Thoughts on this setup?

[Molson1020]

Hey everyone,

In May I purchased a 17" MBP for my freelance work (graphic design) and to use as my main computer. I've also been eyeing and iPad 2 for something a little easier to browse and surf on instead of lugging the MBP around.

Well I was actually just hired at a job full time, and one of the benefits is they are purchasing a brand new 17" MBP for me. So I was thinking of maybe selling my current 17" MBP (hopefully get around $2,000 for it)... then purchase an iPad 2 like planned, but also a Mac Mini for home to use for things I can't do on the iPad.

This way I wouldn't have to take my MBP with me everywhere I go, and I could just leave it at work, but still have a full computer at home along with an iPad to use for portable use.

Thoughts?

 

[mdgm]

Provided you don't need to create much content when out and about that sounds like a great option.

 

[teleromeo]

Why don't you sell your MBP to your new boss ?

 

[Molson1020]

My boss wouldn't be able to buy it...

My main concern is that a Mac Mini can hopefully do most of what my MBP could do... which basically means Photoshop, Illustrator & InDesign work (not a lot but if I leave my Macbook Pro at work and suddenly need access to the programs I could use it on my Mac Mini).

Are the mini's powerful enough to handle CS5 (again, nothing too crazy).

I would also use the mini for Storing my music collection and video collection.

 

[JKColo22]

I don't think you will have an issue, especially if you up the RAM on the Mini. Benchmarks on standard Minis compare fairly well to benchmarks on the MBPs. If you bump the Mini to the Core i7 2.7 ($100 upgrade on $699 model), your Mini will probably beat out the MBP's performance. The $699 Mini Model also has the advantage of Radeon graphics over the Intel 3000 integrated chip which you will find in the MPB and lower end Mini. Overall, the Mini should do just fine with CS5, just how well will depend on which configuration you pick out. (More $ = more satisfaction).

Mac Mini Benchmarks: https://www.macrumors.com/2011/07/21/new-mac-mini-benchmarks-show-significant-performance-gains/


MBP Benchmarks: https://www.macrumors.com/2011/02/25/new-macbook-pro-benchmarks-show-massive-improvement/

 

[alust2013]

Yes, the mini could easily handle all of that. I'd upgrade the RAM to 8GB after you get it if you're going to be doing image processing, but otherwise, you should be good.

 

[Chaos123x]

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I'd quit the full time gig and go back to freelance. Unless it's your dream job or something close enough to settle for.

 

[Chaos123x]

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I'd quit the full time gig and go back to freelance. Unless it's your dream job or something close enough to settle for.