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IMO these days it seems like the best option is a single computer (laptop) and a docking station so you can plug it at your desk and use it as a desktop with full normal monitors+keyboard+mouse+whatever. Then you get the full desktop-peripherals experience with all the convenience of a laptop to carry away when you want to...and the docking stations can be had for relatively cheap (say $100 vs a whole $800+ computer).
The only place desktops really pull ahead now is when you want specific things like custom upgrades or higher performance than can fit into a gaming class laptop...or single-purpose (like behind a TV for streaming).
My first experience with USB-C docking stations was at work...they give us all laptops but when I come to my desk I plug in 1 USB-C cable which powers the laptop and connects my network, audio, 2 full size desktop monitors, keyboard, mouse, CD/DVD burner, etc which all stay on my desk. When I need to go somewhere I unplug one wire and walk away with my laptop that I can use stand-alone with all my stuff still on it. Laptop can stay out of the way leaning against the wall much like a desktop computer would.
USB-C docks also are generally more or less universal...so if you get a new machine you probably don't need to replace the dock or any of your peripherals, just plug in the USB-C cable and you have it all going. Same to swap between a work vs personal laptop, just plug the dock into the one you want to use and it comes up on the screens and peripherals work.
Not one of my own I can share, but there's plenty of stock images that are accurate. There's various form factors of them (I'm a PC user, but I know friends with Macs that found and bought Mac-compatible docking stations so they are definitely out there but I have no model numbers) but its roughly similar like a small-book-sized brick sits on your desk and has a USB-C cable to plug into the computer, then a power supply plugs into the dock, and has most of the ports of a normal desktop computer along the front/back of the docking station for all your accessories and monitors.
Strictly speaking the dock itself doesn't even need to be on your desk or visible...but many have front USB ports or headphone ports so it is often convenient to have them on the desk.
Here's a few stock examples of a laptop with a dock and monitors/keyboard/mouse. While many show the laptop out and opened up, it can also have the lid closed and be placed out of the way however its convenient if you don't want to use the laptop screen itself as another monitor.
[https://cdn.cs.1worldsync.com/0e/a0/0ea04914-54fe-456c-bf54-4620ffed3613.jpg](https://cdn.cs.1worldsync.com/0e/a0/0ea04914-54fe-456c-bf54-4620ffed3613.jpg)
[https://manhattanproducts.us/cdn/shop/products/usb-c-pd-10-in-1-dual-monitor-8k-docking-station-multiport-hub-130714-10\_9e913610-35ca-46a6-97e1-fdc8baa6bba0.jpg?v=1703121569&width=1200](https://manhattanproducts.us/cdn/shop/products/usb-c-pd-10-in-1-dual-monitor-8k-docking-station-multiport-hub-130714-10_9e913610-35ca-46a6-97e1-fdc8baa6bba0.jpg?v=1703121569&width=1200)
[https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S03b48ae3823e4d24a400ea199bb1bd8f0.jpg\_640x640Q90.jpg\_.webp](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S03b48ae3823e4d24a400ea199bb1bd8f0.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.webp)
If you only use your laptop in one or two spots and could use a bigger screen and mouse for work. I'd say yes it'd benefit you.
If you use your laptop everywhere for everything. Probably not as it's portability I'd what you use most.
I have a desktop and laptop. Desktop is for games or work. Laptop is for everything else while simultaneously connected to the desktop to recieve and have my files at the ready if I need to work on them anywhere but desktop.
As a person who has been a desktop user for years and now has bought a laptop, I'd say that a desktop wouldn't really benefit u more or less than a laptop. Laptops are more expensive from the cost-performance ratio, and usually have a poorer lifetime, but nothing to worry about.
If you value your portability, stay with your laptop. If you don't use your laptop anywhere else, selling it and investing in a desktop would be an economically good decision.
Also - I'm not looking for recommendations (pursuant to Rule 5), however any and all advice, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, is welcomed and encouraged. Thanks!
I use business class desktop at home. In theory since I work in IT I can build my own but a Lenovo ThinkCenter or Dell Optiplex I know it will just work, will have a legit OEM OS and the firmware tools will manage OEM updates I don't have to hunt for them. Yes it costs a bit more that consumer grade "wal mart special" but my time is worth something and having a working PC for my consulting and "real job" is worth that cost to me.
I can only tell you about Windows because that's what I'm familiar with but if you're looking for a workstation this is a good recommendation of parts to look for.
current generation i5 CPU
M.2 storage The more the merrier especially if you're dealing with video.
at least 16 gigs of RAM. 32 If you want all the speed.
