MacBook Pro as a Primary Computer?

I am looking to upgrade from a 2007 iMac and I am considering a new MacBook Pro Retina with a display. We are not big gamers (the kids play Minecraft) but do use iMovie and iPhoto a good deal. Is it reasonable to use a MacBook Retina for a primary computer or should I be looking at a new iMac?

Many many many folks have a MacBook Pro as their primary computer.

- Nick

More and more I am realizing my iPad is actually my primary computer, with my MacBook Pro playing second fiddle.

I have used a MacBook and now a MBP as my *only* non-iPad computer since 2006. Obviously I added the iPad as a supplement in 2010 for mostly "leisure" activities, but to this day I do most of my podcasting, writing, photo and video editing, video conferencing and so forth with a (non-Retina) older MBP and am only just now feeling like its nearing the time to get a newer model. I'm not the heavy power-user I once was, but all of my (all day every day) needs are being met with this machine.

Well, transitioned back to Apple in the spring (although 30+ yrs using computers) - my main 'computers' now are a rMBPro & an iPad 2 (will upgrade early next year to an Air); wife is on a new iMac and an iPad Mini - boy w/ an Apple laptop & iPad, most of your needs should be served! Dave

Used a MBP as main computer for over a year. Had it connected to an external 24" monitor, worked really well. However as I was using it for photo editing it did become a bit untidy. A dock would have been a good idea but I bought an iMac instead ( Dock would have been cheaper. )

I know of two people who use MBP as their main computer without any problem.

Banth said:

... but do use iMovie and iPhoto a good deal....

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If you do much in the way of editing photos in iPhoto or creating a lot of edits in iMovie you might be better off with the iMac. I would think one of your biggest consideration would be screen size. I currently use my 15" MBP for video capturing at live events and then at home for internet access. I edit pictures and videos on two beefy Windows 7 pro computers. I use dual screens on both editors. One has dual 24" monitors and the other dual 27" monitors.

I have edited one live event on my MBP and about 100 pictures. I use Premiere Pro CS6 for all my video work. I use Photoshop CS6 and Lightroom 5 for photo editing. The MBP will run all three with no problems. My biggest issue with my MBP as a choice for edtiting is screen size. When you spend a lot of time looking closely at a screen your eyes get tired and size of screen plus high resolution capability and monitor quality helps.

I am planning to upgrade one of my Windows editors this coming year. I am holding off on whether it will be an iMac or Mac pro. Cost will be the deciding factor versus what I have in the budget. One thing I will have is a monitor or two that is at least 27".... and lots of memory and lots of storage space and a beefy processor or two and a beefy video card.....you get the idea.

Lisa

I do a large amount of photo editing on a 15" MacBook Pro, and was doing on a 13" MacBook for about six years before that. Honestly, a desktop has never really crossed my mind as a main machine. Having the portability of a laptop, especially one as powerful as a MacBook Pro is so valuable when you run around as much as I do. Definitely never been a bottleneck in my workflow, even without an external monitor.

Even better when you can have both an iMac and MacBook Pro.... $$$$!

chscag said:

Even better when you can have both an iMac and MacBook Pro.... $$$$!

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That's my goal! iMac at work and MBP for portability. Now all I have to do is save up the $$$ for the iMac

Lisa