MBP Docked setup?

[Kappa]

Hi Guys,

I've ventured into this forum since I'm looking to make the 'switch'!

I've read loads of threads on peoples experiences with switching and all sound positive really.

Now, I've been looking at an iMac setup (21"), however would like something portable, before I started thinking of a mac I was thinking of a docked HP laptop setup (14-15" powerhouse of a laptop), (its use would be 70% docked, with screen and keyboard)

But now I've switched my focus to a 15" macbook pro, 2.4 i5, with Apple Display (or Dell 24 inch..) Looking at pure specs I am still kinda interested in a HP laptop of some sort... probably because I'm comfortable with the familiarity!

To give a background on usage, my spec in my sig is fine at the moment, does everything I need, would like a bit more speed for photo editing and a few other things but nothing major like heavy gaming. (I do play valve games... I would guess that the MBP is well up to the task for that?)

Question is, with the amount of time I use a PC, mostly lounging, browsing, editing etc, nothing majorly 'techy' or intensive at all. Is it a sane idea for me to go this route? I WOULD like the portability to go to any room in the house, take to places, holidays etc. But at the same time it's spending so much time docked, is it stressing the MBP much? (I use my PC about 5-6 hours a day). It could just end up for weeks being docked and not taken out for out of the house use.

Does anyone else do this? Should I just get an iMac instead? Do we still have that problem of a 2ghz dual core in a laptop is not as fast as a 2ghz dual core in a PC?

NOTE - If I get the macbook I will be getting it from the US with educational discount (£1,169 ehehehe ) But an iMac wouldnt fit in my suitcase! And it's highly likely I'm going to install Windows 7 onto it!

Thanks chaps

 

[Kappa]

Thanks for the reply EVH, good to know that they're just as powerful. Looking up the graphics charts now comparing the ATI chip in the iMac vs the Nvidia in the MBP. However if the Mac Mini's are updated to match the spec that would be interesting...

Budget isnt an issue really (but if I can get it cheaper, i.e. US, then I will )

Do you think there will be an issue with it being docked so much?

(i say docked, I think there's a dock you can buy 3rd party where the MBP is up sideways, but cant remember what it's called!)

 

[Kappa]

I've read some conflicing reports, some people say its a perfect setup, running powerfully even on high res apple displays, quiet etc.

Others say that because its closed it gets hot quickly and fans are blaring all the time

Anyone clarify on that?

Edit - I remember one of the features of my thinkpad 5 years ago was when the battery was charged, the power would bypass the battery directly to power the laptop when plugged in. Does the mac not do that

 

[Kappa]

I hope i'd get one of them fancy stand up stand things! Not entirely sure on that 'Henge' product, looks like it will mangle the ports if you're not 100& accurate!

 

[Kappa]

Thanks guys, looking around it seems a lot more people do the whole 'docked' as a desktop thing than I thought!

Should be good to go, I'll be going for the 15" 2.4 i5 I think.

Thanks for the help

 

[Kappa]

Good to know blackhawk, so, the macbook didnt have any 'trouble' being used as a full on PC at the time?

I guess there are people (Students!) who use them all day....

(sorry, as I said my experience of laptops is a 5 year old thinkpad!)