Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#1

Post by juniperplant » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 9:31 PM UTC

Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop
theserverside.com

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#2

Post by loloquwowndueo » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 10:13 PM UTC

While the article makes some good points I still prefer having a laptop with a decent desktop setup (docking station with external monitor and wired networking, mouse, keyboard; the laptop sits on a stand and doubles as a second display) my two main reasons are : I only need to manage a single machine (I have little time or patience to look after a flock of computers) and when I do need to travel I just unplug the laptop and off I go.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#3

Post by xupybd » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 10:22 PM UTC

I like my work laptop. I have an ergonomic desk setup with a dock. If I need to demo something I can pick up my laptop and go to a meeting with my environment already setup and ready.

I'd like a better performing computer but my laptop is super fast.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#4

Post by dave4420 » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 10:27 PM UTC

Another option would be a cheap laptop (with a proper external monitor, keyboard etc) coupled with a cloud desktop. I feel like I don’t fully understand all the pros and cons of that approach though.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#5

Post by blacksmith_tb » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 10:47 PM UTC

xupybd wrote: post #3

I like my work laptop. I have an ergonomic desk setup with a dock. If I need to demo something I can pick up my laptop and go to a meeting with my environment already setup and ready. I'd like a better performing computer but my laptop is super fast.

Part of the appeal of a desktop is future upgrade-ability, which (unless work buys you a Framework) is pretty poor in most laptops (slightly better in some non-Apple machines, maybe you can at least add ram or a new / different SSD). I think for personal use desktops are pretty great, not that you couldn't get some of that out of using servers elsewhere (or even at home).

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#6

Post by conk » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 10:48 PM UTC

The proposed desktop+low cost laptop doubles the number of devices th IT org needs to maintain and secure. Sounds like a nightmare when I’m sure some laptops will sit powered off for months or could walk away without an employee realizing they are missing.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#7

Post by xupybd » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 11:03 PM UTC

blacksmith_tb wrote: post #5

xupybd wrote: post #3

I like my work laptop. I have an ergonomic desk setup with a dock. If I need to demo something I can pick up my laptop and go to a meeting with my environment already setup and ready. I'd like a better performing computer but my laptop is super fast.

Part of the appeal of a desktop is future upgrade-ability, which (unless work buys you a Framework) is pretty poor in most laptops (slightly better in some non-Apple machines, maybe you can at least add ram or a new / different SSD). I think for personal use desktops are pretty great, not that you couldn't get some of that out of using servers elsewhere (or even at home).

I've found desktop upgrades to be poor as well. For gaming it's great, you can upgrade to the latest graphics card and get a huge boost but for work not so great. By the time I want a new CPU I'm going to need a new motherboard to allow the next series of CPU.

I find I end up replacing so much that buying a new PC is not much more expensive.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#8

Post by tlhunter » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 11:03 PM UTC

For giggles I just tried booting into Linux on my gaming desktop. The screen goes black and I'm basically stuck. Linux works great on my dev laptop. My how the times have changed.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#9

Post by gumby » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 11:31 PM UTC

Article makes a bizarre assertion that a mouse is more productive than a trackpad. Anything that moves my hand from the home row reduces productivity. I can use my thumbs on the trackpad in most cases were a mouse action is absolutely required.

Well, I suppose the assertion could be true of non-apple trackpads.

Re: Use a developer desktop setup instead of a laptop

#10

Post by CPLX » Tue, Dec 27, 2022, 11:37 PM UTC

loloquwowndueo wrote: post #2

While the article makes some good points I still prefer having a laptop with a decent desktop setup (docking station with external monitor and wired networking, mouse, keyboard; the laptop sits on a stand and doubles as a second display) my two main reasons are : I only need to manage a single machine (I have little time or patience to look after a flock of computers) and when I do need to travel I just unplug the la…

Any docking station recommendations? I have a current model maxed out MBP 16” and have been meaning to merge it with my aging Mac Mini dual monitor setup.