less prone to overheating due to the larger base. I would've recommended that BUT im gonna have to go with the iMac

A redesign with upgraded specs is just around the corner and the iMacs are usually basically macbook pros inside a desktop casing meaning the same or even sometimes better performance and are cheaper than the MBPs and would most certainly be the viable option for you IMHO. Heat issues would also be less of a worry. A no brainer

 

The MacBook, iMac, and Mac Mini are all basically based on the same laptop architecture -- Intel 945 Mobile chipset.

The MacBook Pro has been bumped to the latest version using the 965 Mobile chipset.

As long as they are using the same CPU and GPU, there isn't any real world difference. The same MacBook Pro and iMac will be basically the same in performance.

A Mac Pro and iMac/MacBook will have quite different performance levels. Since you are comparing a laptop architecture to a workstation/server architecture.

Plus the Mac Pro will keep up with the RAM app bloat all the way to 32GB, while the iMac/MacBook will stall out at 4GB and make you use the VM Manager -- which will slow the machine down.

As far as a Mac Pro not being able to keep up with the MBP, it ain't true for most apps. Especially since Apple switched from OS 9 to Unix, and the machines with more cores/CPUs became king of the block.

The Mac Pro isn't portable, but if you are going to spend a lot of bucks to turn a MBP into a desktop and use it for that sole purpose -- a Mac Pro might give you better bang for the buck, until you need to pick it up and move it quickly.

 

BALMUDA Floater

How about this one.

http://www.balmuda.net/products/c/floater/index.html

It looks so cool!!

 

Did I read that right? $305!!!!!! Seems a bit much for a notebook stand.