Replacing my iMac - what to do

[al2813]

It is end of year and as I need more deductibles (our wonderful Belgian tax regime), I would like to replace my end 2015 iMac which can use a refresh. The Only issue is that with the prospect of Apple coming out with new M1 iMacs in 2021, am a bit concerned I will spend 2.5k on a new machine that will be outdated in 6 months. Was thinking of a Mac mini, but then I need an extra screen plus upgrading to the 512gb I need plus 16gb will probably set me back the same amount....

Opinions are welcome....

 

[darkpaw]

Could you buy something other than a new computer? You could always buy a good screen now which could then be used with the new M1 iMac later?

If you don't *need* an iMac, I would buy a good screen and the current M1 Mac mini with more storage and RAM. You could then, later on (another tax year down the line), buy an updated Mac mini and keep using the screen with that.

You can probably buy some software, too?

 

[nothingtoseehere]

How about a laptop in addition to your desktop (that you can renew probably next year with M1)?

When I got my Mac mini M1, I kept my MBP early 2015. It is great having a desktop as well as a laptop.

 

[al2813]

How about a laptop in addition to your desktop (that you can renew probably next year with M1)?

When I got my Mac mini M1, I kept my MBP early 2015. It is great having a desktop as well as a laptop.

We already got the MBP of my wife that is more than sufficient.
I am tempted to take the M1 mini and a not so expensive screen.

 

[ght56]

How do you use the system? The M1 Mini is inexpensive and powerful. Even with the upgraded hard drive and RAM, it maintains a pretty reasonable price (least in the US.)

 

[brianmowrey]

Seems like for tax purposes you're better off giving to a real charity than helping Tim Cook liquify his sunsetted Intel hardware.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Tax savings are nice, but functionality is usually nicer. When tax strategy and your actual needs are in alignment, then do it. If tax strategy makes you do something that doesn't work to your benefit... find some other way to get a tax deduction.

You probably will still need a tax deduction next year, when (I hope) the Apple Silicon iMacs will be available (I'm waiting patiently to replace my Late 2013 iMac). Find a different reason for a tax deduction this year.

 

[al2813]

Tax savings are nice, but functionality is usually nicer. When tax strategy and your actual needs are in alignment, then do it. If tax strategy makes you do something that doesn't work to your benefit... find some other way to get a tax deduction.

You probably will still need a tax deduction next year, when (I hope) the Apple Silicon iMacs will be available (I'm waiting patiently to replace my Late 2013 iMac). Find a different reason for a tax deduction this year.

Yes over night I got to the same conclusion. I will wait.
To those lecturing about tax deductions, we pay a 66% max tax rate over here. That gives you a different perspective on things.

 

[ApfelKuchen]

Yes over night I got to the same conclusion. I will wait.
To those lecturing about tax deductions, we pay a 66% max tax rate over here. That gives you a different perspective on things.

Even (or especially) at a 66% tax rate, it's useful to distinguish between beneficial tax-reduction strategies (spending on things you need anyway, charitable donations, etc.) and activities that cost more than simply paying the tax. If you buy a $1,000 item in order to reduce the tax bill by $666, you still have spent $334 out of pocket. Maybe that's a bargain (government subsidizing a useful purchase), maybe it's money wasted.

The lower the maximum tax rate, the less effective those tax-reduction strategies become. However, some people here in the USA are so determined to reduce what they pay in taxes that they may waste $666 to avoid $334 in tax.

 

[al2813]

Even (or especially) at a 66% tax rate, it's useful to distinguish between beneficial tax-reduction strategies (spending on things you need anyway, charitable donations, etc.) and activities that cost more than simply paying the tax. If you buy a $1,000 item in order to reduce the tax bill by $666, you still have spent $334 out of pocket. Maybe that's a bargain (government subsidizing a useful purchase), maybe it's money wasted.

The lower the maximum tax rate, the less effective those tax-reduction strategies become. However, some people here in the USA are so determined to reduce what they pay in taxes that they may waste $666 to avoid $334 in tax.

I agree with you. I am planning to replace the iMac - it was due anyway, but thought to pull the trigger end of year due to the deductible thing. In any case was probably kind of a useless comment as it deviated the discussion from the real question I asked.

Anyway, the point is that the Mac Mini M1 is changing the game here as I never considered it an apt candidate for a main desktop and now It might just be one.