MBP Docked setup?

Kappa

Kappa

Kappa

Soldato
Joined
11 Aug 2003
Posts
6,344
Location
Essex
Hi Guys,

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

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 :D) But an iMac wouldnt fit in my suitcase! :( And it's highly likely I'm going to install Windows 7 onto it!

Thanks chaps :)
 
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Kappa said:
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?
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The iMac stopped using the mobile chips a while back. In fact, the exact same i5 or i7 chip inside an iMac can be bought off the shelf :cool:

As for mobility... if you're going through all the trouble of buying a monitor, keyboard and mouse then you could probably save money by plumping for a desktop and buying an iMac or even going down to a Mac Mini.
 
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 :D)

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!)
 
I'd say if you did keep it docked, just unplug the AC adaptor once in a while and let it run from the battery.

Prolonged use from the AC would probably kill the maximum charge capacity. That's under extreme cases (like months of AC use) and isn't just limited to Apple laptops.
 
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 :(
 
The heat vent is on the back of the machine, so I'm not sure it would cause a problem with heat flow escaping the casing with the lid shut.

...unless you sat the machine on carpet :p
 
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!
 
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EVH said:
I'd say if you did keep it docked, just unplug the AC adaptor once in a while and let it run from the battery.
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Which means you then can't use an external display.

Kappa said:
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?
Click to expand...
My experience is that working in Clamshell mode doesn't affect the temps to any great degree. If the fans are going to spin up they'll do so regardless of if the lid is open or closed.
 
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 :D
 
glitch said:
Which means you then can't use an external display.

My experience is that working in Clamshell mode doesn't affect the temps to any great degree. If the fans are going to spin up they'll do so regardless of if the lid is open or closed.
Click to expand...

Actually you can use an external display with a Macbook and not have to have the AC plugged in...its when its in clamshell mode and running an external display then it has difficulty. But you can use an app like Insomnia to stop it going to sleep automatically. :cool:

I used to use a stand with my Macbook and the output to a 24inch display and had the cables routed around the side of the desk (but didn't have it connected up at the time).

PICT0224.jpg

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Though I now have the Macbook in my bedroom and for when I go out and have a 21" iMac on my desk along with my PC + 24" monitor. Id like to move the 21" iMac into my room though but have no space at the moment. Also the cost of buying something like the Apple Display + Wireless Keyboard + Magic Mouse would add up to quite a bit and with the iMac you get it all included. ;)
 
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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!)
 
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