Awesome wife bought me a new 2019 iMac with Fusion Drive. Should I go with SSD instead?

[Lankyman]

Not if you need a 5K display and dedicated GPU.
Besides, the external SSD drive is one small device that can be easily tucked behind the iMac.
And whether a Mac mini or an iMac, both will require some kind of cable coming out of it.

My iMac's have only one wire connected to them, always have had and always will. Why would I buy such a neat solution then start adding peripherals? That's a mad crazy thing to do. Cables and peripherals are the preserve of Mac Mini/Mac Pro/Windows PC not an AIO.

 

[JacobHarvey]

My iMac's have only one wire connected to them, always have had and always will. Why would I buy such a neat solution then start adding peripherals? That's a mad crazy thing to do. Cables and peripherals are the preserve of Mac Mini/Mac Pro/Windows PC not an AIO.

Well that's great for you. But other people want to make use of the multitude of ports on their iMac, have a need to use certain peripherals to complete their work on the computer, and prefer function and practicality over total obsession with form and appearance

The mac mini has garbage integrated graphics and an eGPU is not always a perfect solution. The combination of a nice 5K monitor, decent internal CPU and GPU, and easily upgradable RAM in the iMac (which is not unreasonably priced) makes the mini a poor option for me. The iMac has ports which were made to be used rather than serve as decorative holes that collect dust

 

[satchmo]

My iMac's have only one wire connected to them, always have had and always will. Why would I buy such a neat solution then start adding peripherals? That's a mad crazy thing to do. Cables and peripherals are the preserve of Mac Mini/Mac Pro/Windows PC not an AIO.

The mad crazy thing to do is to buy a computer to simply gawk over. Sure I appreciate the beauty of minimalism, but suggesting to not add any peripherals is ridiculous. We’re still talking a computer here. Apple didn’t put all those ports in the back for show.

 

[Lankyman]

Well that's great for you. But other people want to make use of the multitude of ports on their iMac,

Then they have clearly purchased the wrong product as it's then no longer a AIO. I buy the right product for the tasks I have in mind. I don't see why that's such a difficult concept to understand.

 

[JacobHarvey]

Then they have clearly purchased the wrong product as it's then no longer a AIO. I buy the right product for the tasks I have in mind. I don't see why that's such a difficult concept to understand.
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So because it is classified as an 'all in one' other people are using their computers inappropriately when they decide to make use of the ports on the back of it?

Why does apple even include them then?

Your posts grow more absurd

The mac mini is not a great solution for me and the mac pro is priced for professionals. The iMac is good option in between and is good value by mac standards. There are NO other legitimate desktop mac options. I cannot understand how you can dictate what is the 'wrong product' and what is the 'right product' for others.

If you use your iMac without using the ports and that works for you that's great.

However, effectively telling other people they are using their computer inappropriately or have bought the incorrect computer sounds ridiculous. Particularly when you cannot possibly know the exact workflows, software, purchasing budget, and preferences of other mac users that need to be considered when choosing the right computing tool

 

[Fishrrman]

"My iMac's have only one wire connected to them, always have had and always will. Why would I buy such a neat solution then start adding peripherals? That's a mad crazy thing to do. Cables and peripherals are the preserve of Mac Mini/Mac Pro/Windows PC not an AIO."

One of the most ridiculous statements I've ever read.
Apparently Apple doesn't think that way.
Why did they put all those PORTS on the back of iMacs...?

 

[satchmo]

Then they have clearly purchased the wrong product as it's then no longer a AIO. I buy the right product for the tasks I have in mind. I don't see why that's such a difficult concept to understand.
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How my wife and I laughed at your post. I'm a senior citizen and someone less like a poser you would ever be likely to meet. It's all about having the right tools for job in my book.

Apple have been putting ports in their AIO's for over 20 years. I think they know a thing or two about what their customers needs are. And even with their desire to simplify they acknowledge the need to attach peripherals.

The right tool means being able to accomplish one's tasks. You do what you need to do you. Meanwhile others will continue to connect as many devices to meet their needs.

 

[Lankyman]

So because it is classified as an 'all in one' other people are using their computers inappropriately when they decide to make use of the ports on the back of it?

