Most of my computing needs are writing, email, PowerPoint, etc. I am not an intensive video producer, etc. I love the iPad Pro for traveling. My old MacBook Air needs to be upgraded and I’m not sure if I should buy another laptop and connect it to my monitor or just get an iMac.
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iPad Pro, iPadOS 18
Just to be clear, a MacBook Pro would be way overkill for any of the tasks you mentioned, on-the-go or otherwise.
If you're looking for a portable device to have alongside your iPad when traveling, I would definitely suggest a newer MacBook Air, even an M2 one (Which would also enable you to use Sidecar if you'd like).
If you're looking for an at-home computer solution however, because your iPad meets all your needs when traveling, I would make a different recommendation entirely.
For work at home, I could easily suggest an iMac as you mentioned, as it would be adequately equipped for your needs.
Alternatively, I saw you mentioned owning a monitor already. If you were to buy a MacBook Air, or iMac, you could of course, connect them to your monitor. However, if you are satisfied with that monitor being your main display, the Mac mini, would easily be your most cost-effective option. It has all the power of an iMac or MacBook Air, for $500-$700 less than the MacBook Air and iMac respectively. This means, you could use the extra budget to buy a better monitor, that you would be satisfied with if it were your main monitor, or simply keep the extra, and save it for another day. (The prices and capabilities of these devices are calculated with the most basic and least-costing models of these devices)
If you have any more questions, or information you'd like me to clarify, just ask!
I hope this helps!
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When you buy a MacBook Pro, you pay DEARLY for portability and light weight, plus the beautiful built-in display and the ability to run on battery power when desired.
If those features are not deeply important to you, your money goes MUCH farther in a desktop computer.
if you have a display you are willing to use, a Mac mini is a good alternative.
For me, the festering issue with the iMac in general is that, if you tend to keep your computers a long time, as I do, later in its life you own a brilliant display, with an obsolete computer trapped inside. The parallel situation is like buying a cheap Grand Piano. Late in its life you own an amazing beautiful piece of furniture with an awful piano inside.
That is a great analogy! Right now, my iPad Pro (the M4) is much more powerful than my older MacBook Air so the iPad gets the most use by far. It’s what I travel with as I can do just about everything I need with it, including running PPT, etc. I’m not sure I would travel with the MacBook Pro or Air much, unless of course something happened to my iPad.
Anything would be an improvement over the Air I have now. Sounds like the mini might be the way to go since I have a good monitor and it has the power to do more intensive work, like light video work, should I expand into that realm.
I vote for another MacBook. Whether Pro or Air, they have the advantage of easily going where you go when you want to go there and be productive. I love my iMac and mini, but the workhorse is the MBA.
My MBA replaced an older MacBook Pro that had all the whistles and bells. I find I didn't really need those whistles and bells, but the mobility is the real necessity and best feature.
In your circumstance, you already have an external monitor that you can use if you wish. That's a bonus. 👍🏽
That's a great analogy. I agree, as I said earlier, the Mac Mini does seem to be the best choice.
Choosing between iMac and MacBook Pro for light computing tasks
