What iMac this time?

[bear100]

Hey all!

First post so be gentle!

I've had an issue with my late 2015 27" iMac and now looking to replace it
to my horror Apple have now discontinued the 27" so my question is what should i buy now?

My current iMac spec
late 2015, 27", 3.3 i5, 16gb ram, 2tb
to be honest its been great for the last 7 years

So do I go down the Mini, studio, 24" MAC or grab one of the remaining 27" or even an Apple refurbished 27"??

my general use is mostly household, lots of photos, some editing of videos, YouTube, browsing, Netflix music etc etc. its in a location in the house that all members of the family use.

choices are -

MAC mini but will need to buy the 27" Display which is pricey (i know i can buy other brands)

Studio again adding the display

New 24" which is probably the sensible option but once you've had a 27" and all that!

27" snap up one of the last remaining i5's

27" Apple refurbished, a curve ball with this one, i9 3.6 1TB

???

 

[tstafford]

Unless you need the I/O or the display support, I'd nix the Studio. You'd just be overpaying.

Beyond that it comes down to your preferences.

iMac 27" - if you're fine with Intel and can accept that Apple will likely stop providing OS sooner than the M1 options, then that's a solid choice. I love Apple refurb but I'd also look at the other big resellers since you already have the keyboard and mouse

iMac 24" - a terrific choice, will get support longer and probably noticeably quicker. Can you deal with the 24" display? I'd go look at one first. Most people I know who went from 27" iMac to this one ended up disappointed - I did

ASD/Mini - for sure go refurb for the ASD at least. You're looking at ~$2K. Also takes advantage of your keyboard and mouse (but w/o Touch ID I suspect)

My vote - Since you're willing to pay for an i9 iMac, I'd go with the Mini plus ASD. It's about the same price and will be a better machine longer term. You won't be disappointed. My 2nd choice would be a refurb 24" but only after you see one in person. I'm an Apple Silicon or bust guy - we are down to three Intel Macs at this point and one of them is daily on the chopping block

 

[Lifeisabeach]

You are a bit all over the map with your options, which isn't necessarily bad, but do you have a budget in mind? For the money, a refurbed 27" iMac will get you the most bang for your buck at this time, given your usage needs. A new Mac mini with something other than the Studio Display would be a comparable choice financially. Personally, given the issues with that display early on, I would consider holding off until the next version of it. Especially for what it costs.

The current iMac 24" would be an excellent choice, but considering you are spoiled by the 27" display you have now, you may regret it. I'm in the same boat. There was a time when I wished Apple would bring back the 24" iMac. Then I went from the 21.5" iMac to a 27 incher and yeah... no going back.

 

[tstafford]

A new Mac mini with something other than the Studio Display would be a comparable choice financially. Personally, given the issues with that display early on, I would consider holding off until the next version of it. Especially for what it costs.

What issues? I don't recall anything specific other than judgment calls around the camera and the inability to remove the power cord. Were there technical problems with early units? (FWIW - I have three of them including one that was purchased very early and have had zero problems.)

I think we owe it to the OP who is clearly not a MR regular to be specific if possible.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

What issues? I don't recall anything specific other than judgment calls around the camera and the inability to remove the power cord. Were there technical problems with early units? (FWIW - I have three of them including one that was purchased very early and have had zero problems.)

I think we owe it to the OP who is clearly not a MR regular to be specific if possible.

Seriously? These things were reknowned for audio and webcam issues early on. They may have been resolved by now (I haven't read of anything lately), but it's not uncommon for Apple's first-gen products to need a bit of refinement. True of anything, really. Here, have a gander at this one article.

Apple is reportedly aware of the Studio Display’s audio issues

It appears to be a software issue.

www.theverge.com

Ah, have another.

Apple Admits Studio Display Experiencing Speaker Issues, Offers Only Temporary Fix

Apple has admitted that customers using the Studio Display may experience audio-related issues, including sound unexpectedly and abruptly cutting...

www.macrumors.com

 

[tstafford]

Seriously? These things were reknowned for audio and webcam issues early on. They may have been resolved by now (I haven't read of anything lately), but it's not uncommon for Apple's first-gen products to need a bit of refinement. True of anything, really. Here, have a gander at this one article.

Apple is reportedly aware of the Studio Display’s audio issues

It appears to be a software issue.

www.theverge.com

Ah, have another.

Apple Admits Studio Display Experiencing Speaker Issues, Offers Only Temporary Fix

Apple has admitted that customers using the Studio Display may experience audio-related issues, including sound unexpectedly and abruptly cutting...

www.macrumors.com

Was definitely serious. Sorry if I offended. Not my intent.

FWIW - I haven't experienced these issues, nor do I see anyone posting about them in any recent threads. It's kind of like saying not to buy a Mac because of issues that existed in Mojave that are now fully resolved in later OS. Part of the benefit of the ASD is its tight integration to Apple including regular firmware updates. But to each his own.