Yep, the clue is in the name AIO. I plug in the occasional thumb drive and I accept people need to plug in an external drive for backups. Myself I backup to a Time Capsule and a network share on my Synology NAS.

However, had I a need for plugging in permanent devices then logic told me an AIO wasn’t the correct tool for the job. Simple as that. You may find it bizarre but for me it’s not a difficult concept.

 

[amgff84]

keep the fusion, and tell your wife that she chose the perfect imac

I'm with you here.

 

[Lankyman]

One of the most ridiculous statements I've ever read.
Apparently Apple doesn't think that way.
Why did they put all those PORTS on the back of iMacs...?

For the temporary attachment of peripherals. Why would you buy a neat solution then end up with a load of other devices hanging off it. The logic eludes me. I have a self build PC for attaching devices too.

 

[Ifti]

I think you did the right thing returning the iMac. I wouldn't buy anything other then SSD any more.
1TB SSD should be fine.

I would then still purchase an external SSD as your project/render/scratch drive for all video related work.
My MBP 16 has a 1TB SSD but I rarely go over 100GB! All of my documents and applications live on the internal drive, but I use external SSDs for all video related work. I like to keep th erender/project file son a separate drive so the internal drive just needs to run the application alone - things seem to work better for me this way.

Avoid the Samsung X5. Its a very fast and capable drive - I actually did recommend it in my initial review - but the cooling is poor and it WILL throttle the speed right down to HDD speeds after some video editing.
Personally I use either a ThunderBlade V4 (although appreciate a SSD RAID is very expensive), or if you want to go portable then the Glyph Atom Pro - as fast as the X5 but does not throttle with use. The speed is sustained even when the drive warms up as the cooling seems MUCH better.

Ive been through a lot of drives, as you can see from my YouTube channel, but the ones Ive stuck with are the two I mention above - the ThunderBlade and the Glyph Atom Pro.

If on a budget then the Glyph AtomRAID SSD is also highly recommended, and plenty enough in terms speed for iMovie related work......

Entire playlist of external SSD reviews as well as docks and hubs you may find useful!

Internal/External Drives & Storage / NAS / DAS / Docks & Hubs

NAS Drives, External RAID Arrays, External Disk Drives, and getting the most of your external media - its all here!

www.youtube.com

 

[PieTunes]

For the temporary attachment of peripherals. Why would you buy a neat solution then end up with a load of other devices hanging off it. The logic eludes me. I have a self build PC for attaching devices too.

In another thread you said in a post a couple months ago, “The iMac's internal speakers get special mention in reviews as being pretty good for an AIO. I have to agree with the reviewers, though I use a 2.1 system on my 2019 iMac.” Speakers don’t count as devices? Do they not ruin the form and logic of an AIO when the included speakers are seemingly pretty good? I’m genuinely curious as to your thoughts, thank you.

 

[mightyjabba]

I only use a MacBook Pro on battery so it isn't sullied by having a power cable attached to it. 😆

 

[JacobHarvey]

For the temporary attachment of peripherals. Why would you buy a neat solution then end up with a load of other devices hanging off it. The logic eludes me. I have a self build PC for attaching devices too.

Because when looking for a desktop mac to run specific mac only programs the mac mini has garbage integrated graphics, the mac pro is overkill and priced for professionals. A mac mini with an EGPU is poor value and you will never get full performance over TB3.

Maybe if Apple made a headless 'xmac' with similar specs (including a reasonable internal GPU) to the iMac (but as a small tower) that would be a good fit. But they don't, making the iMac the best tool that works for many mac users that are not necessarily fixated on having only one cable attached to an iMac.

Can you now understand some of the reasons why iMac is the best fit for many who do not adhere to your strict definition of how an AIO should or should not be used by others. Or is it still too difficult for you to even contemplate this possibility?

 

[Lankyman]

In another thread you said in a post a couple months ago, “The iMac's internal speakers get special mention in reviews as being pretty good for an AIO. I have to agree with the reviewers, though I use a 2.1 system on my 2019 iMac.” Speakers don’t count as devices? Do they not ruin the form and logic of an AIO when the included speakers are seemingly pretty good? I’m genuinely curious as to your thoughts, thank you.