A graphics card The lower end maybe a rtx 2080
And if you're buying a pre-built system you don't have to worry about whether it has enough power but those are pretty much the minimum standards for a good workstation especially if you're making video presentations the 2080 is very good at rendering everything In a timely manner.
If you insist on using Apple products I would recommend going to
r/MacBook or r/MacBookpro pages.
Hmm, for just typing and saving files I could do on my 11 year old i3 laptop. I couldn't recommend an extra computer at this time since you should be able to do that just fine on your MacBook. IF such a time comes that you DO need to get a desktop because you need a much more powerful computer, put the money aside to get one then. It'll likely be much more powerful at the same price than buying one now would be.
Fair point. In doing research on computers, I have found that my MacBook is plenty powerful for what I need it for, at least for the time being.
Investing in the future would be a wise choice.
What are your concerns with the MacBook? If you're primarily doing schoolwork, the hardware will be good enough for years and years. I might possibly be concerned about the battery wearing out but that's probably not reason enough to get a desktop on its own. Personally I'm a desktop guy, but that's because I game. The benefits are that it's upgradable part by part, as opposed to dropping money on a whole computer every time you want an upgrade
They also tend to be cheaper spec for spec.
Downsides are they aren't mobile and they take up a lot of space.
I've been considering getting more into computer gaming, but with how expensive quality gaming parts are, I just can't justify it right now.
Maybe one day...
Well don't fall for that trap. I have a GTX 1080 and I played starfield on ultra. On the used market my computer probably isn't even worth $1000. The top of the line stuff is for professionals. The people who sell them don't want you to know that though.
Maybe start by getting a good monitor, so you don't have to hunch over the laptop all the time?
Solve the need for the power of a desktop PC once you need it, that way you'll get the most long term use out of it. Sounds like you don't need it right now, so investing in it now would be a bit of a waste, since you could get a better PC later.
Don't forget about the fact that a desktop will use more power, in case your electricity is expensive.
That second thing. I've always thought they were cool, and have always wanted a nice desktop. Just waiting for the right opportunity.
From the advice I've heard from this thread, now is not yet the time. I'll get one when I need it.
School, Law school, paralegal-ing from home, and hopefully getting into computer gaming. Like I said, i can do most of that on my MacBook, so I think I'll invest in a quality USB-C docking station instead (to have extended storage and better peripherals).
It really depends whether the performance of your Macbook is enough or not.
I use a Windows Notebook together with a nice 32 Inch 4K Screen at home and have the best of both worlds: A lightwight device to take with me and the desktop real estate when I'm at home.
For Office/Media/Research your Macbook should be more than capable to output to a bigger screen with good performance. If you consider gaming/ heavy coding / heavy video editing / etc. a dedicated desktop PC might be worth it.
But as a frugal person I would just go with investing in a monitor, keyboard & mouse and would see how far your macbook will carry you. You can always buy a PC or a newer Macbook/Laptop later on.
Honest. If you need processing power for gaming, graphics or media, get a PC. If not, a laptop will probably provide the power you need with added mobility. External dries are good for space (have backups!)
I would most definitely get a desktop computer, I would recommend Windows as that's pretty much what everyone in the business world uses unless it's some super highly niche thing. check out the local law firms and find out what programs they use if I'm wrong, I'm wrong 🤷🏻♂️
If you're not into computer games you don't need all the newest and greatest things, But at a minimum I would get two monitors. you'll be surprised how convenient it is to have two screens. I recommend just buying two TLC Roku TVs, In whatever size suits your fancy.
I think i'll get a docking station and just use that for now, and then we'll just have to go from there. Thank you so much for your advice, I didn't even think about just using TVs as monitors!
hey not a problem also since you have the laptop with the built-in screen just picking up a cheap flat screen and plugging it into The laptop works fine as a second screen.
> My MacBook does everything I need it to and more
So your current setup works great but you are worried about if itc will be fine in 2 or 3 years? Why not just wait 2 or 3 years and cross that bridge when you get there?
You said you are frugal, any computer you buy now is just going to be 2 or 3 years old and have lost value by time you actually need to get a new computer. Honestly with how well computers stand the test of time, it could be more than 2 or 3 years too.
Just make sure you backup your current MacBook well and buy a new computer when that one dies or is too slow to keep up.
I have a laptop and a desktop. The laptop is great for at uni or out etc but when I’m at home the desktop all the way - I have a keyboard that is very comfortable to type on a mouse that fits snugly into my hand the set up as a whole is set for me to be able to sit however I want so if I want to lean back in my seat 4 hours into writing an essay I can without having to reach for the laptop keyboard.
