Anybody here also desktop only with an iMac? Will you get a MacBook in the future?

[Luba]

I've been desktop only with an M1 iMac ever since it came out, but thinking of also getting a MacBook when it comes out perhaps later this year or early next year. I'm taking classes (just one course per semester) in-person now and so far haven't felt highly inconvenienced by not having a laptop. What other situations would a laptop come in handy?

If you're also desktop only, when do you miss having a laptop?

 

[whitestar27]

I have used a desktop machine (M1 mini currently plus 2x 24" monitors) along with an iPad for mobile for about 10 years. Recently my boss gave me his old MBP and I absolutely hate the thing, it's impossible to use lying in bed as I can't type with it like I do with the iPad, it's dramatically heavier and has no touchscreen. If I do put it on a desk every application looks like it's jammed into a tiny screen and I hate it. For what I do at least, it makes zero sense to use one over an iPad plus desktop with big screen. A laptop seems to be the worst of all worlds to me now, since applications aren't optimised for the small screen like they are on the iPad. It surprised the sh*t out of me since I always remember my 12" MB with fondness and I wondered if going desktop plus iPad was a mistake but now I realise that I'm just not a fan of the laptop form factor at all now. Seems like a real holdover from the 1980s TBH

I've ended up putting Linux on the MBP just to have some reason to use the horrible thing lol

 

[Bodhitree]

I have the same, a 24” M1 iMac and an iPad (and iPhone obviously). I use the iPad when on the couch or in bed, and get a lot done on it since I’m primarily a writer these days. I use my iMac when I want or need a bigger screen, like watching Netflix or doing in-depth research which stresses the browser.

I used to have a MacBook Air, which I donated to a friend a few years ago, which I quite liked for its light weight. I sometimes use my mother’s 16” M1 MacBook Pro but find it a heavy and awkward beast not really suitable for using on my lap. If I’m going to get another laptop to replace my iPad it will be a super light weight one. But my experiences with my old 12.9” iPad Pro have taught me that just a standard iPad is the right balance of weight and functionality on the couch and in bed for me.

 

[Zest28]

Maybe I’ll turn my current setup into a 27” M4 Max iMac Pro (Apple Studio Display + M4 Max Mac Studio) when it comes out and sell my 16” M1 Max MacBook Pro that is now currently hooked up to the Apple Studio Display.

For portable use, the 11” M4 iPad Pro with Cellular just do fine. I can always remote access into my PC’s or Mac from home if I need a “real computer”.

 

[DICK_CHENEY]

I've been using an M1 mini with a 27" 5K LG since they both came out. I've always been a desktop user, whether it was PC or Mac, but I do think it's finally time to make the change to a Macbook Pro.

Other than the cost, there's no reason not to. The fact that they don't have a Mini that utilizes any of the Max chips has essentially made the decision for me as I don't want to wait around on a Studio update that may or may not come. While I'm at my desk 95% of the time, finally having a truly portable system with all the power that I'm accustomed to seems like a no brainer now.

 

[Orionfox]

I use computers for fun - mostly very specific gaming that can be done on both MAC & PC (anything outside of this I could do on my phone or a cheap iPad)

Used both desktops & laptops (since they existed). Saved up and finally bought the MacBook Pro M3 Pro! Got the ProMotion & extra RAM with the intent I could use this in my recliner plus still connect to a monitor & use as a desktop

Wish I would have taken it back during the return period because it doesn't fit my needs. Screen is too small for the games I play & an iPad would be better in recliner for anything not gaming. I sometimes play on my M1 Mac mini instead of connecting the MBP. My monitor has a USB-C connection with built in KVM but the USB isn't strong enough to keep the laptop charged. I do get 144 fps though

I just would love a 32" iMac with 120hz refresh that's not a $5K iMac Pro since I can do all of that if I accept cables for about $1K today - willing to pay the AIO tax for an iMac, just not an extra $4K

Edit - if a home user iMac like I described can't be done, I would be happy with a Mac mini that can be powered by a simple USB-C cable & only need 1 cable. A visa mount mini with no extra cables would be ok

 

[pshufd]

I have a Mac Studio, iMac Pro and Windows desktop in my home office which is in an unheated basement and I normally run my stuff from there but I also have an M1 Pro MacBook Pro which I use in other parts of the house. And when I travel.

 

[Boyd01]

I had laptops going back to the PowerBook Duo in 1993, was using a 15" 2008 MBP when I retired in 2011, replaced it with a 13" MBA. Traded it for an 11" 2013 MBA, which I really loved as I was still travelling a bit at the time. As the years passed I realized I just didn't need a laptop though and have switched to Mini's since then. Upgrading in 2020, I considered a 27" iMac but went with a 2018 Mini and 32" monitor because I really wanted a big screen (I use GIS software and make maps, which is a lot like CAD and benefits from a large workspace).

As much as I love laptops, I just don't need one. Who knows, maybe someday I'll travel more, but in the meantime I'm very happy to confine my computer usage to my desk at home.

 

[Seoras]

I'm sitting at my home office desk iMac 27" (2017) and waiting patiently for the October event to update, finally, to Apple Silicon.
I almost pulled the trigger on a refurb MBP 16" M3 as it had the specs I wanted. 64G of RAM and 2TB Drive.
But I, or we (wife and I), already have a M2 MBA for personal use and travelling which happens rarely.
So it just felt pointless buying a laptop to sit almost permanently on my desktop.
However it does make more sense to buy than the current spec-ed Studio M2 Ultra as the M3 MBP has almost as good bench marks. For almost the same money I get a screen, keyboard and trackpad too. Mini has a memory limit of 32G.
I find the current lineup from Apple at the high end a bit one sided towards the laptops with the desktop sadly ignored.
That's the only reason I'd consider a laptop right now. Apple's "lazer like focus" 'aint been on the desktop but on it's cash cow laptops. October better be good to the Mac desktops...