I don't want to hijack this thread. OP wants buying advice.

My recommendations stand: Mini/ASD is a great combo. iMac 24" is fine if the size works. I'd avoid Intel. Again YMMV.

 

[profcutter]

Maybe a mini and a Samsung or LG 5k display? Save a couple hundred dollars off the apple tax. The truth is this is the wrong time to be replacing a 5k iMac. I’m in the same boat with my work-supplied machine.

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Was definitely serious. Sorry if I offended. Not my intent.

FWIW - I haven't experienced these issues, nor do I see anyone posting about them in any recent threads. It's kind of like saying not to buy a Mac because of issues that existed in Mojave that are now fully resolved in later OS. Part of the benefit of the ASD is its tight integration to Apple including regular firmware updates. But to each his own.

I don't want to hijack this thread. OP wants buying advice.

My recommendations stand: Mini/ASD is a great combo. iMac 24" is fine if the size works. I'd avoid Intel. Again YMMV.

Agreed (largely). Like I said, they may well have solved the various issues by now. I'm generally one to avoid first-gen products as a general rule, but not always. I have an M1 MBA I bought within weeks of their launch and have not been disappointed. If you follow the iPhone generations, the "s" models have always been significant refinements over their older siblings. Apple has had other hits and misses over the years on first-gen products (everyone does). For what the Display costs, I just think some caution/patience is warranted, unless one has more discretion in their budget. And that's fine too if one does. And that's really what it boils down to. I think Intel is fine for the most bang-for-the-buck as long as it meets one's needs. I have a 2019 iMac and it works great and will continue to serve my needs well for a few more years at least. Given the OP's needs, a refurbed 2020 27" would be very much sufficient if a "downgrade" to a 24" model is out of the question, and costs significantly less than a comparable Mac mini with Studio Display. But if money is no object, then go for it!

 

[glenthompson]

I went from a MacBook Air with 27” Thunderbolt Display to the M1 iMac. The 24” screen is the perfect size for me. Rarely miss the extra space of the 27”. The 24” is also incredibly compact and light. Easy to move on the desk if needed.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

A Mac Mini will be fine for your needs. And don't buy Apples display, as it is way overpriced. A slew of excellent new displays have been announced at CES, and I would suggest you look at those instead, as they get released over the following months.

 

[TorbenIbsen]

Perhaps you should simply wait until Apple releases a new series of devices called the Harry Potter Series Red

A Mac and an iPad which automatically changes features and sizes into what is needed in the current situation. That is what we all want.

Until then you may perhaps be able to use the 24" iMac and get used to using different spaces. - Me and the wife have two of those iMacs, one on each floor. We simply have an agreement about who uses which space(s). Works well enough for us.

 

[HDFan]

These things were reknowned for audio and webcam issues early on.

All fixed as far as I know. Actually never had any problems with it.

I just think some caution/patience is warranted,

Good advice, but maybe less applicable to Apple displays.

1. Since it is run by an Apple cpu many things can be fixed via software updates.

2. Apple displays have a very long lifetime. Don't remember a model ever being updated, just replaced. Cinema 30" > thunderbolt display > Pro Display XDR & Studio Display.

3. One new display likely coming, and then it will likely be years before any changes in offerings.

 

[bear100]

Thanks for all the replies, your probably right in waiting for the next wave of machines to be released, just read about some possible early 2023 releases.

The price on the display is very high £1499 for the standard and £2149 with nano and height adjust, actually while in my local apple store the sales assistant advised me not to purchase the display and look at other brands, but i am one of those that likes to have things matching!

I'm pretty sure the size drop from 27 to 24" will bug me being a typical man with bigger is better.

may just go for the 24" refurbished to tie me over and see what is released in the coming months. that is if I cant fix my existing mac

 

[Lifeisabeach]

Thanks for all the replies, your probably right in waiting for the next wave of machines to be released, just read about some possible early 2023 releases.

The price on the display is very high £1499 for the standard and £2149 with nano and height adjust, actually while in my local apple store the sales assistant advised me not to purchase the display and look at other brands, but i am one of those that likes to have things matching!

Gotta be honest... in spite of my reservations about the Display, especially the price (!), I'd probably wind up buying one anyway if I replaced my iMac with a mini! I've really spoiled myself with having an iMac and the aesthetics and all. As I mentioned before, I haven't read of any issues in a few months, so I think the early bugs have been worked out. One thing that does bother me though is that these monitors have minimum system requirements. That's... that's just crazy. I think it's mainly so updates can be pushed to them from macOS, but what happens in, say, 8-10 years? Will there be a MAXIMUM system requirement? These aren't normal monitors... they basically have iPad hardware and run a very stripped down version of iOS, if I recall reading correctly, so all the old rules and expectations are out the window. Also, while monitors historically have a long cycle before being refreshed, again these aren't normal monitors. In fact, I just read an article where Apple is rumored to be introducing multiple new ones soon, including a possible Studio Display refresh. The article was posted about 4 weeks ago, so it remains to be seen if it pans out. If that's true, it might be worth seeing what's coming.

