Need reality check to avoid expensive mistake - WWYD?

[tosolu3]

I'm in analysis paralysis. I work 95% remote via Logmein remote Windows desktop, using a mid-2015 MPB in clamshell mode with no issues. Had an old 27" Dell Ultrasharp monitor for years and upgraded to a 34" LG widescreen monitor, which I don't love (wasted space). Starting to get occasional MPB fan/heating issues and am worried about not having a backup system. My work is saved to my office server through the remote desktop. I'm not a power user - typical document manipulation/emails/printing locally though the remote desktop. I'll occassionally move my work to my local system if our home internet goes down and back up to an external hard drive. I have one ScanSnap and two printers connected by USB into my system because wireless always seems to fail when I need it most.

I want to switch to a more integrated, cleaner desktop system with an iPad for the occasional instance I need portability. (Or keep my MPB for backup assuming it continues to run). At first I thought I would buy an M1 Mac Mini with 16GB memory/512GB storage, which I'm sure is sufficient for my needs, and keep my monitor. But today I saw the 27" iMac with nano-texture screen and am completely enamored with it. (I I have old, easily fatigued eyes, and am super-sensitive to glare). The only thing holding me back is the lack of M1 chip. But does that even matter for my standard use? I've poured through this forum and site, and understand a new iMac is expected next year. But I don't need a Pro model with the associated higher price since I'm footing the bill. And I don't want to drop down to a 24" screen.

I don't have to buy anything today, but am weighing the risk of my MBP dying. Any downside to buying the Intel iMac for a non-power user?

Thank you for any thoughts.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I would not recommend buying any Intel Mac at this point in time. You likely won’t get the same level and duration of support you’ll get with Apple Silicon.

The rumored new iMac Pro will likely start at 512/16 with an even nicer screen than the current 27” iMac. It may start a few hundred higher but it looks like the price of entry will be significantly lower than the last iMac Pro’s $5k. I’d guess it’ll start around $2500 or maybe a little less. And the mini-LED and ProMotion will make it look amazing.

 

[EdwardC]

I would opt for the M1 Mini or a M1 iMac myself, have been remote for the last 30 years myself as well. I use a 24" Dell with my Mini which is also used for my HP workstation. Personally I think 24" is the sweet-spot (at least for me). Anyhow the M1 will give you really great and absolutely silent service. What ever you do go with a 16gb. version.

 

[UltimateSyn]

I would opt for the M1 Mini or a M1 iMac myself, have been remote for the last 30 years myself as well. I use a 24" Dell with my Mini which is also used for my HP workstation. Personally I think 24" is the sweet-spot (at least for me). Anyhow the M1 will give you really great and absolutely silent service. What ever you do go with a 16gb. version.

This is a good suggestion too. M1 Mini + External Display and an iPad on the go.

 

[Phil77354]

I agree with the other posts and since your current system is still working fine, even if you're worried about temps, my recommendation would be that you wait to see what Apple announces for the 27" iMac replacement. Your patience will be rewarded, I think!

Other than the iMac, you have plenty of choices - M1 mini as you are already considering, or one of the current M powered MacBook models.

 

[richmlow]

I'm in analysis paralysis. I work 95% remote via Logmein remote Windows desktop, using a mid-2015 MPB in clamshell mode with no issues. Had an old 27" Dell Ultrasharp monitor for years and upgraded to a 34" LG widescreen monitor, which I don't love (wasted space). Starting to get occasional MPB fan/heating issues and am worried about not having a backup system. My work is saved to my office server through the remote desktop. I'm not a power user - typical document manipulation/emails/printing locally though the remote desktop. I'll occassionally move my work to my local system if our home internet goes down and back up to an external hard drive. I have one ScanSnap and two printers connected by USB into my system because wireless always seems to fail when I need it most.

I want to switch to a more integrated, cleaner desktop system with an iPad for the occasional instance I need portability. (Or keep my MPB for backup assuming it continues to run). At first I thought I would buy an M1 Mac Mini with 16GB memory/512GB storage, which I'm sure is sufficient for my needs, and keep my monitor. But today I saw the 27" iMac with nano-texture screen and am completely enamored with it. (I I have old, easily fatigued eyes, and am super-sensitive to glare). The only thing holding me back is the lack of M1 chip. But does that even matter for my standard use? I've poured through this forum and site, and understand a new iMac is expected next year. But I don't need a Pro model with the associated higher price since I'm footing the bill. And I don't want to drop down to a 24" screen.

