Money to spend and I want an iMac...
Discussion
Afternoon all.
My home PC hasn’t been out of its box since I moved into my “temporary” rental flat A couple of years ago. Of course, I’ve got a load of photos on there and about 2,500 CDs’ worth of music, which I want to retrieve. It’s an old Sony VAIO and it’s slow as hell, so I want a new computer.
I’ve got an iPad that I use for general surfing and an iPhone XR. I’m on my second iPad (6th gen) and I’ve had iPhone 3, 4, 5 and SE. I also have an older Apple TV box. I like Apple stuff, obviously.
I’m in the position where I can afford to buy an iMac, with the added bonus that I also get a slight discount through the Apple Employee Purchase Programme for UK Police. It’s not a huge amount, I think it’s about a hundred quid for the 21” base spec model, but that’s better in my pocket if I can get it.
I’m going to use it for web surfing, a bit of photo editing, music “server” and all the normal stuff like typing the occasional letter/Word document. I don’t do any online gaming, at all. I play a few games on my iPhone/iPad, but no shooters, Minecraft or anything like that, so I really can’t see myself using an iMac for any gaming.
I’ve got a 22” TV in my bedroom, so I’m pretty confident that the 21” iMac would be fine for me, rather than the 27” options. I like Apple stuff, both for how it looks and how it works (for me). I like the thought of compatibility between my iPhone/iPad/TV and any computer. I’m also looking at getting a HomePod speaker as well, which would obviously also fit in.
Is it worth me looking at any of the memory, storage or other upgrades, or should I just go for the base spec 21” iMac, straight out of the box? I think one thing I would go for is the keyboard with the additional number pad and an external, plug in, CD drive, as I’ve still quite a few CDs I need to get uploaded into iTunes.
Yes, it’s an expensive option, compared to PCs, but as above, I’m fortunate in that I have enough cash to afford to buy one outright (even though there is interest free credit available over (I think) 12 months). Since my motorbike accident, I’ve continued paying into my credit union account at work and where normally, this would get used for holidays away, I’ve not really done any trips over the last three years, so I’ve got a decent chunk (relatively speaking, I’m not a PH Director) available.
I know I don’t “need” this year’s biggest, best, most powerful model, so is it worth me considering any of the refurbished, slightly older ones that are on the website? I dropped my iPhone SE a few years back and smashed the screen, then when I went into the Apple store to look at paying for a repair, I was given a discretionary swap for a refurbed handset, which was indistinguishable from new. I know the refurbed stuff is pretty much the same, across the board.
Any thoughts, positive or negative?
My home PC hasn’t been out of its box since I moved into my “temporary” rental flat A couple of years ago. Of course, I’ve got a load of photos on there and about 2,500 CDs’ worth of music, which I want to retrieve. It’s an old Sony VAIO and it’s slow as hell, so I want a new computer.
I’ve got an iPad that I use for general surfing and an iPhone XR. I’m on my second iPad (6th gen) and I’ve had iPhone 3, 4, 5 and SE. I also have an older Apple TV box. I like Apple stuff, obviously.
I’m in the position where I can afford to buy an iMac, with the added bonus that I also get a slight discount through the Apple Employee Purchase Programme for UK Police. It’s not a huge amount, I think it’s about a hundred quid for the 21” base spec model, but that’s better in my pocket if I can get it.
I’m going to use it for web surfing, a bit of photo editing, music “server” and all the normal stuff like typing the occasional letter/Word document. I don’t do any online gaming, at all. I play a few games on my iPhone/iPad, but no shooters, Minecraft or anything like that, so I really can’t see myself using an iMac for any gaming.
I’ve got a 22” TV in my bedroom, so I’m pretty confident that the 21” iMac would be fine for me, rather than the 27” options. I like Apple stuff, both for how it looks and how it works (for me). I like the thought of compatibility between my iPhone/iPad/TV and any computer. I’m also looking at getting a HomePod speaker as well, which would obviously also fit in.
Is it worth me looking at any of the memory, storage or other upgrades, or should I just go for the base spec 21” iMac, straight out of the box? I think one thing I would go for is the keyboard with the additional number pad and an external, plug in, CD drive, as I’ve still quite a few CDs I need to get uploaded into iTunes.
