Have had other similar discussions to this...
I've been opting for my MacBook Air M1 (13", 8GB memory) more for my work lately. I use DropBox mainly to keep access to files synced across computers.
Typically, I spent more time on my old 21" iMac (I think it's a 2015 model). Which is also where I have my external hd plugged in constantly for backups (not so with my laptop).
So I'm considering again making my laptop (or an upgraded model and size with perhaps more ports) the main driver, "retiring" the iMac, and just getting a better monitor to plug into when needed.
The current Mac Minis with all the port options was intriguing as well.
I'm wondering if others are using a laptop for the bulk of their daily work or need the sometimes higher powered desktop machine. (I will note that I've been happy with this Air for handling Glyphs files and some basic graphic work in Adobe apps even with the current specs.)
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I have a cheap Windows laptop that I use for VOLT and other non-Mac software, sending files back and forth via git.
But when the M-series Mac laptops started coming out I realized they could perform just as well as a desktop. So now I have a 14" M1Max MacBook Pro and a separate large display. I'm tempted to get a Mac Mini or Mac Studio, but I like having all my stuff on one machine that I can take with me. I chose the 14" instead of the 16" because it's nicer for travel and I don't need its built-in display since when I'm at my desk I use the large display and run it with the lid down.
I would disconnect it and move about more often, but it often takes it a while to get sorted with the triple-monitor setup.
M3 MacBook Pro, just because the Material Symbols / Google Symbols build process is complex, and memory/CPU intensive.
At my desk, I have a large monitor, but I don't find it essential at all. I've actively avoided adding peripherals because I enjoy having a portable setup. I live in a busy neighbourhood of Vancouver, with lots of cafes, parks, and breweries that I can work from when I want to get out of my small apartment. Even when I'm working at home I'm constantly rotating between my desk, the kitchen table, and the couch.
A couple of years ago, I made the decision to streamline my setup by transitioning to a M1 Pro MacBook Pro 14" with 32 GB of RAM. I paired it with an external monitor, specifically, the Apple Studio Display, and the experience has been fantastic. To be frank, I'm contemplating that my next upgrade might be to the Mac Studio. Although I appreciate the concept of a mobile setup for working in coffee shops, the reality is that I rarely find myself in that situation.
I got the "cheaper" MB Air M1 for travel or when simply not at my desk, but am using it more frequently than before. So the idea of a larger screen, more powerful laptop as the 'only' machine (with an external monitor option) has me thinking.
I thought I was the only one on Win-laptop :-) HP Pavilion 15 and WIndows 10 and Fontlab 5.04 (and installed FL 8 - but I don't have time to study it)
However, I plugged the Wacom into the laptop, so it didn’t seem so different.
I did just send him an M1 MacBook, so we will see if we can convert him...
You mention the Wacom Tablet you use. I used an old Wacom CTE-430 years ago.
It seems this model is not supported anymore by Window 11. I guess new models must work with the new softwares.
I was wondering if a new Wacom (and which one?) would help me with my work on Fontlab 8.
Could you share your experience and tell us if it's a plus in font design?