Recommendation for Setup

[ninjaslim]

Hi folks,

I wanted all of your opinions on my setup. I currently have a MacBook Pro along with an iPhone 4S. I've been thinking as of late that I should switch to a Mac Mini and add an iPad (3 ?) to the mix to cover portability needs, which do not require a laptop. Ultimately, I would like to add the 11" MacBook Air, but not now. What do you think?

General computing needs are video production/editing, photography management and editing, internet, academic work and some statistical analysis. With regards to portability, I only use my laptop for internet and academic work. The rest kill battery life way too fast for my taste and I can wait to do them when plugged in.

Thanks

 

[Cmd-the-World]

If your video production/editing isn't too demanding the Mini should suite you just fine. But I would still suggest you go and test out your set up prior you commit your self.

I personally take the Mini with me to University. I normally take notes with the good old trusted paper. I use my iPad for internet and text processing and when I need the high processing or need to program something I simply hook up my Mini to a monitor and keyboard from one of the available computer labs. Thus his way I have eliminated the need of a laptop.

 

[InuNacho]

I use my iPad for internet and text processing and when I need the high processing or need to program something I simply hook up my Mini to a monitor and keyboard from one of the available computer labs. Thus his way I have eliminated the need of a laptop.

Never really thought of bringing a mini somewhere, I know people used to bring some of the early compact Macs places.

 

[Cmd-the-World]

Never really thought of bringing a mini somewhere, I know people used to bring some of the early compact Macs places.

I am crazy I know .
However this set up has worked well for me. Everyone works best with his own setup.

 

[Acorn]

I think someone else posted they carry a mini to work with them every day in a briefcase. Then take it home and work on it at home. It seems like such a huge leap compared to that pic posted above me.

 

[InuNacho]

I am crazy I know .
However this set up has worked well for me. Everyone works best with his own setup.

I agree its way better to work with your own setup. I've spent the last few semesters hopping between different iMacs and Pros in my campus' computer labs and its pita to constantly adjust mouse sensitivity, set up scratch disks, arrange the windows just the right way, deal with the person that was eating Cheetos and used the keyboard as a napkin, and you get the idea.

At the OP: A friend of mine recently ditched bring his laptop places in favor of an iPad and keyboard case. It suits him pretty well for schoolwork and it's lightweightness and long battery life means he isn't tethered to outlets and can haul around a few more books. The laptop just sits at home all day and is only used for games now and then.

As for the Mini, I've been eyeing the 2.7 model myself and from what people have been saying, it makes for a pretty good bang for the buck machine for video editing. If you don't mind waiting until you get home or whatever to use the Mini I'd sell your MBP and snag a Mini with the 6630 and iPad.