Help Me Decide!

[ahaslam]

I have a late 2013 27" iMac that's served me well for nearly 11 years. It’s my daily home computer, and it’s the longest I’ve ever owned a single device. It’s a testament to Apple quality that I’ve never had a single issue in that entire time, but it’s showing its age. It runs slowly, is low on space, and I haven’t had any Mac OS updates in a few years now, so I’ve had a major itch to get a new iMac.

I honestly would have upgraded several years back, but when Apple got rid of the 27” option, I kept holding out in the hopes a large version was coming. There have been persistent rumors that always say next year, but it never happens. It’s very frustrating, and I’m not sure I want to wait any longer, but I’d kick myself if I just missed the one I was waiting for.

So I’m asking you guys what you think I should do.

Option 1
Buy the current iMac with maxed out specs. Settle for the smaller 24" monitor and a serviceable, but less than ideal 2 TB hard drive. This fits my budget a lot better.

Option 2
Wait until the fall or spring when an M4 iMac *might* come out, with better internal specs and a larger hard drive.

Option 3
Stay the course and wait until next summer or beyond to see if a 27- or 32-inch iMac is finally unveiled.

Option 4
Buy a Mac mini, where I can get a big hard drive and a large external monitor. This option is more expensive and lacks the form factor and convenience of an all-in-one.

 

[russell_314]

Option 4
Buy a Mac mini, where I can get a big hard drive and a large external monitor. This option is more expensive and lacks the form factor and convenience of an all-in-one.

this, but instead of any generic large external monitor, I would recommend the Apple Studio display. At least look at one in the Apple Store. I used to be one that cheeped out on monitors because it’s just a screen. It doesn’t make anything faster. Then I realized that’s the interface that my eyes use to see everything. I had the M1 iMac and the screen was amazing compared to monitors I’ve purchased in the past. I’m not saying you can’t get a good 4K monitor but take a hard look at the Apple studio display because I think it’s worth it.

 

[ger19]

Options 1 and 4 are your only real options. Personally I would (and did) go with option 1. I’m not sure how you use your computer, but I found that moving from a 27” monitor to a 24” monitor to be a non issue. But, I don’t typically have more than one window viewable at a time. If I had multiple windows open spread out across my screen, I might care more about the larger monitor. With mainly using just one window, I make it a bit smaller than the entire screen and center it. I did that with my 27” also so now, I just have less of a “boarder”.

In short, depending how you use your screen, 24” may be sufficient. Otherwise, pull out your wallet and get a mini with the studio display. Personally, I wanted the all in one form factor more than I wanted a bigger screen.

 

[biffuz]

That's why I never reccomend an AIO: not only your choice was restricted, now you want a new computer and you can't keep your previous monitor. And what if you wanted two monitors? Forget it, you can't have a matching one.
So, get a Mini and enjoy your freedom of choice. With some work you can keep the cables out of sight... unless it can be seen from the back, I guess.

 

[Isamilis]

I have been in this dilemma for years and still couldn’t find solution, lol. iMac is very compact and beautiful (I put it in family room). But Mac mini is better for longer term.

 

[Sciuriware]

I have a late 2013 27" iMac that's served me well for nearly 11 years. It’s my daily home computer, and it’s the longest I’ve ever owned a single device. It’s a testament to Apple quality that I’ve never had a single issue in that entire time, but it’s showing its age. It runs slowly, is low on space, and I haven’t had any Mac OS updates in a few years now, so I’ve had a major itch to get a new iMac.

I honestly would have upgraded several years back, but when Apple got rid of the 27” option, I kept holding out in the hopes a large version was coming. There have been persistent rumors that always say next year, but it never happens. It’s very frustrating, and I’m not sure I want to wait any longer, but I’d kick myself if I just missed the one I was waiting for.

So I’m asking you guys what you think I should do.

Option 1
Buy the current iMac with maxed out specs. Settle for the smaller 24" monitor and a serviceable, but less than ideal 2 TB hard drive. This fits my budget a lot better.

Option 2
Wait until the fall or spring when an M4 iMac *might* come out, with better internal specs and a larger hard drive.

Option 3
Stay the course and wait until next summer or beyond to see if a 27- or 32-inch iMac is finally unveiled.

