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Getting Rid of Laptop?

J

JBazz

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 14, 2006
491
2
I am waiting on my iPad 3G and have decided to sell either my new 13" Macbook Pro or my old 17 in White iMac intel. It has been a hassle in the past with 2 complete operating systems with shared peripheral devices, wanting to load something on to an iPod and finding it synced to the opposite machine. So I am happy to be down to one main computer, question is which one?

I think, no KNOW, the laptop will sell very easily where as the desktop might take a while to find the right buyer. Do you guys think I will be unhappy eventually without a laptop? Anyone else completely ditch their laptop after buying the iPad?
 
JBazz said:
I am waiting on my iPad 3G and have decided to sell either my new 13" Macbook Pro or my old 17 in White iMac intel. It has been a hassle in the past with 2 complete operating systems with shared peripheral devices, wanting to load something on to an iPod and finding it synced to the opposite machine. So I am happy to be down to one main computer, question is which one?

I think, no KNOW, the laptop will sell very easily where as the desktop might take a while to find the right buyer. Do you guys think I will be unhappy eventually without a laptop? Anyone else completely ditch their laptop after buying the iPad?
Click to expand...

Thats my plan as well !!
 
JBazz said:
I am waiting on my iPad 3G and have decided to sell either my new 13" Macbook Pro or my old 17 in White iMac intel. It has been a hassle in the past with 2 complete operating systems with shared peripheral devices, wanting to load something on to an iPod and finding it synced to the opposite machine. So I am happy to be down to one main computer, question is which one?

I think, no KNOW, the laptop will sell very easily where as the desktop might take a while to find the right buyer. Do you guys think I will be unhappy eventually without a laptop? Anyone else completely ditch their laptop after buying the iPad?
Click to expand...

Well i still think [computers you set on a desk] are still necessary, even if you use your iPad alot.
Namely:
Syncing
Hardcore typing (research paper)
Hardcore multitasking (i know sometimes i have like 20 tabs openand 5 programs open)

Hardcore content creation (Photoshop, iMovie...heck, even using Handbreak to make h264 videos to put on your iPad)


One of the issues that i have with the idea of replacing my MBP (not physically, just as my main device) is that one of the things i like doing (s astated) is ADD internet surfing. I'll open a new tab to look something up, and if i want to remember it-Ill keep it open. Also, until OS 4.0 for iPad comes out, i won't be able to duplicate my casual usage 100%. I usually have AIM/Skype open and passively converse while surfing
 
So, soulcrux, should I be looking at keeping the laptop? The iMac is pretty old, but it is nice to sit at the 17" screen.
 
Nobody can seriously answer that without more information. You know what you use your laptop for. If you need to do a lot of typing or any printing or document sharing while mobile, then you need a laptop. If you need the horsepower or big displays or whatever non-portable stuff you have, then you need a desktop. I love the iPad, but it's not a substitute for everything. You just need to decide which you're going to use for each task, and stick to it.
 
Currently my almost 2 year old Windows 7 laptop is my main computer. Now that I have the iPad I see myself using the laptop less and less away from home so it will probably become a base for now.

My plan over the next year (with a deadline of April 15, 2011) is to replace my 8GB iPhone 3G with the new iPhone when/if it is released in June or July and then work on getting an iMac for use at home. At that point the laptop will only be used for the work related things I need it for at that time if any. Should I decide I still need a laptop, then I will get a MacBook Pro after that.
 
@qtx43 ... People CAN answer. They simply state their opinion, doesnt need to get all complicated.

I was hoping to find people who might have thought of an angle I havent before I sell my laptop. Thats pretty much why you ask people for their opinions, they might have a different view on things.
 
Do you guys think I will be unhappy eventually without a laptop?
Click to expand...

Yes.

The iPad is not a replacement for someone that
needs a portable computer to do complex tasks.
 
I will keep my Macbook around for syncing my iPad and iPhone and occasional internet viewing and Facebook when I am feeling somewhat social and want to sit by my wife on her computer. ;)

I really only use my Macbook now for these tasks plus downloading my camera. I see using the iPad to download my camera when we are traveling, but most of the time i will probably continue to use my Macbook.

Steve
 
If I were you, I would wait for a month before doing anything. Let your "honeymoon" with your iPad pass, and see if you miss either one of your macs. Besides, a new suite of MacBook pros just came out last week, and there is a wave of "selling old, buying new" at the moment. It is probably not the best time to sell. If you wait a month, the value of your old macs won't drop much. Just make sure you do it before the back to school free iPod promotion in the summer.

Yes, it is probably easier to sell the MacBook, but I would keep the MacBook if I were you. A MacBook can be used as a desktop with external monitor, but an iMac cannot be used as a portable.
 
I would wait and see if you still need the laptop after a few weeks. In my personal situation, I haven't turned on my laptop since the iPad arrived. I have several computers here though and use my desktop systems every day.
 
It would depend on what you use MacBook and Desktop for. If you basically surf the internet and send email then it doesn't mater. If you are into high productivity I would keep both.
 
I sold my unibody MacBook and Kindle 2 prior to getting my iPad. I haven't missed either, yet. I mostly used the MacBook for browsing. My iMac is still used for serious work and syncing my iPad and iPhone though it is also seeing much less use. I have to say I'm enjoying the light weight, portability(it goes everywhere), superior battery life, and amazing screen on the iPad.
 
JBazz said:
Anyone else completely ditch their laptop after buying the iPad?
Click to expand...

I have as well--with all the the iPad can do, along with the wireless keyboard, 99% of all I need to do can be done with the iPad.

Now, a few caveats. I'm a teacher, and the school is PC based, so it's not like I won't be touching Windows anymore. Also, my wife has a Mac, so anything that iPad can't do I could theoretically still do on her computer.

That said, iPad is the way to go! If you're interested for more, check out my blog link below.
 
I am currently looking at our situation (my wife and myself) trying to figure out what we need. We are both Apple fanatics so we both have Mac laptops, iphones, a 27" imac and one ipad so far. I was also thinking about moving the laptops and using ipads, and the imac. My wife said she'd prefer to get rid of the imac:) Then of course we both have phones as well. When at home and I want to check my email or look up something quickly on the web I actually have to stop and decide which device to use:)
 
silverblack said:
If I were you, I would wait for a month before doing anything. Let your "honeymoon" with your iPad pass, and see if you miss either one of your macs.
Click to expand...

I agree with your statement. To the OP, don't make any rash decisions for you may regret them later. Each device has it's own purpose. None of the devices are a total replacement for the other whether it be an iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, MacBook/MBP or iMac. Only you can decide what you need it for and if you will have other uses that it does not meet.

Besides, there is a rule, you have to have at least one of every "i" device:D. Hey Steve, rename the MacBook/MBP with an "i" in front of it. Oh, and the "iMac Pro" too:D.
 
As much as I love my iPad, there's no way it can replace my 17" MacBook pro. Also u need a computer to air video and stream all your videos.
 
I said this in another thread, but eventually plan on selling my MBP for an iMac. I think the combination of having an awesome desktop and a really portable computer is perfect. There's really no need for an Apple notebook anymore. I would actually sell both and buy a new iMac or Mac mini.
 
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