Macbook as Desktop replacement

[yawwz93]

Hi all,

I will be purchasing a Macbook Pro Retina soon and when it arrives I want to use it to replace my existing CPU system at home. (i.e. use the Macbook as the CPU and link it up to my monitor and keyboard and stuff.

Was wondering if anyone has done it and what recommendation you might have! My primary concerns are saving space on my desk and easy transition when I need to plug/unplug into the system! Pictures of your set-up would be very appreciated!

thanks!!

 

[chenaz]

how about mac mini or imac? i think they going to refresh them in few months time

 

[davidktw]

Hi all,

I will be purchasing a Macbook Pro Retina soon and when it arrives I want to use it to replace my existing CPU system at home. (i.e. use the Macbook as the CPU and link it up to my monitor and keyboard and stuff.

Was wondering if anyone has done it and what recommendation you might have! My primary concerns are saving space on my desk and easy transition when I need to plug/unplug into the system! Pictures of your set-up would be very appreciated!

thanks!!

If your motive is to replace your current desktop, a iMac will suit you better. It has all the components in place and hence a lot less cabling issues. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, you will have a nice desktop layout.

Unless your purpose is to have portability, then you don't need a laptop and connect to external display. You will need space to place your laptop too.

Mac Mini will also serve your needs at the expense of some extra cabling and minor footprint for your mini. However iMac normally comes with more powerful configurations.

 

[yawwz93]

If your motive is to replace your current desktop, a iMac will suit you better. It has all the components in place and hence a lot less cabling issues. With a wireless keyboard and mouse, you will have a nice desktop layout.

Unless your purpose is to have portability, then you don't need a laptop and connect to external display. You will need space to place your laptop too.

Mac Mini will also serve your needs at the expense of some extra cabling and minor footprint for your mini. However iMac normally comes with more powerful configurations.

Hi I think I wasn't clear! What I meant was that I'm buying the Macbook anyway for work purposes, but was thinking if I can use it to replace my CPU so I can save space

 

[xuan87]

Hi I think I wasn't clear! What I meant was that I'm buying the Macbook anyway for work purposes, but was thinking if I can use it to replace my CPU so I can save space

This should answer your question: Henge Docks Allows You To Dock Your MacBook Pro | Ubergizmo

If you think the macbook pro has enough computing needs for you then by all means use it to replace your desktop.

Since you frequently bring it out, I'll recommend a dock for convenience, and also to expand your ports.

 

[yawwz93]

This should answer your question: Henge Docks Allows You To Dock Your MacBook Pro | Ubergizmo

If you think the macbook pro has enough computing needs for you then by all means use it to replace your desktop.

Since you frequently bring it out, I'll recommend a dock for convenience, and also to expand your ports.

The dock looks good, but it doesn't provide any expansion of ports. If I get that I will need to get a USB 3.0 hub as well.. Thanks for the recommendation though!

 

[Crimson_FURY]

I've been running the configuration you describe for 4 years now, with both my old and current macbook pro along with my apple display. All my hardware like my hard disk array, printer, USB dongle for a desktop mouse etc are plugged into the back of the display. It works great and I could not ask for more. The performance of the latest macbook pros are excellent for almost everything except heavy gaming and video editing (referring to the 13 inch retina which I own).

The only advice I can give you is that making it work as seamlessly and smoothly as possible will come down to how you manage your docking solution. Using something like a thunderbolt display is IMO the cleanest & clutter-free way to do it whilst offering you the ability to charge your laptop (and maybe use the included charger at your office instead?) but there are tradeoffs such as the fact that it is very expensive, offers a limited number of USB ports (which I believe are USB 2.0), doesn't accept any other inputs, and has been around for quite a few years which means that the display quality is not as good as some other modern displays which may cost less.

You could also go for an aftermarket docking solution which offers lots of expansion options but none of them have a magsafe plug so you will need a separate cable for charging and you'll still need to buy a screen.

