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Are we making a big mistake?
- Thread starter Alex_Mac
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If you have a 27-inch iMac, you may just want to wait a few months, as a new larger iMac should not take long to be released. I know how nice it is to get a new machine, and how bad this waiting game is. But, unless you really need a new desktop, you should probably wait for the new model before deciding. Apple is probably not lowering the prices, but that should be expected.
It is still early to tell how often Apple will update its M line of processors. I dare to say it will update it once a year, to be in line with its A line of processors and also to be able to compete with Intel, which releases new processors every year. So, one should expect a new 24-inch iMac about one year after the release of the first model. The larger model will probably be released sometime this year, though. Who knows?
An M1 Mac Mini with a 27" screen sounds like the best of both worlds, plus some extra ports. I bought a 4K 27" Philips monitor with USB-C capability off Amazon, and a roughly $50 monitor arm, to use with an old notebook Mac. It should work with a Mini, should it come to that.
My main Mac is a 2017 27" iMac. I would not want to downsize to a smaller screen. That said, what practical, real world benefits do you anticipate for your real world use by going to an M1?
My main Mac is a 2017 27" iMac. I would not want to downsize to a smaller screen. That said, what practical, real world benefits do you anticipate for your real world use by going to an M1?
Well, to be honest I have been seduced by Apple's new shiny toys and their insane performance per watt compared to the Intel iMacs but as I mentioned before I have a chance to sell it now for a decent price and I don't really see me keeping this computer for the next 5 or so. I can hear the fans spinning even if I'm only browsing with a dozen or so tabs open, it's like the machine is showing its age, even if I have upgraded the RAM to 24GB. The M1 iMac will serve me well possibly for the next 10 years as I don't see myself doing any heavy production work. The only deciding factor if I should keep the 24" when it is finally on my hands, is the size reduction compared to the 27". If I am not satisfied with the size, I'm going to return it and just keep the 27" and I'll wait for the inevitable bigger size refresh.
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Anecdotally speaking, my M1 MBA feels a lot snappier compared to my 2017 5k iMac (with SSD). Browser pages load faster, apps open faster. And there’s Touch ID with the new iMac as well. Plus come Monterey later this year, there will be some features that won’t work on a Intel Mac.
My 2008 Mac Pro finally bit the dust this month and I was forced to get a new computer. I wanted to get the new 24 M1 iMac, but it didn’t inspire confidence that it was a first generation base chip, and I knew that I would regret not having a better chip coming out soon, so I got the 27 intel mac.
I worry that they will neglect intel users from now on, like they are already doing in Monterey, but I can sell the 27 intel in a year or so if really good apple chips come out and specs improve.
One thing that really was annoying were the number of programs that suddenly no longer work when moving from my el capitan Mac Pro to big sur. Even my printer had to be replaced and now it takes ages to air print anything.
Another thing is how little things have changed between the 2008 Mac Pro performance and the 2020 iMac performance. If all one does is surf the net and light work, the real world differences are negligible.
For real intensive work, I’m sure there’s a difference, but for the vast majority of computer users, they probably can’t tell the difference between a basic model and a pro model in performance.
I probably would have been just as happy with the base M1 as with the intel.
I worry that they will neglect intel users from now on, like they are already doing in Monterey, but I can sell the 27 intel in a year or so if really good apple chips come out and specs improve.
One thing that really was annoying were the number of programs that suddenly no longer work when moving from my el capitan Mac Pro to big sur. Even my printer had to be replaced and now it takes ages to air print anything.
Another thing is how little things have changed between the 2008 Mac Pro performance and the 2020 iMac performance. If all one does is surf the net and light work, the real world differences are negligible.
For real intensive work, I’m sure there’s a difference, but for the vast majority of computer users, they probably can’t tell the difference between a basic model and a pro model in performance.
I probably would have been just as happy with the base M1 as with the intel.
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That will be nice to see but I doubt the price will be within my budget unfortunately.
I’ll probably keep using a private Mac one way or the other, even though it’s always been a luxury rather than a need. I started using them back in the Mac Plus days, and I always felt that the iMacs harkened back to that legacy. Plus, the original iMac and the lampMac (I owned both) were expressions of design genius.
I’ve owned a couple of ”screen” iMacs too, but they were never quite so conceptually attractive. Good screens, but compromised in terms of adjustments, and the innards walked an increasingly uneasy balance between performance and noise. When Apple removed the ability to use them as general screens, the concept of the ”screen” iMac died a little, saved momentarily by the sheer attractiveness of the supplied screens, and thus moderate cost of the piggybacked computer as part of the whole.
The current upper end 24” iMac actually mostly resolves the noise issue (yay!) but on the other hand it is arguably very compromised both as a desktop computer AND screen, lacking in adjustability, upgradeability, and extended utility as a general screen.
It doesn’t make sense to me any more. I’m better served by either a Mini or MBAir connected to a monitor of my choice, so the iMac is trumped even by the options available to me already. But I’m not really pleased with the limitations on RAM or connectivity of the M1 Macs in general, so I’ll see what Apple can come up with.
