2017 MBP as a Desktop Replacement?

[I Need a Drink]

I have a 2013 27" iMac as my main system. I was waiting on getting an 27" or larger replacement, but since it looks like Apple is only going to keep the 24", or price the eventual 27"+ (Pro?) into the stratosphere, I am thinking about just using my 2017 MBP as my desktop by getting a 32" 4K Monitor and a Docking Station. There are certain things that just don't work as well on Catalina now, so it's time to do something.

I have external speakers hooked up to my iMac using the Headphone 3.5mm jack. Sound is OK, so I would likely just use the same with my MBP set up. Most of the docks that I have seen, that I actually liked, don't have the 3.5mm jack built into them. I have never tried to use a MacBook with the lid closed so I have a question about how the port will work.

Will the 3.5mm on my laptop work with the lid closed, or do I need to look for a different dock?

 

[jav6454]

2017? Why not something a bit newer? 2017 is already on the verge of entering Vintage. Parts will start to become hard to come by if a repair needs to be made.

 

[Saturn1217]

You should be fine. I use a 2019 16" MBP as basically a desktop replacement for work (software engineer). I have it hooked up to multiple monitors (2 x 27" 1440p monitors + 1 x 24" 1080p monitor), external keyboard and mouse. I don't personally need external speakers but yes the 3.5 mm headphone jack will work just fine in clamshell mode. Everything will work exactly as you expect as long as you keep your laptop plugged in.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

2017? Why not something a bit newer? 2017 is already on the verge of entering Vintage. Parts will start to become hard to come by if a repair needs to be made.

The OP said they already have a 2017MBP.

 

[jav6454]

The OP said they already have a 2017MBP.

Oops, didn't see that.