Lastly you have the monitors with built in USB hubs and/or ethernet and more input options but you still don't get charging

Pick the one that suits your needs best. Once you have the docking solution sorted it is no different from using a desktop setup (which also happens to be portable) as long as your needs do not exceed the macbook's capability

 

[yawwz93]

That really helps, thanks a lot! I'm now looking at monitors with USB 3.0 ports as a solution, the Thunderbolt display is way out of my budget haha. Other brands should work fine with Macbooks right? Do you know of any?

 

[sky37]

I've been using this config running off an early 2008 MBP.
Back then, the MBP has all the ports needed, including Firewire as well as SuperDrive
Plugs to the monitor, bluetooth mouse/keyboard combi.
The MBP sits in Twelve South BookArc (first generation), operating in clamshell mode.
Activating the bluetooth mouse/keyboard would wake up the MBP, ready to roll.

 

[Crimson_FURY]

That really helps, thanks a lot! I'm now looking at monitors with USB 3.0 ports as a solution, the Thunderbolt display is way out of my budget haha. Other brands should work fine with Macbooks right? Do you know of any?

Yep if you are using a non-apple monitor, then the most you can expect, that would be of use to you, are additional USB 3.0 ports and they should work without issue on your mac. I think there are some very good monitors made by Dell like the U2711 (?) which would be great alternatives at lower cost compared to the Apple display (get the largest monitor with the highest resolution you can afford...it will make the experience a lot better)

 

[IamBeeP]

Wonder if using an apple tv suits you. If your monitor has a hdmi input, its voila.
But, hold on first if possible. I feel that an apple tv refresh coming soon.

 

[yawwz93]

For the monitors with USB ports, besides the HDMI connection to the rMBP, does there need to be other connections as well? How does the rMBP detect the ports on the monitor?

 

[IamBeeP]

Using Apple TV, you AirPlay (wireless) from mbp to Apple TV. You are using everything with on mbp. You just AirPlay or mirror your screen to another monitor/TV

 

[yawwz93]

Using Apple TV, you AirPlay (wireless) from mbp to Apple TV. You are using everything with on mbp. You just AirPlay or mirror your screen to another monitor/TV

Will I be able to use it in clamshell mode? (i.e. the lid closed)

 

[PCI_Slot]

This should answer your question: Henge Docks Allows You To Dock Your MacBook Pro | Ubergizmo

If you think the macbook pro has enough computing needs for you then by all means use it to replace your desktop.

Since you frequently bring it out, I'll recommend a dock for convenience, and also to expand your ports.

By the look of it, wont the macbook just heat up since the vents are blowing into the clam?
Should be fine i guess because it does allow some opening at the back when you close it.

 

[davidktw]

Yep if you are using a non-apple monitor, then the most you can expect, that would be of use to you, are additional USB 3.0 ports and they should work without issue on your mac. I think there are some very good monitors made by Dell like the U2711 (?) which would be great alternatives at lower cost compared to the Apple display (get the largest monitor with the highest resolution you can afford...it will make the experience a lot better)

To TS: Try either Dell U2713H or U2713HM depend on your budget or needs.

 

[davidktw]

For the monitors with USB ports, besides the HDMI connection to the rMBP, does there need to be other connections as well? How does the rMBP detect the ports on the monitor?

Those USB ports on the monitor are like an external USB HUB, one of the port will be an uplink to your system.

 

[yawwz93]

Those USB ports on the monitor are like an external USB HUB, one of the port will be an uplink to your system.

Thanks for the help! I'm probably looking at about 24 inch monitors, will look around! The Samsung C23A750X looks quite good as well as the Dell ones..

 

[yawwz93]

Anyone knows where is a good place to buy monitors? is sim lim square good?

 

[leinad]

Anyone knows where is a good place to buy monitors? is sim lim square good?

Short of buying it off Dell online, it's probably the next best place.

/Dan