Mac Mini M1 + Monitor + Kbd/Trackpad vs iMac M1

[deaglecat]

Has anyone done the maths for the cost difference between the integrated - say 8+8 core, 8/256 - (iMac M1) and same config roll-your-own Mac Mini (M1) + Ext Monitor + Kbd/Trackpad ?

iMac = $1499
Mac Mini = $699. Which leaves $800 for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse

In terms of compute power, they seem to share the same capability. Unless I have missed something.

I am just wondering what the additional spend is for the funky themed colours and sleek integrated design.

 

[pshufd]

Add in what looks to be a really great sound system, microphone and camera, and Ethernet dongle and losing the mess of wires behind the desk and a power strip. I use Dell 4K monitors and I buy their Ultrasharps and a 27 inch 4k is currrently $738 at Amazon. The LG Ultrafine is $405 so there's a cost range. My understanding is that the technical specs on the Apple monitor (pixels, brightness) are somewhat better.

The iMac also has some benefit in portability as the monitor and computer are one piece.

 

[maflynn]

I was just contemplating this after watching LTT's YT about the 04/20 event.
One one hand, Apple took a processor that is found in the MBA and put it in the iPad - People are cheering that move and its a great. Hell, I'll be being a new iPad.

Now take that same processor and put it in a desktop computer? Why spend all that money on an iMac when you can build yourself something much cheaper but with better specs, i.e., larger monitor.

I'm not knocking the iMac, I was (and to a degree still am) tempted. I love the looks and I think Apple made some great improvements on the iMac, but to put the same processor in as a 700 dollar machine, well I think there's a disconnect for me.

 

[deaglecat]

Cost aside, I think it comes down to whether you can live with 24 inches, which is the only integrated screen size available at this time. I have no doubt that the Apple screen will be top notch.

 

[deeddawg]

Has anyone done the maths for the cost difference between the integrated - say 8+8 core, 8/256 - (iMac M1) and same config roll-your-own Mac Mini (M1) + Ext Monitor + Kbd/Trackpad ?

iMac = $1499
Mac Mini = $699. Which leaves $800 for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse

In terms of compute power, they seem to share the same capability. Unless I have missed something.

I am just wondering what the additional spend is for the funky themed colours and sleek integrated design.

Forgot 1080p webcam, microphone, speakers.

I've not been following the market of 4.5K 24" displays - what do they cost?

Generally speaking though, the benefit of the iMac is its all-in-one nature that'll appeal to the non-techies who just want to order a computer and not have to think about different monitor and webcam and speaker options.

... and that convenience comes at a cost.

The price-conscious will generally be better off buying a mini.

 

[deeddawg]

Cost aside, I think it comes down to whether you can live with 24 inches, which is the only integrated screen size available at this time. I have no doubt that the Apple screen will be top notch.

You can still order a 27" iMac in Intel.

Presumably those will be transitioned to Apple Silicon in the future along with the four-port MacbookPros and higher-port-count Minis.

 

[deeddawg]

Now take that same processor and put it in a desktop computer? Why spend all that money on an iMac when you can build yourself something much cheaper but with better specs, i.e., larger monitor.

I'm not knocking the iMac, I was (and to a degree still am) tempted. I love the looks and I think Apple made some great improvements on the iMac, but to put the same processor in as a 700 dollar machine, well I think there's a disconnect for me.

I suspect the primary target market for the 24" iMac does not substantially overlap the typical MacRumors population.

There are folks in my extended family who would be utterly lost trying to select and assemble a functioning mini/monitor/webcam/microphone/speaker combination and get it all plugged in together. Yes they'd be spending more for one of these 24" iMacs but it'd be simple to set up and any troubleshooting/support assistance would be entirely centralized.

 

[Lord Hamsa]

My first blush opinion is that the new iMacs are not targeting power users, but rather average desktop users. The M1 gives them plenty of power for routine tasks in a compact and quiet package. You might be able to assemble an M1 Mini rig with keyboard/mouse/monitor/webcam/speakers with approximately equal specs for less money, but I doubt by very much and you'd have a clunky and inelegant setup with a lot of cabling compared to a sleek all-in-one form factor.

 

[Robospungo]

I did the math earlier today.