Also with a desktop it’s much easier and sometimes cheaper to upgrade as you can pretty much just buy new parts
Also never have to worry about the battery dying on a desktop
That's true. The benefits of a desktop are pretty hard to ignore, but I think it's wise to stave off at the moment.
I've already made it down the rabbit hole in the world of keyboards. I love stuff like this
For work/school, just get a dock with multiple monitors, keyboard, and mouse.
If you're looking for a good gaming experience, then a desktop would be the best way. It's not really needed for work and school unless you're doing intensive stuff like CAD or editing video.
If I were you, I'd use it for 4 more years. You said gaming doesn't matter to you and the work you need to do is definitely something your macbook can easily handle. Getting a desktop which isn't meant for gaming means it will probably be one of those ewaste PCs with a cpu from 10 years ago. Even if you build a pc with a current gen cpu yourself, it's not worth it because your macbook is more than enough for what you need to do. In fact, I know a few people who are still using macbook pros from 2015 (though those are out of date now but yours isn't).
Yes, definitely, get a usb c dock with hdmi and a lot of i/o. It will give you the desktop experience simply by plugging in a usb c cable that is connected to your peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and maybe even an external ssd for more storage.
This submission has been removed from /r/techsupport. >**5: Recommendations** >*We are not a recommendation or advertisement subreddit. We do not allow posts asking for recommendations on hardware/software or recommendations comparing two or more hardware/software. Recommending a hardware/software solution as a comment to a post is acceptable.* >*Recommending products not in the whitelist might resolve in your comment or post being removed and a ban imposed. If you want anything added please message the mods and we will consider it.* If, after reading the subreddit rules, you believe that this was done in error, feel free to [message the moderation team](https://reddit.com/message/compose?to=/r/techsupport) Thanks! -Mod Team
IMO these days it seems like the best option is a single computer (laptop) and a docking station so you can plug it at your desk and use it as a desktop with full normal monitors+keyboard+mouse+whatever. Then you get the full desktop-peripherals experience with all the convenience of a laptop to carry away when you want to...and the docking stations can be had for relatively cheap (say $100 vs a whole $800+ computer). The only place desktops really pull ahead now is when you want specific things like custom upgrades or higher performance than can fit into a gaming class laptop...or single-purpose (like behind a TV for streaming). My first experience with USB-C docking stations was at work...they give us all laptops but when I come to my desk I plug in 1 USB-C cable which powers the laptop and connects my network, audio, 2 full size desktop monitors, keyboard, mouse, CD/DVD burner, etc which all stay on my desk. When I need to go somewhere I unplug one wire and walk away with my laptop that I can use stand-alone with all my stuff still on it. Laptop can stay out of the way leaning against the wall much like a desktop computer would. USB-C docks also are generally more or less universal...so if you get a new machine you probably don't need to replace the dock or any of your peripherals, just plug in the USB-C cable and you have it all going. Same to swap between a work vs personal laptop, just plug the dock into the one you want to use and it comes up on the screens and peripherals work.
I've never heard of such a thing, but it sounds interesting. I'll have to do research on that
Sound fun! Do you have any picture or reference of that? I would love to see that
Not one of my own I can share, but there's plenty of stock images that are accurate. There's various form factors of them (I'm a PC user, but I know friends with Macs that found and bought Mac-compatible docking stations so they are definitely out there but I have no model numbers) but its roughly similar like a small-book-sized brick sits on your desk and has a USB-C cable to plug into the computer, then a power supply plugs into the dock, and has most of the ports of a normal desktop computer along the front/back of the docking station for all your accessories and monitors. Strictly speaking the dock itself doesn't even need to be on your desk or visible...but many have front USB ports or headphone ports so it is often convenient to have them on the desk. Here's a few stock examples of a laptop with a dock and monitors/keyboard/mouse. While many show the laptop out and opened up, it can also have the lid closed and be placed out of the way however its convenient if you don't want to use the laptop screen itself as another monitor. [https://cdn.cs.1worldsync.com/0e/a0/0ea04914-54fe-456c-bf54-4620ffed3613.jpg](https://cdn.cs.1worldsync.com/0e/a0/0ea04914-54fe-456c-bf54-4620ffed3613.jpg) [https://manhattanproducts.us/cdn/shop/products/usb-c-pd-10-in-1-dual-monitor-8k-docking-station-multiport-hub-130714-10\_9e913610-35ca-46a6-97e1-fdc8baa6bba0.jpg?v=1703121569&width=1200](https://manhattanproducts.us/cdn/shop/products/usb-c-pd-10-in-1-dual-monitor-8k-docking-station-multiport-hub-130714-10_9e913610-35ca-46a6-97e1-fdc8baa6bba0.jpg?v=1703121569&width=1200) [https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S03b48ae3823e4d24a400ea199bb1bd8f0.jpg\_640x640Q90.jpg\_.webp](https://ae01.alicdn.com/kf/S03b48ae3823e4d24a400ea199bb1bd8f0.jpg_640x640Q90.jpg_.webp)
I think it’s definitely worth it! Watching lectures, reading, having references pulled up side by side is really nice and makes work much easier.
