Planning on purchasing a 24" iMac (hopefully soon). I'm a firm believer in getting the best device that I can afford and that isn't major overkill. I am completely unprofessional, and don't need much - but I want what I do use to work smoothly. I would say that my biggest/busiest programs are Minecraft (hey, it's fun, even for a old lady like me) and HomeDesigner Pro, which is a 3D interior design, remodeling and home design software. I note that my current computer (2020 MacBook Pro, Quad-core Intel i7, 16GB memory) sounds like it's trying to take off when I run these programs. What configuration would y'all recommend?
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8Gb or 16...?
- Thread starter boomom999
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Apple shouldn't even be selling computers at base price with 8GB RAM.
I'd think 16GB should be enough. The developer of the design app you use says 8GB is adequate. If they said 16GB I'd probably tell you to get more than that.
Having said all that, I think a new M2 Mac Mini (not sure which model) paired with a good 4K 27" monitor would be a good option…probably more bang for the buck compared to the iMac.
Maybe there's someone here with experience on a newer Mac with HomeDesigner Pro. From your description it sounds like it chews up a lot of CPU/GPU.
I'd think 16GB should be enough. The developer of the design app you use says 8GB is adequate. If they said 16GB I'd probably tell you to get more than that.
Having said all that, I think a new M2 Mac Mini (not sure which model) paired with a good 4K 27" monitor would be a good option…probably more bang for the buck compared to the iMac.
Maybe there's someone here with experience on a newer Mac with HomeDesigner Pro. From your description it sounds like it chews up a lot of CPU/GPU.
I suggest upgrade to 16GB RAM, and upgrade to 512GB SSD storage. This is not overkill. Less than this is for those with the most basic needs and tightest budgets.
I highly recommend the trackpad, but this is a personal preference. The Apple Magic Trackpad is generally regarded as the best trackpad, unlike the Apple Magic Mouse which is just OK. The only way to get a color-coordinated trackpad is to order it with the iMac.
If you want to save a bit, I highly recommend look at the Apple refurb store. "Refurb" Macs from Apple refurb store (and only from the Apple refurb store) are literally as good as new, same warranty, return period, etc.
The 24" iMac is expected to be updated sometime this year (probably only an internal processor upgrade), but no-one knows when. If you want one now, I would just get it.
Remember, Apple has a 14-day return period, free return shipping, no return reason needed. Purpose is so you can try it out and see if it suits you. No risk.
I highly recommend the trackpad, but this is a personal preference. The Apple Magic Trackpad is generally regarded as the best trackpad, unlike the Apple Magic Mouse which is just OK. The only way to get a color-coordinated trackpad is to order it with the iMac.
If you want to save a bit, I highly recommend look at the Apple refurb store. "Refurb" Macs from Apple refurb store (and only from the Apple refurb store) are literally as good as new, same warranty, return period, etc.
Refurbished Mac - iMac
Save up to 15% on a refurbished iMac. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.
www.apple.com
The 24" iMac is expected to be updated sometime this year (probably only an internal processor upgrade), but no-one knows when. If you want one now, I would just get it.
Remember, Apple has a 14-day return period, free return shipping, no return reason needed. Purpose is so you can try it out and see if it suits you. No risk.
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16GB if you intend to keep it until 2033.
8GB if you intend to keep it up to 2028.
Many pointed out that the iMac 24" is a 2021 model so you may want to consider a refurb or deals from another dealer
Take note that a iMac 24" M2 refresh may come within 4 months.
8GB if you intend to keep it up to 2028.
Many pointed out that the iMac 24" is a 2021 model so you may want to consider a refurb or deals from another dealer
Take note that a iMac 24" M2 refresh may come within 4 months.
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16gb is what you need.
16gb is "the new 8"...
16gb is "the new 8"...
Considering you already have a very functional and recent Mac, I'd suggest waiting up to 6 months for the possible M2 model, unless you can get the M1 model for cheap. It sounds like your 2020 MBP is fast enough, albeit loud. For memory, 8 GB is fine for a lot of people, but in your shoes I'd recommend 16 GB given your software choices. (There is likely no need for the 24 GB RAM option that would be available with the M2 model.) One big added advantage to waiting is that the M2 model will be supported for much longer, as the M1 iMac is only half a year newer than your MacBook Pro, since the M1 came out in 2020 too. That was my plan too for a Mac mini, but in my case I found the M1 for cheap last year in the configuration I wanted, so I bought it.
