Do I want another iMac?

[ssledoux]

wait, so you are giving/selling away your iPad? Won't you miss it?

its easy to transfer photos from iPad to your Mac, just attach it to your computer with the charging cable, tell it you trust the computer, and you can run either iPhoto or image transfer. iPhoto copies the photos on your iPad to your Mac's iPhoto library, and image transfer copies the files to your Mac's hard drive as regular files. You can tell the Mac where you which drive/folder you want your photo files to go. You can even do both iPhoto and image transfer if you want.

I realized that after I posted. It was so quick!

And I might miss it, but I still have my mini, although I'm hoping to sell it as well and maybe purchase an Air as a middle of the road (and size) replacement for them both. I love my pro, but I just can't get a setup where I'm not killing my shoulder with the constant lifting and touching the screen (I have a lot of issues with my right shoulder, and the repetitive stuff just exacerbates the problems).

I'm also already loving a big screen in my face so I'm not looking down so much. I think the combo of being able to use the mouse and also have the big screen is really gonna be a nice break. Plus it gives me so much more screen room for sorting and organizing my photos.

Trying for a total revamp - going from 12.9 iPP and iPad mini plus iPhone 14 pro to iMac, hopefully iPad Air (or keep mini), and possibly a pro max in the fall. I think I just like that variation of sizes because it seems balanced, plus I have the MacOS to work with as well as iPad and iPhone.

LOL I kinda rambled there. Sorry.

 

[ssledoux]

Just use iCloud that's the beauty of it between Macs/iPads/iPhone.

I use it for some things, but since they started screening photos, I won't use it for my pictures. Not that I have anything to hide, but I just don't like the idea of family photos out there in limbo somewhere.

 

[Night Spring]

LOL I kinda rambled there. Sorry.

No, it's great to hear how you are using and enjoying your new iMac! Which color did you get?

I think getting an iPad Air is a great idea. For me, the big size Pro is great for my eyesight, and I mostly use it on my lap so I don't have the "gorilla arm" problem. But if I have to do extensive typing, then I use my Mac at my desk, because physical keyboard is the best for that. And typing on my lap, whether it's a laptop or iPad with keyboard is never comfortable -- if I'm typing I need a desk! But the Air is a great iPad for combining portability and reasonably large screen size. I suspect it will fit your usage perfectly.

 

[ssledoux]

No, it's great to hear how you are using and enjoying your new iMac! Which color did you get?

I think getting an iPad Air is a great idea. For me, the big size Pro is great for my eyesight, and I mostly use it on my lap so I don't have the "gorilla arm" problem. But if I have to do extensive typing, then I use my Mac at my desk, because physical keyboard is the best for that. And typing on my lap, whether it's a laptop or iPad with keyboard is never comfortable -- if I'm typing I need a desk! But the Air is a great iPad for combining portability and reasonably large screen size. I suspect it will fit your usage perfectly.

I got the blue. I love it!!

If I get an Air, I'm going for pink. lol

I'm always the silver/gray girl - trying to mix it up a bit. ;-p

 

[ssledoux]

Let me just say that I have zero regrets with this iMac purchase. I forgot how much I enjoy using a good ole mouse, and I absolutely love having a big screen again.

Though I could manage my photos and make albums/books with the iPad, it is SO much easier to do that with the Mac.

 

[mercedx]

Congrats on the iMac! The design is still stunning. I recently set up a Mac mini for a family computer for my kids and it's hard to argue against the merits of a desktop machine after a long stint using just MacBooks.

Also, good luck in your quest to reconfigure your device sizes! I've long been a proponent of the 10.9/11" iPad size but glad there are choices for other use cases. Apple offers so many size choices across the board now finding the perfect set up is both easier and harder than ever.

 

[ssledoux]

Congrats on the iMac! The design is still stunning. I recently set up a Mac mini for a family computer for my kids and it's hard to argue against the merits of a desktop machine after a long stint using just MacBooks.

Also, good luck in your quest to reconfigure your device sizes! I've long been a proponent of the 10.9/11" iPad size but glad there are choices for other use cases. Apple offers so many size choices across the board now finding the perfect set up is both easier and harder than ever.

It's almost done! I have gone from the 12.9 iPP/6th gen iPad mini, & iPhone 14pro to the iMac, a 5th gen iPad Air, and I'll upgrade the phone size in September.

I've played around with so many different setups, but I think this one will definitely cover all the bases!

 

[Yebubbleman]

I don’t really NEED a desktop. I bought the M1 iMac a couple years ago, and wound up letting my daughter have it. I have a 12.9 iPP that does pretty much anything I need.

But I MISS having a big screen, and using a mouse (I know I can use one with my iPad, but I’ve asked about it and it’s not the same).

Also, I have a terrible urge to buy something. I know that sounds terrible, but it’s the truth. Tech, and specifically Apple tech, is pretty much my only real splurge.

So, yall tell me what I want because I know you won’t hold back. Lol

The M1 iMac was never that great of a deal. I only have the one I have because I got a decent deal on a used one on eBay (though, when you compare it to its M1 MacBook Air equivalent, it wasn't that good of a deal even on eBay).