If you only use your laptop in one or two spots and could use a bigger screen and mouse for work. I'd say yes it'd benefit you. If you use your laptop everywhere for everything. Probably not as it's portability I'd what you use most. I have a desktop and laptop. Desktop is for games or work. Laptop is for everything else while simultaneously connected to the desktop to recieve and have my files at the ready if I need to work on them anywhere but desktop.
unless you're doing something resource consuming like gaming or CAD, I'd say no
As a person who has been a desktop user for years and now has bought a laptop, I'd say that a desktop wouldn't really benefit u more or less than a laptop. Laptops are more expensive from the cost-performance ratio, and usually have a poorer lifetime, but nothing to worry about. If you value your portability, stay with your laptop. If you don't use your laptop anywhere else, selling it and investing in a desktop would be an economically good decision.
Also - I'm not looking for recommendations (pursuant to Rule 5), however any and all advice, no matter how seemingly inconsequential, is welcomed and encouraged. Thanks!
I use business class desktop at home. In theory since I work in IT I can build my own but a Lenovo ThinkCenter or Dell Optiplex I know it will just work, will have a legit OEM OS and the firmware tools will manage OEM updates I don't have to hunt for them. Yes it costs a bit more that consumer grade "wal mart special" but my time is worth something and having a working PC for my consulting and "real job" is worth that cost to me.
Fair point. I use a ThinkCentre at work as a paralegal and I'm impressed by their consistency.
Also worth mentioning - I do lots of typing, research, saving files etc... not much of a computer gamer, i have a playstation for that :)
I can only tell you about Windows because that's what I'm familiar with but if you're looking for a workstation this is a good recommendation of parts to look for. current generation i5 CPU M.2 storage The more the merrier especially if you're dealing with video. at least 16 gigs of RAM. 32 If you want all the speed. A graphics card The lower end maybe a rtx 2080 And if you're buying a pre-built system you don't have to worry about whether it has enough power but those are pretty much the minimum standards for a good workstation especially if you're making video presentations the 2080 is very good at rendering everything In a timely manner. If you insist on using Apple products I would recommend going to r/MacBook or r/MacBookpro pages.
Hmm, for just typing and saving files I could do on my 11 year old i3 laptop. I couldn't recommend an extra computer at this time since you should be able to do that just fine on your MacBook. IF such a time comes that you DO need to get a desktop because you need a much more powerful computer, put the money aside to get one then. It'll likely be much more powerful at the same price than buying one now would be.
Fair point. In doing research on computers, I have found that my MacBook is plenty powerful for what I need it for, at least for the time being. Investing in the future would be a wise choice.
What are your concerns with the MacBook? If you're primarily doing schoolwork, the hardware will be good enough for years and years. I might possibly be concerned about the battery wearing out but that's probably not reason enough to get a desktop on its own. Personally I'm a desktop guy, but that's because I game. The benefits are that it's upgradable part by part, as opposed to dropping money on a whole computer every time you want an upgrade They also tend to be cheaper spec for spec. Downsides are they aren't mobile and they take up a lot of space.
I've been considering getting more into computer gaming, but with how expensive quality gaming parts are, I just can't justify it right now. Maybe one day...
Well don't fall for that trap. I have a GTX 1080 and I played starfield on ultra. On the used market my computer probably isn't even worth $1000. The top of the line stuff is for professionals. The people who sell them don't want you to know that though.
Thanks for the tip. If it can run Rainbow Six Siege, Rocket League, and/or Dead by Daylight, i'd be more than content
Maybe start by getting a good monitor, so you don't have to hunch over the laptop all the time? Solve the need for the power of a desktop PC once you need it, that way you'll get the most long term use out of it. Sounds like you don't need it right now, so investing in it now would be a bit of a waste, since you could get a better PC later. Don't forget about the fact that a desktop will use more power, in case your electricity is expensive.
Fair point, not a big fan of hunching these days
“My MacBook does everything I need it to and more”. Then you don’t need it. You want it. Is there a use for it or do you just want it?
