What's wrong with me? Desktop vs TB MBP 15".

[funkysmurf]

Hi all.

I've been using Apple hardware in some shape or form for many years now. My first machine was a PowerBook G4 1Ghz.
I can also be described as a computer enthusiast. Early this year I purchased a 15" TB MBP and upgraded recently to the 2017 version.

The computer enthusiast started thinking too much when I started reading about Intel's i9 CPUs etc.
Turns out you can build a desktop PC with a 10 core 7900X, 32Gb RAM, 1Tb Nvme drive etc. for about AU$400 less than the highest specced non-CTO MBP.

The decision was made. The MBP will be returned and I finished building the PC. I went a bit silly with the monitor choice too.
While the desktop is undoubtedly more powerful than the MBP, I find myself preferring to use the laptop.
It's not even a case of it being mobile as it's mostly plugged in and moved only between the study, bedroom and lounge room.

I don't even know if it's a combination of OS/UI preference, build quality and something else I can't put my finger on. Who in their right mind would prefer to use Premiere/Final Cut on a 15" TB MBP over a beefy desktop with a 38" screen? I guess what I'm trying to say is that when some people can't see why someone would buy what they may deem an under powered and over priced MacBook Pro, there sometimes isn't a logical explanation. Perhaps I'm just unable to explain it properly (not smoking anything either).

Now I'm about to sell the PC in parts and hopefully learn how wasteful being a PC enthusiast can be.
Would you ever choose the same?

BTW, I'm not making this stuff up:
https://www.dropbox.com/s/0s8b0wrck20jk3a/Photo 31-7-17, 20 03 34.jpg?dl=0

 

[darkmaxdevil]

These are two different machines you are comparing. One is a mobile work station while another is serious work station.
The magic word here is mobile and that expensive
BTW I can plug in my MacBook Pro to my 38 inch Curve LG with no problem running through egpu

 

[maerz001]

Well a PC tower was always faster and cheaper than a MBP. Nothing new

But only as long as your power cable is

As it is with cameras: the best is the one you have with u

 

[Bending Pixels]

You're also talking about two different operating systems. While Windows 10 may be better, it's still Windows

 

[jerryk]

After that much time using Apples, you probably are proficient with all their little quirks. Switching can be jarring when you go from a very familiar environment that feels natural, to one you where you are a novice.

I use both OSes daily, and Linux, and it still takes me a moment to thing about how I do things in one OS versus the other.

 

[theitsage]

Nothing's wrong with you. A lot of computer enthusiasts face this very same conflict. Essentially, we want a single computer that can adapt to the way we use it. A laptop is not the answer. A desktop is not the answer either. Don't even start with 2-in-1.

The missing piece is a docking station to converge a laptop into a desktop. This dock is your home base where it connects to high performance graphics card, larger monitor, nice keyboard and mouse alongside a host of other peripherals. Thunderbolt 3 is close to making this a reasonable compromise. There's high costs involved but new tech has never been kind to early adopters.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

Almost makes you think the next Apple display could have a GPU built into it, so the display gives the same performance, no matter what computer hooks up to it.

Be nice with a new TB3 Mac mini...

 

[Mr. Dee]

Nothing's wrong with you. A lot of computer enthusiasts face this very same conflict. Essentially, we want a single computer that can adapt to the way we use it. A laptop is not the answer. A desktop is not the answer either. Don't even start with 2-in-1.

The missing piece is a docking station to converge a laptop into a desktop. This dock is your home base where it connects to high performance graphics card, larger monitor, nice keyboard and mouse alongside a host of other peripherals. Thunderbolt 3 is close to making this a reasonable compromise. There's high costs involved but new tech has never been kind to early adopters.

What kind of monitor is that in the background?

 

[theitsage]

What kind of monitor is that in the background?

LG 34" Ultrawide.

Almost makes you think the next Apple display could have a GPU built into it, so the display gives the same performance, no matter what computer hooks up to it.

Be nice with a new TB3 Mac mini...

Most definitely. The current Mac mini paired with Thunderbolt 2 eGPU is not bad. I mounted the eGPU on the back of a monitor using a VESA bracket.

 

[JMacHack]

It sounds to me like you really weren't in the market for a portable anyway. There's nothing wrong with you for your decision.

Me personally, there's a huge laundry list of reasons why I stick to Macs, pure horsepower isn't one of them. But I understand completely the reasons why people use, build, or buy PCs. The absolute truth (that few like to admit) is that all computers are inherently tools, and there's a reason toolboxes exist. You use the best tool for the job.

 

[jerryk]

LG 34" Ultrawide.



Most definitely. The current Mac mini paired with Thunderbolt 2 eGPU is not bad. I mounted the eGPU on the back of a monitor using a VESA bracket.

I saw your YouTube video. Very cool. Super clean install.

The performance with the mini seem to be a little low. How does it do with a 2016/2017 MBP?

 

[Patcell]

LG 34" Ultrawide.



Most definitely. The current Mac mini paired with Thunderbolt 2 eGPU is not bad. I mounted the eGPU on the back of a monitor using a VESA bracket.

This is absolutely awesome!