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Finally time to replace the aging Mac Mini?

C

Captain Kirk

Limp Gawd
Joined
Dec 22, 2002
Messages
288
I've got an old 2010 Mac Mini that's really starting to show its age with its non-SSD disk. I've thought about getting a 15" Retina and using it as my semi-exclusive desktop with a Hengedock. I figure this gives me the travel benefit of a newer Mac laptop. (I currently use an old 2008 MacBook Pro for traveling.) I think the time and my budget are right. I guess the ultimate question is, is the laptop + dock the right combo for this and is it worth waiting to see if Apple does a 2015 refresh anytime soon.

Any thoughts?
 
So, you're the one who took my preferred handle on [H]!!!!

As to your questions... yes and yes. :)
 
The 15" MPB's are nice. There is a rumor of a Macbook Air 12" - but that is a different category than MBPs. (I have a 13" Air I use at work - its older, but I really like it.)
Can't you replace the HD in your Mac Mini with an SSD? I have a 2008 MacBook (not a pro) - it is still somewhat useable with an SSD.
 
I can't speak for the Henge Docks now, but at my work we used to buy them for the old 15" Pro models and virtually every one we gave out, we got back. Users did not like them at all. We've been trying out different Thunderbolt docks with middling results, I think users expected a bit too much from them.
 
There is always something that is going to come out. If you need a new machine now, buy it now. If you don't, new stuff should be released in the summer.

I can't speak specifically for Henge Docks, but it's not a necessity to have one just to leave your machine 'permanently' attached to a monitor. Get one if it fits your work style.

If you truly aren't going to need to move this machine around (as the machine you're replacing is a Mac Mini), I might also suggest you pickup a 5k iMac instead. Dollar for dollar it will be faster and of course it comes with that glorious 5k display. I do understand you may be trying to replace two devices with one machine (your mini and and MBP) but at least for my workflow, I would rather have two dedicated machines if I could afford it. You can always replace your aging MBP down the line with something like a used MBA. Something light and easily portable for the road and when you come home you'll have a machine to do all the heavy lifting.
 
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I loved my Henge at work.

I have one at home and don't use it because I have a full desktop.. I use my laptop as a laptop at home.
 
I have a 15" rMBP and a Hendedock w/ Thunderbolt display.

I love the dock and I can't stand having multiple machines that I work on. I don't see the point.
 
mope54 said:
I have a 15" rMBP and a Hendedock w/ Thunderbolt display.

I love the dock and I can't stand having multiple machines that I work on. I don't see the point.
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It depends on what you do for work. If you worked in film and you needed a Mac Pro to render video and you still needed to do work on the go, then having a second machine would be a near necessity.

I personally like having a machine that I can use to do heavy grinding and my portable machine that I can use for less intensive tasks. So to me, only having a 15" MBPr is a compromise, because it's not nearly as powerful as a purpose built desktop nor is it as portable and light as an MBA. But I'm the sort of person that likes purpose built things. I really always want to use the exact "right tool for the job" and not an approximation. It is worth noting of course that the right tool for the job depends on you and your tastes and preferences.

However, if you don't ever do anything that is as intensive as what I need my machines to do on a daily basis, then yeah, it's probably much easier to reduce all your computing tasks to just one machine. Especially if you don't travel as much with your laptop and its weight and size is less of an issue.
 
UnknownSouljer said:
You stated you didn't see the point. I only explained the point. Sorry that explaining alternative perspectives offends you.
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Unless you genuinely believe that the sentence I wrote meant, "I can't understand why anyone would ever want to use more than one computer" then you were simply being unnecessarily pedantic.
 
mope54 said:
Unless you genuinely believe that the sentence I wrote meant, "I can't understand why anyone would ever want to use more than one computer" then you were simply being unnecessarily pedantic.
Click to expand...

I make no assumptions about anything.

Edit: And even if I am being overly pedantic (which, lets just say for the sake of argument I am), I don't think anything I've said thus far warrants anything close to this response.
 
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You should wait, there's most likely an Apple event in the next month or so.
 
note235 said:
You should wait, there's most likely an Apple event in the next month or so.
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...which won't have new 15-inch MacBook Pros.

Apple can't realistically update the larger MBP until Intel has quad-core mobile Broadwell chips (5th-gen Core) available, and they won't be ready in March. As it stands, the company's energy is focused primarily on the Apple Watch right now... I can't see it dividing attention by launching Macs at the same event.
 
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Aurelius said:
Which will not have new 15-inch MacBook Pros.

Apple can't realistically update the larger MBP until Intel has quad-core mobile Broadwell chips (5th-gen Core) available, and that won't be available in March. As it stands, the company's energy is focused primarily on the Apple Watch right now... I can't see it dividing attention by launching Macs at the same event.
Click to expand...

Yes I know it won't have mbpr. That will be in summer-late summer as rumor suggests. What it might have is the new air even if the op doesn't consider it, the timeline is close enough to keep an eye on it.

Next event is watch + maybe retina 12.
 
New Macbook Air and 13" MBPr is rumored to be announced on the 24th of February.
 
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