Is there an M3 iMac in your future?

[Mr. Dee]

I think Apple is planning a huge update for the iMac this fall:

- 25th Anniversary
- M3 analogous to G3 debut iMac 1998
- Likely 27 or 32 inch screen, similar to MacBook Air having a bigger 15 inch sibling.
- Same color options.
- Focus, great for Apple TV, FaceTime, multiple apps

 

[AL2TEACH]

I like the AIO configuration.

Yep and it seems like some people just can't wrap their minds around that one simple fact, lol. They keep saying how this and that are better instead of the user's Definition of better.

I'll wait to see if they ever return to the 27" form factor.

Supposedly, the new larger iMac will have the M3 and a 27" screen or larger. I just hope they don't price it like a hotel in Dubai, lol. I have a 27" 2015 iMac that serves me well, the newer OS's do not make me want to get some other machine, so I will hold out because for me, it's not an issue.

 

[pshufd]

Yep and it seems like some people just can't wrap their minds around that one simple fact, lol. They keep saying how this and that are better instead of the user's Definition of better.

Supposedly, the new larger iMac will have the M3 and a 27" screen or larger. I just hope they don't price it like a hotel in Dubai, lol. I have a 27" 2015 iMac that serves me well, the newer OS's do not make me want to get some other machine, so I will hold out because for me, it's not an issue.

I posted on Max Tech that I prefer an iPhone 13 mini and am waiting for another small phone from Apple, maybe in a few years and I like small phones for running with.

I received a comment that there are armbands that runners wear that can hold large phones and that that's an option. As if I, a runner of 30 years, know nothing about them or haven't already tried them out. So I explained why they don't work for me. And then there was the suggestion of the Apple Watch. I replied that I don't want to wear 2 watches as I wear a Garmin Fenix when running (or cycling).

People, for some reason, think that they know your needs better than you do even if you've been doing it for 30 years.

I'm happily typing this on my 2015 iMac 27.

 

[Chuckeee]

Definitely would have but I need to replace my 27” late-2012 iMac. I was not going to accept a smaller screen (no matter how good) and since I only upgrade when I have to (about every 10 years) it had to me SOC (not Intel).

So I would have gotten a new iMac if there was one available the satisfied those criteria. There wasn’t so I got a Mac mini instead

 

[pshufd]

Definitely would have but I need to replace my 27” late-2012 iMac. I was not going to accept a smaller screen (no matter how good) and since I only upgrade when I have to (about every 10 years) it had to me SOC (not Intel).

So I would have gotten a new iMac if there was one available the satisfied those criteria. There wasn’t so I got a Mac mini instead

What I'd love is a service that would take a mini and then convert the inside of a 27 inch iMac to use the display, speakers, webcam and microphones to connect to a new mini. And then I could call it the iMac-mini. Kind of something that Luke Miani would do.

 

[Steve121178]

My late 2012 iMac is on its last legs so I definitely want to upgrade as its my main machine (I have a M1 MBA but don't use it much). I would have made the jump a year ago if Apple released an M2 version, so I hope an M3 variant is imminent.

Given the choice I'd like to go for a 27" version, but if they only release another 24" model then that's fine. It will still be a nice upgrade to my non-retina 21.5" display!

My ideal spec would be M3/1TB/16GB RAM. Depending on how much they shaft us with UK pricing I'd like to stretch to 2TB but we'll see.

 

[PaulD-UK]

Quote @pshufd: "I'm wondering how much work it would be to stuff an M2 mini inside a 27 inch iMac after gutting it."

I'm using a DIY-built 27" iMac Pro 5K screen panel in a 2019 iMac 27" back case, connected to an M1 Mac mini, and its gorgeous to use.
Whilst I was building it I spent a week or so trying to include the M1 circuitry inside the iMac case. Arranging how the various ports would be accessible, and how to route the wifi and bluetooth cabling to the iMac's antennas was a HUGE problem.
In the end I gave up on that idea, put the screen on a VESA arm, and left the Mac mini externally in a vertical cradle dock.

Its a nice idea to make it and all-in-one, but not worth the effort. The Mini is so small it doesn't take up extra desk space, and the cabling and wifi/BT is as Apple designed it.

 

[pshufd]

Quote @pshufd: "I'm wondering how much work it would be to stuff an M2 mini inside a 27 inch iMac after gutting it."

I'm using a DIY-built 27" iMac Pro 5K screen panel in a 2019 iMac 27" back case, connected to an M1 Mac mini, and its gorgeous to use.
Whilst I was building it I spent a week or so trying to include the M1 circuitry inside the iMac case. Arranging how the various ports would be accessible, and how to route the wifi and bluetooth cabling to the iMac's antennas, was a HUGE problem.
In the end I gave up on that idea, put the screen on a VESA arm, and left the Mac mini externally in a vertical cradle dock.

Its a nice idea to make it and all-in-one, but not worth the effort. The Mini is so small it doesn't take up extra desk space, and the cabling and wifi/BT is as Apple designed it.

It's more the personal satisfaction fitting it into the case that I'd love. It would be easier in a 2009 or 2010 but I'd lose the 5k screen.

In the near-term, I will likely get a 2019 or 2020 iMac 27 or an iMac Pro when they get down to $500. They are getting close in my are on the 2019.

There are conversion kits to turn the 5k iMacs into monitors but I want the speakers, microphones and camera as well.

 

[bassanoclapper]

I think Apple is planning a huge update for the iMac this fall:
…..
- Same color options….

As the 24”?