Speakers enhance the audio quality of the device. Not the same thing at all, one tiny jack plug and the speakers are set away from the unit.
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Because when looking for a desktop mac to run specific mac only programs the mac mini has garbage integrated graphics, the mac pro is overkill and priced for professionals. A mac mini with an EGPU is poor value and you will never get full performance over TB3.

Maybe if Apple made a headless 'xmac' with similar specs (including a reasonable internal GPU) to the iMac (but as a small tower) that would be a good fit. But they don't, making the iMac the best tool that works for many mac users that are not necessarily fixated on having only one cable attached to an iMac.

Can you now understand some of the reasons why iMac is the best fit for many who do not adhere to your strict definition of how an AIO should or should not be used by others. Or is it still too difficult for you to even contemplate this possibility?

NO! you need a Mini or aWindows PC. Windows these days has equally good software (many would say better than a Mac). Perhaps you too need to remove the blinkers which is what you are accusing me of.

 

[JacobHarvey]

Speakers enhance the audio quality of the device. Not the same thing at all, one tiny jack plug and the speakers are set away from the unit.
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NO! you need a Mini or aWindows PC. Windows these days has equally good software (many would say better than a Mac). Perhaps you too need to remove the blinkers which is what you are accusing me of.

NO you are still deluded in thinking that you know what is best for other people!

This is not about the quality of Windows software, which is fine. If I am used to using logic pro, final cut pro and already have paid for, perpetual education licenses for the software from a while ago, why should I have to ditch that software and relearn adobe's suite or other software?

Why should I have to buy new software to accomplish the same tasks I can already do quickly and efficiently?

Why should I have to totally change everything about my computing setup because I decide to attach a few peripherals?

Why should I have to buy a new windows pc to use totally different software when I'm happy with the software I already have?

Why should I switch to a mac mini which becomes more expensive for me when factoring in the price of an eGPU + monitor while it still possesses less performance and requires disassembly for adding in RAM?

Your posts remain nonsensical

 

[BJMRamage]

Speakers enhance the audio quality of the device. Not the same thing at all, one tiny jack plug and the speakers are set away from the unit.

External Drives enhance the storage of the device. One tiny plug into the computer and the drives can be placed away from the unit.

 

[Lankyman]

NO you are still deluded in thinking that you know what is best for other people!

This is not about the quality of Windows software, which is fine. If I am used to using logic pro, final cut pro and already have paid for, perpetual education licenses for the software from a while ago, why should I have to ditch that software and relearn adobe's suite or other software?

Why should I have to buy new software to accomplish the same tasks I can already do quickly and efficiently?

Why should I have to totally change everything about my computing setup because I decide to attach a few peripherals?

Why should I have to buy a new windows pc to use totally different software when I'm happy with the software I already have?

Why should I switch to a mac mini which becomes more expensive for me when factoring in the price of an eGPU + monitor while it still possesses less performance and requires disassembly for adding in RAM?

Your posts remain nonsensical

Which leads full circle i.e. you initially bought the wrong product for the task. You could have still purchased the same software but with a plan to run it on a more appropriate device.

I don't presume to know what is best for other people. You are confusing apples (no pun indended) with oranges. Buying the right tool for the job hardly implies knowing what's best for people. I tend to call this "common sense".
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External Drives enhance the storage of the device. One tiny plug into the computer and the drives can be placed away from the unit.

So yours don't use cables then? You are right about my 2.1 speakers. I have been using the same ones since 1998 and was thinking of replacing them this year. However, your post has prompted a rethink. I have now unplugged them and will just use the iMac's internal speakers from now on thus remaining faithful to the AIO concept - thank you.

 

[The Hammer]

Surely that depends on your personal needs. There’s no way I would ditch my FD, what’s not to like. It’s plenty fast enough for most.
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Defeats the reason for buying an AIO. If going to connect external drives then the user should have purchased a Mac Mini.

I just believe in getting the fastest thing you can afford.

 

[BJMRamage]

So yours don't use cables then? You are right about my 2.1 speakers. I have been using the same ones since 1998 and was thinking of replacing them this year. However, your post has prompted a rethink. I have now unplugged them and will just use the iMac's internal speakers from now on thus remaining faithful to the AIO concept - thank you.

well, one tiny plug is a cable, yes.

