I got the MBP over a month ago and the ASD about 2 weeks ago and have been using it in clamshell mode mostly with the ASD.
It's a fantastic set-up and this MPB is a genuine desktop replacement now. I'm coming from a 2017 iMac 27in and my new set-up is no different in terms of waking up with the display etc. It's instant when I hit the MX Master 3 mouse or Master Keys. Still have not heard the fans and after watching multiple Netflix shows on full screen, the MBP is still cool to the touch. And I only have the base MBP 14in.
I have a 1 TB SSD plugged into the ASD and the MBP reads this with no issues and seems seriously fast.
The one cable only set-up is great, you just plug the ASD and that's it. Thunderbolt cable then between the ASD and MBP and you're all set. I use AlDente to manage the battery and I disconnect the Laptop when needed to sit on the couch and do some emails or whatever and when I travel the MBP comes with me.
These are the best Apple products I've used in quite a while and I really think Apple has knocked it out of the park with the MBP. It's a game-changer. If I use my 2019 MBP, the fans kick in very quickly, it heats up just watching some YouTube and I never would have been comfortable with that as a desktop replacement. The M1 chips have changed all that.
So if you were like me, someone who loved the 27in iMacs and were worried about moving to a set-up like mine, don't be. It works like a charm. And if the Apple Studio is not that important to you, unless you really need it, go for the MBP as you're getting a fantastic computer with portability and an incredible XDR display. It seems a no-brainer.
It's a fantastic set-up and this MPB is a genuine desktop replacement now. I'm coming from a 2017 iMac 27in and my new set-up is no different in terms of waking up with the display etc. It's instant when I hit the MX Master 3 mouse or Master Keys. Still have not heard the fans and after watching multiple Netflix shows on full screen, the MBP is still cool to the touch. And I only have the base MBP 14in.
I have a 1 TB SSD plugged into the ASD and the MBP reads this with no issues and seems seriously fast.
The one cable only set-up is great, you just plug the ASD and that's it. Thunderbolt cable then between the ASD and MBP and you're all set. I use AlDente to manage the battery and I disconnect the Laptop when needed to sit on the couch and do some emails or whatever and when I travel the MBP comes with me.
These are the best Apple products I've used in quite a while and I really think Apple has knocked it out of the park with the MBP. It's a game-changer. If I use my 2019 MBP, the fans kick in very quickly, it heats up just watching some YouTube and I never would have been comfortable with that as a desktop replacement. The M1 chips have changed all that.
So if you were like me, someone who loved the 27in iMacs and were worried about moving to a set-up like mine, don't be. It works like a charm. And if the Apple Studio is not that important to you, unless you really need it, go for the MBP as you're getting a fantastic computer with portability and an incredible XDR display. It seems a no-brainer.
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