I've been using the original trackpad with batteries since its debut, but I did try the newer model around 2015 and returned it because it just didn't behave the way I preferred (very erratic, much like my current MBP trackpad which I hate).
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Post Your Mac Setup: Past & Present (Part 20)
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The new one has 29% more surface area than the first generation model, features an enclosed wedge design, and adds support for Force Touch. It also provides haptic feedback via Apple's built-in Taptic Engine that is also used in MacBook trackpads. If money is tight, go with the first Gen, but the 2nd Gen is way better in my opinion.
I've recently reworked my WFH setup; for the past few years I've used my MacBook plugged into an external display, but I always found it to be a little messy and cumbersome because my 1440p external display didn't connect via USB-C meaning separate cables for power, display and USB...
Quite some years ago I used to have an iMac G5 (iSight) and I absolutely adored the simplicity of that setup. All you needed was a power cord, and the one USB cable going into the computer since the mouse conveniently plugged into the keyboard. Later on I upgraded to the aluminium version, but eventually I needed a more portable solution for my studies and I switched to MacBooks.
Until now, that is; I realised 5K iMacs (and Intel Macs in general) are getting incredibly cheap, and I figured one of the more recent and powerful ones would be a nice replacement for my external display. Even though it's always going to be slower than my MacBook, my WFH tasks are not very demanding so as long as it's reasonably specced and able to run the latest macOS through OpenCore, I figured it would be worth a try. So far, so good.
Specs:
- MacBook Pro (2021, 14-inch, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- iMac (2017, 27-inch 5K, 3.8 GHz QC i5, Radeon Pro 580, 8GB VRAM, 64GB RAM, 2TB Fusion)
Quite some years ago I used to have an iMac G5 (iSight) and I absolutely adored the simplicity of that setup. All you needed was a power cord, and the one USB cable going into the computer since the mouse conveniently plugged into the keyboard. Later on I upgraded to the aluminium version, but eventually I needed a more portable solution for my studies and I switched to MacBooks.
Until now, that is; I realised 5K iMacs (and Intel Macs in general) are getting incredibly cheap, and I figured one of the more recent and powerful ones would be a nice replacement for my external display. Even though it's always going to be slower than my MacBook, my WFH tasks are not very demanding so as long as it's reasonably specced and able to run the latest macOS through OpenCore, I figured it would be worth a try. So far, so good.
Specs:
- MacBook Pro (2021, 14-inch, M1 Pro, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD)
- iMac (2017, 27-inch 5K, 3.8 GHz QC i5, Radeon Pro 580, 8GB VRAM, 64GB RAM, 2TB Fusion)
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See this thread and turn that 5K iMac into a proper external monitor! https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/diy-5k-monitor-success.2253100/
Last year my marriage came to an end. This is my setup in my temporary home
Now I'm in my own place, and I replaced the iMac with a Studio mainly because it was getting more difficult to use my personal machine to WFH and I wanted an external monitor that I could share between my work laptop and personal desktop.
Now I'm in my own place, and I replaced the iMac with a Studio mainly because it was getting more difficult to use my personal machine to WFH and I wanted an external monitor that I could share between my work laptop and personal desktop.
That monitor looks epic. Is it easy to set up two devices to run on the monitor simultaneously? Eg if one was a Mac and Windows laptop?
Yes, it is pretty easy. You can switch between single inputs (both the Studio and M2 MB Air support the full 5120x1440 resolution at 120Hz) or picture by picture modes. Sometimes I miss the 5K crispness of the iMa, but overall I’m very happy with the setup. There’s a 57” dual 4K version that is a little bit tempting, but I think that might be a bit too big for me
Its one of the best keyboards I've ever owned (I've owned 200+)
Here you go:
Ducky x Varmilo Miya Mac Pro Sakura Round 2 White LED 65% Double Shot
Compact 65% form factor Designed to be compatible with most MacOS White LED backlight Thick Dye Sub PBT keycaps Two-stage height adjustable feet Updated Sakura colorway Miya Pro User Manual
what monitor is this? can you please share the linkYes, it is pretty easy. You can switch between single inputs (both the Studio and M2 MB Air support the full 5120x1440 resolution at 120Hz) or picture by picture modes. Sometimes I miss the 5K crispness of the iMa, but overall I’m very happy with the setup. There’s a 57” dual 4K version that is a little bit tempting, but I think that might be a bit too big for me
Do you dual booth Windows and MacOS on this Alienware Laptop or did you somehow made a Hackintosh?
