Apple laptops and dock stations / home use

DaveF · 02-28-2007, 01:42 PM

Over Christmas I acquired my dad's castoff laptop, and ancient 1GHz P3 system. Though old, it works well. Working on a personal project, one Saturday afternoon on the couch, though, was a revelation! Who knew computing could be so comfortable?

Now I'm contemplating a Mac laptop later this Spring or Summer. This would be 80% office / desk use, 20% lounging on the couch use, and the infrequent travel use (either on the plane or visiting family). I'm looking for both broad comments on this idea and a some specific recommendations.

Specifically: Is there a docking station for Mac Laptops, to easily use it with a normal keyboard, mouse, and monitor at the desk? Or other solution for this goal?

Generally: what are people's thoughts for laptops as the primary computer? I'll do lightweight writing, web surfing, email. Maybe some web design. Some amateur (hobbyist) video editing (iMovie & iDVD). Some gaming via Bootcamp, perhaps.

My budget will be in the $2000 range, perhaps more to accomodate the new software to switch from Windows to Mac.

Christian Behrens · 02-28-2007, 02:59 PM

Nothing what you describe requires a dock station. They all have DVI out, and even come with a DVI-VGA adapter (at least the MBPs do).

Keyboard and mouse are connected via the usual channels, USB or Bluetooth.

So, they are perfectly capable as desktop replacements. You can also run them with their built-in screen and an additional monitor to give you a bigger desktop. The MBPs can drive a 30" monitor.

-Christian

Michael_K_Sr · 02-28-2007, 03:44 PM

A company called BookEndz makes docks for the Mac laptops, but I don't care for them at all. Nothing against the manufacturer, but it's just personal preference. As you said yourself...who knew computing could be so comfortable when free of a desk or table. A dock flies counter to that. As was referenced previously, you can get by with just one cable if you want an extra display connected. Other than that, you can do everything wirelessly if you want. I use a Bluetooth keyboard and mouse and I print wirelessly by connecting my printer to an AirPort base station.

I think a laptop would be just fine for your needs. I'd recommend 2GB of RAM if you intend on running Windows, especially through Parallels. I use a laptop as my primary computer and so does half of our office and we see no disadvantage to using them.

Andrew Pratt · 02-28-2007, 03:45 PM

I ditched my tower years ago in favor of laptops as my main computer and don't see myself ever going back. There are 3rd party options for docking stations but given how nice the MBP keyboards are it'd be ashame not to use them. As Christian mentions the MBP's have DVI out if you do want to connect to a larger monitor but I'm very happy with the resolution on my 15.4 (1440 * 900)

DaveF · 02-28-2007, 05:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Christian Behrens

Nothing what you describe requires a dock station. They all have DVI out, and even come with a DVI-VGA adapter (at least the MBPs do).

I don't want to reconnect every cable each time I leave / return to my desk. This might include: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, scanner, iPod, PDA, USB Hub, ethernet. Rather than constantly managing five to ten cables, I thought a simple docking station might be simpler. Even if I went wireless for the keyboard, mouse, network and setup a network printer, that still leaves me juggling perhaps three for the monitor, iPod, and PDA / Camera. Perhaps a USB hub and forgoe the external monitor...

As for the laptop keyboard: I don't care for standard Mac keyboards, and prefer the Microsoft split keyboard, so I'm not sure I'll be thrilled with the Mac laptop keyboard. But I've not tried it yet and I could adjust I suppose.

Can a laptop do dual-monitor or does it only clone the display to an external monitor?

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Andrew Pratt · 02-28-2007, 08:19 PM

You can do dual monitor if you like. I have a USB hub that I have my mouse, external hard drive, iPod and sometimes Pronto plugged into so its just a single cable and away I go.

Christian Behrens · 02-28-2007, 08:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF

As for the laptop keyboard: I don't care for standard Mac keyboards, and prefer the Microsoft split keyboard, so I'm not sure I'll be thrilled with the Mac laptop keyboard.

For desk use, no reason not to use these. Microsoft has drivers for their mice and keyboards. In fact, I use the Ergonomic Keyboard 4000 myself on my iMac. On the go, well, all laptops have that problem, really.

-Christian

DaveF · 02-28-2007, 10:02 PM

That all sounds good. I'm waiting for the Mac hardware refresh to buy, but this gives me the info I needed to better choose.

I've got 30 feet of cat5 cable strung from the office to living room, and I've been sitting doing some DMCA research, while my wife watches Top Model and talks to me. So I'm sold now

Ted Todorov · 03-01-2007, 10:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveF

I don't want to reconnect every cable each time I leave / return to my desk. This might include: keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, scanner, iPod, PDA, USB Hub, ethernet. Rather than constantly managing five to ten cables, I thought a simple docking station might be simpler. Even if I went wireless for the keyboard, mouse, network and setup a network printer, that still leaves me juggling perhaps three for the monitor, iPod, and PDA / Camera. Perhaps a USB hub and forgoe the external monitor.

Actually if you are really allergic to cables, the only one you'll need to attach is the monitor. The keyboard/mouse can be Blue Tooth. The ethernet cable along with a USB hub connected to the printer and all other USB devices can be hung off a 802.11n Airport Extreme base station.

The ONLY cables you will ever have to re-plug are the (magnetic, no real plugging there) powercord and the external monitor. Beats the hell out of some ugly dock in every way, including ease and convenience.

Ted

DaveF · 03-01-2007, 12:22 PM

Thanks for the cable update. I don't mind cables per se. But to enjoy a laptop at home, it's can't be a burden to remove from, or return to, the desk. Using bluetooth keyboard and mouse, and investing in networked peripherals is sounding doable, if a bit pricey.

After last night's endeavors, I'm definitely excited about going laptop now.

I need to learn more about MacBook vs MacBook pro. I'm not keen on a 13" screen, but MBP is $2600 min to get the configuration I want.