Reasons not to buy an Intel iMac

[LeeW]

The Intel Macs are still good machines. As mentioned above by @turbineseaplane they can still do a lot more. Perhaps that is why you didn't like the M1 but unless I missed it you still haven't said why. If it's just the design/feel of it, software compatibility then fair, anything else then I can't see you will like an intel one any better.

I mean, the reality is they are on their way out now but there is a solid 5 years of support still in them, probably more. People seem to think everyone will be on Mx in a couple of years. Not going to happen. The process to convert all existing owners to Apple Silicon is going to be a slow process. But Apple will cut support at the point the numbers get below a certain level. Only they know what that is and when they expect it.

 

[glaze]

After looking closely at your profile picture and re-reading your original question: just get the refurbished Intel.

 

[MajorFubar]

Yup, not heard of any of those. I have over 1,000 macs in my environment. All running Monterey, without a single issue.

You're kidding right? This website alone is awash with people complaining about bugs in Monterey. I don't even run it and I know about them.

Not saying people aren’t having any issues, just that Apple issues tend to be blown out of proportion. It’s obviously a minor issue considering I work in tech and didn’t hear about it until I came on Macrumors Forum.

So you have heard of them then...

 

[CooperBox]

Rather than us all p*ssing in the dark with wild guesses, how about you tell us what you didn't like about the M1 you returned, we can then tell you if an intel version will be a better option.

Personally I wouldn't touch an Intel Mac with a ten foot pole. Like others have said it's buying into a dying ecosystem (on the Mac at least)

Unless one was gifted to me, I wouldn't touch an M1 Mac with a twenty foot pole. Mark my words in a very short space of time, the ads will be full of them at rock-bottom prices when problems occur and users become aware of the horrendous quotes for repairs.
Now that I've bought into the alleged "dying (2020 Intel) ecosystem", I'm truly loving it, as are many others too!

 

[MajorFubar]

Unless one was gifted to me, I wouldn't touch an M1 Mac with a twenty foot pole. Mark my words in a very short space of time, the ads will be full of them at rock-bottom prices when problems occur and users become aware of the horrendous quotes for repairs.
Now that I've bought into the alleged "dying (2020 Intel) ecosystem", I'm truly loving it, as are many others too!

Sorry, run it by me again just how repairable you think your Intel Mac is? Good luck with it anyway. It's a good way to keep warm in winter.

 

[CooperBox]

Sorry, run it by me again just how repairable you think your Intel Mac is? Good luck with it anyway. It's a good way to keep warm in winter.

Twice as *repairable* as the current M1 iMac which scored a shamefull 2/10.
*Memory is easily replaceable with off-the-shelf RAM sticks.
*As most components are modular, parts are easily removable with standard Torx & Phillips screwdriver.
* The CPU is socketed and thus may be changed or upgraded. Internal storage however not upgradeable.

It's quite warm here at the moment and to date I've never seen my iMac record over 59deg C. So unfortunately I can't see it helping with my winter fuel bills......

 

[ADGrant]

Cons: As noted above by others, the Intel Mac is slower, hotter, noisier. It does not allow for machine learning (ML), whereas all M-series chips do. My general use photo editor (Pixelmator) already benefits from that. Most software that relies on ML is still nascent but in the next 1-2 years I imagine its benefits will be hard to ignore.

The Intel Macs are not all slower than M1 Macs. The Intel MacBooks may be but the higher end Intel desktop Macs are faster for some workloads and the higher end GPUs are sometimes a lot faster.

As for Pixelmator, I use it on my Intel Mac and the ML features are fully supported.

 

[MBAir2010]

Unless one was gifted to me, I wouldn't touch an M1 Mac with a twenty foot pole.

my freelance company offered a new macbook air for free, i declined.
simply because I'm still enjoying and using my macbook air from 2010.

 

[ADGrant]

Twice as *repairable* as the current M1 iMac which scored a shamefull 2/10.
*Memory is easily replaceable with off-the-shelf RAM sticks.
*As most components are modular, parts are easily removable with standard Torx & Phillips screwdriver.
* The CPU is socketed and thus may be changed or upgraded. Internal storage however not upgradeable.

It's quite warm here at the moment and to date I've never seen my iMac record over 59deg C. So unfortunately I can't see it helping with my winter fuel bills......

The Intel Mac Pro is even more repairable of course. You can change or upgrade the internal storage, the gpu and the CPU. I just wish I could justify the cost.

 

[MajorFubar]

Twice as *repairable* as the current M1 iMac which scored a shamefull 2/10.
*Memory is easily replaceable with off-the-shelf RAM sticks.
*As most components are modular, parts are easily removable with standard Torx & Phillips screwdriver.
* The CPU is socketed and thus may be changed or upgraded. Internal storage however not upgradeable.

It's quite warm here at the moment and to date I've never seen my iMac record over 59deg C. So unfortunately I can't see it helping with my winter fuel bills......

I assume you've bought a Mac Pro because otherwise if the Mac you've bought is literally that old you can update all those parts then the threat of obsolescence hugely outweighs the chance of an M1 breaking down. By and large I'm very happy with the tech in my signature block, all of which can also be repaired or upgraded, but I'm changing it because it's obsolete and unsupported. That's a way bigger threat to me than the irreparable new stuff breaking down.