The new iMac is nearly $400 CAD cheaper than the equivalent M1 Mac Mini + 24” LG 4K Ultrafine + Magic keyboard + Magic mouse.

This is in Canada using the student discount.

 

[DennisdeWit]

I have been on the same decision. I have been doubting between a Mac Mini M1 + LG 27UL850. I decided to NOT do that. The 24 inch iMac certainly is not for me as I am currently using a 27 inch iMac and don’t want a smaller screen at all.

However, at the Big Sur beta’s, two new iMacs were found. Only one was released. That means the bigger iMac still is in the works. So I will be waiting for it. I have a perfectly fine 2019 iMac with a Samsung X5 Thunderbolt SSD and put 64GB of RAM in it. I didn’t really need it, but 64GB of RAM was only 75 EUR more on Amazon.

Why I am waiting for the iMac? Let me say I don’t love the new design. But I will need to get used to it. This is Apples new design language. But I love iMacs. The screen is still glossy, 5K Retina is amazing. Everything looks sharp and great. No cluttering with cables. So I will stay an iMac user. Even if that means I will have to learn to live with white bezels. I would choose silver or blue then. Or, if there ever will be released a black one, choose that one.

However, not setting my hopes up for an iMac Pro. At least not for 5500 EUR. Would be totally overkill for me.

 

[theluggage]

Mac Mini = $699. Which leaves $800 for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse

Like the 4k and 5k iMacs before it, it will probably come down to whether the display fits your needs or not. On past performance, the display should be excellent - and the mic and speakers should also exceed expectations for something built in to a display. Sounds like the camera is better, too (although I've always found the iMac camera more than good enough for video calls and don't know what else a selfie cam in a desktop is supposed to be for) Also note that the display is 4480x2520 resolution - actual 4k, if not 4.5k - somewhat higher than your typical 3rd party UHD 3840x2160 "so-called 4k" job.

If that's the sort of display you want, and you don't mind not being able to use it with other equipment, then it's probably well worth that $800.

If you want to choose something different for your display and/or want to be able to use it independently of the Mac, then it's worth approximately $0.

That said, if I wanted to pick my own displays I'd probably wait for the M1X/M2/whatever - in the expectation that it should be able to drive more than 2 displays.

 

[MacCheetah3]

This...

Cost aside, I think it comes down to whether you can live with 24 inches, which is the only integrated screen size available at this time. I have no doubt that the Apple screen will be top notch.

I’m currently looking to go 32” 4K and an M1 Mac mini as my next system. However, I’ll probably consider the presumably 30” iMac — hopefully, the upper tiers arrive this fall -- if I don’t upgrade before then.

 

[deaglecat]

For those who need multi-monitors or bigger than 24 inches, then there is always the possibility of a slave monitor using Thunderbolt/USB C to HDMI - albeit with some degree of inelegant dongle-based clunkiness. That 2 display option (and limit) is also present for the Mac Mini.

Personally, I prefer a large 27+ screen as the main work focus and a smaller (24ish) screen as a slave for Youtube/Movies etc.

 

[alien3dx]

Has anyone done the maths for the cost difference between the integrated - say 8+8 core, 8/256 - (iMac M1) and same config roll-your-own Mac Mini (M1) + Ext Monitor + Kbd/Trackpad ?

iMac = $1499
Mac Mini = $699. Which leaves $800 for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse

In terms of compute power, they seem to share the same capability. Unless I have missed something.

I am just wondering what the additional spend is for the funky themed colours and sleek integrated design.

curve monitor wide

1 . like me i'm using 2 monitor but if 24 can you get similiar size 24 ?
2. mouse - useless . Im using 3 buck logitech and trackpad.
3. Proc - mac mini i think got 8 core gpu and the imac price , ish ish
4. hdmi
5. travel

** mac mini 16 gb much cheaper and worth value.

 

[sanfrancisofont1984]

Now take that same processor and put it in a desktop computer? Why spend all that money on an iMac when you can build yourself something much cheaper but with better specs, i.e., larger monitor.

A typical 27-inch 4K IPS monitor is larger. But it has lower pixel density compared to that of 24-inch 4.5k and it would require one to be running "fractional scaling". I'm typing with 32-inch 4K IPS right now but it was not a money saver.