I also have a 12.9" iPad Pro and a 13-inch MacBook Pro. They're of similar size, but of drastically different function, despite general overlap. I'm not saying the 13-inch MacBook Pro is the machine for you, necessarily. But, iPadOS and macOS are still different beasts with different strengths and weaknesses and wanting one from each platform isn't an invalid or unjustifiable use case. I guess my point is more that there are better value propositions out there in terms of getting a Mac and that my recommendation would be to consider pretty much any of them other than an M1 iMac unless you happen to get a good deal.

I get the desire to splurge on Apple. I give that company no less than $5000 of my hard-earned money every year (most of it on cables and accessories, if you can believe that). But, even in the context of splurging on Apple, I like to get good value out of what I get. iMac fans have long argued that the value is in the display and the form factor and, sure, you could argue that. But, it has never been as much of the reason for being as expensive as it is relative to similar performing Macs as it is with the M1.

 

[mercedx]

It's almost done! I have gone from the 12.9 iPP/6th gen iPad mini, & iPhone 14pro to the iMac, a 5th gen iPad Air, and I'll upgrade the phone size in September.

I've played around with so many different setups, but I think this one will definitely cover all the bases!

Haha, nice. While I'm a mouse person too with desktops I picked up a Magic Trackpad because of my kids and if you ever miss some of the multitouch stuff I highly recommend it. Apple's trackpads are the best bar none.

Off topic, but out of curiosity do you plan to pick up one of the keyboards for your Air? I almost exclusively use my iPad Pro in the Smart Folio but occasionally throw it in a Magic Keyboard case.

 

[ssledoux]

The M1 iMac was never that great of a deal. I only have the one I have because I got a decent deal on a used one on eBay (though, when you compare it to its M1 MacBook Air equivalent, it wasn't that good of a deal even on eBay).

I also have a 12.9" iPad Pro and a 13-inch MacBook Pro. They're of similar size, but of drastically different function, despite general overlap. I'm not saying the 13-inch MacBook Pro is the machine for you, necessarily. But, iPadOS and macOS are still different beasts with different strengths and weaknesses and wanting one from each platform isn't an invalid or unjustifiable use case. I guess my point is more that there are better value propositions out there in terms of getting a Mac and that my recommendation would be to consider pretty much any of them other than an M1 iMac unless you happen to get a good deal.

I get the desire to splurge on Apple. I give that company no less than $5000 of my hard-earned money every year (most of it on cables and accessories, if you can believe that). But, even in the context of splurging on Apple, I like to get good value out of what I get. iMac fans have long argued that the value is in the display and the form factor and, sure, you could argue that. But, it has never been as much of the reason for being as expensive as it is relative to similar performing Macs as it is with the M1.

Thanks for your point of view, but I have already made the jump. lol

I got my iMac a few days ago, and I'm thoroughly enjoying having a big screen, and a good ole mouse!

Honestly I've never considered a laptop because I can do most of what I need to do on an iPad, and for the other things I enjoy doing, which is mostly photo and digital scrapbook related, the big screen, and being able to use a mouse is just so much better for me.

 

[friareunuch]

Based on this statement alone: why not wait for the next iMac refresh and get the new-new then? Worst case, your daughter ends up with a newer hand-me-down.

+1

I love the iMac product - I'm still using the 27" retina Intel model from 2015 (yeah, yikes.). I can't bring myself to go to a smaller screen. Reconstructing one with the Studio Display and a high-end Mac mini / low-end Mac Studio is far less cost effective.

The second we get a 27" or larger iMac on the M2 (or M3 more likely), I'm buying it. But that means waiting until 2024.

 

[Warped9]

If I weren’t doing 3D modelling I’d get the current M1 iMac with 16GB and 512GB or 1TB. But since I am into 3D modelling I’m waiting for the M3.

 

[pshufd]

+1

I love the iMac product - I'm still using the 27" retina Intel model from 2015 (yeah, yikes.). I can't bring myself to go to a smaller screen. Reconstructing one with the Studio Display and a high-end Mac mini / low-end Mac Studio is far less cost effective.

The second we get a 27" or larger iMac on the M2 (or M3 more likely), I'm buying it. But that means waiting until 2024.

I'm running a 2015 as well. Great screen.

 

[ssledoux]

+1

I love the iMac product - I'm still using the 27" retina Intel model from 2015 (yeah, yikes.). I can't bring myself to go to a smaller screen. Reconstructing one with the Studio Display and a high-end Mac mini / low-end Mac Studio is far less cost effective.

The second we get a 27" or larger iMac on the M2 (or M3 more likely), I'm buying it. But that means waiting until 2024.

I considered waiting, but I just didn't make it - wound up getting one earlier this week.

Honestly, for my main use, which is organizing all my photos and making books and digital scrapbooks, this is plenty for me. I just couldn't get it to be as efficient on my iPP. Plus all the constant reaching up and using the touch screen was doing a number on my shoulder, which gives me fits with a lot of repetitive action. Being able to use the mouse has already proven to be a relief, and it's only been 6 days! The big screen just makes it that much more enjoyable!

