Researching to replace my 27" iMac with a 24"

[iMas70]

I've been hoping Apple will come out with another 27" iMac but I don't think that is going to happen so... I'm considering replacing my 2017 model 27" with a 24. The current one works great so I might talk myself out of it. What really got me thinking about this is I can no longer upgrade the operating system. All of my devices and MacBook are only a year or two old. I went to update a Note I created on the MacBook and received a message that says this note uses unsupported features and suggests I upgrade the OS. Specs for this one are 4.2 GHz i7, 1TB, 40GB memory. I used to edit drone video but don't really do that anymore. I do like a powerful machine that is quick so I rather have more than I need. I also have a 2015 iMac for my kids. A little lessor specs. That don't use theirs so I'll probably sell the two to offset the cost of the new one.

Looking at the new iMacs, I've read that RAM can't be upgraded by the user. 16 would probably be OK for what I do but I'd most likely pay the extra $200 for 24 just incase. I just realized I only have 56GB left on my hard drive. 645GB of that is Photos. I need to clean that up. I utilize iCloud storage so I'm surprised there is this much on here. I'll look at it when I have more time. Anyway, another $200 for 1TB drive. So it's a $2100 machine. There really aren't many options. More about optimizing storage with the cloud and/or external SSDs.

Anything else I should know or consider? I like the big screen. I had a Thunderbolt Display before this. Actually I still have it. Maybe I should sell that and the Mini that is sitting in the closet. I'm guessing I'll get used to the smaller screen over time.

 

[russell_314]

Have you considered a Mac mini with the 27” Studio display? You wouldn’t lose screen space.

 

[wonderings]

I have a 5K iMac from 2014, still a great machine but like you limited because for some reason Apple limits how old a computer can use their OS. I am contemplating doing some work arounds that you can find online to install newer OS's on unsupported machines. This is not a primary work machine for me anymore so no real risk for me, but if things are still working well for you it might be something worth looking into.

 

[SalisburySam]

Have you considered a Mac mini with the 27” Studio display? You wouldn’t lose screen space.

This seems to be the only realistic 27” option today unless you spend the big bucks for the Mac Studio.

 

[SalisburySam]

I've been hoping Apple will come out with another 27" iMac but I don't think that is going to happen so... I'm considering replacing my 2017 model 27" with a 24. The current one works great so I might talk myself out of it. What really got me thinking about this is I can no longer upgrade the operating system. All of my devices and MacBook are only a year or two old. I went to update a Note I created on the MacBook and received a message that says this note uses unsupported features and suggests I upgrade the OS. Specs for this one are 4.2 GHz i7, 1TB, 40GB memory. I used to edit drone video but don't really do that anymore. I do like a powerful machine that is quick so I rather have more than I need. I also have a 2015 iMac for my kids. A little lessor specs. That don't use theirs so I'll probably sell the two to offset the cost of the new one.

Looking at the new iMacs, I've read that RAM can't be upgraded by the user. 16 would probably be OK for what I do but I'd most likely pay the extra $200 for 24 just incase. I just realized I only have 56GB left on my hard drive. 645GB of that is Photos. I need to clean that up. I utilize iCloud storage so I'm surprised there is this much on here. I'll look at it when I have more time. Anyway, another $200 for 1TB drive. So it's a $2100 machine. There really aren't many options. More about optimizing storage with the cloud and/or external SSDs.

Anything else I should know or consider? I like the big screen. I had a Thunderbolt Display before this. Actually I still have it. Maybe I should sell that and the Mini that is sitting in the closet. I'm guessing I'll get used to the smaller screen over time.

Same boat. I keep postponing replacement acquisition because the 2017 iMac is working very well, recently upgraded to Ventura. I really, REALLY like the all-in-one form factor and prefer to not have to upgrade to a Mac Mini and Studio display at higher-than-iMac pricing. I regret the loss of about 30% of the screen real estate downgrading from the excellent 5k Retina 27” iMac to the 4.5k 23.5” current iMac.

 

[russell_314]

This seems to be the only realistic 27” option today unless you spend the big bucks for the Mac Studio.

For most people replacing a regular Intel iMac, I think the Mac mini would be an upgrade. Maybe someone going from the iMac Pro would choose the Mac Studio.

What I like about that setup is when it’s time to upgrade say from M4 to M6 because of that push to keep up with everyone else you don’t have to buy a new monitor. I have a feeling that’s why Apple is hesitant to bring a high end iMac out. Can you imagine thousands of people that spent $6-10k+ for an M2 iMac now upset that M4 is out.

I dislike the naming convention of Mac processors. Before people didn’t pay much attention to what generation Intel processor they had. Now it’s straight up in front of you, M4 meaning your weak puny outdated M2 is pretty much useless now. With Intel they still had an i7. I know that’s not reality but with the name, it makes some people feel like that.

 

[Fishrrman]

M4 Mini (or M4pro Mini).

