Any reason I SHOULDN’T get the MacBook Pro?

[Kaitlyn2004]

My current laptop is almost literally physically broken so I need to replace it sooner rather than later. I’d also like to replace my desktop, though not as urgent.

I used to do a lot of photo editing on the go on my laptop (well configured Dell XPS 15), but not really anymore. So now it mostly happens at home on my desktop computer.

With the release of the Mac mini I thought I’d get that to replace my desktop - looks like amazing value. And then for laptop, not nearly as important but was thinking a more lightweight thin+light laptop.

Though I suppose the MacBook Pro can kill two birds one stone, at the cost of NOT being an ultralight laptop. Which I guess I don’t really NEED.

I expect the laptop would end up being plugged in a LOT, and I would end up with a dock of sorts with external display and more at the “desktop mode”

Ignoring the cost difference between a Mac mini + MacBook Pro, is it better to get a MacBook Pro for the easy double duty, or is it worth considering separate devices? It looks like beyond their base price difference all upgrades cost the same

 

[Apple_Robert]

If you are going to use a laptop in clamshell mode all the time where it stays put, there really isn’t much reason to get a MBP, in my opinion. You might as well get a Mac mini, if you are going to use a laptop as a desktop computer. If you really don’t need a desktop computer, a MBP or even the new MBA would be a better option.

 

[russell_314]

If you are going to use a laptop in clamshell mode all the time where it stays put, there really isn’t much reason to get a MBP, in my opinion. You might as well get a Mac mini, if you are going to use a laptop as a desktop computer. If you really don’t need a desktop computer, a MBP or even the new MBA would be a better option.

I second this. You’re using a desktop now and you don’t take it anywhere so where exactly are you going with a laptop? Are you planning on photo editing at Starbucks? I mean if you really have a legitimate need or plan for a laptop then go ahead but if it’s for one of those “future proofing” or “in case I ever decide to” scenarios then I wouldn’t recommend wasting the money. They just came out with a new Mac mini that’s significantly cheaper than a MacBook Pro.

 

[Tagbert]

I second this. You’re using a desktop now and you don’t take it anywhere so where exactly are you going with a laptop? Are you planning on photo editing at Starbucks? I mean if you really have a legitimate need or plan for a laptop then go ahead but if it’s for one of those “future proofing” or “in case I ever decide to” scenarios then I wouldn’t recommend wasting the money. They just came out with a new Mac mini that’s significantly cheaper than a MacBook Pro.

OP already has a laptop that needs replacement in addition to a desktop. The question was about whether the MBP could replace both. I’d say it would like be a good replacement for both unless they do a lot of heavy data processing and need a lot of local storage.

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

If you are going to use a laptop in clamshell mode all the time where it stays put, there really isn’t much reason to get a MBP, in my opinion. You might as well get a Mac mini, if you are going to use a laptop as a desktop computer. If you really don’t need a desktop computer, a MBP or even the new MBA would be a better option.

I think the reality is it would be laptop-first usage. By default I'd have the laptop near me on the couch, maybe up in my room.. or bringing it somewhere (least likely). Then when I want a bigger display, really sit down and focus on something, do some photo editing - I'll head over to my desk, plug in, and use everything there.

Right now I simply have these two main situations as two different devices. And struggling whether to get a built-up MBP to serve the purpose, or configure a mac mini for that dedicated work+focus experience, and a smaller+lighter+lower config (macbook air or similar?) laptop

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

OP already has a laptop that needs replacement in addition to a desktop. The question was about whether the MBP could replace both. I’d say it would like be a good replacement for both unless they do a lot of heavy data processing and need a lot of local storage.

Yes thank you for clarifying - I already have the two devices but as of right now it's my laptop that NEEDS replacing (the screen won't close and it won't work unless plugged in - battery connection is broken)

And regardless of the setup, I do imagine I would use a USB/thunderbolt storage device for my "working photos". Right now I do that with a 2TB SSD. Then as I finish with photos/over time they get moved on to NAS. All backed up along the way

 

[Kaitlyn2004]

I second this. You’re using a desktop now and you don’t take it anywhere so where exactly are you going with a laptop? Are you planning on photo editing at Starbucks? I mean if you really have a legitimate need or plan for a laptop then go ahead but if it’s for one of those “future proofing” or “in case I ever decide to” scenarios then I wouldn’t recommend wasting the money. They just came out with a new Mac mini that’s significantly cheaper than a MacBook Pro.

It looks like roughly $800 CAD cheaper for a mac mini config vs macbook pro.

Everyone raves about the macbook pro screen and I'd certainly use it for photo editing, but PRIMARILY wouldn't need the top of the line screen in my laptop.

But the ultimate question is basically:

High-spec MBP that is my daily laptop+"work mode" desktop, though mostly plugged in all the time

or

High-spec mac mini dedicated for "work mode" and some cheaper+smaller+lighter laptop (refurb macbook air? or similar) - different dedicated devices, but probably ultimately a very similar price if not potentially more expensive... but then things like my desktop are always there and always ready.

I've just never had a single device before, so hard to determine the actual downsides of going the single device route