I don't have to buy anything today, but am weighing the risk of my MBP dying. Any downside to buying the Intel iMac for a non-power user?

Thank you for any thoughts.

I would recommend a M1 Mac mini, 16GB RAM, 512 GB SSD.

Good luck with your decision.


richmlow

 

[mpetrides]

Either the M1 Mac mini with external monitor or a 24 inch M1 iMac would serve you well. 16 GB of integrated memory should suffice but I would definitely recommend going with a 1 TB SSD since it sounds like you tend to keep your Mac on the longish side (you said you are using a 2015 MBP). I suspect that if you keep your new Mac for the same six years that you will find 512 GB of storage to be insufficient at the end.

 

[pmiles]

I concur with the others that if you intend on staying in the Mac ecosystem and remain current, ARM is the only way to go. Since you are not in any real hurry, I would wait out the next year to see what Apple offers in terms of a larger iMac. I agree a "pro" version might be over the top but they might have a decently spec'd low end version with a larger display that just might tick all your wants.

Hate to tell you this but the M1s are transitory machines. Anyone getting an M1 will likely replace it sooner rather than later because of hardware limitations that won't be present in the later models. These things shipped with very few ports and for good reason. The later models are all magically expanding in terms of ports, et al. Things that were obviously left out on the M1s. Odds are pretty good that most people settled on some aspects to get an M1 versus saying, YES! THIS IS THE ONLY COMPUTER I HAVE EVER WANTED OR NEEDED. Those who are waiting, are going to get the device they are seeking. Worst case scenario is that they can always get an M1 later... on the cheap if they so decide.

Until the full line up is out, you're basically shopping in a half-stocked store. Did you buy the item because it was what you wanted or because it was the only one left on the shelf?

Things to consider.

 

[PlayUltimate]

IMO, unless you have the need for an Intel chip (BootCamp?), I would not buy an Apple computer that has one at this point. The recommendation for the M1 Mini is good. Unless there is a strong reason that you must have one now, I would consider waiting until the 1st Qtr 2022.

 

[CWallace]

If you needed native local Windows support (via BootCamp or VM), then an Intel iMac 5K would be a solid option (I do, which is why I recently bought a 2020 Intel iMac 5K). But since you do all your Windows work via a remote console session, then Apple Silicon just offers so many more benefits over Intel when using macOS.

As for the 2022 iMac Pro, I believe could very well start at $1999-2299 for an M1 Pro (8/14) with 16GB RAM and 512GB SSD if you want a 27" 5K display (which seems to be what it is going to have). Or you could get a 14" MBP for a similar price or save a fair bit of money with an M1 Mac mini.

 

[tosolu3]

Thank you, everyone, for the thoughtful responses. Made me take a step back and think. This time, I really do want what I want vs. buying "the one left on the shelf." Besides ending up with a system that does what I need, I want to create a more visually appealing/efficient home office now that I'm permanently remote. I've spent the last year+ buried in cables and paper, which just adds stress. I think that's part of the reason I'm so taken by the iMac. It's so clean. So I'm going to wait and keep my fingers crossed my MBP keeps chugging along.

 

[UltimateSyn]

Thank you, everyone, for the thoughtful responses. Made me take a step back and think. This time, I really do want what I want vs. buying "the one left on the shelf." Besides ending up with a system that does what I need, I want to create a more visually appealing/efficient home office now that I'm permanently remote. I've spent the last year+ buried in cables and paper, which just adds stress. I think that's part of the reason I'm so taken by the iMac. It's so clean. So I'm going to wait and keep my fingers crossed my MBP keeps chugging along.

You’re going to be happy you waited. Next year’s big iMac will be incredible.

 

[briloronmacrumo]

So I'm going to wait and keep my fingers crossed my MBP keeps chugging along.

Apple hasn't filled in its complete line of Apple Silicon macs ( and we all assume a larger iMac and new Mac Pro are coming next year ), so since you're able to wait that would be my choice. As a non-power user, virtually any of Apple's refurbished macs could suffice if the MBP fails ( and that doesn't exclude the possibility of repairing the MBP depending on cost etc. ). Go with Apple Silicon macs if possible, as other posters have suggested. Good luck.