Is the 2020 iMac still worth buying? The 512gb iMac is on sale for $1849 on Amazon, so $150 off. I would wait for the 2021 update, but my only concern is that I will need to use windows from time to time and I keep reading that with the new ones it won’t be possible. I also like the fact that I can upgrade the Ram on the 2020 which by what I’ve read, it may not be possible on the new models. Anybody getting the 2020 iMac instead of waiting for the new model?
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2020 iMac
- Thread starter Gualwer
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Still worth buying? Just really what do you mean by that? You looking to buy something on the cheap? Yes it's upgradeable (somewhat), but even if you bought the fully loaded model, would it still be worth having? That is the real question. What is your usage? Why are you looking to buy a new computer now? Are there other solutions that might entail a two computer set up which might make more sense? You don't need to answer such questions here, you need to answer them for yourself.
A lot of people are looking to buy a new computer for all the wrong reasons. They buy into the mantra that computers need to be replaced like bath water. They feel the urge to jump on the new shiny bandwagon whenever Apple does one of their media blitzes. They have some new found money that they otherwise would not have so why not splurge a little (like those COVID relief payments)?
If I were going to buy a new computer, I would get an ARM model if I were planning on staying in the Apple eco-system and not looking to buy another computer in another 2 years. Reality is, anyone with an INTEL Mac new or otherwise will not be part of the future Apple eco-system for very long. They will join the ranks of those who still consider the PPC and early INTEL Macs completely fine for their needs and not care what Apple does going forward. They have chosen to stay with a certain architecture for all perpetuity.
So where do you stand? I have a 2010 MacPro that is at Mojave and will never go beyond Mojave by choice. It will run for years to come. It meets my needs for now. That's 11 years of not upgrading that most on these forums might consider insane. How could you possibly use a 10 year old computer in 2021? Granted it's a tower that has had it's internals upgraded over the years, but it is still very much a depreciated system compared to the newer models.
Everyone is different. Know who you are and decide if a new computer makes sense right now. Fence sitters would be best waiting to see what Apple releases this year before making a purchase... sort of like how people wait to see what the new year model of car has in store before deciding on getting the previous year's model. Can't compare apples to oranges if you don't even know what the oranges are going to be yet. And nobody knows about Windows support. It's too early to tell how that will play out. Apple is the only one who said they aren't going to be the ones to make it happen, so that leaves third party developers to make it happen. Just like it's up to third party developers to code for ARM in the first place.
A lot of people are looking to buy a new computer for all the wrong reasons. They buy into the mantra that computers need to be replaced like bath water. They feel the urge to jump on the new shiny bandwagon whenever Apple does one of their media blitzes. They have some new found money that they otherwise would not have so why not splurge a little (like those COVID relief payments)?
If I were going to buy a new computer, I would get an ARM model if I were planning on staying in the Apple eco-system and not looking to buy another computer in another 2 years. Reality is, anyone with an INTEL Mac new or otherwise will not be part of the future Apple eco-system for very long. They will join the ranks of those who still consider the PPC and early INTEL Macs completely fine for their needs and not care what Apple does going forward. They have chosen to stay with a certain architecture for all perpetuity.
So where do you stand? I have a 2010 MacPro that is at Mojave and will never go beyond Mojave by choice. It will run for years to come. It meets my needs for now. That's 11 years of not upgrading that most on these forums might consider insane. How could you possibly use a 10 year old computer in 2021? Granted it's a tower that has had it's internals upgraded over the years, but it is still very much a depreciated system compared to the newer models.
Everyone is different. Know who you are and decide if a new computer makes sense right now. Fence sitters would be best waiting to see what Apple releases this year before making a purchase... sort of like how people wait to see what the new year model of car has in store before deciding on getting the previous year's model. Can't compare apples to oranges if you don't even know what the oranges are going to be yet. And nobody knows about Windows support. It's too early to tell how that will play out. Apple is the only one who said they aren't going to be the ones to make it happen, so that leaves third party developers to make it happen. Just like it's up to third party developers to code for ARM in the first place.
I replaced my 2014 iMac with a 2020 iMac because it seemed really good value for the money, has been refined over the years that it works remarkably well, and it perfectly suits my needs. But the same may not apply to those with other needs.
I am also not a big fan of first gen versions of new hardware (or software). I prefer to wait for the second or third iteration.
I am keeping my options open if I am wrong and it turns out the new model is wonderful rainbows and unicorns. It just takes application of more money.
I am also not a big fan of first gen versions of new hardware (or software). I prefer to wait for the second or third iteration.
I am keeping my options open if I am wrong and it turns out the new model is wonderful rainbows and unicorns. It just takes application of more money.
I got a ‘refurbished’ / open box 2020 512GB model on eBay from this trusted seller for $1450. It came in almost like new condition and I checked Apple care it only started a few days before my purchase. I couldn’t tell the difference and am extremely satisfied with the purchase. For $1450 i figured it’s a great deal even thought I already have a M1 MBA. The screen itself is just amazing. Even if new 2021 iMac comes out I can pass this down to kids while retiring/selling the 2015 iMac. Btw if you don’t need 512Gb, this seller also has base 256GB version for $1300, which is just incredible. Best of luck!
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This all depends on your needs. What programs will you be using with it? Knowing that Apple won't be supporting it for very long (intel) you have to ask yourself how will that affect you? After using the M1 I personally don't think the upgradability is very important because with universal memory you'd probably still get better performance with the new silicon version. Remember, memory is just one part of the equation. I have a 2018 Mac mini with 32Gigs of RAM. My (8gig) M1 mini runs better. There is a reason why Apple discontinued the iMac Pro. I feel it's because the new M1x iMac will blow the doors off of even the iMac Pro, and it won't be needed in the lineup.