What's the noise and battery life like?
Ahh I use the same monitor
It's a very comfortable monitor! Took me a while to find a usb-c to HDMI (displayport would've been fine) adapter that supported 7680x2160 on the 2018 i9 macbook pro I use for work. My desktop is a diy build that runs linux, it has a 3080ti so it drives that display no problem.I have a trashcan mac pro too, but that's just driving a small 1920x1080 screen I have next to it.
Initially I was using my work laptop as 2 3820x2160 screens on the 57" but every time the screen went to sleep it'd get wonky and forget the settings. It drove me bonkers!!
Where's the pictures?Ahh I use the same monitor
I have a trashcan mac pro too, but that's just driving a small 1920x1080 screen I have next to it.
Initially I was using my work laptop as 2 3820x2160 screens on the 57" but every time the screen went to sleep it'd get wonky and forget the settings. It drove me bonkers!!
I do like the idea of a trackpad, but, when it comes to very fine movements and creating complex/detailed work in the likes of Affinity Designer/Adobe Illustrator, how does it hold up then? I had an iBook back in 2000, and had to buy a Mighty Mouse because it just couldn’t handle that type of work. I know it’s 24 years later so it will be vastly superior, but even so, I can’t get my head around doing work like that with just a trackpad.
I equally couldn’t imagine using the Mighty Mouse these days either when there are companies with better products out there, but I never found a single apple mouse I could enjoy long term. These trackpads however have come a long way and really don’t compare to the stuff from decades ago.
My first Mac Desktop Setup... Still have the stock wallpaper... haha
I work at a University, and got an email for a "back to school" mac sale for staff and students. I'm planning to do an update on my 4 year old gaming/content creation editing rig, so I decided to pick a Mac Mini M2 to use with my Dual PC monitors, while I plan out my next build.
I also wanted a small form factor desktop for my music rig... so the Mac Mini worked out perfect. I just rotate my left monitor to use with my music racks, and use the trackpad to control my mixing on my X32 Rack digital mixer.
Glad I went with a trackpad to adjust my mixer... It would have been hard to find a spot for a mouse.
I work at a University, and got an email for a "back to school" mac sale for staff and students. I'm planning to do an update on my 4 year old gaming/content creation editing rig, so I decided to pick a Mac Mini M2 to use with my Dual PC monitors, while I plan out my next build.
I also wanted a small form factor desktop for my music rig... so the Mac Mini worked out perfect. I just rotate my left monitor to use with my music racks, and use the trackpad to control my mixing on my X32 Rack digital mixer.
Glad I went with a trackpad to adjust my mixer... It would have been hard to find a spot for a mouse.
This looks great. I have a similar style desk to yours, unfortunately I have to split half for my boring work PC.My first Mac Desktop Setup... Still have the stock wallpaper... haha
I work at a University, and got an email for a "back to school" mac sale for staff and students. I'm planning to do an update on my 4 year old gaming/content creation editing rig, so I decided to pick a Mac Mini M2 to use with my Dual PC monitors, while I plan out my next build.
I also wanted a small form factor desktop for my music rig... so the Mac Mini worked out perfect. I just rotate my left monitor to use with my music racks, and use the trackpad to control my mixing on my X32 Rack digital mixer.
Glad I went with a trackpad to adjust my mixer... It would have been hard to find a spot for a mouse.
PS do you work for a UK or US university?
