Two Macbooks? Someone please slap me.

[robotfist]

I think I might just sell my 17" and then get a 15" along with a decked out iMac. That combo might satisfy my thirst for more portability but also provide me with the power I need. I do so much graphics work, animation, and editing, I can justify those two computers easily.

I still really, really, really want that 11" but I just can't seem to justify it.

And I HATE that I can't justify it. If money was no object, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I went to the Apple Store last week and just sat there and stared at it. I was 5 seconds away from saying,"F*$# it," when an Apple employee told me they were closing and that I needed to leave. It was a very close call.

 

[Sirolway]

Wait a month. If you still want it then, buy it
I find that tends to avoid too much window-shoppingitis

 

[zwodubber]

Can't go wrong with more than one (see sig)

the 13" core i5 is my take to work everyday and bring home to put it on a smaller desk with a wall mount 25" LCD. I tend to use this one the most now.

the 2009 MB stays on a desk at home in the "home office".

the 2006 MBP sits below a 42" LCD in the "home office" strictly for web browsing and such on the large screen. It's controlled from the desk with a magic mouse and wireless keyboard

 

[aleni]

I think I might just sell my 17" and then get a 15" along with a decked out iMac. That combo might satisfy my thirst for more portability but also provide me with the power I need. I do so much graphics work, animation, and editing, I can justify those two computers easily.

I still really, really, really want that 11" but I just can't seem to justify it.

And I HATE that I can't justify it. If money was no object, I'd do it in a heartbeat. I went to the Apple Store last week and just sat there and stared at it. I was 5 seconds away from saying,"F*$# it," when an Apple employee told me they were closing and that I needed to leave. It was a very close call.

the difference between 15" and 17" for me is not huge, how many times do u travel? if not, then the 11" would be a waste because u only love it because of the sleek factor.

just like me, i still use the 17" alot since my jobs need to work on a mbp, 11" just doesn't cut it especially with only 4GB and 1.6ghz C2D, 4000x4000px with 300dpi images feels slow in the 11" compared to my 3 years old MBP.

keep your mind clean, there is no need for u to buy 11", you will get bored soon if you buy it not because u need it.

 

[Alvesang]

SLAP! You really only use one computer at a time. For mobile surfing etc. you can use an iPhone or an iPad. I think you said it yourself: You don't need it. And the "sexy new toy" factor wears off pretty quickly and even the 11" MBA would soon be "just another Mac". In essence: Don't.

I've got two, by the way.

 

[secksthoi]

Surprisingly I also say don't. Unless of course you make a good figure amount of money, why not?

Also coming from a guy who owns two Macbooks.. Who knew Apple would fix up my cracked black Macbook and update the software to Snow Leopard for free?! Feels like new..

 

[limesmoothie]

Grrrrr.

That's what the tiny guy on my left shoulder is saying. He's saying: "You spend too much time on the computer! Save the money! Spend it on a life experience! Invest! Be smart!"

All the while, the tiny guy on my right shoulder is saying: "You could get hit by a bus tomorrow! Just do what you want! Enjoy! You can always sell it if it doesn't work out! You love tiny computers!"

Wow, it's like you can see inside my head. I fear the guy on the right shoulder will win. I have an Mbp and an iPad but am loving the MBA 11" too.

 

[Adam-]

Grrrrr.

That's what the tiny guy on my left shoulder is saying. He's saying: "You spend too much time on the computer! Save the money! Spend it on a life experience! Invest! Be smart!"

All the while, the tiny guy on my right shoulder is saying: "You could get hit by a bus tomorrow! Just do what you want! Enjoy! You can always sell it if it doesn't work out! You love tiny computers!"

Listen to the guy on the right shoulder, which one would you rather talk to if you met on the street? I've got a Macbook Pro and just ordered an iPad2 for general usage! There are lots of things in life that are free to enjoy so you can put money elsewhere

 

[Vantage Point]

Since you want both power and portability then perhaps you should sell your 17" for a 2011 15" quad core which will be much faster for video editing.... Then use an external monitor as needed. Compared to what you have you get more power and more portability. Certainly easier and cheaper than managing two computers. Also, the new 13" MBP is no slouch and with an SSD and 8gb ram it should get you where you want to go about as fast as you are going now

 

[iDemiurge]

Since you want both power and portability then perhaps you should sell your 17" for a 2011 15" quad core which will be much faster for video editing....

