The Notebook Review forums were hosted by TechTarget, who shut down them down on January 31, 2022. This static read-only archive was pulled by NBR forum users between January 20 and January 31, 2022, in an effort to make sure that the valuable technical information that had been posted on the forums is preserved. For current discussions, many NBR forum users moved over to NotebookTalk.net after the shutdown.
Problems? See this thread at archive.org.

    Desktop like setup for MBPRO?

    Discussion in 'Apple and Mac OS X' started by AMDgamer, Aug 29, 2009.

  1. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    I just recieved a new Alienware desktop which gives me everything I need in terms of a desktop windows setup. However I also have the 24" ultrasharp which has MANY inputs, so I was thinking of creating a desktop type setup with the macbook pro. Here is what I was thinking I'd need:

    1) DVI-D cable (is VGA good enough?)
    2) laptop stand
    3) bluetooth keyboard/mighty mouse

    I should be able to run the 1900 x 1200 as an extended desktop or as people said if I shut the top it should run like a full out desktop correct?

    Anything else? My OTHER option is to sell the macbook pro and pick up a Mac Pro or Mac Mini setup.
     
    AMDgamer, Aug 29, 2009
    #1
  2. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

    Reputations:
    996
    Messages:
    3,727
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    that would work... I'd recommend not shutting the screen as it makes it cool MUCH less efficiently. You can run it as a dual monitor setup with the external monitor set as the primary monitor... and if not using the built in, turn off the backlight. or.. if you put the machine to sleep (by closing the lid) with the external monitor plugged in, then wake it up by opening the screen back up.. it should default to only using the external monitor, but the screen still opened for better cooling.

    you can use bluetooth mice if you want, if sitting at the desk, I prefer just plugging in a USB hub with tons of stuff I want on it including a good USB mouse and keyboard.

    if you want to waste a ton of money for coolness and convenience, you can always buy a docking station.
     
    doh123, Aug 29, 2009
    #2
  3. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    What does the docking station do?
     
    AMDgamer, Aug 29, 2009
    #3
  4. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

    Reputations:
    996
    Messages:
    3,727
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    check out the ones made by Bookendz... they are quite expensive, and I think way too much for what they are, but if you got money to burn they are nice...

    www.bookendzdocks.com
     
    doh123, Aug 29, 2009
    #4
  5. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    anyone own a Mac Mini or a Mac Pro desktop that wants to share their take on either of them? Maybe I should sell the Macbook PRO and go with a Mac Pro or Mini instead of trying to turn the laptop into a desktop.
     
    AMDgamer, Aug 29, 2009
    #5
  6. doh123

    doh123 Without ME its just AWESO

    Reputations:
    996
    Messages:
    3,727
    Likes Received:
    1
    Trophy Points:
    106
    an iMac would be a good choice... a Mac Pro is good if you can find a decent one really cheap, but for normal situations its an overkill of a machine to use as a standard desktop
     
    doh123, Aug 29, 2009
    #6
  7. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    Yeah the AW desktop is more than I need also.
     
    AMDgamer, Aug 29, 2009
    #7
  8. Luke1708

    Luke1708 Notebook Virtuoso NBR Reviewer

    Reputations:
    352
    Messages:
    3,799
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    why dont you keep your mac as a desktop and a laptop at the same time. you will also get mobility. if you have to go to a relatives place which is near nowhere and you have nothing to do there, you can bring your mac along with you. this is such a decent machine imo.
     
    Luke1708, Aug 30, 2009
    #8
  9. Budding

    Budding Notebook Virtuoso

    Reputations:
    1,686
    Messages:
    3,982
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    105
    I run my Mac connected to my monitor/gigabit-E/USB hub. It's perfectly fine to run it with the lid closed in OS X, it does get a bit warmer than if you run it with the lid closed, but not dangerously so.

    If you have all the necessary cables, then investing in a docking station is a bit of a waste. Also note that you need a mini-Displayport to DVI/VGA/HDMI converter before you can use a normal cable to connect your mac to a display.
     
    Budding, Aug 30, 2009
    #9
  10. AMDgamer

    AMDgamer Notebook Evangelist

    Reputations:
    5
    Messages:
    353
    Likes Received:
    0
    Trophy Points:
    30
    The Mac Mini is also tempting for what it is.
     
    AMDgamer, Aug 30, 2009
    #10