 

[ssledoux]

Haha, nice. While I'm a mouse person too with desktops I picked up a Magic Trackpad because of my kids and if you ever miss some of the multitouch stuff I highly recommend it. Apple's trackpads are the best bar none.

Off topic, but out of curiosity do you plan to pick up one of the keyboards for your Air? I almost exclusively use my iPad Pro in the Smart Folio but occasionally throw it in a Magic Keyboard case.

I don't know how I missed responding to this, but yes, I actually did pick up the Magic Keyboard. I bought it from someone here, and am anxious for it to arrive. I loved the MK with my 11" and 12.9" iPPs, so I knew I would want it. I was happy to get a great deal on a barely used one here on Marketplace.

What do you mean by missing multi-touch stuff? I am not sure I ever used the trackpad on my Magic Keyboard, so I know I won't miss it, but maybe there is something I'm missing overall - lol.

 

[ignatius345]

+1

I love the iMac product - I'm still using the 27" retina Intel model from 2015 (yeah, yikes.). I can't bring myself to go to a smaller screen. Reconstructing one with the Studio Display and a high-end Mac mini / low-end Mac Studio is far less cost effective.

True. The iMac has always been a bit of a deal compared to a stand-alone Apple display+Mac. But, later when you upgrade the Mini and keep the display where it is, you recoup the difference easily and it becomes much more cost-effective.

That said, I'm a fan of the iMac as well, and am very eager for a large-screen version. I stepped down from a 2014 5K iMac to an M1 iMac. The 24" one is a much better Mac, but I still miss the extra screen real estate. (I also miss the better speakers on the 27", but that's less of a big deal.)

 

[pshufd]

I don't know how I missed responding to this, but yes, I actually did pick up the Magic Keyboard. I bought it from someone here, and am anxious for it to arrive. I loved the MK with my 11" and 12.9" iPPs, so I knew I would want it. I was happy to get a great deal on a barely used one here on Marketplace.

What do you mean by missing multi-touch stuff? I am not sure I ever used the trackpad on my Magic Keyboard, so I know I won't miss it, but maybe there is something I'm missing overall - lol.

There are a couple of gestures that you set up in Accessibility that I like to use. Three-finger drag is the main one for me. I love Apple's multitouch implementation. I used to almost always use an external mouse with my 2015 MacBook Pro but the trackpad is so big on the 2021 M1 Pro MacBook Pro 16 that I only use an external mouse when I'm going to be sitting at a desk for a decent amount of time. The trackpad has reduced my need for an external mouse.

I have an Apple Trackpad as well though a mouse works better on the desktop as I have four monitors and the trackpad isn't large enough to traverse the monitor in 1 gesture. It would also take up more space on my desk.

One other thing that I love about multi-touch is tap to click. Basically I just use a light tap to left-click and two-finger tap to right-click.

 

[pshufd]

True. The iMac has always been a bit of a deal compared to a stand-alone Apple display+Mac. But, later when you upgrade the Mini and keep the display where it is, you recoup the difference easily and it becomes much more cost-effective.

That said, I'm a fan of the iMac as well, and am very eager for a large-screen version. I stepped down from a 2014 5K iMac to an M1 iMac. The 24" one is a much better Mac, but I still miss the extra screen real estate. (I also miss the better speakers on the 27", but that's less of a big deal.)

You can always look for a used 2015 or 2017 for $200-$400 if you miss it that much. I did miss my 2014 5k that much.

 

[mercedx]

I don't know how I missed responding to this, but yes, I actually did pick up the Magic Keyboard. I bought it from someone here, and am anxious for it to arrive. I loved the MK with my 11" and 12.9" iPPs, so I knew I would want it. I was happy to get a great deal on a barely used one here on Marketplace.

What do you mean by missing multi-touch stuff? I am not sure I ever used the trackpad on my Magic Keyboard, so I know I won't miss it, but maybe there is something I'm missing overall - lol.

No problem! The Magic Keyboard is fantastic.

As someone else mentioned the Magic Trackpad has a bunch more touch control options and gesture support beyond what's possible on the Magic Mouse. I mostly utilize pinch to zoom but I've grown to appreciate it as someone that regularly uses a Magic Mouse with my MacBook Pro.

 

[ignatius345]

You can always look for a used 2015 or 2017 for $200-$400 if you miss it that much. I did miss my 2014 5k that much.

Nah, I don't miss it enough to go back to Intel

But also it's a real serious shame those beautful displays are so hard to repurpose for use as external displays. From what I understand, it involves sourcing some specialized components and opening the iMac up (which I've done and is not a lot of fun).

 

[pshufd]

Nah, I don't miss it enough to go back to Intel

But also it's a real serious shame those beautful displays are so hard to repurpose for use as external displays. From what I understand, it involves sourcing some specialized components and opening the iMac up (which I've done and is not a lot of fun).

It can be done without hardware changes but how usable it is depends on your workflow and setup. My approach is to run my production on my Mac Studio with 3x4k and run my office stuff on the 2015 iMac. I could setup the 2015 iMac as an external monitor over my LAN but doing it this way gives me another 32 GB of cheap RAM to work with. It also makes for a good platform to record videos, do video conferences and audio calls.