I did the mbp-as-main-machine for a few years and it was great. Having to plug/unplug it every morning and night (I was working in an office and was bringing it with me) wasn’t a big deal if your desk is well setup for it (careful cable management, etc). I now have a 27″ iMac, since I work from home, and I like it, but it now involves syncing both machines rather regurlarly. I went with a Mobile Me sub for that, and I’m quite happy with it. I barely sync any files, except for my music and pict lib for which I use a custom applescript-triggered bash/rsync script once every few days. The Mobile Me sub helps with password sync, bookmark sync, contact sync, etc. So in conclusion, and knowing well how much travel you do, I think having the mpb as a main machine, with the comfort of a large screen when home, is the better solution for you.
And a last one, for the road: it’s worth making a note that OSX’s handling of mutliple screen setup is quite brilliant. So when on dual, have the large screen as the main one and the second for toolbars, etc. Then when unplugged, standard. OSX will remember your setup.
Is the 21″ your main machine now? or the MBP?. Else I think you are good to go with just the display, why need an extra machine?.
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I was using the iMac as my main machine and using the MacBook Pro when traveling. Just picked up a cinema display and keyboard.
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I just got a 27″ at work. It’s pretty amazing. Better bang for the buck I think. Then you’ll have a portable and a stationary unit.
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I did the mbp-as-main-machine for a few years and it was great. Having to plug/unplug it every morning and night (I was working in an office and was bringing it with me) wasn’t a big deal if your desk is well setup for it (careful cable management, etc). I now have a 27″ iMac, since I work from home, and I like it, but it now involves syncing both machines rather regurlarly. I went with a Mobile Me sub for that, and I’m quite happy with it. I barely sync any files, except for my music and pict lib for which I use a custom applescript-triggered bash/rsync script once every few days. The Mobile Me sub helps with password sync, bookmark sync, contact sync, etc. So in conclusion, and knowing well how much travel you do, I think having the mpb as a main machine, with the comfort of a large screen when home, is the better solution for you.
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Also, I have opted for using the mbp as my iphone syncing station.
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This was another big reason for the switch. Not being able to sync or update my iPhone on the road was pretty lame.
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Indeed. Same goes for the photo and music libs, hence the rsync script.
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And a last one, for the road: it’s worth making a note that OSX’s handling of mutliple screen setup is quite brilliant. So when on dual, have the large screen as the main one and the second for toolbars, etc. Then when unplugged, standard. OSX will remember your setup.
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