Perhaps we will be able to run Windows in a virtual machine on a new silicon iMac. According to this article it may be possible with the ARM version of Windows:
eshop.macsales.com
UTM: Run Virtual Machines on Your Apple Silicon M1 Mac (Updated)
Your shiny and speedy new Apple Silicon Mac is missing something – the ability to run virtual machines. While you might be spending most of your time in
eshop.macsales.com
My 2015 is still chugging along well enough but I'm sort of with you - the 2020 models are extremely nice, but I'm curious to see what the ARM-based iMacs are like. (Actually, I'd like to get out of the iMacs entirely and am still hopeful for something between the Mac mini and Mac Pro...)
If my 2015 died tomorrow, I'd get a 2020 iMac without a second thought. Here's why:
1) Apple is transitioning to their ARM-based systems and people are worrying about how much longer the Intel-based Macs will receive support, but they still have some higher-end Intel systems to support. Most notably, the Mac Pro is still Intel, and even when they release an ARM-based version (which probably won't happen for another 2-3 years, if not longer) I can't imagine them leaving the system unsupported in three short years. If you're the type of person to hold on to your computer for ten years then sure, you'll probably find yourself unsupported sooner than usual, but if you're on the 4-6 year upgrade cycle as most people seem to be, I imagine you'd be fine.
2) Windows support. It's going to be fine, as we'll be able to virtualize ARM-based Windows and utilize its x86 emulation, but right now it's a bit premature to jump into it for "mission-critical" applications. This one probably needs to bake for another year or two.
3) The risks of "version 1" hardware. That's a harsh term for the current ARM chipsets - Apple knows what they're doing as they've been making their own stuff for their mobile devices for quite a while now - but we're already seeing some early teething problems with the recent reports of excessive SSD wear on the M1 Macs. If an ARM-based iMac (or "xMac") comes out and looks really compelling then I'd still get it even in its first version, but the knowledge that new ARM-based systems may present some growing pains is another reason why I'd feel fine getting a 2020 Intel-based iMac.
Long story short, if you either can't wait for the ARM-based system to release, or if you need something that only the Intel system can provide (such as running Windows reliably), this is the year to get another Intel system. Starting next year and with each passing year, it's going to become increasingly difficult to make the case to get the Intel-based system over the ARM-based system.
still using my late 2012 iMac and waiting on the the Apple Silicon iMac, hoping they will drop sometime this year. If you plan keeping your machine for the next 5 or more years, wait for the new iMac with Apple Silicon. I personally think think it's worth the wait. Also would you not want the new designed machine? The current design is so long in the tooth now and you might regret it when you see the new ones.
I've been chugging along with my 2014 iMac 5K, but it does feel slow sometimes. I've been going under the assumption that we'll see new Apple Silicon iMacs soon, but the more I read about this worldwide chip shortage, the more I wonder if it'll be a while -- then I think maybe I might see if I can snag a deal on an Apple refurbished 2020 iMac 5K to tide me over another year or two...
I'm going to continue using my 2017 27" 5K iMac until I'm satisfied that a new silicon iMac can replace it. I might wait to see how others who have purchased one are getting along with it.
As for the "supposed" world wide shortage of chips, we've been through this before in the past. I personally believe it's being overblown.
However, a 2020 Intel iMac is still a good machine to buy and Apple will continue to support it for at least 5 years.
As for the "supposed" world wide shortage of chips, we've been through this before in the past. I personally believe it's being overblown.
However, a 2020 Intel iMac is still a good machine to buy and Apple will continue to support it for at least 5 years.
The shortage is not overblown. It is having an impact on everything across multiple industries. A product I've created that was supposed to be released this summer now may need to be delayed by A LOT. The main component I need is strained by the chip shortage. Lead times for me to get my logic boards are currently at 30 weeks. I used to be able to get them in about 14 days. I need to wait over 6 months before they'll have enough boards for me. The shortage is not made up and it's putting a serious damper on a lot of business. Apple can suck it up and absorb it. Little companies cannot.
OP posted:
"my only concern is that I will need to use windows from time to time and I keep reading that with the new ones it won’t be possible."
That should serve as the answer to your own question.
If you want/require Windows capability -- 2020 (Intel).
If you are willing to live without that -- 2021 (m-series).
"my only concern is that I will need to use windows from time to time and I keep reading that with the new ones it won’t be possible."
That should serve as the answer to your own question.
If you want/require Windows capability -- 2020 (Intel).
If you are willing to live without that -- 2021 (m-series).
Possibly the OP has made up his mind by now, although I often dither for months over big tech purchases, but I want to say a word in favour of one the classic unibody iMac features, the chin. Although much-derided by reviewers and others, for me the chin with its big Apple logo almost is the iMac, it's just so iconic, and it's been in my view for so many hours every day that I shall be mortified if Apple lose it like they dumped the glowing badge from MacBooks. An iMac without a chin will be Dolly Parton without
I made up my mind today. I just saw the announcement for the new iMac and I’m disappointed. It looks like they kept the chin, but got it rid of the iconic Apple logo 🙄. I upgraded my 2020 iMac Ram to 16Gb, and I’ve been happy with it so far. My return window is until May 1st, but I think I’m going to keep it!
FYI: If you got the nano-texture option for your 2020 iMac, you may want to try to get a $200 (plus tax) refund from Apple before your 1 May return deadline. As of today, the nano-texture option is now only a $300 upgrade (not the $500 upgrade that it was through yesterday).