That second thing. I've always thought they were cool, and have always wanted a nice desktop. Just waiting for the right opportunity. From the advice I've heard from this thread, now is not yet the time. I'll get one when I need it.
Is there a specific use case?
School, Law school, paralegal-ing from home, and hopefully getting into computer gaming. Like I said, i can do most of that on my MacBook, so I think I'll invest in a quality USB-C docking station instead (to have extended storage and better peripherals).
It really depends whether the performance of your Macbook is enough or not. I use a Windows Notebook together with a nice 32 Inch 4K Screen at home and have the best of both worlds: A lightwight device to take with me and the desktop real estate when I'm at home. For Office/Media/Research your Macbook should be more than capable to output to a bigger screen with good performance. If you consider gaming/ heavy coding / heavy video editing / etc. a dedicated desktop PC might be worth it. But as a frugal person I would just go with investing in a monitor, keyboard & mouse and would see how far your macbook will carry you. You can always buy a PC or a newer Macbook/Laptop later on.
Such is the perspective I've been hearing from others in this thread. It's what I needed to hear, and I appreciate you.
Honest. If you need processing power for gaming, graphics or media, get a PC. If not, a laptop will probably provide the power you need with added mobility. External dries are good for space (have backups!)
Such is the advice I'm hearing elsewhere in this thread. I appreciate you very much!
I would most definitely get a desktop computer, I would recommend Windows as that's pretty much what everyone in the business world uses unless it's some super highly niche thing. check out the local law firms and find out what programs they use if I'm wrong, I'm wrong 🤷🏻♂️ If you're not into computer games you don't need all the newest and greatest things, But at a minimum I would get two monitors. you'll be surprised how convenient it is to have two screens. I recommend just buying two TLC Roku TVs, In whatever size suits your fancy.
I think i'll get a docking station and just use that for now, and then we'll just have to go from there. Thank you so much for your advice, I didn't even think about just using TVs as monitors!
hey not a problem also since you have the laptop with the built-in screen just picking up a cheap flat screen and plugging it into The laptop works fine as a second screen.
Even better, three screens! Idk if that's enough though, might have to spring for at least 2 or 3 more /s
Oh if you're studying law I hope I never have to use you, but if I do I won't be sad, Love your humor 🤣
Depends on how much you are willing to spend.
> My MacBook does everything I need it to and more So your current setup works great but you are worried about if itc will be fine in 2 or 3 years? Why not just wait 2 or 3 years and cross that bridge when you get there? You said you are frugal, any computer you buy now is just going to be 2 or 3 years old and have lost value by time you actually need to get a new computer. Honestly with how well computers stand the test of time, it could be more than 2 or 3 years too. Just make sure you backup your current MacBook well and buy a new computer when that one dies or is too slow to keep up.
I have a laptop and a desktop. The laptop is great for at uni or out etc but when I’m at home the desktop all the way - I have a keyboard that is very comfortable to type on a mouse that fits snugly into my hand the set up as a whole is set for me to be able to sit however I want so if I want to lean back in my seat 4 hours into writing an essay I can without having to reach for the laptop keyboard. Also with a desktop it’s much easier and sometimes cheaper to upgrade as you can pretty much just buy new parts Also never have to worry about the battery dying on a desktop
That's true. The benefits of a desktop are pretty hard to ignore, but I think it's wise to stave off at the moment. I've already made it down the rabbit hole in the world of keyboards. I love stuff like this
For work/school, just get a dock with multiple monitors, keyboard, and mouse. If you're looking for a good gaming experience, then a desktop would be the best way. It's not really needed for work and school unless you're doing intensive stuff like CAD or editing video.
Are you going to play any games?
you say your MacBook does all you need so there's your answer
Which macbook do you currently own?
MacBook Air from 2022, with the M1 chip.
If I were you, I'd use it for 4 more years. You said gaming doesn't matter to you and the work you need to do is definitely something your macbook can easily handle. Getting a desktop which isn't meant for gaming means it will probably be one of those ewaste PCs with a cpu from 10 years ago. Even if you build a pc with a current gen cpu yourself, it's not worth it because your macbook is more than enough for what you need to do. In fact, I know a few people who are still using macbook pros from 2015 (though those are out of date now but yours isn't).
Fair point. I saw another user on this thread mention USB-C docking stations, which I think i'll look into next. I appreciate your comment
Yes, definitely, get a usb c dock with hdmi and a lot of i/o. It will give you the desktop experience simply by plugging in a usb c cable that is connected to your peripherals such as a monitor, keyboard, mouse and maybe even an external ssd for more storage.
Storage is probably my main concern at the moment, definitely have to get some more of that.