Desktop vs laptop for working

I am something that until recently only worked on a desktop iMac. It was in 2020 when I got my first Macbook Pro and started working exclusively on a laptop. The change was a big change and something that took some time to get used to.

The reason for the change apart from my 6-year-old iMac reaching the end of its usable life as I started to have to travel more for work. This meant I needed to have a computer that was easy to move around and could do more than an iPad. It was an easy choice then — I got a 2020 Macbook Pro 16".

At first, I missed the larger screen and the upright working posture but over the coming weeks, I saw the benefits of being able to work from anywhere. I had all my applications and files everywhere I needed them without having to wait for syncing. Then I started to miss the larger screen a desktop offered.

I have known about the Macbooks ability to operate when the lid is closed with an external monitor and keyboard attached effectively giving you the best of both worlds. A desktop-style working experience with a large screen and a computer you can pick up and work from anywhere with. This is something I have avoided as I no longer have space to set up a permanent workplace in my home.

The solution

The solution I have found for this is iCloud. iCloud syncs everything acrosses multiple macs flawlessly. This allows me to work on an iMac most of the time and pick up my laptop whenever I need to and everything I need is there waiting for me.

Using iCloud Drive, Photos, and universal clipboard makes like easier with multiple macs. In addition, things like Handoff and Continuity are fairly useless between mac and iPhone but between two macs changes the game.

Apple has done a lot of work on making this multi-device world work and they have talked a lot about this between mac and iPhone but they need to highlight this between two macs as this is where it shines and where it makes the most sense.