iMac 21.5 or macMini M1 ?

[UnDholly]

Hello. I thinking about new computer (currently I use MacBook Air13) but for me a bit old already.
I not really use powerfull program. Mostly excel and open many tabs in google chrome for work.

So I think about:

1. 21.5 iMac 3.6GHz Quad-Core Processor 256GB Storage Retina 4K Display
2. MacMini Apple M1 Chip with 8-Core CPU and 8-Core GPU 256GB Storage + monitor 27inch + mouse + keyboard.

My budget is 1300$ not over.
1 everything in one. also good retina display. but 2 is very powerfull machine with not retina display.

Also I want to know who use same iMac. Everything work pretty smooth ? Not have lags ? How I say before. I dont need computer for games and powerfull programs. Most hard thing what I will do.. maybe open over 50+ tabs in Chrome. ))

What should I choose guys ?

 

[r6mile]

I wouldn't buy Intel machines anymore. If you can't wait until the release of Apple Silicon iMacs probably next year, then the Mac Mini option is the way I would go.

 

[UnDholly]

I wouldn't buy Intel machines anymore. If you can't wait until the release of Apple Silicon iMacs probably next year, then the Mac Mini option is the way I would go.

whats wrong with Intel ?

 

[r6mile]

whats wrong with Intel ?

Nothing, except that the new M1 Macs absolutely destroy them performance-wise. So you'd be buying into tech that will be out of date much sooner. Looking at Geekbench specs, the CPU in the M1 Mac Mini is at least twice as fast as 21.5 iMac you mention.

 

[velocityg4]

If you are willing to get a 21.5" iMac. Why not pair the Mini with a 24" 4K monitor for an experience similar to the retina display?

I'd also add that the M1 Mac Mini will most likely have a longer OS support life than the iMac. If you plan to keep the computer a long time. This would allow it to keep up to date longer.

$899 - Mac Mini
- M1 CPU
- 16GB RAM
- 256GB SSD
- You can never add more RAM, but you can always add external storage

$300 - LG 24UD58-B 23.8" 4K
- You can get a 28" 4K IPS display for about $260. Still high DPI but further from retina than a 24" 4K.
- There will probably be Black Friday deals on 4K displays.

$80 - Logitech MK850 Keyboard and Mouse (Bluetooth)

 

[UnDholly]

velocityg4 I read not all monitor can use for Mac because of PPI. LG 24UD58-B 23.8 over 110 PPI. Everything will be look smaller than should be

 

[velocityg4]

velocityg4 I read not all monitor can use for Mac because of PPI. LG 24UD58-B 23.8 over 110 PPI. Everything will be look smaller than should be

You just use scaling in the System Preferences. To get the resolution of 4K by text and UI elements scaled. I know there was some problems early on with retina scaling on some third party monitors. But I think that was resolved a long time ago. With macOS going to retina mode by default on 4K and higher screens.

Enabling System Preferences > Display’s „Retina scaling options“ on an external HiRes/HiDPI but Non-4K display (Dell U2515H)?

I just bought the 2560 x 1440 px @ 25 inch (117.5 dpi) Dell U2515H monitor and must say that I'm pretty pleased with the design and quality of the display. Excellent bang for the buck, very thin,

apple.stackexchange.com

 

[Robospungo]

There is a huge difference between 21.5" and 27". You must have a preference between the two, no?

If you can wait 4 months there are rumors of a new 24" iMac with M1 coming around March 2021.