Mac Mini or Imac or update old 2009 imac

[Traveldog]

Hi Im new to the group and have been searching for some help deciding on either buying a new Imac or some other mac mini option with separate units. I am currently using a 2009 with below specs. Old I know. But would work just fine for my day to day use of emails,trip planning, web searches if it where not for now some of the web sites do not load or support the old operating system. 10.11.6 . and most recently my outgoing email (Bell) has stopped sending. I think its trying to tell me something.... time for the grave lol

I may end up doing more traveling in the future so the mac mini is enticing, but I also like having a all in one option. I guess I could buy a used macbook for traveling. So based on my usage of my machine for simple day to day things can anyone give me some suggestions on what to buy ie even if I went with Imac whats the most processor and memory I would need to last me another 10 years or so like the one im using.... by then I dont mind dishing out more money anyway in another 10 years. (also I dont do gaming just load up photos etc) Thx.



Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac9,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

 

[Ben J.]

Anything else than a M series mac would be just silly, IMO. Anything second hand with a M1 or M2 processor will be a big step up in processing speed and feeling of snappyness, let you run the latest versions of macOS and apps for a long time, and last you for many years. People are selling them for cheap these days, as they want to get the latest M3/M4s. Imac, Mini, or Macbook Air is a matter of preference.

Just remember that the base models of apple silicon has RAM and internal flash storage soldered to the CPU and therefore can not be upgraded. The storage is also often very small. And any old external harddisk you might have with Firewire connection willl not work. USB is still ok.

 

[Corefile]

You can probably install Linux Mint on it and use it for another ten years with modern software. I run Mint on a 2011 iMac and it's amazing.

 

[coffeemilktea]

I think any M-series Mac would be a massive upgrade compared to what you're using. You mentioned traveling; the M1 MacBook Air sells for pretty cheap these days.

 

[phrehdd]

From what you are saying, if you travel a bit, carrying a mac mini plus a monitor is rather cumbersome. If you are doing only the main things that you say, you might consider used M series iMac or do consider these alternative -
Used Macbook Air (or new)
or
an iPad as much of what do can be done nicely on an iPad.

If it were me, I would opt for the Macbook Air. Being the geek that I am, I might go to Astropad''s website and see if they still have that way of using an old iMac as just a monitor and repurpose it to be used with the Macbook Air.

With all this being said, I have always been a fan of the Mac Mini but it just doesn't seem to be a good fit for what you say you want to do (travel).

 

[Undo]

Hi Traveldog. By your username, sounds like traveling is truly in your heart! I agree with phrehdd that MBAirs and iPads are ideal for travelers. And they also sound ideal for your use case. One deciding factor may be whether you need a physical keyboard or whether an on-screen keyboard (13” iPad) is optimal for you. Is there anything that has set your heart on a desktop machine?

 

[Traveldog]

You can probably install Linux Mint on it and use it for another ten years with modern software. I run Mint on a 2011 iMac and it's amazing.

I’ve never heard of Linux mint. So looked it up , I c it’s an operating system . So how would that work then ? Would I have to remove iOS from my old Mac and download mint? And would that action delete all my photos and files ?

 

[Fishrrman]

"whats the most processor and memory I would need to last me another 10 years or so"

Then... DON'T buy a new iMac.

Mini? There are new ones coming later this year, but they'll be quite different than what the Mini "is" right now.

If someone told me that they needed a Mini "now", I'd advise:
- M2Pro Mini from the Apple online refurbished store.
- 16gb of RAM (standard), or possibly 32gb (10 years from now RAM requirements will surely have increased).
- 1tb SSD.

A laptop that will last 10 years?
Hmmmm
There will be new MacBook Pros with the m4 and m4PRO CPUs coming later this year. I'd wait for one of those.

I'd suggest the 14" model with an m4PRO CPU (instead of the non-pro m4).
Again either 16 or 32gb RAM (may be 18gb or 36gb on the new ones).
1tb SSD.

OR...
If price is an issue, you might consider an M2PRO MacBook Pro 14"
16gb RAM
512 or 1tb SSD.
^^^ from the Apple online refurbished store.

 

[ChrisA]

Hi Im new to the group and have been searching for some help deciding on either buying a new Imac or some other mac mini option with separate units. I am currently using a 2009 with below specs. Old I know. But would work just fine for my day to day use of emails,trip planning, web searches if it where not for now some of the web sites do not load or support the old operating system. 10.11.6 . and most recently my outgoing email (Bell) has stopped sending. I think its trying to tell me something.... time for the grave lol

I may end up doing more traveling in the future so the mac mini is enticing, but I also like having a all in one option. I guess I could buy a used macbook for traveling. So based on my usage of my machine for simple day to day things can anyone give me some suggestions on what to buy ie even if I went with Imac whats the most processor and memory I would need to last me another 10 years or so like the one im using.... by then I dont mind dishing out more money anyway in another 10 years. (also I dont do gaming just load up photos etc) Thx.