But the 24” lacks inspiration. There is nothing really indicating that the designers had an idea about why they make an integrated desktop computer in the first place, it’s just the iPad design scaled up. Or, put another way, it is a compromised screen that only accepts input from the chip inside it. So I don’t have particularly high hopes for a larger screen iMac either given the design direction of the 24” model. It’s likely to be a beautiful screen that only accepts input from the laptop chip inside it with no benefits at all from actually being a mains powered desktop computer, where neither size, weight or power draw (within reasonably limits) matter. And I would like the absence of those design constraints reflected in the product, rather than just making a big mains attached iPhone.
The way we used to think Macs were about flexibility/upgradable is being tested IMHO. Now you need to look at what external boxes can utilize the computers I/O to do what you need beyond the computers provided I/O. Still any petite iMac that can run several 8K videos at the same time or play something like Diablo 3 in Rosetta at good FPS without the fans kicking up at all is a marvel. Far cry from that tiny non-expandable Mac Plus eh?
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This is a really difficult decision. I was in the exact same position and I do not regret it at all. Of course if the M1 iMac offered 32GB of RAM it would be perfect, but the smaller display size doesn't bother me at all. If you need or want a bigger display though, then there is no point in getting the 24" iMac.
When the higher end models arrive, I think that most of us who made the switch to the M1 and had a 27" iMac will of course think about getting the higher end models. It all depends on price and feature set.
Having said that, I am really happy with my 24" iMac and I am planning to keep it for 2-3 years (I always buy sth new every 2 to 3 years).
My biggest problem with the "Pro" iMac that is supposed to come is the rumor that it will be 30" or 32". Also, adding 32Gb of RAM would be very expensive. Of course this is just speculation and we will not know until the new iMac arrives. If Apple made a 27" iMac with the same design as the 24" and 32Gb of RAM for less than 3000$, I would probably buy it, not because of the display size but because of the extra RAM (I like having the feeling that my iMac has a lot of RAM).
I don't think though that Apple will do that. I think that they will bring a 30" iMac that it will cost more than 3000$.
I'll know for sure when I have it on my hands in a month or so. It kinda sucks knowing that you are technically "downgrading" and losing screen estate but who knows it might work just great based on the setup that I have. For me personally, keeping my current intel 27" iMac is not an option for long term as it is clearly showing its age, nor waiting for the rumored M1 27-30" model as I'm sure I will not be able to afford it. Or I could also wait for the larger iMac to come out sometime this year and buy it next year on eBay or Apple refurbished store for less money. Oh well.
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If you look at the 2020 27" 3.8GHz 8-core i7, Radeon Pro 5500 XT with 8GB, 16GB RAM/1TB SSD that is costing $2,699.00 compared to a M1 24" iMac of $2099.
They want $400 more to bump up to 32GB that moves it $3099, not counting what ever that even larger than 27" display will cost. So likely M2 and that more expensive LCD panel add another $400 minimum. So you're looking at $3499 likely best guess.
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Realistically you can just spring for the mid-tier model and then add external storage and a second monitor as needed. Stay away from the bottom-tier model with one fan as it thermal throttles much more. Do get the 16GB of ram, you'll be glad you did later (8GB is the *current* minimum, you are making a big mistake if you buy the 8GB model expecting that to be enough ram 3 or 4 years from now. In that time it's likely to cripple performance utterly, just like 4GB currently does.) It all boils down to how much longer you can hold out. I would wait it out for the next revision if you possibly can, but if not your options are still open and you can slowly build your smaller iMac with limited storage into what you really want and need over time as funds allow. (A standard 2TB external SSD can be built very, very cheaply today and sure, it's not as fast as the built-in storage, but it's still plenty fast. Or spend a little more and build an external drive built around an M.2 drive instead for somewhat better performance.)
I think you need to grow up and be realistic. You do not need something faster if you can not afford it. And if you need something "faster" is because you work in a field that would pay for it. This topic has nothing to do with computers and a lot about your personal lifestyle. Do you want a computer for leisure? To play video games?
I am 46 years old, I am typing on a 2004 15" MBP that was maxed out back then. Last year I got a Mac Mini with an internal !T and I added 64 MB of ram, I use it for video editing and that computer has so much power. The monitor I am using is an Apple Cinema Display 30" that I got back in 2006.
On the other hand, I like electronic music, I like to collect synthesizers. I have an Emax II sampler that belonged to Depeche Mode, I got it in an auction. I have a few synths that are unique, one of them is one of only ten produced. I have learned to wait.
There is nothing worst than living in anxiety wanting things we do not need. There is a simple rule: if you do not have the money, do not even bother to think about it, wait until having the money in hand and you will see... you won't be spending the money on that. Mark my words.
And on this topic, I think, I can help you close the door on your decision.
Nor lower.
Not likely according to what has launched thus far. In addition to the same prices, the upgradeable components/features (i.e., default included RAM and SSD storage amounts) are comparably on par:
https://everymac.com/ultimate-mac-c...icon002&prod2=iMacIntel078&prod3=iMacIntel079
So, if your budget won't allow purchasing a properly upgraded (current) 27” iMac, the same is going to be true for the upcoming (potentially ~30”) M-series iMac.
Totally agree with you.
I've spent nearly 1000$ during COVID-19 pandemic period on 3 iMacs, plus parts for upgrading. Only 2 have become by daily drivers recently, the other one is just sitting on the table, with light use as media consumption device for my kids.
The most expensive iMac 2010 will be turned off when my WFH period ends.
When we have the money in our hands, we tend to spend on things we don't need instantly, or daily.