Yes, it’s an expensive option, compared to PCs, but as above, I’m fortunate in that I have enough cash to afford to buy one outright (even though there is interest free credit available over (I think) 12 months). Since my motorbike accident, I’ve continued paying into my credit union account at work and where normally, this would get used for holidays away, I’ve not really done any trips over the last three years, so I’ve got a decent chunk (relatively speaking, I’m not a PH Director) available.
I know I don’t “need” this year’s biggest, best, most powerful model, so is it worth me considering any of the refurbished, slightly older ones that are on the website? I dropped my iPhone SE a few years back and smashed the screen, then when I went into the Apple store to look at paying for a repair, I was given a discretionary swap for a refurbed handset, which was indistinguishable from new. I know the refurbed stuff is pretty much the same, across the board.
Any thoughts, positive or negative?
I'm typing this on a 5 year old Macbook Pro that's still entirely fit for purpose so broadly speaking I wouldn't worry too much.
From a quick look at the specs I'm surprised Apple don't seem to put SSD in the base iMac.
That's the thing that I'd have thought will give you the greatest visible speed boost both now and in the future.
Personally I'd always advocate a laptop unless you need the screen estate just because it's so much more flexible.
From a quick look at the specs I'm surprised Apple don't seem to put SSD in the base iMac.
That's the thing that I'd have thought will give you the greatest visible speed boost both now and in the future.
Personally I'd always advocate a laptop unless you need the screen estate just because it's so much more flexible.
Stay away from the base models - you'll find they even feel slow when new, and won't get any quicker.
The base one only has a 1080p screen, slow dual core processor and a spinning HD - all the others 21.5" iMacs have a nice 4k screen.
At a minimum get a 4k quad-core model with at least a fusion drive (HD with a small SSD for speeding things up). Personally I would stay away from a fusion drive too - but I understand people will have different speed vs £££ priorities than me.
If you want to save a bit more, you can get a pre-configured model from the Apple Refurbished Store for 10-20% off the new price (with the same full Apple warranty). Just make sure you filter for 2019 models & screen size (there's not a huge saving by going for the 2017 models, but they're not much slower either).
For example a refurb 2019 4k quad core i3 @ 3.6ghz with a 1tb Fusion drive is about the same price (£1059) as the non-refurb base 2019 1080 dual core i5 @ 2.3ghz one (£1049). Alternatively a refurb 2017 quad core i5 @ 3.0ghz with a 4k screen & 512gb SSD is £1329.
The base one only has a 1080p screen, slow dual core processor and a spinning HD - all the others 21.5" iMacs have a nice 4k screen.
At a minimum get a 4k quad-core model with at least a fusion drive (HD with a small SSD for speeding things up). Personally I would stay away from a fusion drive too - but I understand people will have different speed vs £££ priorities than me.
If you want to save a bit more, you can get a pre-configured model from the Apple Refurbished Store for 10-20% off the new price (with the same full Apple warranty). Just make sure you filter for 2019 models & screen size (there's not a huge saving by going for the 2017 models, but they're not much slower either).
For example a refurb 2019 4k quad core i3 @ 3.6ghz with a 1tb Fusion drive is about the same price (£1059) as the non-refurb base 2019 1080 dual core i5 @ 2.3ghz one (£1049). Alternatively a refurb 2017 quad core i5 @ 3.0ghz with a 4k screen & 512gb SSD is £1329.
Edited by mmm-five on Sunday 5th April 14:11
Thanks all, that’s very useful information. I’m really not a “heavy” user (I’m just a fat knacker), so I was unsure whether or not the base spec model would be good enough. The advice is handy and I shall have a browse.
As for the laptop option, I’m happy enough with my iPad for anything away from home. I’d like something with a decent sized screen for home use (I know I could always get a MacBook then an external monitor, but that seems to defeat the purpose of an out of the box, all in one solution.
That said, what are thoughts on the Mac mini?
As for the laptop option, I’m happy enough with my iPad for anything away from home. I’d like something with a decent sized screen for home use (I know I could always get a MacBook then an external monitor, but that seems to defeat the purpose of an out of the box, all in one solution.
