Keep Mac Mini after Macbook purchase or sell?

[bgro]

Keep going back and forth on this one...

Just bought a Macbook Pro (non Retina) as I need some portability. Now debating whether or not to sell or keep my Mini.

Have the 2011 base (upgraded to 8gb) RAM. Have an offer for $450. If I sold it, I would use the Macbook as my desktop when home. This would require me to purchase an extra charger and display adapter which would run me ~$100 so I would net around $350.

Doesn't really seem worth it to sell to me...anyone else have any opinions? Any reason NOT to keep the mini?

 

[Poki]

I used a MacBook Pro with a Apple Cinema Display as main desktop and notebook the past three years, in in my experience, I can only say: If you have the option, NEVER use your MacBook also as desktop. It's not only tiring connect and disconnect it every time when changing from desktop to notebook use, it also keeps you most of the time from doing it. I for my part used my MacBook way more on the desktop then I really wanted to and only seldom worked on other places at home.

Also, you may have two screens, but you don't have two computers - which is very handy at times. For example, when working or playing games, you can write in Skype or search the web without even having to click on another program window, let alone minimizing the game - just turn to your left (or right) and start typing. MUCH more convenient!

So if you have the option to get (or keep) a cheap Mac Desktop, do it! That's my opinion anyways.

 

[DrakkenWar]

Agreed!

I am kinda on the other end of the spectrum here, and I can tell you it sucks. My main 24" LCD decided to kick the bucket a few days ago, so I am down to my mini in my sig, and my PB in my sig on my desk as well. It has really mucked up productivity for me. I was so used to having my mini at home with two screens to really get a ton down and my PB on the go to supplement what I wanted to get done, but to have two on the desk to switch from on to the other? While not a total PIA, is still just that. A PAI.
I would keep the mini if it works for you, if it is something you are used to and prompts creativity in your daily needs.

 

[comatory]

I've used my old MacBook Pro with attached display+harddrive (w/ bluetooth mouse and keyboard) and it was fine BUT if I could choose, I'd prefer to have my desktop machine as main computer and use the laptop for portability or work when not at home.

My MBPro eventually was docked at table for 99% of time anyway because I didn't feel like disconnecting everything when I wanted to take the laptop with me quickly, so usually I just left it there and used my iPhone instead, just because of convenience.

I think this setup was fine for me as I was on a budget so I couldn't justify having two machines - so it's a great solution for students but it's a real hassle sometimes.

The only exception would be to use thunderbolt display, if you had TB enabled Macbook - then it does make sense and connecting/disconnecting becomes almost nonexistent.

It's good to have only one computer sometimes, you don't have to look for data in more places and with laptop setup you can always take it with you. It is a nice minimalistic approach which has it's charm and it works for people who mostly write or do lighter tasks. I do video editing and stuff like that and having a laptop as main work machine became annoying.

So it really depends on your work environment and budget. If you have TB enabled Macbook and your work consists of less-CPU intensive tasks, I'd consider selling the Mini and buying TB display (you don't even need to buy additional power brick in that case).
But you sound like you're looking for the financial conscious way, so you're maybe better of to keep mini and repurposing it in some way if you're not tight on cash - they're great media HTPC boxes.

Also I'm not sure of the name but I believe that there is an application which you can use to beam image from your apple laptop to mini (connected to display) via wi-fi (I don't think Airplay supports beaming video to other Macs). You could have a HTPC solution and if you need to work at home you can just use it as secondary display without having to replug cables.