What setup is better for running an online store + lodging? Upcoming iMac + Macbook Pro 13 + iPhone VS Macbook Pro 13 + iPad Pro 12.9 + iPhone

[KensaiMage]

Just like the title says:

What setup is better for running an online store on WOOCOMMERCE + lodging at home/travelling?
1. Upcoming iMac + Macbook Pro 13 + iPhone
VS
2. Macbook Pro 13 + iPad Pro 12.9 + iPhone

 

[AndyMacAndMic]

You forgot 'none of the above' in your poll

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

It really doesn't matter at all, you can run a woocommerce store on anything, you just need internet. Just choose which formfactor you prefer. I'd say just buy a macbook air/pro and you don't need an iPad. I think it's the most flexible solution if you want to run an online business.

 

[KensaiMage]

Ok and how about relaxing time? iPad + Macbook vs iMac + Macbook?

 

[bobcomer]

Hard to tell, it all depends on your particular needs and we can't guess that.

As for the upcoming iMac, you might want to wait until it's really announced and you see the specs.

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

Ok and how about relaxing time? iPad + Macbook vs iMac + Macbook?

That's also something nobody can answer for you. It depends on what you like yourself, some people like to watch movies on a large iMac screen and enjoy for example editing photos on a large screen, others like to take their computer to each room in the house.

 

[KensaiMage]

Ok, so in other words - looking at my current setup which you can find in my signature - what would you suggest to buy? An iPad Pro or an iMac - assuming both are faster and without much innovation.

 

[jerryk]

iPad Pro seems unnecessary, especially the 12.9 if you have a 13" MBP. Do you need it to run some app?

Also, what would the iMac do that a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the MacBook could not?

Unless there are specific reasons for the iMac and iPad, I just use your MBP and iPhone and add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

 

[dathomso]

MBP in the "office", IPP for roaming, IP for voice

 

[ADGrant]

iPad Pro seems unnecessary, especially the 12.9 if you have a 13" MBP. Do you need it to run some app?

Also, what would the iMac do that a monitor, keyboard, and mouse for the MacBook could not?

Unless there are specific reasons for the iMac and iPad, I just use your MBP and iPhone and add a monitor, keyboard, and mouse.

An iPad Pro does have a few advantages that a MBP does not. It has a touch screen and pen support. Any keyboard will be detachable and replaceable. It is available with an LTE modem. It is a much better platform for running iOS apps.
If you are traveling on a plane or train, the ability to preload video for entertainment (HBO Max, Netflix etc) or training (apps like Pluralsight) is quite useful.

Compared with Intel Mac Books, Intel iMacs can be much more powerful with a lot less fan noise for less money. They are nicer than a laptop or iPad for FaceTime and Zoom calls. That advantage will also apply to the ARM iMacs but the ARM MacBooks have much better thermals than the Intel ones did so the other advantages may not.

 

[ADGrant]

And since the OP is talking about Apple Silicon (AS) systems I do not see the need for an AS iMac over an AS MacBook (Air or Pro) plus cheap monitor-keyboard-mouse setup. And if you do a lot of FaceTime and Zoom and are truly concerned about the quality of video and, more importantly IMHO, audio, add a nice external camera (not a webcam) and an external microphone. I use a 4+ year-old DSLR on a stand on my desk with an attached external microphone and plug it into the USB via a capture card to either my desktop or Air.

Not everyone is going to want to rig up an old DSLR. Last year I switched from a 15" Intel MBP in a stand with an external monitor, keyboard and Magic Trackpad to a 2020 27" iMac. I didn't do it for FaceTime and Zoom but I have found the iMac ideal for FaceTime, Zoom etc. It's also much quieter than my MBP (not really an issue with Apple Silicon so far).

 

[dmccloud]

Honestly, I'd suggest picking up whichever computer will best meet your needs (whether that is the MacBook or the iMac) and then get an 11" iPad Pro. The iPad can be used as a second monitor with either Mac using Sidecar (wirelessly at that), so you get a dual screen experience when needed. That combo is also the most portable dual screen setup you can find anywhere, which is great when traveling. For the Woocommerce side of things, it doesn't matter which machine you go with, although the iMac will have the larger screen which may come in handy, although you can also connect an existing monitor to an Apple Silicon Mac and go that route.

 

[Scarboose]

As people have said, it is whatever works best for you! If it’s me, and this will be setup soon (hopefully), this is what I would do:
New iMac dropping soon
11” iPad Pro
iPhone

iMac for big screen & work
iPad for portability, multitasking, and streaming (great for alternative workflows for the pencil/touch)
iPhone because you basically have to have one 😆

 

[profcutter]

No way to tell about the iMacs until they're released. If I wanted a computer system for work, and a way to relax, I'd get a mac of whatever kind suits your interests and hook up my appletv to an LG OLED display, the largest I can fit in my budget and space. An iMac screen cannot compare to a real TV for movies and general watching. I have an iMac 27 inch, it's a great display, but when I want to relax, I turn on my 2010 panasonic plasma.

 

[CheesePuff]

IMO you will enjoy working in a CMS and content editing much more on a proper laptop then an iPad that is still pretending to be a laptop.

 

[Successful Sorcerer]

Ok, so in other words - looking at my current setup which you can find in my signature - what would you suggest to buy? An iPad Pro or an iMac - assuming both are faster and without much innovation.

You just want some new toys which of course is totally fine. But you can do everything you mention with the stuff you already own.