That's like what I did. I had an 11.6", a 2010 15", and a 24" display. As I needed more power I thought of selling the 15" and the external display and buying a 2011 17" while keeping the Air. In the end I decided that having two macs was driving me nuts. I sold the 2010 MBP and ordered a new 15" one. I'll keep the external monitor, and the Air I'm passing on to someone in my family. I'd love to have the Air as my main computer, but it just isn't enough.

In the end it's not only a matter of money. If you need to focus on your work, feeling under the obligation of actually using the two computers you have (and which you don't need) won't gonna help you any.

 

[gonnabuyamacbsh]

*SLAP*


you don't need it, don't waste your money!

 

[jcoop]

I guess I was ahead of the curve, but I have a 2008-era MBP 17, and last summer I bought a used 2008-era MBA to complement it. The 17" was too big to fit comfortably on the classroom podium for Powerpoint use, and I was looking ahead to a summer with lots of travel (I wound up taking flights on 11 out of 27 days at one point). I knew that with all the other stuff I was going to be lugging around, I didn't want to be carrying an 8 lb. laptop as well.

And in practice they're a great combination. I use the MBA for my classroom work and travel, and the 17" MBP handles video, photo, and music stuff. At some point I will replace the 17" MBP with an iMac (which wasn't really a viable option when I bought the 17" MBP--I needed mobility at the time), but I have to say it's nice to have the mobility option with both.

 

[Capt Underpants]

Apple products make people do crazy things.

Yes, the 11" Macbook Air is sexy as hell, and you want one. But you don't need one, and in a few months you'll want something else. It's a never-ending cycle. Don't let it beat you.

 

[kazmac]

it makes sense for the OP's needs

Go for it. If you like the 11" size and you need it for your work, by all means jump.

I feel like an utter boob bouncing back forth between the Pro and the Air.

I realized that my needs are different than my wants. An 13" Air suits me perfectly. A 15" MBP is overkill esp. since I have a 2010 iMac that does what graphics/video work I throw at it perfectly.

But sometimes you have to please that want itch too?

Maybe a refurb 11"?

 

[Lord Appleseed]

Check out my Signature. I myself own two Laptops and a Desktop Mac.
Do i need them? No. Do I use them? Yes...because I love them.

If you want something, can afford it, and think it could make you happy...then go for it.

Also, the MBP 17" and the MBA are really not alike. One is tiny and ultra portable, while the other is big and powerful. They complement each other.

 

[m3digi]

I'm in a similar situation. I have a 17" MBP 2009 and a 11" MBA. I was set to part with my MBP, but I didn't think it would be wise to give up the screen size, resolution and upgradeability just yet. I do lots of photo editing so the resolution is necessary. I plan on leaving it on my desk paired with an external display. That will effectively make it my desktop computer.

My MBA is for commuting and traveling. It's nice to have when I'm away from home. The MBP is too big to carry around, especially when traveling. I'm not advocating keeping computers you don't need, but consider how you use them. If there's an application for each then your problem is solved. If not, then think about which will best fit your needs.

 

[ufkdo]

Sometimes we don't need, just WANT. So, if you really want, I suggest you, go for it! (of course, if your monetary condition is enough for this luxury)

 

[gglockner]

Having two machines makes sense in many situations, but you need to determine whether it makes sense in your case.

If you need a powerful portable, you could go with the 15" MacBook Pro and an external monitor when you need the greater screen size.

If you need a really small portable, you could get the 11" MacBook Air, and get a desktop Mac for your powerful computing. You could use Back to My Mac to connect to the desktop if you need it; this can also be done for free if you're really skilled at home networking.

Personally speaking, I would go for one of the options above before I bought two laptops. The only exception would be if I needed one laptop for personal use and one for work.

 

[mrsir2009]

Tons of people own multi computers. I have 7 Macs in my house, although they're not all mine... And some of them are pretty old

 

[madoka]

I currently own two 17", a 15", a 13" MBA, and a 11" MBA (and four 64gig ipads). Out of those, I find that I use the 11" a surprising amount - possibly the first or second most used out of my collection. I use either 17 for the heavy stuff, but the 11" is awesome as a websurfing, word processing, etc. type machine. You can squeeze out 6-7 hours on it if you configure it for battery life and it is small enough to fit well on airplanes.

 

[kamalds]

Look at my signature. I own way too many computers and I want more. There is no guilt for owning so many of them.

 

[entatlrg]

I have a 2010 17" Macbook Pro i7. I'm am an animation and graphics artist that does a lot of video editing as well. I should probably be working off a Mac Pro or a decked out iMac but I hate being relegated to a static desk. I like to move around and I am on the road often.