That said, what are thoughts on the Mac mini?
Mac Mini are great if you already have screen (is it a HD or 4k screen you've already got?), and if you want to occasionally use it as a mobile device (a friend takes his to his summer house to continue his music composing).
You're basically saving the cost of an Apple 4k screen and only getting on-chip GPU (no standalone/discrete GPU) but at least they all come with an SSD as standard now.
If you ignore the screen - then the base Mini is much faster than the base iMac and significantly cheaper.
The other benefit of the Mac Mini over the 21.5" iMac is that you can upgrade the memory (at less than 1/2 of Apple's cost) when/if you need it. The 21.5" iMac requires some warranty-voiding disassembly to do so.
You will need to budget for a keyboard & mouse though - as they don't come with a Mini - but you were going to get upgraded versions anyway, so no great loss there - and you don't need buy an Apple CD/DVD drive either - a USB-powered slot-loader or externally-powered tray-loader can be had for not a lot and will be fine.
You're basically saving the cost of an Apple 4k screen and only getting on-chip GPU (no standalone/discrete GPU) but at least they all come with an SSD as standard now.
If you ignore the screen - then the base Mini is much faster than the base iMac and significantly cheaper.
The other benefit of the Mac Mini over the 21.5" iMac is that you can upgrade the memory (at less than 1/2 of Apple's cost) when/if you need it. The 21.5" iMac requires some warranty-voiding disassembly to do so.
You will need to budget for a keyboard & mouse though - as they don't come with a Mini - but you were going to get upgraded versions anyway, so no great loss there - and you don't need buy an Apple CD/DVD drive either - a USB-powered slot-loader or externally-powered tray-loader can be had for not a lot and will be fine.
Edited by mmm-five on Sunday 5th April 14:40
My current PC screen is some Sony flat screen monitor, about 14”. Which was obviously cutting edge when I bought it. About 12 years ago...
My bedroom screen is just a Panasonic smart TV, so if I went the Mac Mini route, I’d need to budget for a screen, so it might not work out any cheaper.
Noted on the CD drive, but that confirms my thinking, that I’d just go with a plug and play USB job.
My bedroom screen is just a Panasonic smart TV, so if I went the Mac Mini route, I’d need to budget for a screen, so it might not work out any cheaper.
Noted on the CD drive, but that confirms my thinking, that I’d just go with a plug and play USB job.
Dibble said:
My current PC screen is some Sony flat screen monitor, about 14”. Which was obviously cutting edge when I bought it. About 12 years ago...
My bedroom screen is just a Panasonic smart TV, so if I went the Mac Mini route, I’d need to budget for a screen, so it might not work out any cheaper.
I'd be very tempted to do something based around a Mac Mini. I'd suggest a minimum of 8GB RAM, and an SSD or fusion drive, but it certainly does not have to be the latest model. I have a mid-2011 Mac Mini which is running perfectly with the latest OS. You could look at something like this:My bedroom screen is just a Panasonic smart TV, so if I went the Mac Mini route, I’d need to budget for a screen, so it might not work out any cheaper.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Apple-Mac-Mini-Late-201...
Then add a sizeable TV, magic trackpad and keyboard and still be well under £1000.
here is my set-up, 65" TV, and Mac Mini hidden away inside the cabinet.
stemll said:
As mmm-five mentioned but I think it's worth pulling out on its own.... there is no way to upgrade the RAM in the 21.5" iMac without dismantling it. The 27" has a door in the back to access the RAM.
I was stuck with the 21" at the time of purchase by desk space(2013) and this grated so much, you really have to max out the 21" at purchase. Next one will be the 27 and memory upgrade myself.Don't forget that storage can be added in shed loads after purchase.
I maxed out the one I bought and it is still quite good for a 2013 model. Photo editing about the heaviest work it does but I went for long term use hence the mis out at purchase.
Dibble said:
Thanks all, that’s very useful information. I’m really not a “heavy” user (I’m just a fat knacker), so I was unsure whether or not the base spec model would be good enough. The advice is handy and I shall have a browse.
