[onion2k]

0. Engineering Manager, but I still write code.

1. I don't. I have a Mac Mini. I don't quite understand why people have laptops at home if they always use it in the same place. I spent years getting my office setup to be great so I don't need a computer I can move around.

2. Mostly dependent on what shiny new Mini is available. I had an 8GB M1 for 5 years, then moved to an 24GB M4 Pro last year because local AI looked fun. I'll probably upgrade to an M5 later this year because there are tangible improvements in the hardware.

[dcminter]

Taking your puzzlement at face value...

> I don't quite understand why people have laptops at home if they always use it in the same place.

A lot of people wil be using it from the sofa or generally in a shared space where it's not convenient to have a permanent computer setup.

Those who usually use it in one place may want the flexibility of occasionally using it from the coffee shop or while on vacation.

[onion2k]

Those are people who don't use their computer in the same place. A laptop is great for them. I know plenty of people who only use their computer sat (or standing) at the desk in their home office. And yet they still insist on buying a laptop. It's odd.

[khurs]

What do you use when not working?

As the question was 'personal laptop'. Your work Mac mini may stay in your office, but electronic device do you use for non-work? Just your phone?

[dcminter]

Ok, I don't know anyone at all who does that. Your friends are odd.

[JohnFen]

Most people I know who use a laptop do that.

[dcminter]

They have it in one place and never ever use it anywhere else? Do you know why?

[JohnFen]

I don't really know why, even though I did the same for a lot of years. That my laptop never left my desk is why, when it came time to replace it, I finally switched to a tower instead. If mobility isn't a concern, the cost/benefit of a tower is greatly superior.

Update: On consideration, the reason I kept buying laptops for so long was that I thought having the option to be mobile was valuable. It turns out, based on my actual usage history, it's not valuable to me at all.

[AznHisoka]

A laptop hooked to an external monitor and keyboard is basically almost the same experience IMO. And it gives me the optionality of taking it the few times I travel (tho i can see how some people would decide not do that)

[thallavajhula]

Thanks! What do you carry when you travel?

[onion2k]

If it's for work, my work laptop.

If it's not for work I won't be using a computer, so my phone is enough.

[thallavajhula]

Got it, thanks!