Are you using a laptop as a desktop? That’s been my life for years, but after a recent experiment, I actually think that having a dedicated desktop is worth it—even with how great and powerful modern laptops are.
Modern Laptops Are Great Desktop Replacements
For years, I longed for the day when a laptop could truly replace my desktop. I tried to accomplish this task since 2012, and could never do it. Sure, I would end up using whatever MacBook Pro I had at the time as my desktop, but it was always lacking in one way or another—whether that was GPU power, CPU power, thermals, or another area.
In 2016, I finally made the switch to running my life on a laptop. The 2016 15.4-inch MacBook Pro offered enough performance to become my desktop replacement.
Fast-forward to 2021 and the launch of Apple’s M1 Pro/Max lineup of in-house processors, and you have the ideal machine. Apple’s M-series processors offer plenty of raw power in an energy-efficient package, allowing you to use the same computer at home or on-the-go and enjoy the same power at both places.
This is also true for many modern Windows laptops. While laptop-based graphics cards and processors are still slower than their desktop counterparts, the mobile versions offer plenty of power for almost any task you could throw at it.
Add to that Thunderbolt docks, and you have a one-cable solution that transforms your portable workstation into a desktop replacement. Modern computers are truly a marvel of modern engineering.
Using the Same Computer at a Desk and On-the-Go Is Very Convenient
One of the primary reasons I wanted to (and did) use a laptop as a desktop was to use the same system on the go and at a desk. This allowed me to easily transfer from working at my desk with a keyboard, mouse, and monitor to working from the couch or a coffee shop.
The M-series Macs really pushed this to the next level, too. Now, when I plug a monitor into my MacBook Pro, it doesn’t refresh the screen—and the same thing happens when unplugging. It’s a seamless transition between working at my desk and working from anywhere else now.
I can’t even begin to count the number of times I’ve been working from my desk and wanted to transition to the couch in the living room, so I simply unplugged my single Thunderbolt cable from my MacBook and transitioned—that can’t be done with a combination desktop and laptop.
- Operating System
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macOS Sequoia
- CPU
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M4 Pro 12-Core
This “binned” M4 Pro MacBook Pro with 14-inch screen is one of the best deals ever to come from Apple’s factories. It’s not the cheapest laptop in the M4 MacBook Pro family, but it’s by far the best value for money. This is the last laptop most people will have to buy for many years.
I Miss Having an Always-On Computer at My Desk
A few years ago, I switched from my MacBook Pro to running a full Windows desktop as my primary system. This was the first time in several years that I ran a dedicated desktop, as I had a stint pre-2016 running a Hackintosh and then Mac mini before I got my more powerful MacBook Pro.
Having an always-on computer at my desk is something I didn’t realize that I would miss so much. About a month ago, I switched from that Windows desktop back to my M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro as my primary computer again, and I’ve really enjoyed being back on macOS.
However, I really miss having a computer in my office that’s always on and ready to go. I still have my gaming PC in the office, but that’s all I use it for now, and it’s off the majority of the time unless I’m gaming.
I’ve become so used to having an always-on computer in my office that I find myself still walking into the office to do something quickly on a server or with an email, only to find that my MacBook is still in my bag and my desk doesn’t spring to life when I click a button on my keyboard.
I love using my MacBook Pro as a desktop, but I really do miss having a desktop.
- Brand
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Apple
- Storage
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256GB
Powered by an impressive M4 chip, the redesigned Mac Mini starts with 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD, a 10-core CPU, and a 10-core GPU.
I Would Buy a Mac Mini (or Studio) and MacBook Air
My M1 Max 14-inch MacBook Pro is a powerhouse, no doubt. However, if I were shopping for a new system today, I would skip the MacBook Pro and simply go with a Mac mini or Mac Studio and MacBook Air. The equivalent MacBook Pro to what I have today would cost $3,699 (though it does come with more memory now).
For just a little more, I could get a solid Mac Studio and MacBook Air setup. The Mac Studio would have the same M4 Max chip and 48GB of memory, though it’d have a little less internal storage (which is easy to fix with an external SSD).
The MacBook Air would definitely pack less power, but I really don’t need crazy power on-the-go these days, and 24GB of memory and 512GB of storage would be more than enough for me when I’m not at my desk.
- Operating System
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macOS
- CPU
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Apple M4
The M4 MacBook Air retains its sleek design while upgrading to the M4 chip, enhancing performance for media and AI tasks. It also adds a 12MP Center Stage camera, support for two external displays, and Wi-Fi 6E, making it an even better consumer laptop.
That’s just for me, though, as I really like having lots of power at my disposal. Honestly speaking, a Mac mini with MacBook Air is the right choice if you’re looking to have an always-on desktop in your office, plus a solid on-the-go computer. You can leave it running, sipping power, 24/7 and it’s always ready when you need it.
Either way you slice it, I definitely think having an always-on desktop in the home office is worth it—especially with how affordable Apple’s latest Mac mini is.
I definitely think a dedicated desktop is worth it, but you might not. If you’d rather just use a MacBook as a desktop replacement, they’re more than capable of it now.
It’s actually quite simple to convert your Mac laptop into a desktop these days. Really, the only thing you need is a set of peripherals and a dock to complete your setup. If you’re wanting to make the transition, here’s exactly how to convert your Mac laptop to a desktop.