Choosing a new desktop.

[rKunda]

We have a 27” iMac from 2014. It works. Though it’s pretty slow now. I’ve contemplated just letting it die vs replacing it up front but we’re pretty close. I just can’t decide what system is the better option.

We use it as a family computer. Our computing needs are very simple. I doubt it would be worth upgrading ram though that’s an option. Standard size HD is more than sufficient.

I can’t decide between the new M3 iMac, or an M2 Mac mini, and adding a decent monitor.

We could likely keep using our very old but functional mouse and keyboard.

Would love your opinions and thoughts.

 

[flaubert]

It doesn't sound like your use case is going to require an M3 processor over an M2, so there is only the obsolescence factor to consider in that regard. I personally would recommend the Mac Mini, as it allows you to purchase a cheap display now, and upgrade later to a better display, or even two displays down the road. Whatever money you save on the iMac I would put toward upgrading the RAM to 16GB - if you keep a machine a long time (as you seem to do) then you want some insurance against future software bloat.

The other factor you have to deal with these days is that storage size is fixed at purchase. Don't crowd yourself into a corner here, either: I usually recommend buying a storage size that is at least double the size occupied by your current computer's files (which you can find with "About this Mac" under the apple logo in the upper left corner.

 

[rKunda]

Good call on storage. Actually we’re almost 400gb. Though I should review. I bet most can be purged.

 

[Ben J.]

For your use, I'd say the M1 processor is plenty powerful. Used prices are very good. A used mini will leave money in your budget for a nice monitor that suits your needs. Maybe even two monitors. A very nice thing with M1/M2 minis is they never get hot, and are completely silent, all the time. You might get a M1 mini (2020) with 16GB ram, but the base model with 8GB is also good for everyday use. I don't know what you mean by "Standard size HD", but I know that a 256GB SSD will fill up very quickly, so 512 or 1TB. (Check how much is being used on the disk you have now. Remember; the internal SSDs of these kinds of macs should never be filled to the limit. I try to always have at least 30% free space.)

The feeling you will get with a M1 mini will be astonishing. It will fly compared to your old imac.

A used M1 Mini 8GB/1TB, if you can find one, should be around $5-600 USD. With the money you save, if you haven't already, get an affordable external disk to use for backup. Doesn't have to be fast, could even be a SATA on USB-A.

 

[rKunda]

I’m rethinking my approach a bit. I do have an M1 MacBook that sits largely unused. My lifestyle has changed and I just don’t need a laptop much.

It has enough storage. I could either trade it I. For a dedicated desktop, or just use it as a desktop plugged in.

 

[Fishrrman]

M2pro Mini.
Get 16gb of RAM, minimum. 8gb is "no longer enough". Buy only 8, and you will soon regret it.

I'd suggest getting 1tb of SSD. The 1tb SSD is TWICE AS FAST as the 512gb SSD.
(not that the 512 is "slow", but again, the 1tb is 2x faster)

Get a good 4k display. 27" form factor -- plenty of choices out there.

Again, spend extra for the m2pro v. the m2 (non-pro).
You won't regret having done so, especially 2-3 years "down the line".

These are also available from Apple's online refurbished store.
That's where I bought my current Mini (2018) -- no problems.

M3 Mini should be out in first 4 months of 2024.
But old saying applies:
If you NEED now, BUY now...

 

[rKunda]

I think you severely overestimate how everyone uses computers. In no scenario do I or will I need the pro. Our needs are very simple. Internet. Printing. Word processing.

Memory helps I’m sure. I don’t see what the faster processor really gets me though.

From a spec standpoint it’s appealing but like upgrading to a maxed out studio, my use case doesn’t really justify the expense.

 

[Fishrrman]

That's a Mini I suggested -- NOT a Studio.

 

[flaubert]

You're probably right, if you have an M1 laptop sitting around already just buy a decent monitor for that, call it done. The computer you don't buy today will be a better computer when you buy it tomorrow.

 

[bradman83]

Mac Mini. You can invest in a nice-ish display and keep it across multiple computer upgrades.

Since it's a desktop you really don't need to worry too much about internal storage. 512 GB should be more than sufficient and you can always add a USB-C external SSD at a later point in time for less than what Apple would charge you to up your internal storage (and you can take that extra storage with you to a newer computer). For your use case 10 Gbps USB-C would be more than fast enough.

I agree with others that upgrading to 16 GB of RAM would be a smart move. You may not need it now but if you keep this machine a similar length of time you'll be happy to have it by 2032.