However, the 17" Macbook Pro is a beast. It does what I need it to do (show full 1080 HD), but it is a mammoth of a computer. I love, love, love small laptops. I used to have an old 12" Powerbook which I adored. When Apple came out with the 11" I was so excited.

I want to get the 11" so bad, but I think I would feel ridiculous having two laptops. I mean... really... I don't NEED to have another laptop, but damn it, I love that 11". I know it won't be able to handle the graphics work I do, but I would very much like a smaller computer for writing, browsing, and doing general computer work.

Apple really did a good job at making me WANT something I don't inherently need. I've done a great job pairing down my belongings over the years and have been living a minimalist's life. Just about everything I own can squeeze into my Honda Fit.

But damn it all, I want that tiny Macbook Air. Anyone here have two laptops? I need to be convinced that I'm not spoiling myself if I do this (which I am).
Or perhaps I should just forget it all and go outside.

From reading your post you and I have a lot in common when it comes to computers.

I have a 17" MBP, MacBook Air and Mac Pro.

The Mac Pro is being used as a server, storage, back up machine at my office in the city. It doesn't get used often because my wife and I work from home.

Like you I don't like to be tied down to a desk I move around a lot and always in the back of my mind I wanted a 17" MBP. I didn't think I should have two laptops, but often I wanted more mobile screen real estate than the Air's offer.

So I went ahead and ordered the 17". I love it, it has desktop power, a large beautiful HD screen that can be moved around allowing me to do heavy lifting lifting tasks anywhere I like.

Now I have two laptops, and my Air still gets used the most but the 17" plays an important role in my work everyday.

I'm an industrial designer and CEO of a small business, we both have offices at our work, technology allows us to work from home. Therefore mobility is key, both my wife and I own two laptops and use them all day everyday.

I often find myself with my 17" open in front of me with Illustrator, Photoshop, inDesign open and working away with my Air beside me, it's so handy.

I've had both the 13" and 11", my wife is now using the 11" along with her 15" MBP.

If I want to take a break away from my desk I'll grab the Air of course .... I can get all my emails replied to while sitting on the couch, or when tethered to my iPhone I catch up on work anywhere.

Using DropBox I always have the option of opening an Illustrator file for example on any computer and continue working on it.

I'm definitely most creative away from my desk ... some of my best design work gets done from my recliner, it's great.

I think the MacBook Air, 11" or 13" is a great compliment to anyone who spends a lot of time working on a computer, it's so light and fun to use .... moving around with it or bringing it with you is so natural you do it without thinking.

Does a MacBook Air work well with a 17" MBP ABSOLUTELY. You've got the best of both mobile worlds, a nice large 17" HD screen when you need it and a little fun to use computer that allows you to work anywhere. If you ditch the 17" you loose the beautiful large screen which is so good for doing graphics on the go. If you pass on the Air you loose that fun factor or I hate to say it 'magic' that is something maybe only us MacBook Air owners have come to understand

I hope all that rambling helps with your decision.

Let us know what you end up deciding on!

 

[mrsir2009]

look at my signature. I own way too many computers and i want more. There is no guilt for owning so many of them.

+1

 

[entatlrg]

Also, the MBP 17" and the MBA are really not alike. One is tiny and ultra portable, while the other is big and powerful. They complement each other.

Well said.

Mobility all the way!

Desktop's are passe.... a 27" ACD or less expensive external monitor makes any laptop a desktop with regards to screen real estate at least.

As for the Air's, those above who advise iPad's, 13 or 15" MBP's in place of the Air I think are missing the whole point of the Air... The Air IS what all these other devices aren't ... compared to iPad a full power computer, compared to any MBP that 'magic' )) of the small, thin, light computer than encourages you to use it anywhere ... the Air's ARE that cool, ask any proud owner!

 

[Beanoir]

Oh for god's sake just buy it, have 2 laptops, in fact ****** it buy more.

If it achieves nothing more then you can bask in the fact that you being consumerist and loving the capitalist life, a big 2 fingers up at all the left wing contingent moaning that people in Ethiopia make do with no laptops and that you're adding unnecessary wealth to multinational conglomerates further making the poor even poorer. On your way back from the Apple store, stop and pick up a nice V8 powered car that is way too big for your needs and drive it everyday to the shop thats 200m from your house thereby using up precious fossil fuels and increasing the cost of what's left making it hard for the "poor" to afford to get travel to their low paid jobs. Next time you walk past a beggar/homeless/busker, tell them you can't afford it as you have 2 Macs.

I'd have another one, if only because it winds up those that like to moan about it being unnecessary....so is owning 2 pairs of shoes, but who's guilty of that?