Why I decided to get an iMac instead of a Mac Mini

[justmadeupname]

I use a Club 3D 4K 60Hz HDMI to USB Type C Video Cable. It works well enough, if all you need is basic video output (the speakers and webcam of the Studio Display won't work with this cable

Oh that's very useful to know. Thanks!

 

[Warped9]

Value for the dollar.

The iMac with $1,899 in the 16gb/512 configuration. Comes with the best monitor on the market and includes all needed peripherals - keyboard, mouse, web cam and speakers.

I compared this to a Mac Mini 16gb/512 configuration and a Studio Display and that cost over $800 more which includes buying the keyboard and mouse separately. Pro - a bigger monitor. Con - an extra box on my desk (not as clean a look). Basically $800+ for a slightly bigger screen.

Then I looked at a cheaper monitor for the Mac Mini. I found a nice Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27" for about $500 and had to add all the peripherals (keyboard, mouse, web cam and speakers). I could get this down to about $125 less than the iMac. However, the only Pro was the cost. Cons - my desk would be a mess, similar to what I have now, with an additional box, external speakers and the web cam sitting on the top of my monitor. Also, while the monitor would be larger and it would be a nice monitor, it would not have the high level of screen in the iMac.

So for the cost, the iMac gives me the screen I want, albeit a bit smaller, in a clean all in one package which is what I want from my next computer.

Textbook. And very similar as to how I reason it out. When you consider a Mac Studio over a Mac Mini the price discrepancy can get worse.

I guess one thing to consider about the monitor is whether or not you believe that a monitor 5 years from now will be significantly better - making the monitor inherent in the iMac somewhat obsolete.

My 2011 21.5 display still looks great after twelve years of use. I bought the basic iMac in 2011, but I was able to upgrade myself over the years to keep it relevant for my evolving needs. Now I’ll order it with top specs because we can no longer upgrade them ourselves.

Well, maybe value today is what makes you think iMac is attractive, but it is not very forward thinking at all.

My current computer is still fully functional. That means I haven’t been buying replacements for twelve years. That means I haven’t been throwing multiple machines into the landfill. That seems rather environmentally friendly and forward thinking to me.

Even when I get my new computer I’ll be keeping my still functioning 2011 as a backup just in case.

 

[eRondeau]

I always enjoy hearing stories about buying decisions that lead to one Mac being selected over another. Here's mine...

I bought the "base" M1 Mac Mini during its introductory keynote in November 2020, along with the full-size Apple bluetooth keyboard + trackpad. I also bought a mid-line Samsung 4K monitor and external speakers. Soon after it arrived I bought a 2GB Thunderbolt SSD for data storage + 2GB USB-3 SSD for Time Machine backup. So the "all-in" price tripled what I paid for the "base" Mac Mini and it still didn't have video conferencing camera. Eventually I bought a Studio Display and relegated the Samsung 4K to an older laptop. Including the cost of the Studio Display I've now invested 5X the cost of the actual computer in the system. But's been absolutely flawless and despite being a low-end Apple Silicon CPU/GPU it handles everything I've needed to do without even breaking a sweat. This was purchased to replace a Late-2012 Intel i7 27" iMac that I also absolutely loved and still use frequently at my family's three-season cottage. But next spring I think it will likely be replaced with a mid-spec M3 iMac; it's time to fully commit to Apple Silicon and that 4.5K screen is oh so pretty to look at!

 

[WC7]

I always enjoy hearing stories about buying decisions that lead to one Mac being selected over another. Here's mine...

I bought the "base" M1 Mac Mini during its introductory keynote in November 2020, along with the full-size Apple bluetooth keyboard + trackpad. I also bought a mid-line Samsung 4K monitor and external speakers. Soon after it arrived I bought a 2GB Thunderbolt SSD for data storage + 2GB USB-3 SSD for Time Machine backup. So the "all-in" price tripled what I paid for the "base" Mac Mini and it still didn't have video conferencing camera. Eventually I bought a Studio Display and relegated the Samsung 4K to an older laptop. Including the cost of the Studio Display I've now invested 5X the cost of the actual computer in the system. But's been absolutely flawless and despite being a low-end Apple Silicon CPU/GPU it handles everything I've needed to do without even breaking a sweat. This was purchased to replace a Late-2012 Intel i7 27" iMac that I also absolutely loved and still use frequently at my family's three-season cottage. But next spring I think it will likely be replaced with a mid-spec M3 iMac; it's time to fully commit to Apple Silicon and that 4.5K screen is oh so pretty to look at!

I used to have a well stocked Apple Store, too! But all, except my 1984 Macintosh, have been recycled or traded. I got a lot done with that 128K machine (and MacPaint) faster than I do now. Today, it's human aging trying to be 'offset' by the M3 !

 

[canadianreader]

The biggest draw back of the new iMac is the screen size it’s too small and then there’s the form factor, if the monitor or some internal parts fail you need to buy a whole new computer.

 

[3Rock]

The biggest draw back of the new iMac is the screen size it’s too small and then there’s the form factor, if the monitor or some internal parts fail you need to buy a whole new computer.