Option 4
Buy a Mac mini, where I can get a big hard drive and a large external monitor. This option is more expensive and lacks the form factor and convenience of an all-in-one.

You are not alone.
Dilemma: you might buy a present and proven machine,
but the coming machine is 'certainly' better
and will have updates and support for years longer.
Then again, do not wait forever.
You might buy now and start saving money for the next one.
;JOOP!

 

[colodane]

You seem to be fixated on the 2 TB storage limitation of the iMac. By most peoples standards, 2 TB is Huge.
Also, most people who do need 2 TB or more of storage are comfortable with using external drives to extend it. And you seem not to be looking at anything portable, so there is really no downside to using external drives to have as much storage as you desire.

In my view, the real limitation of the current 24 inch M3 iMac is NOT storage. It is RAM. Are you comfortable with 24 GB? If so, then the iMac is your best choice.

 

[russell_314]

In my view, the real limitation of the current 24 inch M3 iMac is NOT storage. It is RAM. Are you comfortable with 24 GB? If so, then the iMac is your best choice.

I’d say screen size is the limitation for most people. I agree that external storage is the way to go for a non portable machine. You’d be silly to pay Apple’s prices on storage if you really don’t need it.

 

[Sciuriware]

I’d say screen size is the limitation for most people. I agree that external storage is the way to go for a non portable machine. You’d be silly to pay Apple’s prices on storage if you really don’t need it.

... then again, an oversized internal drive makes it possible to spread I/O, prolonging the life of an SSD,
and a lot of internal memory reduces the disk accesses, with the same effect.
I fear APPLE knows this ....
;JOOP!

 

[Timpetus]

Invest in a good monitor, because you'll keep that part for many computers as you upgrade over the years. It hurts up front, believe me I know. We just bought an ASD and a Mac Studio to replace a 2020 27" iMac. It actually still cost us less than we paid for the 27" iMac, all in, and the specs are the same except for RAM. The iMac had 128GB because we could upgrade it after purchase, but the Apple pricing was too much so we got 64GB in the Studio. It will still be enough!

 

[Ta_whirimatea]

I hook up my mini to a 47 inch LG tv & it’s great.

If I visit my mum I connect it up to her 55 inch 4k Sony when I’m sitting a few feet away from it. It’s likes an imax!

 

[leifp]

Personally, if the 24” iMac fits the bill, go for it! I had the first gen 5K iMac and replacing that was painful. I have a Studio Display and M2Pro Mac mini hooked up to it. Infinitely more powerful and useful than the iMac it replaces, however there are little foibles here and there that make me sigh in reminiscence of the iMac…

I will have the same hesitation when it comes time to replace the MBPro: a Mac Studio and some new presently non-existing monitors would be nice… but a 32” 6K iMac would be nicer…

 

[rm5]

Honestly, go for the Mac mini--it's the most customizable. Not to mention the included port selection is much better than the iMac.

And we also have no proof or confirmation of a larger, more powerful iMac. Personally, I'd just go for what you know is available--preferably the Mac mini.

 

[Trusteft]

While I have plenty of experience with using and owning computers (since early 1980s). I have only owned one Apple computer, my current one. A late 2012 Mac Mini. I stopped using it years ago when after one major update to FCPX (the main reason I got it), the editing speed was cut down by a lot. That pissed me off a lot.

Years later when the first M1 iMac appeared I would still buy one if they had a 27". 24" is too small for me and larger monitors (I have used up to 40) just don't do it for me. Unfortunately Apple decided to not release a 27 and basically tells me and others like me, buy the 24 or if you want a larger, but another Apple computer and get a separate monitor. So I did the one thing it felt right to me, I told them to f off and never upgraded to another Apple computer.

I have to admit it's really hard to sell me another Apple computer any more for one reason and one reason alone in 2024. User maintenance and upgradability. If for some crazy reason I decided to ignore them and pick a new Apple computer to buy now, if I had the money for any, I would go for the Mini with the external monitor. That is my suggestion to you too. It has the added bonus that you will never have to worry about a bad battery (dead or bloated), plus smaller footprint than any laptop.

If at some point in the future Apple decides to allow us peasants to give them our money for a 27" iMac, then you could go for it and sell your then current Mini and perhaps even monitor.