If, that’s a big if, they release a larger iMac and it still has a white-ish border around the screen, then I’ll probably wait for an M3 Pro mini and get an external display

 

[Tagbert]

A 27 inch 5k monitor for $200 including computer, speakers, microphones and webcam with a minimal of wires is perfect for my setup. Next to my Mac Studio of course. But all of this could be done with 1 Max iMac too. I have standardized on 27 inch monitors. It would be too much of a headache to change sizes.

I’m not sure where you could get a $200 27” 5K monitor. Perhaps you could find a used, ”high mileage” LG Ultrafine.

 

[pshufd]

I’m not sure where you could get a $200 27” 5K monitor. Perhaps you could find a used, ”high mileage” LG Ultrafine.

No need. Someone would probably sell the LG Ultrafine for more.

The nice thing about old iMacs is that people want them taken out of their homes.

 

[ignatius345]

As the 24”?

If, that’s a big if, they release a larger iMac and it still has a white-ish border around the screen, then I’ll probably wait for an M3 Pro mini and get an external display

It's really not that big of a deal. The light border looks very white in product shots when the screen is off -- but in real life the display is always a lot brighter. You eyes adjust to the screen itself and the border ends up looking like a medium or even dark gray.

 

[mreg376]

My 2017 27" 4.2 GHz i7 iMac, which I upgraded with 64GB of RAM, will stay on my desk until Apple releases a new 27" iMac, or until it dies.

 

[ignatius345]

My 2017 27" 4.2 GHz i7 iMac, which I upgraded with 64GB of RAM, will stay on my desk until Apple releases a new 27" iMac, or until it dies.

I don't blame you. That's a very well spec'd machine with a gorgeous display and must have set you back some decent money. How is it holding up?

My own iMac 5K was a low-end model from 2014 and was wheezing and struggling by 2021 or so, even with 32 GB of RAM installed. The M1 iMac is so much massively faster than that thing was. I've gotten used to the smaller screen, but it still feels a little cramped with some of the design work I do -- especially with the zillion control palettes that end up on screen for InDesign or Illustrator.

 

[victorlim]

I am still using my mid-2011 iMac 27" and have been eagerly waiting for an iMac refresh at 27" or 32".

 

[Mr. Dee]

As the 24”?

If, that’s a big if, they release a larger iMac and it still has a white-ish border around the screen, then I’ll probably wait for an M3 Pro mini and get an external display

Its likely gonna have those big white bezels. I was looking at the new 15 inch Air recently and I was taken aback how thick the bezels are on it. Apple could have easily eked out 3 three inches more.

 

[Warped9]

Its likely gonna have those big white bezels. I was looking at the new 15 inch Air recently and I was taken aback how thick the bezels are on it. Apple could have easily eked out 3 three inches more.

Exaggerate much?

If there is one thing I find truly absurd with Macs it’s the standard keyboard on an iMac being a dinky thing with no numeric keypad and 15/16 inch MacBooks with no numeric pad either. At those price points it’s indefensible, particularly given how many people use these computers for video editing, 3D modelling and such where you enter a lot of numbers.

 

[Tagbert]

Exaggerate much?

If there is one thing I find truly absurd with Macs it’s the standard keyboard on an iMac being a dinky thing with no numeric keypad and 15/16 inch MacBooks with no numeric pad either. At those price points it’s indefensible, particularly given how many people use these computers for video editing, 3D modelling and such where you enter a lot of numbers.

Easy to add one

Bluetooth Number Pad for Laptop, Wireless Numeric keypad, 28 Keys Numpad Number Keypad Bluetooth 10 Keys Number Pad for Laptop, MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Surface Pro, etc

Bluetooth Number Pad for Laptop, Wireless Numeric keypad, 28 Keys Numpad Number Keypad Bluetooth 10 Keys Number Pad for Laptop, MacBook Air/Pro, iMac, Surface Pro, etc

www.amazon.com

 

[pshufd]

Exaggerate much?

If there is one thing I find truly absurd with Macs it’s the standard keyboard on an iMac being a dinky thing with no numeric keypad and 15/16 inch MacBooks with no numeric pad either. At those price points it’s indefensible, particularly given how many people use these computers for video editing, 3D modelling and such where you enter a lot of numbers.

I used to think that as well until a coworker introduced me to TKL keyboards and that's all I use now except for part-time use on Macs that I seldom type on. I have an iMac off to the side which is controlled via my M1 Studio but I sometimes need a keyboard on the system to enter a password. Apple sells a standard keyboard for those that want it. I think that part of the reason for the abbreviated keyboard is to have room for a trackpad and a mouse.

 

[Cape Dave]

Exaggerate much?

If there is one thing I find truly absurd with Macs it’s the standard keyboard on an iMac being a dinky thing with no numeric keypad and 15/16 inch MacBooks with no numeric pad either. At those price points it’s indefensible, particularly given how many people use these computers for video editing, 3D modelling and such where you enter a lot of numbers.

Yeah, the "magic" keyboard is not even backlit. Pathetic. Unconscionable really.

 

[curnalpanic]

I used to think that as well until a coworker introduced me to TKL keyboards and that's all I use now except for part-time use on Macs that I seldom type on.

Totally agree with you there; the big keyboards with numeric keys and the other keys, that are mostly for Windows, makes the mouse push uncomfortably far to the right for me. The only downside is the smaller arrow keys.

 

[George Dawes]

Having used mini's attached to 4k Tv's I can't wait to get a new iMac

It just ain't the same , especially for close up work