So, I've been using Stage Manager because of the ease of switching ... with a few applications I mostly use. Also, I hide my Dock so the iMac 24 inch screen feels like I have a good amount of space. Sometimes I do go full screen but not often ... mostly when working with Numbers spreadsheets.
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Why I decided to get an iMac instead of a Mac Mini
- Thread starter ger19
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Thank You David.
I did look at that one early-on in my search (when it was actually sold by Apple) and was put off somewhat by some reviews that indicated inconsistent behavior when used with MacOS systems. I agree that I should take a fresh look at it. Certainly the right size and the display panel is stellar. And, at about $300 the price is certainly right - not a huge investment even if it did have some minor issues.
So I am going to take a closer fresh look and read as many later reviews as I can find. Thanks again !!
If anyone reading this thread has personal experience with it that would be very welcome.
Have you seen Luna Display?
AppleCare is not extendable beyond teh initial period; not sure if that is all current active or only those bought after Apple announced the change.
You only get it if they are bought at the same time on the same receipt as the Mac or iPad.
We don’t really know this for sure, do we? It’s the first of it’s kind.
I would assume even if they stop updating the firmware it would continue to work at least as a monitor, the question would be whether the speakers and camera still work, but with a third party monitor you wouldn’t have them to begin with 🤷🏼♀️ The backlash they would get if the monitor stopped working with new versions of macOS would be insane, I don’t think they’d take that chance
Last edited:
I know about Luna Display, and have recommended it to people looking for a TDM-like solution. There are other ways of doing similar set ups, such as the built-in Screen Sharing feature on Mac OS.
That said, Screen Sharing, and third party solutions like Luna Display are no where near as good as an actual HW solution like TDM. The lag is probably the biggest issue, which can be mitigated with hard wiring with Ethernet or Thunderbolt, but it still exists.
When I do recommend something like Luna Display to someone, I don't suggest it if someone is looking to buy a new iMac, it is when they already have the iMac looking into how to use it for an external monitor.
Actually, I often see posts where people got an iMac because they thought they would be able to use it as an external display with other devices and they can't figure out how to get it to work, only to be really disappointed.
I appreciate the back-and-forth on threads like this. It's helpful to read other users' opinions and thought processes, especially as a newbie to the macOS world (in contrast to my decade+ experience as an iPhone/iPad user).
My own internal debate is now strongly leading me towards the iMac. I just don't like the external monitor choices (in my price range.) The ASD price pushes it out of my list.
If you're interested in an iMac (or mini/Studio + ASD), you can buy and test drive the setup until January 8th, 2024 due to the generous holiday return period. That's almost 60 days to see how it works for you!
I highly doubt there’s going to be another iMac anytime soon. And even then I don’t think it would have a M3 Pro/Max chip.
Hmm. I'm trying to decide on whether or not to go ahead with the M3 iMac. I'll be pissed if in 4-6 months there's a chip upgrade option.
This is tech. That’s always going to be a risk. But it was 900 days between the M1 and M3 iMac. There’s not going to be a 27” iMac. This iMac is all there is. It just doesn’t make sense for there to be a chip upgrade for iMac in 6 months.
Apple has been able to get away with terrible butterfly keyboard for a staggering 4 years. So, I would not hold my breathe.
No. Even with improved M3 efficiency, there isn’t sufficient space or cooling capacity in the current 24” iMac for a Pro or Max chip. The motherboard still just a stick and it has to fit into the chin.
Although it seen likely Apple could put the M3 pro chip in the mini. If an M2 Pro fit in a mini, the M3 Pro certainly would fit. If Apple did, I would doubt there would be an M3 Pro Studio.
Like someone said losing game. But iMacs no longer a huge driver. it Will be awhile, if you want or need the system, get it.
Target display would be a no brainer win for Apple to bring back. Especially for people who enjoy the iPad this combo of iMac + iPad is great if you want to use the iMac occasionally as an external display with Stage manager.
It would also make sense environmentally because the display could continue to work if the M1 has become obsolete
Ya, I went ahead and got it. Paralysis by analysis.
If you don't need a new computer, dont buy a new computer.
Continue to wait until you actually need one, then you'll have a clearer idea which to get, and how to spec it out. Otherwise, as someone here's already said: it's a losing game.
A new car ... driving it off the lot ... is the biggest loser for me. My new iMac is trivial.
Just saying ... mortgage, car, et etc ... these are much much more than any of my computer hardware. Also, I decided to ditch the cable TV and all those extra channel things ... saved so much. Now down to just cable internet and cell phone service ... however I am paying for some Apple+ services. This is a big game of moving around those costs.
Yes, many many days between M1 and M3 ... and maybe skipping another generation ... so M5 (with Dr. Daystrom 's multi-tronic neural engrams). Wait, there is another possible progression for future iMacs ... M5, M7, M11, M13 ...
I purchased the 1499 model of the iMac and while the screen was impressive, I returned it and purchased a refurbished m2 pro mini. I added a 32" 2K screen with a higher refresh rate and couldn't be happier with my set up. Everyone has different budgets and priorities. I'll keep this set up for a while and possibly spring for the ASD in the future. I don't sit close with the larger screen and think it looks really good (no match color wise but still an excellent picture for what I need). Multitasking on the larger screen, for me, is a dream.
I would hardly consider a 24" 60Hz display to be the "best monitor on the market", even at 4.5K resolution...
Size and refresh rate are not important to everyone. Many of us do not play games.