Laptop or Desktop?

[JoshD]

I am just curious what others here work on at home. I have been using laptops the last 7-8 years at home, but kind of want to get a desktop computer to supplement it. Along with photography editing and storage, I do a lot of editing for newsletters and websites and I think the bigger screen might benefit me.

Thinking of adding an iMac to my Macbook setup.

So what do you use generally? Laptop or Desktop? Or both?

[mwfanelli2]

I am just curious what others here work on at home. I have been using laptops the last 7-8 years at home, but kind of want to get a desktop computer to supplement it. Along with photography editing and storage, I do a lot of editing for newsletters and websites and I think the bigger screen might benefit me.

Thinking of adding an iMac to my Macbook setup.

So what do you use generally? Laptop or Desktop? Or both?

Wouldn't it be much more cost effective to just buy a large display instead?

That is what I do: my 13-inch MacBook Pro is carried to school. When at home, it is attached via the mini Display Port to the DVI on a 27-inch monitor. The best of both worlds.

[JoshD]

Wouldn't it be much more cost effective to just buy a large display instead?

That is what I do: my 13-inch MacBook Pro is carried to school. When at home, it is attached via the mini Display Port to the DVI on a 27-inch monitor. The best of both worlds.

I didn't even think of that. How does that work? I take it your laptop has to be open, because it's not docked correct? There is just a cord that goes from it to the monitor?

Hmm, maybe I could do something like that

[Greg McCary]

I think most use Macs. That is the way I would go if I had to start over. I would stick with a desktop though, they are easier to fix and upgrade.

[EOSThree]

I would stick with a desktop though, they are easier to fix and upgrade.

I agree that is the case, but usually by the time something has gone wonky inside it's time for an upgrade. I recently performed surgery on my Macbook Pro, my HD was 95% full with just 3 years of photos on it, and due to a poorly placed foot, my DVD drive was only writing CDs. I found it pretty easy to change out the HD and DVD drive in my MBP.

As to the OPs question, I use a 3 year old MBP. I am probably going to upgrade in the next year or so. I am in debate whether to go with a desktop or another laptop. I am leaning toward an Apple Cinema Display and keeping the laptop for a little longer. I have heard the iMacs displays aren't quite up to speed for photographs. I really don't know which direction to go with this. Maybe I'll build a Hackintosh.

[Dylan8i]

I use a laptop. I travel so much (including things like moving to yellowstone for the summer and packing everything i need in a small 2 seat car) that it really fits my lifestyle. If i had a more permanent housing situation I'd probably go with a desktop, they are simply cheaper for better specs.

[mwfanelli2]

I didn't even think of that. How does that work? I take it your laptop has to be open, because it's not docked correct? There is just a cord that goes from it to the monitor?

Hmm, maybe I could do something like that

No, the MacBook recognizes that you have a keyboard and mouse attached. This allows the MacBook to be closed when used as a desktop.

Also, each can have it's own background picture and resolution. For me, it the best and most cost effective way. In real life, I have not done a major upgrade on any desktop for many, many years. Changed memory, changed hard drive. That's it. Both can be done on a laptop easily without help.

[CaraRose]

Both, but I prefer the desktop. Which makes sense since it's a faster and more powerful machine.

[hminx]

Macbook 17" but next up grade will be 27" imac, whole lot of higher priorities before that though......