Please help me take a final decision

[Glmnet1]

I'm really looking forward to replace my 2011 15" MBP with a broken dGPU. The main reason is for screen real estate because without dGPU I can't output to an external monitor. I mainly do software development, some photo editing, I might start doing some video too inthe future. I haven't bought a game since SC2 and I'd like to try a couple modern games with my new setup but graphics are not a priority at all.

95% of the time I'm working at my desk but I sometimes need to carry a computer such as when I'm on vacation.

I'm undecided between:
- 2018 13" MBP with an eGPU enclosure and RX 570/580 with 1 or 2 LG 4k 27UK650-W
- Wait for a 2018 27 iMac and eventually a cheaper laptop to go with it.

Some pros for each that I thought of:

Pros for the iMac:
- Better display and more resolution.
- Desktop CPU with 6-core
- Having a complete backup computer so less downtime if something goes wrong
- No loss on the power of the eGPU
- Ability to upgrade the RAM (If they keep it user upgradeable)
- smaller and lighter portable computer

Pros for the MBP:
- Using the laptop's screen as a secondary monitor.
- Not having to maintain a separate computer
- Ability to upgrade the GPU and monitor
- reliability of the eGPU? Bootcamp not yet support etc.
- Being able to finally buy it now and be done with it!

It seems to me that both setup would be fine but each has its pros and cons, mostly small things, and I'm not sure which one I'd prefer. I thought they would both be released at the same time and that I could buy both and compare but now it seems like I would have to wait a while for the iMac. Please let me know what you think I should do and any comment you have on the subject will help. Thank you!

 

[mroy16]

I would price out your options. Look at the current iMac lineup, knowing that they'll hopefully see a processor upgrade in the next few months, and add in a cheap laptop (or maybe a tablet). Compare that to a MBP with all the peripherals that you may need - second monitor, USB hub, eGPU if you need, etc. Both options will get the job done, so look at price and see if that sways you one way or another.

 

[Glmnet1]

I would price out your options.

The iMac solution comes to about $500 CAD more, and that's if I decide to get the eGPU which is really not that necessary... else it's a 1k CAD difference. Very good point, my first estimation made it look like it came down to the same price approximately but there's quite a difference.

The new MacBook could bring that price down considerably though because I'm using the current MacBook in my estimation.

Both options will get the job done

Yes, in fact both are really overkill I guess it's why I'm having trouble choosing...

Thank you!

 

[Glmnet1]

I was ready to buy the MBP but then realized that it would arrive after I left for vacation. At least I made my choice and, unless there's an iMac release or some concrete rumours of a game changing feature on it while I'm gone, I'll order the MBP about a week before coming back so I don't have to wait too much then

I'll also check this thread before ordering to see if anyone has a convincing argument for the iMac that I did not think of.

 

[LeeW]

I have been through many different configurations in the past few years. The current set up I have is the 13" MBP with two 23" monitors mounted on the wall.

Much like you, I spend much of my time at my Desk. I have a magic keyboard and mouse so all I need to do is turn on the MBP, it sits in a stand and I can work away all day.

The key benefits are of course that I have two monitors and don't need to even open the laptop whilst at my desk. But when I need to go somewhere everything comes with me, nothing out of sync.

In the past when I worked with the iMac and a MacBook Air there was always something missing or the time needed to ensure desktop and laptop were fully aligned was a pain, always having to think about what was on one but not the other. So it really depends on how well both machines need to be "in-sync" for your use case.

I am not much of a gamer but I do play occasionally, the current set up means I also have a PC, also connected to both monitors allowing me to switch over to one or in fact have Windows on one monitor and Sierra on the other.

As much as anything I don't like the AIO machines I prefer to have control over what monitor I use and how many.

From my point of view, I have created a flexible environment that allows me to have greater control.

 

[Glmnet1]

I have been through many different configurations in the past few years. The current set up I have is the 13" MBP with two 23" monitors mounted on the wall.

Much like you, I spend much of my time at my Desk. I have a magic keyboard and mouse so all I need to do is turn on the MBP, it sits in a stand and I can work away all day.

The key benefits are of course that I have two monitors and don't need to even open the laptop whilst at my desk. But when I need to go somewhere everything comes with me, nothing out of sync.

In the past when I worked with the iMac and a MacBook Air there was always something missing or the time needed to ensure desktop and laptop were fully aligned was a pain, always having to think about what was on one but not the other. So it really depends on how well both machines need to be "in-sync" for your use case.

I am not much of a gamer but I do play occasionally, the current set up means I also have a PC, also connected to both monitors allowing me to switch over to one or in fact have Windows on one monitor and Sierra on the other.

As much as anything I don't like the AIO machines I prefer to have control over what monitor I use and how many.

From my point of view, I have created a flexible environment that allows me to have greater control.

Thank you, this is exactly the kind of feedback, from people who tried both setups, that I was looking for.

Reading this I could already see myself rushing to copy a few things over or pushing my latest commits to git at the last seconds before leaving to be able to work on the laptop and it's really not what I want.

A second monitor might be a good idea, I'll see how it goes with the MBP+1 monitor and if I need more I can always order the same model again, which is not something I could do with an iMac.

As for the gaming pc I don't think it's worth it for me as I really don't play a lot. At least an eGPU can help with some tasks in macOS and would not be completely useless most of the time. Also it wouldn't fit inside my desk like an eGPU would.

 

[macintoshmac]

I have been through many different configurations in the past few years. The current set up I have is the 13" MBP with two 23" monitors mounted on the wall.

Much like you, I spend much of my time at my Desk. I have a magic keyboard and mouse so all I need to do is turn on the MBP, it sits in a stand and I can work away all day.

The key benefits are of course that I have two monitors and don't need to even open the laptop whilst at my desk. But when I need to go somewhere everything comes with me, nothing out of sync.

In the past when I worked with the iMac and a MacBook Air there was always something missing or the time needed to ensure desktop and laptop were fully aligned was a pain, always having to think about what was on one but not the other. So it really depends on how well both machines need to be "in-sync" for your use case.

I am not much of a gamer but I do play occasionally, the current set up means I also have a PC, also connected to both monitors allowing me to switch over to one or in fact have Windows on one monitor and Sierra on the other.

As much as anything I don't like the AIO machines I prefer to have control over what monitor I use and how many.

From my point of view, I have created a flexible environment that allows me to have greater control.

Indeed you have created a great environment where everything can be done efficiently and conveniently. Kudos!

 

[deimantasn]

For 2018 Macbook Pro 13” and dual 4k monitors is a must to have eGPU? No video works, light logo and banners adjustment with sketch and pixelmator. Thanks!

 

[Glmnet1]

For 2018 Macbook Pro 13” and dual 4k monitors is a must to have eGPU? No video works, light logo and banners adjustment with sketch and pixelmator. Thanks!

I didn't get mine yet and I only bought 1 4k screen for now so I can't talk from personal experience but it's officially supported by Apple so it should run fine.

I read somewhere that some users find the 2017 a little slow with 2 4k without eGPU and the iGPU in the 2018 is almost the same so I guess it depends on what you use it for and if you're sensible to some things being a bit less snappy.