Good luck.

 

[Regulus67]

I am amazed every time people ask this, while using a very old iMac.
Did you ever consider the iMac Pro? You could find one for the same money as an Apple Studio Display

 

[AL2TEACH]

I have a late 2013 27" iMac that's served me well for nearly 11 years.

My sister has same and last year I got her the 24" iMac for Christmas and it's still in the box lol. She still prefers the 27" because it still does the job without a hitch and the updates for the OS's haven't been a gotta have it kind of thing.
I'm still on the 2015 27" iMac and have not seen a compelling reason to go new.
A friend updated his wife's puter to a Studio and Mac screen from an older iMac while he still has his older iMac. I have used the Studio to see the difference between the old and new. They are impressive and I do like Stage Manager but for the price Mission Control will have to do. The friend who's into video says the machine is good but the OS has been the least impressive.

Unless you have a reason to upgrade, other than you have the itch to get something new, take your time and see what's out there with M4 and then lose your mind
That 1 vote for a large iMac is

 

[Larsvonhier]

Option 5: Get a fast(er) SSD for your iMac, max out RAM (if not already done) and OCLP a new macOS onto it. Then wait and see if something really suitable from Apple comes along next year or so...

 

[Night Spring]

I went from a 27" iMac to a M2 iPad mini last year, and I'm quite happy with it. The all-in-one model is convenient, but it's not like I move my computer, ever. I bought the base configuration and added external disks through a thunderport dock. Once I set up the mini with all the connectors and positioned the monitor on my desk, my experience is no different than when I had the iMac. Granted, my computer usage is very basic, just web surfing, reading ebooks, write a few documents, and manage my media collection. For this, the base mini with a hand-me-down monitor from a friend is more than sufficient. YMMV.

 

[russell_314]

... then again, an oversized internal drive makes it possible to spread I/O, prolonging the life of an SSD,
and a lot of internal memory reduces the disk accesses, with the same effect.
I fear APPLE knows this ....
;JOOP!

All this talk about SSD lifespan is likely caused by one specific YouTube channel that has been reduced to 💩. Out of the what has to be tens of thousands (I don’t know the exact number) of modern Mac computers that are minimum spec, how many cases of SSD failure do you hear about? I don’t mean someone that created an artificial method to cause the failure but actual real world usage causing failure. Before the SSD dies, the computer is going to be obsolete.

So many people waste hundreds of dollars on useless upgrades just because they’re afraid they might need it or wanting to be “future proof”. This includes me that currently has a 256 GB iPhone with 173 GB free. I’m sure Apple loves this because that’s where they make the most money on these upgrades.

If you have money to burn and spending an extra $200 is like going to Starbucks then by all means why not spend the extra money. it’s going to good cause to help Tim Cook. I just dislike it when people are on a very tight budget get pressured into spending more than they really need to spend.

 

[wilberforce]

Wait for the AI-focused M4, however it is packaged. AI is the future, and you may regret missing the boat.

 

[JamesMay82]

I was in your position a few months ago and i went with Mac Studio and studio display which i love buy equally regret.

if i could do it again I’d get a higher spec iMac As you get use to the smaller screen.

there is something about the all in one that just feels special.

 

[HouseLannister]

Apple already said they aren't interested in option #3. Stop trying to make option #3 happen because it's not gonna happen.

#4b: Go headless Mac mini and Vision Pro for dual-4K

 

[Night Spring]

Apple already said they aren't interested in option #3. Stop trying to make option #3 happen because it's not gonna happen.

where did they say that? Do you have any links I could read up about this?

 

[ccsicecoke]

I had the same dilemma and went with Option 1 and maxed out memory and SSD on base CPU.

24 iMac still has 4.5k resolution which is good enough for productivity and I'm now finding 27 inch might be too big and was a wast of space.

M4 iMac will not be out until 2025 at least.

I tried Mac mini/studio + studio display options. Believe me, you won't like those cables everywhere comparing with clean look of iMac

 

[HouseLannister]

where did they say that? Do you have any links I could read up about this?

Apple has no plans to make a 27-inch iMac with Apple Silicon

No big screen all-in-one for you.

www.theverge.com