Coder keeps old MacBook Pro around for just 1 reason [Setups]

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An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
An M1 MacBook Pro or an older Intel-based Mac drive a 32-inch LG display.
Photo: CatalinPCE@Reddit.com

There’s nothing like a straightforward, reasonably up-to-date computer setup that is simply good enough for solid productivity. Today’s featured rig sports newer and older MacBook Pro laptops, an affordable 4K display, a pretty slick mechanical keyboard and homemade laptop stands.

The coder who uses it keeps the older Intel-powered MacBook Pro around despite having an M1 machine for a pretty typical reason, too.

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Coder relies on M1 MacBook Pro plus an older Intel model for Boot Camp

Coder and Redditor CatalinPCE (“Cat”) showcased the setup in a post entitled, “My Coding setup (dual MacBook).”

“This is my Mac setup for coding, nothing crazy, but it gets the job done,” Cat said. “I use my new MacBook Pro m1 14-inch for most of the tasks but sometimes when I code in WinForms and WPF, I use Boot Camp on my old [2020 base model] Intel one, it’s on sale tho, but while I still have it why not use it.”

Installing Boot Camp on an Intel-powered Mac lets you use Windows on it. The first Boot Camp public beta came out in April 2006. But it sounds like Cat’s Intel MacBook will be going to a new home soon.

Cat’s dual laptops stand together in clamshell (closed) mode. When either is in use, it drives a 32-inch LG UltraFine 32UN550-W external monitor. He said he manually plugs them in versus using a switcher because he uses the old MacBook Pro a lot less often than he uses the newer M1 model.

Good display for the money

He called the display a “good budget UltraFine with Thunderbolt.” Priced these days around $300, it features 3840 x 2160 pixel resolution (4K), DisplayDCI-P3 90% Color Gamut with HDR10 and AMD FreeSync for gaming.

It has a “virtually borderless design” with an adjustable stand and a pair of 5-watt speakers built in.

Homemade laptop stand

“Is this a self-made laptop stand?” asked a keen-eyed commenter, referring to the wood blocks you can see in the photos.

“Yes, but a temporary one, they are two stands — one for the old laptop, which is better made, but it does not fit the new one because it’s thicker,” Cat replied.

Mechanical keyboard

For input devices, Cat has a Logitech MX Anywhere 2S wireless mouse and a GamaKay TK68 65% layout mechanical keyboard with a painted case, Gateron Milky Yellow lubed switches and WoB key caps, he said.

So what’s left to get? Cat said he just ordered a Baseus monitor light bar to mount on the display. It will light up the desk top and should reduce eye strain, too.

Shop these items now:

The M1 MacBook Pro and older Intel-based Mac sit together on a homemade wood-block stand.
The M1 MacBook Pro and older Intel-based Mac sit together on a homemade wood-block stand.
Photo: CatalinPCE@Reddit.com

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If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to info+setups@cultofmac.com. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.

2021 14-inch M1 Pro MacBook Pro
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03/08/2024 12:30 am GMT

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