 

[alien3dx]

For those who need multi-monitors or bigger than 24 inches, then there is always the possibility of a slave monitor using Thunderbolt/USB C to HDMI - albeit with some degree of inelegant dongle-based clunkiness. That 2 display option (and limit) is also present for the Mac Mini.

Personally, I prefer a large 27+ screen as the main work focus and a smaller (24ish) screen as a slave for Youtube/Movies etc.

i have broken few usb c cable / usb hub.. I wouldn't advise. I'm using apple tv 4k now for extend monitor . It's more easier me to switch monitor compare 2 usb c hub .

macbook m1 -> usb c hub
imac 2017 -> usb c hub..

Stay out from dongle life man.

 

[Abazigal]

I was just contemplating this after watching LTT's YT about the 04/20 event.
One one hand, Apple took a processor that is found in the MBA and put it in the iPad - People are cheering that move and its a great. Hell, I'll be being a new iPad.

Now take that same processor and put it in a desktop computer? Why spend all that money on an iMac when you can build yourself something much cheaper but with better specs, i.e., larger monitor.

I'm not knocking the iMac, I was (and to a degree still am) tempted. I love the looks and I think Apple made some great improvements on the iMac, but to put the same processor in as a 700 dollar machine, well I think there's a disconnect for me.

My guess is that this product is aimed at the mass consumer market. For these people, the imac represents an integrated solution which just works right out of the box. They are not interested in shopping online for a separate 4K display, wireless keyboard, mouse, speaker system, webcam etc. They are not interested in saving a few dollars here and there.

They just want to be able to walk in to an Apple store and walk out with a single box that contains everything they will need. Go home, take the imac out of the box and place it on the table. Plug in a single power cable, connect the keyboard and mouse, and you are good to go.

Convenience and ease of use is the key selling point here.

 

[Cassandle]

My guess is that this product is aimed at the mass consumer market. For these people, the imac represents an integrated solution which just works right out of the box. They are not interested in shopping online for a separate 4K display, wireless keyboard, mouse, speaker system, webcam etc. They are not interested in saving a few dollars here and there.

They just want to be able to walk in to an Apple store and walk out with a single box that contains everything they will need. Go home, take the imac out of the box and place it on the table. Plug in a single power cable, connect the keyboard and mouse, and you are good to go.

Convenience and ease of use is the key selling point here.

This.

I needed a new Mac at the end of last year so went with the M1 Mini. It’s a fantastic machine, and I already had an old Magic Keyboard and the Apple Trackpad, so the only extra expense was a monitor.

Finding a monitor is a nightmare (go into the Mac Mini forum and you‘ll see countless threads about this).

Then if you want a webcam, that’s a separate purchase.

I wish I’d have held out a bit longer with my 2011 MBP because the new iMac is perfect for me.

 

[pshufd]

For those who need multi-monitors or bigger than 24 inches, then there is always the possibility of a slave monitor using Thunderbolt/USB C to HDMI - albeit with some degree of inelegant dongle-based clunkiness. That 2 display option (and limit) is also present for the Mac Mini.

Personally, I prefer a large 27+ screen as the main work focus and a smaller (24ish) screen as a slave for Youtube/Movies etc.

I prefer matching screens at 27 inches which is why my old 27 inch fits in nicely with my Dell monitors even though it has a different resolution. The new larger one might not fit in well with my existing setup. But it's an option. I have wires running around my desk as it is.

 

[4sallypat]

This.

I needed a new Mac at the end of last year so went with the M1 Mini. It’s a fantastic machine, and I already had an old Magic Keyboard and the Apple Trackpad, so the only extra expense was a monitor.

Finding a monitor is a nightmare (go into the Mac Mini forum and you‘ll see countless threads about this).

Then if you want a webcam, that’s a separate purchase.

I wish I’d have held out a bit longer with my 2011 MBP because the new iMac is perfect for me.

+1
I love my M1 Mini - it can be changed to suit your needs (currently running 4K 32" + 27" Apple Thunderbolt) and 1TB external LaCie Thunderbolt 1 storage.