In the US... SDSU. I work remote full-time... I'll go to the office maybe 10 times out of year, so my desk is split in half for work also. The half with 2 monitors is my personal side. The other half is for work, which has 3 monitors. I bought this desk for work during the stay at home orders in 2020. The department I'm in remained remote after the stay at home work orders ended.
I've made an addition to my desk setup in the shape of a riser. My original desk was made out of an old school science desk, and I managed to find another one in one of the containers a few weeks back. I could do with a bit more practical space so figured this was the right way to go, but didn't want to just buy one.
So pictured is the desk top planed and sanded, then cut to size with the risers in place. I used dowels and cams to secure them, and drilled two small holes at the rear of the desk, combined with the same size holes on the risers feet so it locks into place. Lots of wood stain, polishing and oiling to get it to match the current top. I then got some self adhesive felt and lined the inside of it (don't know why, just looked neat!), and purchased a 1m bluetooth enabled LED strip to give it a little bit of pizazz! The bit for me is cables: I made sure to route the cables along the rear of the addition so you don't see anything hanging down. Spent most of today working at it and the extra space has made a huge difference. I am going to find a way to introduce some LED lighting on the underside of the blue shelf above to save having to have an additional lamp when working in the evenings, but I'll do that next year when I decorate. Really pleased with how it's turned out though-must leave it alone now though else I'll spoil it! 😂
So pictured is the desk top planed and sanded, then cut to size with the risers in place. I used dowels and cams to secure them, and drilled two small holes at the rear of the desk, combined with the same size holes on the risers feet so it locks into place. Lots of wood stain, polishing and oiling to get it to match the current top. I then got some self adhesive felt and lined the inside of it (don't know why, just looked neat!), and purchased a 1m bluetooth enabled LED strip to give it a little bit of pizazz! The bit for me is cables: I made sure to route the cables along the rear of the addition so you don't see anything hanging down. Spent most of today working at it and the extra space has made a huge difference. I am going to find a way to introduce some LED lighting on the underside of the blue shelf above to save having to have an additional lamp when working in the evenings, but I'll do that next year when I decorate. Really pleased with how it's turned out though-must leave it alone now though else I'll spoil it! 😂
I was looking through the Studio Display thread and saw mentioned about the trackpad polling rate. How do you find the smoothness of it?
I've been missing the ergonomics of a desk, so have a standing desk on order and will prob add a Studio Display + Magic keyboard (for TouchID) and trackpad later.
I'm using my PC monitors that I used with my gaming rig. They are 144Hz monitors running at 120Hz through the Mac Mini. I don't have the resolution of a Studio Display, but the trackpad is pretty smooth for the apps I'm using it for (browsing and music mixing on my racks). One trackpad setting I had to do, was increase the tracking speed. It just works for me since I don't have a place for a mouse on my music racks. If I'm doing any photography/content creation editing, I prefer to a use a mouse. I haven't done any picture editing on the Mac mini yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll be using a mouse when I do. I'm doing a wedding shoot next Tuesday, so I may have to shop for a mouse... hopefully I can use what I already have.
Snap. I'm also a permanent home worker unfortunately with little option to go into the office. Absolutely hate working from home.
I also bought my desk (via my employer of course) after Covid. But now going to ask for a raising desk. Too much hard with sitting on my back side has given me siatica 😩🤣
Dude I commend you on your talent and craftsmanship.
I still struggle to wire a plug or cut a piece of paper straight 😂
I was full-time remote when I worked corporate, then got a good offer from my current job, and was happy to be in the office again. Now I'm backed to full-time remote... haha. One big advantage on being full-time remote is I'm saving a lot of expenses on gas, Starbucks coffee, and eating out for lunch. In a way it's like getting a pretty good raise... but I live in California... LOL.
I'm sure you'll get an approved for a sit/stand desk. It's pretty much the norm in the office now... for health and ergonomic reasons. Hope it works out for you.