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Here‘s a good yet highly subjective reason: noise. I tried a single-machine solution for a couple of years, consisting of a powerful MacBook Pro attached to an external 27” 4K display. The problem with this setup is that Apple’s abysmal fan curves don’t mix well with my sensitivity to noise. It’s a well-known fact that the MacBook Pro will turn into a jet engine as soon as you attach it to an external HiDPI display (or what Apple refers to as Retina).

Ultimately I had to give up, give in, and replace the single powerful MacBook Pro with a much less powerful 12” MacBook and a similarly powerful 2017 iMac. Would I prefer a single-computer solution? Definitely. But when you‘re stuck between a rock and a hard place you have to compromise, and I’d much rather deal with the (much improved) hassle of keeping two computers in sync than a wannabe 747.
My M1 air has been a game-changer. No fan. So much love.
 
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Here‘s a good yet highly subjective reason: noise. I tried a single-machine solution for a couple of years, consisting of a powerful MacBook Pro attached to an external 27” 4K display. The problem with this setup is that Apple’s abysmal fan curves don’t mix well with my sensitivity to noise. It’s a well-known fact that the MacBook Pro will turn into a jet engine as soon as you attach it to an external HiDPI display (or what Apple refers to as Retina).

Ultimately I had to give up, give in, and replace the single powerful MacBook Pro with a much less powerful 12” MacBook and a similarly powerful 2017 iMac. Would I prefer a single-computer solution? Definitely. But when you‘re stuck between a rock and a hard place you have to compromise, and I’d much rather deal with the (much improved) hassle of keeping two computers in sync than a wannabe 747.

Sounds like needless spending.

Curiou if you’ve considered selling the MBP 16” and replacing with 2020 Mac Mini high end model + keeping the 12” MB or … using an external eGPU setup (if that would help) - not sure what work you’re doing.

Others like yourself have mentioned valid reasons …

Originally, and I still do, believe having a decent or powerful MBP connected to a larger 34”+ display (with/out eGPU; depending on each ones needs) would be more cost effective. The FAN noise is well documented … so potentially my original ‘belief’ or thoughts could be better realized with M1/etc chip in the upcoming 16/14” MBP replacements later this year or early 2022.

24” on a 2021 iMac seems far too small but the pixel density and resolution is nothing to scoff at.

Maybe since I’m not a creative - haven’t played an instrument in decades is why I don’t need the power nor see the reason to have more than 1 computer - UNLESS 1 is corporate supplied for work - and you really wish to keep personal data off of it (really we all should). I find this isn’t so important for macOS users; coders maybe but their treatment vs corporate drones is far more superior and light-hearted.
 
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Need to clean up the desk (This desk normally isn't mine! It's my boyfriend's, but it looks better on here hahah).

Monitor is a 29" LG Ultrawide, Mouse is a MX Anywhere 3, keyboard is Keychron K2 (I have windows key caps on it because I also use it with my gaming PC, located under the desk).
 
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Need to clean up the desk (This desk normally isn't mine! It's my boyfriend's, but it looks better on here hahah).

Monitor is a 29" LG Ultrawide, Mouse is a MX Anywhere 3, keyboard is Keychron K2 (I have windows key caps on it because I also use it with my gaming PC, located under the desk).

Nice setup … that’s the big screen and powerful MBP I was thinking of - efficient, less costly for duplicate machines if you can pull it off.

Sad that Apple hasn’t made effort to push or fully support eGPU‘s beyond a sealed box some 3yrs ago. Now with Apple Silicon I’m not certain we’ll get the home power we need with a MBP or MBA or MB :(
 
I moved into my new home recently. With all the time spent on cleaning and painting and such, I neglected my office / workspace.
I don't have the natural light I did before, but this is a better place for me.

2018 Mini i7, 32GB, 1TB
32" ViewSonic VP-3268 4K

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Indeed a fantastic setup ... I can feel the zen here. You got class man!
 
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Finally replaced my ageing desk with a new one from Amazon. Just got done with the cable management though it’s not quite there yet.

I wasn’t going to bother getting a matching space grey trackpad but given yesterday’s news I buckled and got one. Once that’s here I think my setup is more or less complete (pondering whether to get a matching 27 inch monitor but I’m quite happy with what I’ve got at the moment).
 
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Finally replaced my ageing desk with a new one from Amazon. Just got done with the cable management though it’s not quite there yet.

I wasn’t going to bother getting a matching space grey trackpad but given yesterday’s news I buckled and got one. Once that’s here I think my setup is more or less complete (pondering whether to get a matching 27 inch monitor but I’m quite happy with what I’ve got at the moment).

Nice look.

Also, curious about “yesterday’s news”…. What did I miss?
 
They’re discontinuing the space grey accessories 😩😩

Dang... does that mean that the white/pastels will be available? I love nothing more that a white keyboard with all that grime and dirt showing... I know, the black keys also have that stuff, but I don't have to see it every time I approach my iMac. :oops::cool::oops:
 
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