No, you don’t. As has been mentioned already, if you have AppleCare, Apple will take care of it.👍 Screen size too small? It’s bigger than the MacBook pros. 🤪

 

[justmadeupname]

The biggest draw back of the new iMac is the screen size it’s too small

Yes for you the screen is too small but for others it's just fine.

if the monitor or some internal parts fail you need to buy a whole new computer.

Then consider getting the annual AppleCare+ for the iMac - eg. £60/year in the UK - just £1.15/week.

 

[Warped9]

The biggest draw back of the new iMac is the screen size it’s too small and then there’s the form factor, if the monitor or some internal parts fail you need to buy a whole new computer.

IF the internal parts fail yet lots of people use iMacs and other AIOs for years without issue. Plus you can get annual AppleCare.

And the constant repetition of 24ins. being too small doesn’t make it an unarguable fact. It’s merely a subjective opinion given lots of people are perfectly satisfied with a 24in. display.

 

[canadianreader]

IF the internal parts fail yet lots of people use iMacs and other AIOs for years without issue. Plus you can get annual AppleCare.

And the constant repetition of 24ins. being too small doesn’t make it an unarguable fact. It’s merely a subjective opinion given lots of people are perfectly satisfied with a 24in. display.

I consider 24inch too small for a desktop, 27" is the standard. Of course I was voicing my opinion which is subjective.

 

[Mat1959]

I agree with the up front value fir the cost, but getting a decent monitor with a MM would be better in the long run, imo.

Once the Mac no longer meets the performance needs, it will be a beautiful display trapped in an obsolete computer. Compare that to the separate display and MM, once tge MM gets to slow, replace it for a much cheaper, new MM.

If Apple brought back Target Display Mode, then I would put the long term value back on the iMac, but without it, it isn’t worth it, imo.

512MB drive could be a longterm issue, I’ve got a iMac from 2015 16GB ram 2TB ssd drive, I believe it will serve me a long, long time.

 

[picpicmac]

That means I haven’t been buying replacements for twelve years. That means I haven’t been throwing multiple machines into the landfill. That seems rather environmentally friendly and forward thinking to me.

Yup. Given that many of us use iMacs for well past 5 years (the depreciation period for a desktop), and even past 10 years, the idea that the iMac is some sort of great waste just doesn't add up. Sure, a display can (though not necessarily - see all the reviews on Amazon regarding displays) last a long time, if one flips through 3 desktop Macs to go with it then that's two extra Macs one has bought.

Some people may really need new functionality that old computers cannot give, but I still contend that most people over-buy computers given their actual use.

Even when I get my new computer I’ll be keeping my still functioning 2011 as a backup just in case.

That's my plan also. The old machine will continue to live, to the left of the new machine.

 

[picpicmac]

27" is the standard

There is no "standard" size for a display.

And the most popular... then that will be the screens on smartphones, which outnumber desktop monitors.

And even if you mean desktop monitors, a great many people out there are still using 20" monitors at SVGA. Here's a chart showing both the history and what one is likely to find in an office around the world:

File:Vector Video Standards2.svg - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

I for one prefer 16:10 or even 4:3 (which is an actual standard) ratio monitors over 16:9 (which too is an actual standard, see ATSC.)

To each their own. Remember though that viewing distance is a key factor, and while you might like 27" now, if the day comes and you are sitting at a larger desk or at a standing desk, you will likely want a 32" or larger monitor.

 

[ger19]

In evaluating 27” vs 24”, I paid attention to how I actually use my current 27” screen. Basically, I use the center of the screen. When I open a browser, I size it smaller than the screen and move it to the center. As has been stated, this is very subjective but since I don’t often open more than one window, I realize that I’m not really using my full 27” screen.

Another case in point is using a spreadsheet. If you open it to the full screen, you really have to move your mouse around a lot. If you shrink it and put it in the center, it’s a more compact setup. Again, a very individual situation but still, that’s how I use my computer.

I think a 24” screen is fine for a person, like myself, who is not viewing multiple windows at a time.

 

[Warped9]

I think a 24” screen is fine for a person, like myself, who is not viewing multiple windows at a time.

Yep. I’m not a multi-tasking person who has multiple things going at the same time. Two or three is the most I have going simultaneously. So having an extra large display to have multiple things spread around on it isn’t a requirement for me.

 

[IngerMan]

I Have both a 2018 i7 MM with 38” Dell UHD and since Thursday the iMac M3. I find the iMac 24” screen is more then capable for my multitasking office needs. It is different but it is so clear. I run my resoulution finer with the M3 filling more screen space because of the clarity. The screen is beautiful. I love the simplicity of the setup for iMac vs all the cables of my MM. It really comes down to personal performance.

 

[Ice-Cube]

Yes for you the screen is too small but for others it's just fine.

I'd agree. Many desktop users would probably find it small but for many others who are used to working on laptops, 24-inches is plenty.

 

[JBaby]

I think a 24” screen is fine for a person, like myself, who is not viewing multiple windows at a time.

This is me. I don’t like multiple windows I prefer to put all windows in full screen and 4 finger swipe or between them. I will sometime put to windows side by side but this the maximum I will do. Anymore is too cluttered for me. I do this even with my 27” iMac.

