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+--- Thread: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? (/showthread.php?tid=81774)
anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - robfilms - 07-24-2009
i'm in the process of selling some older family macs (emac/1.42 & g5imac/2.0) now that both of my daughters have newish intel macbooks.
i'm now wondering if i can use my 2008 mbp santa rosa as our family desktop. my wife doesn't like the keypad on the mbp and wants a larger screen.
(my concern is about the need for an external hard drive to store the family's itune and iphoto library)
i'm looking for real-world experience from those who use their laptops with external monitors/keyboards/mouse and/or use an external hard drive for their itunes/iphoto libraries.
pros/cons?
thanks in advance
be well
rob
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - davester - 07-24-2009
I use my powerbook g4 with an external screen, mouse and keyboard when at work. Works fine. I'm also networked to the work server so I use ethernet instead of an external HD. There are no cons as far as I know. If you have a bunch of external USB devices (kb, mouse, printer, etc) invest in a USB hub or buy a monitor that has USB ports. That way you'll minimize the plugging in/unplugging you have to do. I installed a large HD and also keep commonly used files mirrored to iDisk rather than use an external, though I do always have an external plugged in at home that functions as my backup drive using Superduper!. If you have Time Machine and a Time Capsule you could save that mild hassle.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - mattkime - 07-24-2009
I have a MacBook Pro which I use mainly as a desktop machine, as you're considering.
I really like the setup. The display and input features of a desktop and portability when I want it.
How large of a drive do you need for everything?
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - btfc - 07-24-2009
" If you have Time Machine and a Time Capsule you could save that mild hassle."
Good idea, or another NAS device. I use my laptop with an external mouse, and at times with a second monitor. I have several iTunes libraries on external drives, and that works great. I've only tried an iPhoto library on an external as a test, and it went smoothly. 500 gig 2.5 drives are getting pretty cheap, and the swap isn't too bad, also.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Mr Downtown - 07-24-2009
Yes, my iBook is my home computer. One of those plastic wall pockets designed to hold file folders securely holds the iBook, standing up behind my 24-inch monitor. The USB, audio out, and monitor cables are Velcroed together for easy plugging/unplugging. A Matias keyboard and a good wireless mouse sit on my desk. I have an external hard drive that stays home and makes me less fearful about losing the stuff stored on the laptop's hard drive.
It has worked out great for me. When I travel, I just grab it and go, and everything I might need comes along with me. The only small drawback for me is that the iBook won't work when it's completely closed, so I had to come up with the folder-pocket solution. I also have to reach around behind the monitor to put in a CD, but that's no big deal.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - iaJim - 07-24-2009
I set my MBP up that way for a while, and it worked great. For some reason though, I just didn't want to have to plug things in or out when I wanted to take it away from my desk. My G5 dual 2.5 is still doing the job for most things, and I decided just to use it until it doesn't. Then I don't know what I'll do.
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Ombligo - 07-24-2009
I used my ibook with a external monitor, keyboard and mouse for several years with no issue.
at work our entire staff use Macbooks with external monitors, keyboards, mice and a firewire drive - no problems (once we ditched the stupid docking ports).
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - Go To Top - 07-24-2009
My last desktop was a PowerCenterPro. In 1999 I bought a TiBook and never looked at a desktop again. Who buys desktops anymore?
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - robfilms - 07-24-2009
thanks for the many responses.
anyone with a pix to share?
when u use the 2nd display is your laptop open or close so are u looking at two screens or just one? (wife's question)
as for hard drive size, my mbp is still under applecare so if i swapped out the 160gb and put in a 500gig i thought i would void my warranty.
i can live with several 1tb hard drives one for the iphotos and the other for the itunes. i just need to remember to turn them on before i simply click on the application.
for less than $400 ($200 24" dell monitor + two $100 1tb external hard drives), I should be able to avoid "having" to buy a new refurbed 24"imac.
once again, any and all thoughts are appreciated
be well
rob
Re: anyone using their laptop as a desktop w/ 2nd monitor/kybd/mouse? - mattkime - 07-24-2009
>>as for hard drive size, my mbp is still under applecare so if i swapped out the 160gb and put in a 500gig i thought i would void my warranty.
nope! your warrant will be fine.
>>i can live with several 1tb hard drives one for the iphotos and the other for the itunes. i just need to remember to turn them on before i simply click on the application.
how many TB of photos and music do you have??
if you get a 24" monitor, you'll probably look at it instead of your laptop screen.