BTW I do in theory agree with you about not being able to repair modern gear. I don't know whether it's unavoidably built that way for cost and efficiency or whether that view is just pain naive.

 

[SalisburySam]

*As most components are modular, parts are easily removable with standard Torx & Phillips screwdriver.
* The CPU is socketed and thus may be changed or upgraded. Internal storage however not upgradeable.

While the components themselves, other than internal storage as you point out, are modular and easily replaced, the problem for me is separating and handling the front screen. And putting it back. Among other things this requires a steady hand, and a spudger. A spudger. OMG my dad’s huge tool cabinet doesn’t have a spudger, I don’t have a spudger, no one I know has a spudger, and I can’t even get one in two days on my Amazon Prime account. And that’s assuming I wanted one. Which I don’t. Because taking apart my iMac is for me a bit like removing my own kidney. Fully awake. With kitchen knives. And without a spudger. Not going to happen.

 

[MajorFubar]

OMG my dad’s huge tool cabinet doesn’t have a spudger, I don’t have a spudger, no one I know has a spudger, and I can’t even get one in two days on my Amazon Prime account. And that’s assuming I wanted one. Which I don’t. Because taking apart my iMac is for me a bit like removing my own kidney. Fully awake. With kitchen knives. And without a spudger. Not going to happen.

iMac and spudger owner here. Specialising in iMac upgrades, also part time dabbler in open-heart surgery on ants, bilateral orchiectomy on gnats, and microbe hair-stylist.

 

[SalisburySam]

iMac and spudger owner here. Specialising in iMac upgrades, also part time dabbler in open-heart surgery on ants, bilateral orchiectomy on gnats, and microbe hair-stylist.

You have an obviously and enviably steady hand. And the first person to admit to owning a spudger in my limited experiences. That alone gets so many gold stars but being able to actually use one for iMac upgrades? Incredible indeed. Kidding aside, iMac surgery is beyond my dexterity, my desires, and (clearly) my toolbox.

By the way, just how are the gnats doing? Hopefully the local population is diminishing post surgical interventions.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

iMac and spudger owner here. Specialising in iMac upgrades, also part time dabbler in open-heart surgery on ants, bilateral orchiectomy on gnats, and microbe hair-stylist.

Oh hey, is this you?!?

Worlds Tiniest Masterpieces | Willard Wigan | Birmingham

DR Willard Wigan MBE creator of the worlds smallest hand made scupltures. Guiness World Record Holder for the worlds smallest hand sculptor.

www.willardwiganmbe.com

 

[Nicole1980]

While the components themselves, other than internal storage as you point out, are modular and easily replaced, the problem for me is separating and handling the front screen. And putting it back. Among other things this requires a steady hand, and a spudger. A spudger. OMG my dad’s huge tool cabinet doesn’t have a spudger, I don’t have a spudger, no one I know has a spudger, and I can’t even get one in two days on my Amazon Prime account. And that’s assuming I wanted one. Which I don’t. Because taking apart my iMac is for me a bit like removing my own kidney. Fully awake. With kitchen knives. And without a spudger. Not going to happen.

You’re wrong on two counts:

IFixit and OWC has all the tools you need. They’re not expensive and opening the Mac is not as hard as you think. I’ve done it successfully a half dozen times.

I really do get weary of people who’ve never done a certain thing talking about how hard it is to do that certain thing.

 

[robertjoe]

I have faced a problem to upgrade the hard drive and processor myself. It’s too difficult to upgrade, and Apple provides no support for end-user upgrades beyond RAM. ?

 

[Nicole1980]

I have faced a problem to upgrade the hard drive and processor myself. It’s too difficult to upgrade, and Apple provides no support for end-user upgrades beyond RAM. ?

Replacing the processor, yes - that's a challenge.

But opening the screen and replacing the spinning portion of the fusion drive with an SSD is not all that difficult.

 

[CooperBox]

I assume you've bought a Mac Pro because otherwise if the Mac you've bought is literally that old you can update all those parts then the threat of obsolescence hugely outweighs the chance of an M1 breaking down. By and large I'm very happy with the tech in my signature block, all of which can also be repaired or upgraded, but I'm changing it because it's obsolete and unsupported. That's a way bigger threat to me than the irreparable new stuff breaking down.

BTW I do in theory agree with you about not being able to repair modern gear. I don't know whether it's unavoidably built that way for cost and efficiency or whether that view is just pain naive.

No, as previously indicated I purchased the last of the Intel model 2020 iMac's, which imho is far from 'old'.
Having said that, it's good to see that you do have some good taste and at least we agree on a few things - namely the choice of your other Macs from your signature. I have the same with the exception of iPad and iPod. Plus many more in my large collection of Macs dating back to 1998, all of which are fully functional - indeed vintage, and also obsolete if defined by no longer in style, but no means obsolete as defined by no longer useful.
We'll have to agree to disagree on your other point. I reckon the threat of an M1 breaking down and being non cost effective to repair after first year warranty, or especially after 3-year AppleCare expiry, largely outweighs the chance of obsolescence of the last, excellent spec 2020 Intel 27" iMac. Only time will tell, and I sincerely hope I'm wrong.
Here's hoping for many early adopters that 2020/2021 (and even later) M1 devices will still be chugging along merrily in 2033 (a similar 11yr time scale to our still very well-performing 2011 iMacs).