My reasoning for going AIO is NOT a COMPLETE package but computer and monitor in one. previous to this I would have a large tower (PC) and then monitor (keyboard and mouse). the AIO meant I could then get rid of the tower in the desk–allowing me to store other items in the desk.

an iMac means I can upgrade memory myself (more easily than Mini). it means I dont have to figure out the best monitor for a certain budget. it means I get a 'free' keyboard and mouse (my previous ones are not in the best shape).

Wouldyou ever connect a laptop to a monitor or have external HDs? because then this isn't really a laptop but like a desktop. the AIO is not meant as the end-all for a computer but a computer and monitor all-in-one. with Mini you HAVE to have other pieces...the iMac comes with it all as a base. so, to you all-in-one means you cannot use the device to the fullest.

 

[JacobHarvey]

Which leads full circle i.e. you initially bought the wrong product for the task. You could have still purchased the same software but with a plan to run it on a more appropriate device.

I don't presume to know what is best for other people. You are confusing apples (no pun indended) with oranges. Buying the right tool for the job hardly implies knowing what's best for people. I tend to call this "common sense".
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Okay so I already have the software (among other things) from ages ago and am highly accustomed to using it to get stuff done yet I should have bought a more appropriate device?

If I have already explained:

1) That the Mac Pro is way out of my budget and targeted at another group of users (professionals)

2) I do not need a portable Macbook Pro 16 (which is also much more expensive for equivalent performance with less ports as well), the Macbook Pro 13 is also suboptimal in too many ways for my uses

3) The mac mini becomes much more expensive compared to an iMac when factoring in a monitor and eGPU while still providing less performance and a number of inconveniences (e.g. needing disassembly to upgrade RAM).

What does your fabulous "common sense" suggest is the best new mac to buy in this case to use all my pre-existing mac specific software??

 

[Lankyman]

It means I get a 'free' keyboard and mouse (my previous ones are not in the best shape).

I don't think they are 'free'. Apple are not so benevolant. They will be factored in to the purchase price of the iMac.
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What does your fabulous "common sense" suggest is the best new mac to buy in this case to use all my pre-existing mac specific software??

Mac Mini. Whilst intial outlay may be more expensive, subequent upgrades would be cheaper as you would already have monitor keyboard mouse, etc. You are clearly not thinking long term.

 

[JacobHarvey]

I don't think they are 'free'. Apple are not so benevolant. They will be factored in to the purchase price of the iMac.
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Mac Mini. Whilst intial outlay may be more expensive, subequent upgrades would be cheaper as you would already have monitor keyboard mouse, etc. You are clearly not thinking long term.

Your statement that it would be cheaper is not at all true if I want to enjoy using a 5K display (which was a major selling point of the iMac). Try again

My previous iMac lasted me 10 years (and it still runs!) and buying an equivalent mac mini would have been a poor choice at the time. The mac mini of today is slower and no more upgradeable than the iMac (less so considering the mini's soldered SSD and CPU) as both have TB3.

The keyboard and mice are a minuscule fraction of the purchase price of a new computer and keeping my old mouse and keyboard would not present significant savings (also the crap wired Mighty Mouse from that one died after only 2 years so I replaced it with a cheap but functional logitech one).

In fact, buying an iMac actually allows me to get an extra wireless mouse and keyboard set. In contrast, the mac mini comes with nothing unless you pay extra!

Even if you say they are factored into the purchase price, buying the mac mini and adding the same mouse + keyboard set makes it even poorer value than before when comparing the whole set up to an iMac. I would not be reusing my old keyboard and mouse as they were staying with old iMac as a basic study room computer for the kids.

This all directly counters your arguments regarding any savings from keeping an old monitor, keyboard and mouse for me

This has gone on long enough. Your arguments are easily countered but it is wasteful of time to do so. Let us agree to disagree

 

[Lankyman]

This has gone on long enough. Your arguments are easily countered but it is wasteful of time to do so. Let us agree to disagree

Absolutley. I can point out the obvious, I can lead a horse to water etc. Enough!

 

[satchmo]

This has gone on long enough. Your arguments are easily countered but it is wasteful of time to do so. Let us agree to disagree

When he didn’t defend why Apple put ports on iMacs, it was pointless going on.