Either a 27" 4k display or a 27" 5k display (fewer of these available).

IMPORTANT:
DON'T get only 16gb of RAM. It's ok for now, but what about 5 years from now?
Get 32gb instead.

DON'T get only a 256gb SSD. Barely adequate today.
Get at least a 512gb SSD. 1tb would be better.

Consider buying from Apple's online refurbished store to save a little money.
I did when I bought my m4 Mini earlier this month.

 

[iMas70]

Have you considered a Mac mini with the 27” Studio display? You wouldn’t lose screen space.

I didn't think about it but just took a look. I'd be looking at about $2700. It may be an option. Can't upgrade the RAM in the Mini either so I'd have to buy Mini as I need it long term.

 

[russell_314]

I didn't think about it but just took a look. I'd be looking at about $2700. It may be an option. Can't upgrade the RAM in the Mini either so I'd have to buy Mini as I need it long term.

Well, the good thing is upgrading a mini is a whole lot cheaper than upgrading a mini plus a monitor.

I would really consider the cost of spending thousands extra for upgrades now versus just upgrading later from a much cheaper Mac Learn a maxed out Mac five years from now is going to be slower than the base model. Of course it’s your money so you have to figure out what works best for you.

 

[Fishrrman]

Just a thought, but...

I've read very, very few reports in this forum over the years from folks who went from a larger display "down to" a smaller one, and were happy with having done so...

 

[brilliantthings]

This seems to be the only realistic 27” option today unless you spend the big bucks for the Mac Studio.

ASUS and ViewSonic have recently released much more affordable 5k 27" monitors.

 

[picpicmac]

I'd be looking at about $2700. It may be an option.

If you're in the US (not sure where else this applies) you qualify for the Education discount.

At the discount price, an Apple Studio Display and Mac Mini will be less than $2700.

And you already have a keyboard and mouse from your iMac, so you don't have to buy more of those.

Spec the Mini at 24GB of RAM and at least 512GB internal storage, preferably 1TB.

It's a major purchase but it should last you several years. (I'd also get AppleCare on the display, but that's just me.)

 

[handyw]

you can install the linux on 27" iMac

 

[ubinko]

I think you would be very pleased with a base M4 Mini Pro and a mac compatible 27" 4k Display (BenQ, LG, etc).

The base M4 Mini Pro comes with 24GB Ram and 512GB SSD, which is plenty. The HD on the M4 Mini Pro is almost twice as fast as on the base M4 Mini.

 

[Arek2217]

Same boat. I keep postponing replacement acquisition because the 2017 iMac is working very well, recently upgraded to Ventura. I really, REALLY like the all-in-one form factor and prefer to not have to upgrade to a Mac Mini and Studio display at higher-than-iMac pricing. I regret the loss of about 30% of the screen real estate downgrading from the excellent 5k Retina 27” iMac to the 4.5k 23.5” current iMac.

Do you really feel the smaller screen size on daily use? I'm working on daily basis on a 2017 iMac 27" and I was hoping to buy the 24" one but... The screen size is stopping me so I'm wondering how does it affect you?

 

[aries81]

Do you really feel the smaller screen size on daily use? I'm working on daily basis on a 2017 iMac 27" and I was hoping to buy the 24" one but... The screen size is stopping me so I'm wondering how does it affect you?

I've replaced my 27" iMac with an M4 iMac back in December. Before buying I really thought long and hard about the smaller screen size, and I actually DID notice it after making the switch....but that only lasted for a day or two. You get used to it quickly, I don't mind it at all now.

 

[ignatius345]

Just a thought, but...

I've read very, very few reports in this forum over the years from folks who went from a larger display "down to" a smaller one, and were happy with having done so...

I'm one, for the most part. I had an iMac 5K, then an M1 iMac and now an M4.

I do miss the extra real estate when doing certain tasks, but I'd say about 90% of the time the 24" display is sufficient. I find it enough space to put up two or three things I'm working on. If I was doing a ton of design work, I might think differently, though, as Illustrator and InDesign can really eat up real estate.

This most recent upgrade from M1 to M4 iMac, I seriously considered an M4 Mini, but I am spoiled by the quality of the iMac's display and determined I'd be wanting an Apple Studio Display to go with that Mini. A smarter move in the long run, but even with a refurbished ASD, it would have been straining my budget.

I know there are some decent third-party 5K 27" displays, but a lot of them come with compromises like weaker brightness, or don't come with cameras or mics like that ASUS. After all this time using an iMac, I am not eager to introduce more wires and clutter to my desk.

 

[SalisburySam]

Do you really feel the smaller screen size on daily use? I'm working on daily basis on a 2017 iMac 27" and I was hoping to buy the 24" one but... The screen size is stopping me so I'm wondering how does it affect you?