I've used iMacs and Apple laptops for about 15 years and would advise going for the best spec, screen display and RAM, either installed or with slots that you can install yourself with good RAM significantly cheaper than from pre-installed, that you can afford.Over the years the various new versions of macOS and their upgraded applications demand more speed, RAM and higher quality displays to get the best from them, you can always lag behind the versions but may well find that some applications that you use will no longer be supported.
Another thing worth looking at is buying from John Lewis, they have always offered a 2 year warranty, rather than 1 year, and the last iMac I bought, 5 years ago, only cost £30 to extend that to 3 years, including accidentally dropping it on the deck.
I'm typing this on a 2009 27" iMac which is running as well as it did when new, in fact it's a bit better as I fitted a new hybrid SHDD a year ago. Only issue is it wont run the latest OS but that's no big deal. I expect to keep using this for another few years.
I bought the best spec I could back in 09, Quad Core i7, I upgraded the RAM to 8GB myself which is easy on the 27" but check you can on the 21" , IIRC it was not doable.
Oh and mine was from the refurb store, I also have a Macbook Air and an old iPad all bought from the refurb store.
I bought the best spec I could back in 09, Quad Core i7, I upgraded the RAM to 8GB myself which is easy on the 27" but check you can on the 21" , IIRC it was not doable.
Oh and mine was from the refurb store, I also have a Macbook Air and an old iPad all bought from the refurb store.
Lynchie999 said:
... I would hold fire for a few months if you can, as there may well be a new one on its way soon...
If you're prepared to wait long enough, there will be a new version of everything out!The iMac is due a refresh, but don't know how much of an effect COVID-19 will have on the schedule.
The Mac Mini had its latest 'update' in March, albeit not a spec bump just what was effectively a price reduction (i.e. double the storage for the same price), so yes you could say it's ready for a refresh if you are basing the refresh cycle on the laptop/iMac cycle of about 2 years, but the last version was 4 years between refreshes, so you may have a long wait.
Edited by mmm-five on Sunday 5th April 19:50
Long time iMac user here.
You definitely want the 27 inch. The upgradable memory, SSD and 5k display make for a much better experience, even before the benefits from a much bigger screen.
I’d even say pick up a late used one on eBay, rather than a new 21 inch. You won’t be disappointed.
You definitely want the 27 inch. The upgradable memory, SSD and 5k display make for a much better experience, even before the benefits from a much bigger screen.
I’d even say pick up a late used one on eBay, rather than a new 21 inch. You won’t be disappointed.
Yep new one out very soon and it could well be a redesign so you might be kicking yourself if you get one now.
I would also be surprised if they don't move over properly to SSD and maybe 16GB as well.
8GB and HDD makes no sense these days so 16GB and SSD would be the 2 things I would put down as must haves for longevity purposes.
I would also be surprised if they don't move over properly to SSD and maybe 16GB as well.
8GB and HDD makes no sense these days so 16GB and SSD would be the 2 things I would put down as must haves for longevity purposes.
As above, may worth waiting if you are buying new. How about this discounted refurbed 27 inch one? 5K screen, accessible RAM.
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/FRQY2B/A/Ref...
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/FRQY2B/A/Ref...
Dibble said:
Thanks for the Mac Rumours site link. Of course I want it TOMORROW! I shall try and hang on and see if anything is announced in the near future.
If you have the iPad news app then you can follow Mac Rumors on the news channel. There are other options I think.I think June was conference was cancelled for the obvious reasons. May or may not have been the possible release.
For me I look at keeping it till it is no longer is useful for what I use it for, I plane years a ahead as they are expensive. If you are one for changing often then perhaps not worry about it. Reason for me is eventually apple will stop supporting the device.
https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT201624
I am expecting my late 2013 21" on the list this year, it will still get security updates but no longer the main OS updates, perhaps.. Or not.
Something to look at for the model upgrades and speed increases.
https://browser.geekbench.com/mac-benchmarks/
https://browser.geekbench.com/macs/438
Of course Apple keep it close on what the model upgrades are. Might be worth it, might be meh.
Edited by Zirconia on Monday 6th April 08:57
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