 

[Jay Tee]

In evaluating 27” vs 24”, I paid attention to how I actually use my current 27” screen. Basically, I use the center of the screen. When I open a browser, I size it smaller than the screen and move it to the center. As has been stated, this is very subjective but since I don’t often open more than one window, I realize that I’m not really using my full 27” screen.

Another case in point is using a spreadsheet. If you open it to the full screen, you really have to move your mouse around a lot. If you shrink it and put it in the center, it’s a more compact setup. Again, a very individual situation but still, that’s how I use my computer.

I think a 24” screen is fine for a person, like myself, who is not viewing multiple windows at a time.

If you find that you occasionally need more visual space, there's Sidecar and Universal Control all ready to go. No need for a full-fat ASD.

 

[JoeG4]

I think the 24" iMac is fine. I don't have one, and I probably wouldn't buy one, but I think they're fine. The keyboard it comes with is fine. I don't like the mouse, but if I were ordering a 16gb/512gb model I'd just spec the trackpad instead.

Tough part for me is I'm doomed to have a sloppy desk. We have 2 iMacs in the house, and while I think they sound fine, I think a nice set of dedicated speakers sounds better. I personally use a split mechanical keyboard, so the keyboard being included wouldn't be all that great a bargain for me. The webcam is nice, if I were to actually use it, I think I'd prefer it - external webcams are so ugly lol.

The 24" screen - I keep hearing complaining about it, but I think 24" is fine. I've been using a 34" ultrawide for almost 10 years now.. man I remember when the 22" I had back in 2002 felt MASSIVE.

It's a mood.

I also don't know about true obsolescence. The M3 just came out, and should be usable for a while. Like, 7-10 years easily. Even if you outgrow it, you can just sell it or donate it. It will probably still be useful for a while after that.

 

[JBaby]

If you find you occasionally need more visual space, there's Sidecar and Universal Control all ready to go. No need for a full-fat ASD.

These are things I’ve wanted! I always have my iPad Pro at my desk. I can’t wait to try them out!

 

[colodane]

I don’t like multiple windows I prefer to put all windows in full screen and 4 finger swipe or between them. I will sometime put to windows side by side but this the maximum I will do. Anymore is too cluttered for me. I do this even with my 27” iMac.

Yes! This is exactly what I do on my 27 inch iMac. Apple's execution of "full Screen mode" in conjunction with DeskTops and the TrackPad is brilliant. I have my 6 most-used destinations on adjacent DeskTops, one of them split between Mail and Stocks. After using this methodology for the past 6 years, the concept of trying to clutter up a single desktop with multiple windows, even if the display is 30 or 40 inches, seems repulsive to me.

This is also why I have decided that a 24 inch monitor would be perfect for my needs. So my next system will be either a 24 inch iMac or, better yet, a Mac Studio with a 24 inch monitor (if I can ever find a good one).

 

[davidlv]

This is indeed a difficult decision to make. For some, it comes down to $$. For others, the number of boxes and cables to manage on their desk. For me, it comes down to the lack of reasonably priced high quality 24 or 27 inch monitors.

I really like the concept of a Mac Studio (or Miini) with a separate monitor. I've priced out a nicely equipped Studio Max several times and was excited about the performance and flexibility and price of the Mac, but hit a dead end when trying to find a monitor. Sorry, Apple, but $1600 is too much for a display. And, I would really prefer a 24 inch monitor anyhow. If Apple came out with a 24 inch version of the Studio display for $1000, I'd click the buy button immediately. And I've yet to locate a good 4K 24 inch monitor from another supplier.

So the search and wait continues.

Check out the LG 24" - it is made for the Mac and the price is not bad at all.

24'' IPS UHD 4K UltraFine™ Monitor with 2x Thunderbolt™ 3, 3x USB Type-C™, Supports DCI-P3 & 500nits Brightness, 4K Daisy Chain & macOS Compatible | LG USA

www.lg.com

 

[ignatius345]

Must admit it's fine for my hand - has a low profile and has enough weight to it and it has built in gestures, l love especially scrolling with it.

Edit: And there's plenty of used/new ones on eBay 😉

I will admit it's really good for scrolling because you don't have the "steps" you get with a scroll wheel. I've been using an app called Mos that helps smooth out scrolling on a regular mouse, and it is pretty helpful.

As far as the ergonomics, my main issue is that it just feels like there's no good place to hold it on the sides. The Elevation Lab MagicGrips actually help a bit with that -- though I still prefer my Logitech G305 overall.

 

[Shirasaki]

In my instance I have a perfect 5k display I can no longer use because Apple decided to deprecate the hardware it's strapped to. Learned my lesson and bought a Mini and an ASD that can be moved to the next upgrade (not that I upgrade often, used my 2014 iMac until earlier this year).

ASD still suffer Apple’s mandatory obsolete schedule in the form of firmware updates. Third party non-Apple monitor is the best way imo.

 

[erikkfi]

If Apple brought back Target Display Mode

Apple won’t do that because they love profits more than the environment.