Don’t know, still have my 27” iMac. But I’ve seen the 23.5” models at Apple Stores, and find the real estate loss pretty major (again, it’s about 30%). That is the only thing keeping me from getting a new iMac. And yes, I know I could get a 27” screen and a Mac mini but I really like/want the all-in-one format.

 

[davegoody]

I've been hoping Apple will come out with another 27" iMac but I don't think that is going to happen so... I'm considering replacing my 2017 model 27" with a 24. The current one works great so I might talk myself out of it. What really got me thinking about this is I can no longer upgrade the operating system. All of my devices and MacBook are only a year or two old. I went to update a Note I created on the MacBook and received a message that says this note uses unsupported features and suggests I upgrade the OS. Specs for this one are 4.2 GHz i7, 1TB, 40GB memory. I used to edit drone video but don't really do that anymore. I do like a powerful machine that is quick so I rather have more than I need. I also have a 2015 iMac for my kids. A little lessor specs. That don't use theirs so I'll probably sell the two to offset the cost of the new one.

Looking at the new iMacs, I've read that RAM can't be upgraded by the user. 16 would probably be OK for what I do but I'd most likely pay the extra $200 for 24 just incase. I just realized I only have 56GB left on my hard drive. 645GB of that is Photos. I need to clean that up. I utilize iCloud storage so I'm surprised there is this much on here. I'll look at it when I have more time. Anyway, another $200 for 1TB drive. So it's a $2100 machine. There really aren't many options. More about optimizing storage with the cloud and/or external SSDs.

Anything else I should know or consider? I like the big screen. I had a Thunderbolt Display before this. Actually I still have it. Maybe I should sell that and the Mini that is sitting in the closet. I'm guessing I'll get used to the smaller screen over time.

You could use (very easily) OCLP - OpenCore Legacy Patcher. I have a 2014 27" iMac that works really well on Sequoia, when it's officially supported OS version is many versions earlier. Time Machine Backups work perfectly for backup, but restores are a challenge. It's genuinely a very workable option. https://dortania.github.io/OpenCore-Legacy-Patcher/

Updates to Sequoia work fine, and OCLP kicks-in after each update (did one today funnily enough) and patches the system automatically.

I still love the form factor of the 27", I mainly (sadly) use it as a server these days, but at least it's current.

 

[2024]

Something I haven't seen considered in these types of posts is that if one uses trifocal glasses, the amount of screen in focus at a given moment is pretty small. I've found that the smaller 24" screen is easier to see because I don't have to move my head around as much to bring different areas into focus. That said, I generally have only one or two apps open at a time, cuz that's all I need.

 

[Adelphos33]

M4 iMac not only includes a high pixel density screen, but also relatively high quality webcam and speakers. Many of the suggested 27 inch monitors don’t. More suggestions of monitors should also consider webcams and speaker quality

 

[AL2TEACH]

been hoping Apple will come out with another 27" iMac

Like Morpheus sort of said to Neo, I know exactly what you mean, lol and I'm still waiting

The current one works great so I might talk myself out of it.

Also feel that itch but if it does the job and meets your needs minus the Note app, I say don't scratch that itch.

also have a 2015 iMac for my kids

Lol, I have a 2015 and as much as I want to have the latest stuff, the 2015 does the job. I have a 2TB SSD and a few externals that I use for movies along with Plex, another for Time Machine and keep trimming my HD.
I have the Cube and was thinking of looking into getting a mod to convert it a M1 Cube as seen on YouTube, lol.

What ever you chose to do, I hope it will satisfy but if your iMac does the job...

 

[AlaskaMoose]

Don’t know, still have my 27” iMac. But I’ve seen the 23.5” models at Apple Stores, and find the real estate loss pretty major (again, it’s about 30%). That is the only thing keeping me from getting a new iMac. And yes, I know I could get a 27” screen and a Mac mini but I really like/want the all-in-one format.

I agree with you about the loss of screen space (from 27" to 24"). There is something else I don't like about the new iMac: The RAM of my 27" 2019 iMac is user replaceable, so when I bought it I had the base RAM offered by Apple and avoided the expensive Apple RAM. Then I crammed as much Crucial RAM sticks as possible. I have more than external SSD to where I move photos and video clips to.

I have no interest whatsoever in the M4 iMac for the following reasons:
a. The screen is too small
b. Its thinness can make it difficult for it to operate cool enough for my liking, including pushing it hard with video and photo-editing apps, etc. My 2029 iMac is slow nowadays, but the cooling fans seldom make much noise.
c. It would be too expensive for me to have the Apple RAM and SSD I want (least 56-TB RAM, and 2TB SSD) on a computer that looks so fragile.

If I wanted a more durable Mac plus a larger screen, it would be the no-user upgradeable Mac Studio with 64GB RAM and a 2TB SSD, plus a 32" BenQ Monitor. This would be for photo or video editing only, so a 4K screen is not an issue for me, since I am most interested in accurate colors/calibration.