 

[SalisburySam]

You’re wrong on two counts:

IFixit and OWC has all the tools you need. They’re not expensive and opening the Mac is not as hard as you think. I’ve done it successfully a half dozen times.

I really do get weary of people who’ve never done a certain thing talking about how hard it is to do that certain thing.

A tad condescending, inaccurate, and I am not at all wrong…FOR ME. And I humbly apologize for making you weary.

I didn’t say it was hard to open the iMac, I said it was hard to open the iMac FOR ME. And yes, the tools are available but I also said I didn’t want them. That speaks to me, not the general availability (other than Prime and my circle of friends). Because opening the iMac FOR ME would be hard indeed.

@Nicole1980 I greatly respect your posts and enjoy reading them. Please respect my frequently sarcastic and hopefully humorous outlook on topics in my posts. And please recognize not all of us have the physical dexterity, steadiness, eyesight, or desire to pull apart a 27” screen with any hope of successfully replacing it…I have none of these and was speaking to my inabilities, not the task in general. Perhaps I could have expressed myself better, but I ask that you consider more options than indictment.

 

[CooperBox]

While the components themselves, other than internal storage as you point out, are modular and easily replaced, the problem for me is separating and handling the front screen. And putting it back. Among other things this requires a steady hand, and a spudger. A spudger. OMG my dad’s huge tool cabinet doesn’t have a spudger, I don’t have a spudger, no one I know has a spudger, and I can’t even get one in two days on my Amazon Prime account. And that’s assuming I wanted one. Which I don’t. Because taking apart my iMac is for me a bit like removing my own kidney. Fully awake. With kitchen knives. And without a spudger. Not going to happen.

I appreciate that your post included a tongue-in-cheek element.
Just for the record, the very first Apple laptop I purchased new (a G4 Gigabit Ethernet PowerBook), the store asked if I wanted a memory upgrade, and if so would I do it myself or prefer the installation in-store. Frankly in 2002 I wasn't even sure what computer memory was, and just the thought of changing it was akin to climbing Everest in carpet slippers. Many years later my first attempt at completely refubishing any computer, (in fact that same PowerBook) was relatively simple with the on-line aid of iFixit.
Other complete refurbishments followed including more challenging attempts on a Clamshell iBook and especially optical drive change on my A1104 12" PowerBook, making me realise that most people capable of reading clear & concise step-by-step instructions should be able to fix their own computers. On that latter alluminium Powerbook, I hasten to add that a 'Don't try this at home' alert would not be inappropriate, especially for those with little diy experience.
All this goes to illustrate that imho you are doing yourself an injustice in believing you're incapable of handling and putting back an iMac front screen. I don't particularly have a steady hand, but I do have all the patience necessary to achieve most tasks. However reading precise instructions and watching on-line videos before commencing is a must.
If you ever do wish to change the HDD for an SSD, go on remove the screen...... and that 'kidney'. It's easier than many make it out to be.

 

[ntotrr]

What reported bugs? Been running Monterey on all our Macs in the office without a single issue.

I jumped into the Mac world this past summer with a 2020 27" iMac. It more than meets my needs since I am retired and do not need to use my computer for work. I've had no issues with Monterey but, along with it other issues, many have had problems with USB hubs after upgrading and it's well-reported.

 

[Bodhitree]

It’s basically down to longevity. I reckon MacOS updates will keep coming for about 3 years after Apple sells their last Intel Mac, so maybe 5 years from today. I think you’ll start seeing Apple Silicon only features and software a lot sooner than that. So if you tend to keep your Macs for a long time it’s not such a great purchase.

I’m not sure if you would be able to run Windows 11 on an Intel Mac, since that needs an up-to-date processor and TPM chip on the motherboard. Windows 10 support is slated to end in 2024, which limits the utility of bootcamp.

And also getting good performance for the money. Apple machines even refurbished are quite expensive compared to PCs, and many Intel macs were lagging behind the curve and were handsomely beaten by M1 when it came out.

So basically I’d only recommend it if you were planning to buy a new machine within five years, and even then you’d get very poor resale value.

 

[SalisburySam]

Rumors notwithstanding, wouldn’t it be a kick if the new 27” iMac was announced with an Intel i9 because Apple silicon 2.0 just wasn’t ready? Oh the hew and cry! Oh the indignity! Oh the increased fan speed! Just delicious to consider.

 

[Hessian]

I just saw the new Dell/Intel commercial (without sound) and thought What the...?!?

I took screen caps and made this really quick to capture my impression lol.

 

[ADGrant]

What are you using the computer for? In my experience Intel macs are extremely slow, that enough of a reason to not use one.

I would not describe the 28 core Mac Pro as slow.