 

[Jay-Jacob]

Mac Mini/Mac Studio with 27 inch Apple display or LG display (if able find one) or new Samsung one coming (no idea price since not released yet) obviously be more expensive than iMac 24 inch but if think about long run in future. If have separate display that is 27 inch and it last longer than computer so when need replace computer you already have display so next time be cheaper. That how I view it myself when I replace my iMac with Mac Studio and Apple display. I don't really need Mac Studio but wanted treat myself plus I normally go base or just one up nearly always for all Apple devices I have.

 

[profcutter]

Mac Mini/Mac Studio with 27 inch Apple display or LG display (if able find one) or new Samsung one coming (no idea price since not released yet) obviously be more expensive than iMac 24 inch but if think about long run in future. If have separate display that is 27 inch and it last longer than computer so when need replace computer you already have display so next time be cheaper. That how I view it myself when I replace my iMac with Mac Studio and Apple display. I don't really need Mac Studio but wanted treat myself plus I normally go base or just one up nearly always for all Apple devices I have.

The only problem with this thinking is that we may on the verge of a major shift in display tech. The 27 inch 5k is now almost 10 years old. Yes Samsung is releasing a new one, but they all suffer from using older IPS technology. Meanwhile, we’re finally just starting to see new displays with OLED, and at least rumors of MicroLED. So no, I don’t expect that next year you’ll be able to pick up an apple MicroLED 32 inch display, but by the time your new in 2023 mini needs replacement? Hopefully so. So here’s another time where an all-in-one makes perfect sense.

 

[Jay-Jacob]

The only problem with this thinking is that we may on the verge of a major shift in display tech. The 27 inch 5k is now almost 10 years old. Yes Samsung is releasing a new one, but they all suffer from using older IPS technology. Meanwhile, we’re finally just starting to see new displays with OLED, and at least rumors of MicroLED. So no, I don’t expect that next year you’ll be able to pick up an apple MicroLED 32 inch display, but by the time your new in 2023 mini needs replacement? Hopefully so. So here’s another time where an all-in-one makes perfect sense.

There been news about major new display tech last few years and it so far never come so I needed replacement Mac and and plus since Apple only one (apart from LG) use 5k 27 inch display and it doesn't feel like will go out of date that soon and no other manufacturers doing it (before Samsung announce theirs). OLED I don't quite trust it for computer display since I be worried about burn in because if menu bar and dock usually stays on screen. OLED I am fine with iPhone, iPad, Apple Watch or TV. Not computer monitor for me yet. By time I need replace this monitor probably in 10 years time at least and OLED hopefully be better for computer monitor by then unless something else better then.

 

[tstafford]

In fact, I just read an article where Apple is rumored to be introducing multiple new ones soon, including a possible Studio Display refresh. The article was posted about 4 weeks ago, so it remains to be seen if it pans out. If that's true, it might be worth seeing what's coming.

I think it was me that pointed you to that link. FWIW and just speculation - I don't think that's a Studio refresh. I strongly believe it will be a new monitor sold along side of the Studio. And that it will be significantly more expensive (my guess $2.5-$3K).

 

[Lifeisabeach]

I think it was me that pointed you to that link. FWIW and just speculation - I don't think that's a Studio refresh. I strongly believe it will be a new monitor sold along side of the Studio. And that it will be significantly more expensive (my guess $2.5-$3K).

Ah, I totally overlooked or forgot that. My bad. I stumbled across an article about it elsewhere this morning while reading something more current. It may well include or not include a Studio Display refresh. Who knows. Maybe a more budget friendly version is coming? 🤷‍♂️ One thought I had, and this is some tinfoil hat speculation, is that Apple is tapping the market for displays as a new category to refresh at a annual cycle or so as a way to goose their bottom line. We’ll see. Saw another rumor that MBP updates may be announced today, so maybe the rumored displays will be included.

 

[HDFan]

Maybe a more budget friendly version is coming?

The rumors point to a display more, not less, expensive than the Studio.

 

[tstafford]

The rumors point to a display more, not less, expensive than the Studio.

Yeah. I'll believe Apple makes a cheaper display when I see it. Not happening IMHO.

Folks looking for a less expensive 5K alternative should seriously consider used LG 5K on eBay (now) or wait for final pricing and specs on the Samsung. The former is a solid option, latter is TBD.

 

[Fishrrman]

There isn't any real "choice" in iMacs -- not right now.

The 24" m1 is "all there is".
(cue up the Peggy Lee song)

(although if you DO get a 24" iMac, get the one with FOUR ports on the back. Only 2 is NOT "enough".)