Buying and updates

[Needy]

Hi Can some one please tell how the Mac updates work if I buy a computer is it the year made or the size of chip .Say I get iMac m3 or wait and get mini Mac m3 in 2024 which one will keep getting up grades the longest. I am not a gamer or student and do not need any thing other than web browsing mail and picture storage and every day stuff like banking and doctor what would be the best for me do not want I pad
Thank you

 

[Bigwaff]

Say I get iMac m3 or wait and get mini Mac m3 in 2024 which one will keep getting up grades the longest.

Only Apple knows how long they plan to support a specific model Mac. That being said, any computer you buy new - today - will most likely have at least 5 years of software upgrades and security updates.

I am not a gamer or student and do not need any thing other than web browsing mail and picture storage and every day stuff like banking and doctor what would be the best for me do not want I pad

Based on your rambling, stream of consciousness post, the least expensive Mac.

 

[Needy]

I had to look up what consciousness meant I wish I could speak like that .
Thank you

 

[Ben J.]

Of course, when the day comes when your mac is no longer qualified for a macOS update, you can still use it for many years until your needs and apps' system requirements dictate that you need a newer OS version. There are also hacks/workarounds to let you run macOS versions your mac doesn't qualify for.

 

[mmkerc]

As several of the poster's have already indicated generally Mac are well built machines and easily last 10+ years hardware wise. I have several computers that have lasted well over 10 years, including my original still running 1986 Fat Mac (though only with the software of its time). Your question is more about how long will a Mac model be supported on the software side of things. My wife still uses daily a 2011 MacBook Air for all of the thing you want to do, plus she streams TV shows and live events (watches) on hers which is typically of most if not all Mac models.

The real issue of driving obsolesces is if there is a step change in computer technology that you will want to use. AI development is a potential area for this as an example.

Given all of this, and your stated uses, any Mac you buy today should easily meet your needs for 10 years+. My recommendation would be any Mac with min 512Gb drive, min 16 GB ram and although you indicate you are looking at desktop machines I would suggest a laptop & external monitor for the portability option.

 

[wonderings]

The newest year computer receives Apple support the longest. Your needs are very basic so any Apple computer will work well for you. As others have said as well, when Apple drops support the computer is still usable. I used as my work machine for almost 10 years a 5K iMac from 2014. Computer is still usable and a great machine today, but a few OS's behind because it is not supported.

 

[Needy]

Thanks for all the replies

 

[Fishrrman]

I would think that 5-6 years of "official software updates" would be the norm.

But after that, the life of the Mac isn't over. You can still keep using it, so long as the software you have still works.

Don't over think this. If you want a new Mac, just buy one.
What's MORE important is getting enough RAM and a large enough internal SSD for you needs -- not only your needs right now, but what you might be needing 5 years from now.

16gb of RAM is what I'd now consider to be "the minimum". For what you described above, it should be just fine for the life of the Mac.

Re SSD space. How much space are you using NOW...?
I'd multiply that by 3x, as to what your "future needs" might be.

 

[Saturn007]

From what you describe, 8GB on a new Mac should be more than enough. I do far more demanding and intensive things than you do on a low-end 13” 2015 MacBook Air with only 8GB and it works great.

If you look around MacRumors, you'll find lots of threads debating what the minimum amount of memory is. Many endorse the 16GB as essential or for “future proofing”, while many others persuasively argue, from experience, that 8GB is sufficient for what they do and what you do.

For browsing, email, online banking, and storing photos, 8GB should stand you in good stead.

You absolutely do NOT need an M3 Mac for what you do.

You could do quite well, enjoyably so, with an M1 MBA. Depending upon your photography work, and whether you want all your photos and videos available on your computer, you could opt for 512GB.

If you're looking at a desktop Mac, SSD capacity might not even be that crucial as you could even rely on an attached SSD for photo storage and another for backups.

Apple sells refurbished Macs that are like new and carry a full 1-year, with optional Apple Care, so you can save money that way, too.

 

[Needy]

You are right I am over thinking and then watching you tube with people that know what they are doing making old ones faster did not do my head any favours Thanks for sound advice