What’s my best option?

[MrB.]

So, I’m a freelance journo, so do a lot of typing, mostly on Google Docs. I also film and edit a YouTube channel on iMovie, so nothing too technical as I’m a bit of a dinosaur when it comes to computers, so play nice. I bought a new MacBook Pro back in 2010, which has pretty much given up the ghost. So, I bought an old iMac from a work colleague (it might be a 2010/2011 model) and I’ve upgraded the software as much as it will allow. But lately it’s been freezing and crashing a few times, and it’s becoming a pain.

So, what are my options? Should I splurge out £1k on a new Mac, or do you think a Mac Mini might do me ok? If so, will I be able to use the current iMac as a monitor for it? Is there another, cheaper laptop that would run software to do my film editing stuff as easily as iMovie? Should i try and get a new SSD thingamayjyg put into my old MacBook Pro?

Thoughts welcome, and please be kind to an old duffer. Can’t afford much, nor justify a lot, but want something that will last me.

[camel_landy]

It depends on how handy & comfortable you are with working on computer hardware.

Dropping a new SSD into the MacBook will make a huge difference to the performance. I've got an old 2009 MacBook Pro and the SSD gave it a new lease of life. If you go down that route, expanding the RAM to the max will be worth while as well as dropping in a new battery. Dropping an SSD into the iMac will give that a new lease of life too. Slightly fiddler than the MacBook but doable.

Both of these options have plenty of tutorials on YouTube.

FWIW - I've dropped SSDs into most of my old Mac kit and have been pleasantly surprised with the results.

As for a new one... Early reports of the new processors are sounding good and I'd be seriously tempted to take the plunge. You're the only one who can make those cost justifications but if you go down the Mac Mini route, you're going to need an external monitor, as you won't be able to use the iMac.

If you do fancy tackling it yourself, I'd suggest having a crack at the MacBook first as it sounds as though it's not in use and it's easier than the iMac anyway. Tip: Take a USB stick and turn it into an OSX Installer.

M

[xeny]

camel_landy said:

if you go down the Mac Mini route, you're going to need an external monitor, as you won't be able to use the iMac.

Don't some iMacs support being used as a monitor?

OP, check if the one you have supports "Target Display Mode".

[MrB.]

Thanks for the response. If I did go down the SSD route, I’d have to get someone to do it as I have no idea what I’m doing!

The reason I suggested the Mac Mini was because I am now getting used to using a desktop, which is much better for the video editing as it’s a much bigger display. Interesting to note about the monitor on my iMac, so I’ll look at that.

Either way, a Mac Mini plus monitor is still way cheaper than a new iMac or MacBook hence my thoughts towards it as I don’t need the ability to carry it around, or the power of a a full blown new iMac.

[wombleh]

If you were happily doing this on a 2010 MacBook then a new mini should have plenty of oomph for it, I’d upgrade the RAM if funds allow.

SSD upgrade should make it a lot faster, but you’re getting to the point where OS patches and upgrades won’t be available so opening yourself up to more security risks. There are things you can do to reduce risk, like not using that machine for internet and email, but if it’s generating your income then I’d be buying a new supported one personally.

[megaphone]

There are new Macs out/coming out with new 'Silicon' chips. So I would wait a while to see how they go.

Yes get the iMac upgraded to an SSD. You can run one externally, booting from the external drive. Although, if your are having problems it may be the existing HDD failing.

May be a good idea to find a local Mac 'specialist' who can do all the work. Make sure you take a Timemachine back up before you do anything.

[camel_landy]

xeny said:

camel_landy said:

if you go down the Mac Mini route, you're going to need an external monitor, as you won't be able to use the iMac.

Don't some iMacs support being used as a monitor?

OP, check if the one you have supports "Target Display Mode".

Just double checked the system requirements...

https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204592#requireme...

Prior to 2011, it was only the 27" iMac which supported it.
2011 to 2014 Both types support TDM.

Just remember the iMac needs to be running, so if it's freezing or crashing, it'll take out your display too.

M

[camel_landy]

MrB. said:

Either way, a Mac Mini plus monitor is still way cheaper than a new iMac or MacBook hence my thoughts towards it as I don’t need the ability to carry it around, or the power of a a full blown new iMac.

I think you've answered your own question...

M

[xeny]

MrB. said:

The reason I suggested the Mac Mini was because I am now getting used to using a desktop, which is much better for the video editing as it’s a much bigger display. Interesting to note about the monitor on my iMac, so I’ll look at that.

Either way, a Mac Mini plus monitor is still way cheaper than a new iMac or MacBook hence my thoughts towards it as I don’t need the ability to carry it around, or the power of a a full blown new iMac.

Typically with a laptop you'd plug an external screen in for video editing or similar tasks and spread windows between the external screen and the laptop display.

I@m not sure if the Apple silicon Mini supports multiple external displays, I know the Intel based one does.

