MBP as Desktop Replacement?

[Skemo]

I'm seriously considering getting a MBP soonish (probably after refresh), and was wondering if anyone had any experience of using a MBP as a desktop replacement (i.e. 24/7 uptime, external monitor). I want the portability it gives me, but I don't want to jepordize it's longevity in the process. Any insight would be very helpful. Thx!

 

[bbergie]

I have relied on my PowerBook G4 for nearly five years as my computer for both work and pleasure. It's powered-up for most of the day, and it's proven to be a good arrangement for me. Last year, about this time, I orded a 20-inch Apple Cinema Display to complete the "desktop" look, and it has helped for reading documents, which is an activity I do a lot in my work, and with its extra screen realestate, it has been great for laying out documents in InDesign.

As you mentioned in your post, the other big advantage of having a notebook computer act as your desktop is that your computer is portable when travel is required––and that is a nice feature that no desktop system can offer.

If you rely on just your notebook, I'd recommend getting a stand, an external keyboard, and mouse. But it sounds like you're wanting to integrate and external display too, which I think is to your advantage.

I hope this is helpful.

 

[adiosk8]

I am sure there a lot of people who do, me being one of them. Mine is on most hours of the day between school / work and then runs most of the night at home. I use an 19inch external monitor as a second monitor but still use the lcd on the laptop as a screen for more space.but overall it works great and I have no problems.

also if you are waiting for a refresh you will be waiting a while since the MBP was refreshed not too long ago with the Core 2 duo.

 

[rstorm]

They are a great desktop replacement! Hook up an external monitor, keyboard mouse and you are all set!

I've set up two at work with mine being ordered in April!

 

[heehee]

I've had mine for a few months now and it's great. Dual screen setup at "work" and I can take my computer home at night.

 

[pianoman]

right now i use mine as a desktop mostly and i take it out into the world occasionally. i don't have an external monitor, though (yet). i do have a Griffin Elevator (the iCurve replacement), an Apple BT keyboard and a mouse.

i think the MBP is very capable of being a desktop replacement, especially if you get external accessories to accompany it (monitor, keyboard, mouse).

 

[bmcgrath]

Replaced my windoze box for me. Connected to a 21inch monitor no problem and is turned on for a good bit of the day. And it does a good job of doing whatever you throw at it too

 

[deputy_doofy]

My 12" PB was my "desktop" replacement for at least a year, and that was without an external monitor, keyboard, and mouse.
I do have a PowerMac G5 now (almost 2 years old now), but my new MBP could easily replace it (not that I want to).

 

[johnmartin78]

I have also thought about gettign a MBP to replace my desktop.Mebbe not just yet,but I can see in the future the end of desktops,with everything getting smaller and more mobile.

 

[Skemo]

Cool, thanks for the insight, looking forward to finally getting a Mac!

 

[JDN]

My MBP is my desktop. With an external HD to hold all my music im very happy. I have an old MBP, so its only 2Ghz CD with 1Gb RAM. But it does everything i ask of it without complaining. Ive never had any issues that need mentioning.

 

[QCassidy352]

I use my MB as a desktop. I have an external display, mouse, keyboard, and speakers, and it works brilliantly. If a MB works, a MBP certainly would!

 

[Diatribe]

I use my MBP exclusively and I can say that I don't miss a desktop.

There is a 1TB HD connected via my Airport Extreme for extra space and I have the BT keyboard and a wireless mouse for when I am at home.
I have been thinking about getting a bigger display for home use but for the most part the 15" has been enough.

Just for reference, my Mum has an old G4 iBook that has been on for 3 years now with like 5 nights off during that time and it is still going strong, I don't think you need to be worried.

 

[GraceMolloy]

I think the general consensus is in, but I definitely agree. My MBP is my desktop machine. I wouldn't wanna rip 100 CDs with it (slower RPM drive) but that's really about the only downside for me.

External Monitor, keyboard/mouse, etc

Love It.

 

[iW00t]

I'm seriously considering getting a MBP soonish (probably after refresh), and was wondering if anyone had any experience of using a MBP as a desktop replacement (i.e. 24/7 uptime, external monitor). I want the portability it gives me, but I don't want to jepordize it's longevity in the process. Any insight would be very helpful. Thx!

If it is meant to be sitting on a desk all the time have you considered a Mac Pro?

 

[Drewswa77]

I replaced a PM G5 dual2ghz and an iBook with my current 2.33ghz MB Pro. It has been fantastice so far. Out performing the G5.

 

[EvryDayImShufln]

My MBP is my only computer now, having sold my desktop. It smokes my old desktop badly. I just plug it into a harddrive, keyboard and mouse when im home, making it like a desktop, and also allowing me to detach it and bring it to school or to go study at a coffee shop, etc.

 

[Lynxpoint]

If it is meant to be sitting on a desk all the time have you considered a Mac Pro?

I am running a MBP as a desktop, and I did seriously weigh the pros and cons of going this route compared to a Mac Pro.

I went this route because it is powerful enough for my needs, plus provides the capability to take it with me if I want to. I also tend to not bother upgrading parts in computers, prefering to replace the entire thing at once. I also was tired of large clunky boxes (no matter how dressed up they are).

 

[CDailey]

I bought a MBP for college, but turns out, I havn't needed once at college so it has turned into my desktop replacement. It has never been purposly turned off once since the day it arrived at my house back in October of last year and I have not had a single problem with it. I have a Dell 2407WFP hooked up to it and it is in clamshell mode.