Model Name: iMac
Model Identifier: iMac9,1
Processor Name: Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed: 2.66 GHz
Number of Processors: 1
Total Number of Cores: 2
L2 Cache: 6 MB
Memory: 4 GB
Bus Speed: 1.07 GHz

As others are saying any M-Series mac will be a huge upgrade and more then up to the tasks you use it for. Even a used M1. Of course with a larger budget, the sky is the limit.

I doubt any computer you buy today will be what you want in 10 years. The way we use computers may change by them.

Also if your budget is very tight, Linux is free and a modern version of Linux will run on the old iMac, if you look for a "brand" of Linux made for low-resource computers. This is the best zero-cost option

The best and most cost-effective option would be to buy a used M-series MacBook (any model) so that you have a portable system and them also buy a 27" monitor and keyboard for use on the desktop. With a bigger budget, your opinions are wider. The current model Macbook will be supported by Apple for a little longer. But I think it is bad to plan so far in advance

 

[Traveldog]

As others are saying any M-Series mac will be a huge upgrade and more then up to the tasks you use it for. Even a used M1. Of course with a larger budget, the sky is the limit.

I doubt any computer you buy today will be what you want in 10 years. The way we use computers may change by them.

Also if your budget is very tight, Linux is free and a modern version of Linux will run on the old iMac, if you look for a "brand" of Linux made for low-resource computers. This is the best zero-cost option

The best and most cost-effective option would be to buy a used M-series MacBook (any model) so that you have a portable system and them also buy a 27" monitor and keyboard for use on the desktop. With a bigger budget, your opinions are wider. The current model Macbook will be supported by Apple for a little longer. But I think it is bad to plan so far in advance

Hi thats an interesting option.... buying a mac book used or new and plugging it into a monitor, then I just take it where ever I go on the road or travel. So I have a mediocre tech savy knowledge, so my only concern with that is what happens with the battery on the macbook when plugged into a monitor? will it drain battery or do you not have the battery on when plugged into a monitor?

I only have a old Imac and Ipad so not sure of all the ins and outs with a macbook. I have watched on youtube where people just plug macbook into back of monitor and you have your whole screen on the monitor from macbook.

 

[ChrisA]

Hi thats an interesting option.... buying a mac book used or new and plugging it into a monitor, then I just take it where ever I go on the road or travel. So I have a mediocre tech savy knowledge, so my only concern with that is what happens with the battery on the macbook when plugged into a monitor? will it drain battery or do you not have the battery on when plugged into a monitor?

I only have a old Imac and Ipad so not sure of all the ins and outs with a macbook. I have watched on youtube where people just plug macbook into back of monitor and you have your whole screen on the monitor from macbook.

The monitor can only be powered from AC mains. So the Macbook does not have to power it with its battery.

The Macbook can be either on battery or on the charger. Most people will put the Macbook on the charger when they can. If there is AC power for other monot then you would also have it for the Mac.

The battery willlast a lot longer if you don't use it except when you need to. Plug it into AC when you can.

Also there Mac will use less power if you close the lid. You would need an external keyboard and mouse to do that. But any USB keyboard and mouse will work, even if made by Microsoft. The Apple keyboards are better but expensive.

If you leave the lid up them you have two active monitors and can display more things at the same time.

 

[Traveldog]

Thanks for all the replies and ideas so far.... after looking at the price of a new imac and taking into consideration what I would be using it for Im thinking that maybe buying a used imac may be a good option and save myself some money. I am assuming that my Late 2009 imac cant be upgraded from the above....

So I saw this imac for sale 2017 21.5 retina 4K,
Specs 3 GHz quad core Radeon Pro 555 2gb dedicated graphics 8gb 2400 MHz DDR4 Ram 1TB hard Drive, Ventura OS $400...... does any one think this is a good idea for my basic needs web surfing, pictures, emails, music, and it is newer than my 2009, and hopefully the issue of web sites/pages not opening would be solved ??? or I am open to suggestions of what I should look for in a used machine. thx

 

[Big Bad D]

why not an iPad? I’m not clear what usage needs anything more? Easiest for travel.

 

[pmiles]

If cost is an issue to you, and it sounds like it is, then perhaps you should ask yourself if maybe a PC would be the better option here. Unless you are using very mac-centric applications that have no PC equivalent, odds are pretty good a PC may be a very good fit.