[mmm-five]

xeny said:

Typically with a laptop you'd plug an external screen in for video editing or similar tasks and spread windows between the external screen and the laptop display.

I@m not sure if the Apple silicon Mini supports multiple external displays, I know the Intel based one does.

The Apple Silicon M1 MacMini supports two monitors, the Apple Silicon M1 MacBooks do not.

The M1 MacMini supports:

• One (via TB3/USB-C natively or with adapters for Displayport/DVI/VGA) at up to 6k @ 60hz

and

• One (via HDMI 2.0 or DVI adapter) up to 4k @ 60hz.

Edited by mmm-five on Tuesday 17th November 11:36

[eps]

As it is for work....

If I were you I'd firstly ensure I had a Time Machine Backup of the machine I was using for work. (You might have to purchase a HDD for this, but they are relatively cheap - just ensure its one that is Apple compatible - although they can probably be reformatted, but for ease I'd go with something already certified).

Then go to Apple website and look at refurb items from them ( https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/mac/ ) Purchase.

Update new machine with the Time Machine Backup.

Carry on as you were - sell the other items (after resetting).

Purchase a couple of monitors and connect them to the MacBook using a Thunderbolt cable or possibly an adapter.

Don't upgrade 10 year old machines - they have a limit of around 5-6 years so you've done well already.


Actually if you don't need a laptop get a Mac Mini - just a machine in a small box. Check that it can be hooked up to your iMac as a monitor (specific model number would help) and a keyboard and a mouse.

If it were my livelihood I wouldn't waste time with upgrading it etc.. especially if I wasn't comfortable with it. Ask yourself this, if it doesn't switch on and work as expected how would I get to the point where I could work and what impact would it have on earnings and deadlines?

[eps]

mmm-five said:

xeny said:

Typically with a laptop you'd plug an external screen in for video editing or similar tasks and spread windows between the external screen and the laptop display.

I@m not sure if the Apple silicon Mini supports multiple external displays, I know the Intel based one does.

The MacMini supports two monitors, the MacBooks do not.

The M1 MacMini supports:

• One (via TB3/USB-C natively or with adapters for Displayport/DVI/VGA) at up to 6k @ 60hz

and

• One (via HDMI 2.0 or DVI adapter) up to 4k @ 60hz.

Macbook Pros (at least from late 2013) do support two monitors - they've got two thunderbolt ports.

[tim0409]

eps said:

Macbook Pros (at least from late 2013) do support two monitors - they've got two thunderbolt ports.

I think the previous poster is referring to the new MacBook Air/Pro models with Apple silicon.

[eps]

tim0409 said:

eps said:

Macbook Pros (at least from late 2013) do support two monitors - they've got two thunderbolt ports.

I think the previous poster is referring to the new MacBook Air/Pro models with Apple silicon.

Ah my mistake then.

Personally I wouldn't sit and wait for the new silicon.

OP if you are comfortable with iMovie - just get a newer MacBook Pro and continue using. I guess it depends on your workload and how much waiting would cost you and impact deadlines.

[devnull]

I would not piss about, and get one of the new M1 Mac Minis. They are so far ahead of the game now, they make anything older now look like an abacus.

[eps]

devnull said:

I would not piss about, and get one of the new M1 Mac Minis. They are so far ahead of the game now, they make anything older now look like an abacus.

You might be right.

Just a couple of Qs though... Does the OP 'need' a MacBook? Or will they need one in the future?

If they have a time machine backup can they use this on the new Mac Mini?

[camel_landy]

eps said:

Just a couple of Qs though... Does the OP 'need' a MacBook? Or will they need one in the future?

I think you missed this update:

OP said:

Either way, a Mac Mini plus monitor is still way cheaper than a new iMac or MacBook hence my thoughts towards it as I don’t need the ability to carry it around, or the power of a a full blown new iMac.

M

[eps]

camel_landy said:

eps said:

Just a couple of Qs though... Does the OP 'need' a MacBook? Or will they need one in the future?

I think you missed this update:

OP said:

Either way, a Mac Mini plus monitor is still way cheaper than a new iMac or MacBook hence my thoughts towards it as I don’t need the ability to carry it around, or the power of a a full blown new iMac.

M

Cheers! Mac Mini it is then.

[MrB.]

So, a Mac Mini M1 and a Dell monitor arrived today. All fingers crossed it will do whats required. I noticed on setting up though the speakers on the monitor are, well, $hit. Can you run your Mac through a Sonos? Or should I look at a pair of cheap pc speakers?

[Magnum 475]

MrB. said:

So, a Mac Mini M1 and a Dell monitor arrived today. All fingers crossed it will do whats required. I noticed on setting up though the speakers on the monitor are, well, $hit. Can you run your Mac through a Sonos? Or should I look at a pair of cheap pc speakers?

You can put sound through any airplay compatible device - I use an old B&W ‘Z2’. If the device is airplay compatible, it should work.