Pre-ordering the iMac this month, I am getting one for my wife - she currently uses a 2019 21.5" SLOW spinning HDD iMac w/ external bootable LaCie SSD + 27" Thunderbolt monitor as her second display and this iMac would be perfect.
She does not care to mix/match/change peripherals and prefers an AIO.

 

[deeddawg]

She does not care to mix/match/change peripherals and prefers an AIO.

Exactly who these imacs seem to be aimed towards: those who want the convenience of an AIO system.

Not the power users. Not the price conscious. Not the tinkerers.

Apple knows folks will pay more for simplicity / convenience and will ride that all the way to the bank.

 

[alien3dx]

Exactly who these imacs seem to be aimed towards: those who want the convenience of an AIO system.

Not the power users. Not the price conscious. Not the tinkerers.

Apple knows folks will pay more for simplicity / convenience and will ride that all the way to the bank.

been mac mini first then imac then macbook. The most reason mac mini /imac before is just pure keyboard problem which i'm dam scare in windows platform laptop. I do hope the new keyboard really water proof .. dam a little tiny water. hell loose
** Power user here

 

[chouseworth]

Has anyone done the maths for the cost difference between the integrated - say 8+8 core, 8/256 - (iMac M1) and same config roll-your-own Mac Mini (M1) + Ext Monitor + Kbd/Trackpad ?

iMac = $1499
Mac Mini = $699. Which leaves $800 for Monitor/Keyboard/Mouse

In terms of compute power, they seem to share the same capability. Unless I have missed something.

I am just wondering what the additional spend is for the funky themed colours and sleek integrated design.

I think another factor to be considered is the AIO iMac will be likely be extremely difficult to repair, not to mention the headaches involved with the monitor and the system being integrated into a single form factor. I like the idea of being able to replace/upgrade the monitor or the system without having to do both. Of course it comes down to personal preference. If the M1 iMac had better specs I might be tempted, but with it being essentially the same performance as the Mini, it's an expensive and unnecessary no-go for me even considering the beautiful Apple display. My 27" Dell U2720Q with USB-C interface gives it a good run for its money. To each his own.

 

[xraydoc]

Exactly who these imacs seem to be aimed towards: those who want the convenience of an AIO system.

Not the power users. Not the price conscious. Not the tinkerers.

The hard part is someone like me -- I'm very much a power user, but I'm at the age where I don't enjoy fussing too much with connections, cables, compatibility, etc. I just want it to work. Unfortunately, I also want screen real estate, performance, and quality. I'm an academic, so while I don't need massive parallel raw CPU performance for complex simulations, I do need it to be able to handle numerous apps & documents open at the same time, high-quality text and strong color & grayscale performance. Something that can match my Dell UP3216Q for image quality (which I'm expecting the new iMac display to do).

I'm so far more than satisfied with the performance of my 16GB M1 Mac. So, the performance part is settled.

I'm looking forward to hopefully something like a 5.5K 30" iMac.

About 8-10 years ago I told myself I'd never buy another all-in-one because I wanted to upgrade this or replace that.... now I just want something clean, simple and "just works" but that can meet my requirements... things often mutually exclusive.

I'm the worst customer. Or the best since I replace things too frequently.

 

[pshufd]

The hard part is someone like me -- I'm very much a power user, but I'm at the age where I don't enjoy fussing too much with connections, cables, compatibility, etc. I just want it to work. Unfortunately, I also want screen real estate, performance, and quality. I'm an academic, so while I don't need massive parallel raw CPU performance for complex simulations, I do need it to be able to handle numerous apps & documents open at the same time, high-quality text and strong color & grayscale performance. Something that can match my Dell UP3216Q for image quality (which I'm expecting the new iMac display to do).

I'm so far more than satisfied with the performance of my 16GB M1 Mac. So, the performance part is settled.

I'm looking forward to hopefully something like a 5.5K 30" iMac.

About 8-10 years ago I told myself I'd never buy another all-in-one because I wanted to upgrade this or replace that.... now I just want something clean, simple and "just works" but that can meet my requirements... things often mutually exclusive.

I'm the worst customer. Or the best since I replace things too frequently.

I take a hybrid approach. Big Windows 10 desktop next to a Mac and tie them with a software KV solution. So I can have my system with a ton of RAM and SSD and the CPU choice (well, M1 changes the game), and macOS.