Buying a Mac out of habit makes Tim Cook happy but not necessarily your wallet. I switched back to a PC a couple of years ago. The water has been fine. Email is still email. Web browsing is still web browsing. Apps still do what apps do. World hasn't come to an end because I am not using Apple Silicon.

If you are going to upgrade, upgrade. Buying a slightly newer computer is like buying an old car with new tires on it. Sure, it won't need new tires for a while, but everything else about it is still as dated as the old one was. You kicked the can down the road a little. Same issues though.

The simple truth is Apple computers are expensive. That's fine, some people like seeing a BMW in the garage. Just saying that there is another option besides Apple.

 

[Traveldog]

If cost is an issue to you, and it sounds like it is, then perhaps you should ask yourself if maybe a PC would be the better option here. Unless you are using very mac-centric applications that have no PC equivalent, odds are pretty good a PC may be a very good fit.

Buying a Mac out of habit makes Tim Cook happy but not necessarily your wallet. I switched back to a PC a couple of years ago. The water has been fine. Email is still email. Web browsing is still web browsing. Apps still do what apps do. World hasn't come to an end because I am not using Apple Silicon.

If you are going to upgrade, upgrade. Buying a slightly newer computer is like buying an old car with new tires on it. Sure, it won't need new tires for a while, but everything else about it is still as dated as the old one was. You kicked the can down the road a little. Same issues though.

The simple truth is Apple computers are expensive. That's fine, some people like seeing a BMW in the garage. Just saying that there is another option besides Apple.

Thank you for your honest reply but the truth is I was a PC user and switched to apple and I just could not go back to PC. You have a good point referring to the old car.....etc and although cost is not the only factor I think its more principle and Im seeing M1 new computers on the market cheaper than the M3 of coarse so im wondering would that be a good enough upgrade for me from my 2009 ? probably but for how long.... thats the question. : )

 

[Ben J.]

So I saw this imac for sale 2017 21.5 retina 4K, Specs 3 GHz quad core Radeon Pro 555 2gb dedicated graphics 8gb 2400 MHz DDR4 Ram 1TB hard Drive, Ventura OS $400

It will do you fine. A nice plug'n play imac with Ventura is a nice, easy solution, and it could last you for years, but it will not qualify for new versions of macOS very, very soon. I'm guessing it probably qualifies for running Sonoma, the latest, but I wouldn't be surpriced if it didn't with the next, Sequoya, which means you'd have to stay on Sonoma forever, and you'll eventually get into the situation you are now, with not being able to upgrade software, things not working etc. It's a seven years old model, after all.

I still say; get a cheap used mac with M1. It's leaps ahead in every way.

 

[Traveldog]

It will do you fine. A nice plug'n play imac with Ventura is a nice, easy solution, and it could last you for years, but it will not qualify for new versions of macOS very, very soon. I'm guessing it probably qualifies for running Sonoma, the latest, but I wouldn't be surpriced if it didn't with the next, Sequoya, which means you'd have to stay on Sonoma forever, and you'll eventually get into the situation you are now, with not being able to upgrade software, things not working etc. It's a seven years old model, after all.

I still say; get a cheap used mac with M1. It's leaps ahead in every way.

Ok thank you thats what I was wondering...... dont want to end up in same situation few years from now. I see some deals on M1's

 

[Ben J.]

Everymac.com is a very useful resource when looking for a mac.

Here's their info on the 2017 imac:

iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, Mid-2017) Specs (Retina 4K, Mid-2017, MNDY2LL/A, iMac18,2, A1418, 3069): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, Mid-2017). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

It says actually "Maximum OS: Ventura", so it's already at it's end of support OS-wise.

 

[Traveldog]

Everymac.com is a very useful resource when looking for a mac.

Here's their info on the 2017 imac:

iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, Mid-2017) Specs (Retina 4K, Mid-2017, MNDY2LL/A, iMac18,2, A1418, 3069): EveryMac.com

Technical specifications for the iMac "Core i5" 3.0 21.5" (4K, Mid-2017). Dates sold, processor type, memory info, hard drive details, price and more.

everymac.com

It says actually "Maximum OS: Ventura", so it's already at it's end of support OS-wise.

Ok thank you yes great resource for someone like me with limited knowledge of what all the specs could mean.

 

[Snowlover]

Coming to this a bit late, but I think all you really need right now is a different browser, like chromium legacy, that will still work with modern web pages.
Many people are still using early intel macs with these browsers.

Web browsers for early Intel Macs

Finding web browsers that are still usable on today’s web can be a chore for older versions of OS X. The following is a list of known, up-to-date (or relatively up-to-date) and maintained web browsers, e-mail clients, and FTP clients, for Intel Macs with at least Snow Leopard support, then Lion...

forums.macrumors.com