Don't bother with a trackpad unless you need/want one. I personally dislike using trackpads with desktops. Apple's mouse isn't the greatest but if you don't like it, you can get one of many other mice. I often prefer wireless RF mice since no Bluetooth pairing is required, but there are many decent third party Bluetooth options available too.
As for storage, it is hard for us to know how much you need based on your post. 256 GB is sufficient for many people as a minimum, but 512 GB is often preferred. For example, my kids and wife all have 256 GB in their Macs and it works well for them, and I am fine with 256 GB with my MacBook too, but I have 1 TB in my Mac mini although truthfully I probably only need 512 GB for the main drive. Fortunately, since it's a desktop, it's also easy to expand the storage later with external USB-C drives. As mentioned, I have a 1 TB M1 Mac mini, but have expanded that to 4 TB with two external SSDs, 2 TB and 1 TB in size. I have also added a 4 TB hard drive for Time Machine, so my Mac mini currently has a total of 8 TB. Some of these drives (and my monitor) are running through an inexpensive 4-port Thunderbolt 4 hub.
Don't bother with a trackpad unless you need/want one. I personally dislike using trackpads with desktops. Apple's mouse isn't the greatest but if you don't like it, you can get one of many other mice. I often prefer wireless RF mice since no Bluetooth pairing is required, but there are many decent third party Bluetooth options available too.
As for storage, it is hard for us to know how much you need based on your post. 256 GB is sufficient for many people as a minimum, but 512 GB is often preferred. For example, my kids and wife all have 256 GB in their Macs and it works well for them, and I am fine with 256 GB with my MacBook too, but I have 1 TB in my Mac mini although truthfully I probably only need 512 GB for the main drive. Fortunately, since it's a desktop, it's also easy to expand the storage later with external USB-C drives. As mentioned, I have a 1 TB M1 Mac mini, but have expanded that to 4 TB with two external SSDs, 2 TB and 1 TB in size. I have also added a 4 TB hard drive for Time Machine, so my Mac mini currently has a total of 8 TB. Some of these drives (and my monitor) are running through an inexpensive 4-port Thunderbolt 4 hub.
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I think you are getting some very sound advice in the above posts - even though they all aren't in exact agreement.
Yes, definitely 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
Unless I missed something in your post, you are now using a laptop without an external monitor. If so, the biggest improvement in your new setup (besides less noise) will be the larger monitor. If you go with the iMac, you will have an excellent 24 inch 4K display. With the Mac Mini I would recommend either a 24 inch 4K or a 27 inch 5K. The amount of space on your desk and in your budget will help guide you here.
If you go with the Mac Mini, the most difficult decision you will have will be which monitor to get. The Mac Accessories forum here has tons of info on that topic. Warning: Once you get to 27 inch 5K monitors you may have sticker shock. The Apple studio display, for example, is $1600. So the iMac might indeed be a good choice for you.
Enjoy your search and new setup!
Yes, definitely 16 GB RAM and 512 GB storage.
Unless I missed something in your post, you are now using a laptop without an external monitor. If so, the biggest improvement in your new setup (besides less noise) will be the larger monitor. If you go with the iMac, you will have an excellent 24 inch 4K display. With the Mac Mini I would recommend either a 24 inch 4K or a 27 inch 5K. The amount of space on your desk and in your budget will help guide you here.
If you go with the Mac Mini, the most difficult decision you will have will be which monitor to get. The Mac Accessories forum here has tons of info on that topic. Warning: Once you get to 27 inch 5K monitors you may have sticker shock. The Apple studio display, for example, is $1600. So the iMac might indeed be a good choice for you.
Enjoy your search and new setup!
Hmm... This just sounds like speculation, but here ya go:
New iMac Not Expected to Launch Until Late 2023 at Earliest
Apple has no plans to launch a new 24-inch iMac until late 2023 at the earliest, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In his newsletter today,...
www.macrumors.com
