I used to have #1 with two large-ish monitors and I hated it. Two monitors are effectively a single 2xW monitor and that means moving your head from side to side constantly. Having them X inches above your keyboard means moving your head up and down (I touch type but need to look at the keyboard occasionally).
A laptop means a hi-res screen and a keyboard in close proximity. Instead of moving your head around you can use Spaces.
The second laptop can act as a second screen if you need it — as well as a coffee shop runner and a backup if your main machine is down or getting serviced.
It’s the same cost or less than a powerful laptop and two external monitors, assuming you are buying hi-res.
1. Top-tier Macbook Pro 2. Portable Macbook (Air)
I used to have #1 with two large-ish monitors and I hated it. Two monitors are effectively a single 2xW monitor and that means moving your head from side to side constantly. Having them X inches above your keyboard means moving your head up and down (I touch type but need to look at the keyboard occasionally).
A laptop means a hi-res screen and a keyboard in close proximity. Instead of moving your head around you can use Spaces.
The second laptop can act as a second screen if you need it — as well as a coffee shop runner and a backup if your main machine is down or getting serviced.
It’s the same cost or less than a powerful laptop and two external monitors, assuming you are buying hi-res.
I’ll never go back to a 2-3 monitor setup.