Help with purchasing

[mrskullfreak]

I have an older Imac at 21 inch 2014
Trying to decide what way I should go as far as upgrading.
I just do the basics on my computer no gaming no video editing. I’m looking for recommendations I’ve going with a MacBook Air or a Mac mini I kind of like the idea of a Mac mini but I have no idea what type of monitors I would need.
Or the cost to get into a mini set up.

long time member here and TIA.

 

[wilberforce]

Suggest see what drops for the new 24" (?) iMac, rumored for early next year, before you decide

Future Apple Silicon Macs Rumored to Include Redesigned 14-Inch and 16-Inch MacBook Pro, 24-Inch iMac, and Smaller Mac Pro

Apple's transition away from Intel processors in Macs is officially underway with this week's introduction of new 13-inch MacBook Pro,...

www.macrumors.com

 

[zoom25]

If portability is required, then obviously MacBook Air or Pro. I have various 15" MacBook Pro, but I always opt for the 27" iMac. Easier on the eyes and neck. The screens on the Macs are the best. Finding equivalent quality screens for use with a Mac mini will cost a decent bit. I looked around and it wasn't clear cut.

At the moment, I would only consider M1 chip stuff. So if you wanted a bigger size MacBook Pro 15" or iMac, I'd personally wait for their M1/M2? release. That's what I'm doing. I upgraded the HDD to SSD inside my Late 2009 27" iMac w/ a 860 EVO. I use that for casual tasks and have my 2018 15" MacBook Pro for power stuff and portability. Waiting for Mac silicon in iMac.

 

[mrskullfreak]

If portability is required, then obviously MacBook Air or Pro. I have various 15" MacBook Pro, but I always opt for the 27" iMac. Easier on the eyes and neck. The screens on the Macs are the best. Finding equivalent quality screens for use with a Mac mini will cost a decent bit. I looked around and it wasn't clear cut.

At the moment, I would only consider M1 chip stuff. So if you wanted a bigger size MacBook Pro 15" or iMac, I'd personally wait for their M1/M2? release. That's what I'm doing. I upgraded the HDD to SSD inside my Late 2009 27" iMac w/ a 860 EVO. I use that for casual tasks and have my 2018 15" MacBook Pro for power stuff and portability. Waiting for Mac silicon in iMac.

Portability isn’t a factor. These new IMAC are coming out in the spring?

 

[zoom25]

Portability isn’t a factor. These new IMAC are coming out in the spring?

Hopefully Not sure though...if not spring, maybe summer? Along with Apple Silicon rather than Intel, the iMacs might also be getting refreshed looks. My Late 2009 looks identical to current iMacs from the front with the bezels etc. Not a noticeable problem on the 27" but it does look more jarring on the 21"

Since you're only looking at this for casual tasks, may I ask what you're looking for in an upgrade? As well as, what's currently the issue with your 2014 21" iMac?

Are you looking for a bigger screen than the 21"? Do you have a non-retina iMac and want a retina type screen (4K or 5K)? Do you have a spinning HDD drive inside or flash storage?

 

[mrskullfreak]

Hopefully Not sure though...if not spring, maybe summer? Along with Apple Silicon rather than Intel, the iMacs might also be getting refreshed looks. My Late 2009 looks identical to current iMacs from the front with the bezels etc. Not a noticeable problem on the 27" but it does look more jarring on the 21"

Since you're only looking at this for casual tasks, may I ask what you're looking for in an upgrade? As well as, what's currently the issue with your 2014 21" iMac?

Are you looking for a bigger screen than the 21"? Do you have a non-retina iMac and want a retina type screen (4K or 5K)? Do you have a spinning HDD drive inside or flash storage?

Its just old and slow. I want a bigger screen but not really wanting to spend what the 27in costs I pretty much use my phone for everything.
I just figure my mac is 6-7 years old now..

 

[zoom25]

I did the math before for a Mac mini w/ an equivalent screen like LG UltraFine 27" vs. base/equivalent 27" iMac and found the iMac a better value.

I also have an Intel NUC in another system that has W10 and it runs fast and clean like my Mac systems. Much cheaper than Mac Mini. You simply add RAM and a SSD in there and you're ready to go. Very neat and tidy. It's what I use for my entertainment system. I'd definitely get another NUC for a home entertainment or basic computer over a Mac mini. It was at the very least half the price and perfect for my needs. Also leaves more money for a better screen. Of course, things like iCloud Drive and passwords is the one big thing missing.

 

[Fishrrman]

OP:

You might be interested in the new m1 Mini that just came out.
I'd suggest the 16gb RAM version, at least 512gb SSD.

For displays, you might consider either a 27" 4k display (which will give you a "looks like" 1080p image), or possibly a 32" "QHD" display (which is NOT a retina-type display, but yields a very nice image at 1440p).

A list for display hunting that may be of use:

IPS Monitors: List of the Best LCD Panels

Updated list of IPS monitors (also AHVA, PLS and other In-Plane Switching based tech) that offer the best color accuracy and wide viewing angles.

www.pchardwarehelp.com