Mac mini to MBP?

[patriotaki]

I'm currently using an M1 Mac Mini with a dual-monitor setup, which is essential for my productivity—using a single, small laptop screen just doesn’t work for me. I prefer working comfortably at my desk with a larger workspace.

For those using the MacBook Pro with dual screens, how’s your experience? Specifically:

How does the battery life hold up when plugged in 24/7? Any issues with heat, or do the fans start up frequently? I also have identical setups at home and the office, so I carry my Mac Mini back and forth. It’s plug-and-play with just power and screens, which is super convenient. I imagine the MBP would be similar, but it’s definitely bulkier to carry.

Anyone else made a similar switch?

 

[iStorm]

I have a 16" M3 Pro MBP that I got shortly after launch last year. I use dual external monitors along with the built-in one for a triple-display setup. I use it with a Thunderbolt dock so I only have one cable to plug in.

After one year, my cycle count is 19 and battery health is still 100%. The optimized charging feature does a great job with this. Even if the battery were to go bad, you're not any worse off than your current workflow. It'll still work plugged in, and you can always get the battery replaced.

No issues with heat at all. The fans don't spin up.

I've always used laptops, so I can't comment on making a similar switch. I'm not sure what it's like to carry a Mac mini around, but I don't consider the MBP being bulky to carry. I use a backpack with a laptop compartment. I have had no issues with it on airplanes either, though some may think 16" is too big and would rather have the 14" one.

 

[patriotaki]

Thanks for the info!
I guess the 16 MBP has a bigger surface area to dissipate heat and bigger fans, so the experience might be a little different compared to the 14 MBP.

I’m curious about the overall "desktop" experience with a M4 (MBP). I really want to avoid scenarios where I feel like the laptop is constantly being stressed or overheating (previous windows experience). I'm also concerned about the power cable—having to plug it in and unplug it frequently to protect the battery and keep it cool. My main worry is that after a year of use, I won’t be able to use it without being plugged in.

Ideally, I'd like a hassle-free experience where I can just plug it in and forget about it, without worrying about future issues or feeling like I'm harming the laptop.

 

[dmccloud]

I've had my 14" M2 Max MBP for almost two years now, and concerns about my laptop overheating are nonexistent. The only way I've even been able to get the laptop to warm up noticeably was when running Cyberpunk 2077 via the GPTK, and even then it never got warm enough to be concerned about. Likewise, the fans spun enough for me to hear the air being exhausted from the laptop, but no mechanical noise to speak of. My battery health is still at 96% with 150 cycles on it, and I still leave my charger at home plugged into the wall unless I'm leaving on a trip. When I'm at home, I'll often have the machine plugged into a CalDigit Thunderbolt 4 dock with dual monitors and a couple of external drives connected. When out and about, I'll have an external SSD with me that contains data and files I need access to on a regular basis.

 

[PotentPeas]

I wouldn't worry about "managing" the battery. Just plug it in if you're at your desk. My battery health is 96% after ≈18 months. The battery does get daily use in mine, but I spend a lot of time using it plugged in as well. Also, if you keep AppleCare coverage, Apple will replace the battery for "free" if the health goes below 80%.

I came from a "high-end" Windows laptop where I did have to worry about heat, especially when the system is in clamshell configuration. It is very liberating not to have to worry about this with the MacBook Pro. In fact, I have disabled sleep mode (I don't like it sleeping when I shut the lid to transport it from room to room — I normally have background stuff running that I don't want to be interrupted) — and I have no hesitation about just putting it in my backpack "awake and running" and traveling with it. The fans don't turn on if it's not doing a stressful job, and despite that, the system remains completely cool.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

You answered your own question in the first paragraph of your original post.
Get an m4pro Mini, as well-equipped as you can...