I’m slowly moving to Apple. I’m thinking about getting either a MacBook or an iMac. I like bigger screens. I want to edit simple videos from my phone, take notes for college with my browser open and have music playing in the background. Basically, just office tasks and some relaxation. I saw many versions of the iMac 24. Would the 8GB base version work for me? Should I look at the 8-core 8GB version or go for the 16GB 8-core? I appreciate all opinions. Hope everyone has a great day
Do you already have an external monitor? If so, consider the Mac Mini M2 since it’s much cheaper
Vin said:
Do you already have an external monitor? If so, consider the Mac Mini M2 since it’s much cheaper
Absolutely agree. The iMac never made sense to me because you’d have to change your monitor every time you upgrade your computer. The Mac Mini with an external monitor gives you a lot more options. Plus, you should try an ultrawide monitor. A 34-inch is fantastic.
By the way, I think 16GB is the minimum RAM I would even think about.
@Finch
Current iMacs are really beautiful though
Keagan said:
@Finch
Current iMacs are really beautiful though
Haha think about buying a computer just for how it looks
Keagan said:
@Finch
Current iMacs are really beautiful though
Haha think about buying a computer just for how it looks
I feel that’s always been a big deal for many home users. Aesthetics do matter for most. Just think how household appliances or cars would look if they didn’t.
@Sage
I get that everyone likes what they like, and I’m fine with you downvoting me, but I still find it funny when someone chooses a computer just for how it looks.
Finch said:
@Sage
I get that everyone likes what they like, and I’m fine with you downvoting me, but I still find it funny when someone chooses a computer just for how it looks.
You must have a really practical home.
Keagan said:
@Finch
Current iMacs are really beautiful though
Haha think about buying a computer just for how it looks
Why do people then buy RGB stuff?
The base model should work for your needs. But if you’re in college, I suggest getting a MacBook since there will be times you need a laptop in class. You can always buy a monitor later, but you can’t take an iMac outside.
@Jonah
I agree with either a MacBook or maybe a Mac Mini. However, the original poster seems to want an all-in-one thing.
I’ve been thinking about a refurbished MacBook Air from Apple… You can get an M2 Air with 16GB RAM and a 10-core GPU for $90 more than a new base model. New shell and battery along with a new warranty.
And honestly, my family’s 2006 iMac went to a few LAN parties, and I took it to school just once. In high school, on a bus.
@Shawn
Tell me more about that bus ride and how it went!
Teagan said:
@Shawn
Tell me more about that bus ride and how it went!
Haha this was a while ago but I remember being a stubborn teen trying to make a point.
The ride wasn’t anything special; I just held the base like a handle, kind of laid it next to me.
I had a PowerPoint to show but said ‘my computer only has Keynote, it won’t work,’ which meant ‘I haven’t started anything yet.’
The teacher called me out and said to bring my computer in. She probably thought I would show up with the MacBook Pro 1,1 I just got broken from a friend that I had been seen messing with in her class.
But nope, it was a full iMac.
Of course, the first projector could only do VGA, and I didn’t have that adapter, so everyone had to squint at my terrible presentation. That probably helped my grade.
@Shawn
Wow, that is a funny story. Thanks for sharing!
@Jonah
I’ve got an M1 MacBook Air, base model. It’s like a Mac Mini that I can take with me. (I mainly use it with my 32-inch 4K monitor, but it’s nice to have when I leave the house)
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The iMac hasn’t had an update in 891 days, with a typical update cycle of 398 days, so now isn’t a good time to buy an iMac.
Source: MacRumors Buyers Guide
If a 24-inch 4.5K screen is alright for you and you like the all-in-one setup, then the base version could work. But remember that 8GB RAM isn’t much these days, especially since it comes with only 256GB of base storage.
Also, keep in mind that the iMac hasn’t had a hardware update since it came out in 2021, so it could get the M3 chip and changes either this year or early next year.
I think you should be deciding between an M2 Mini or a MacBook.
The M2 Mini starts almost 1000 euros cheaper than the iMac and has the same specs except for the newer M2 chip (it also has two USB-A ports, while the iMac has none in the base version). You can upgrade the RAM and SSD one level and still have money left over for a great 27-inch display compared to the current iMac.
A new iMac M1 with 16 GB RAM is $1499.
An M2 Mac Mini with 16 GB is $799.
An HP U28 4K Monitor is $449.
Total = $1298.
I don’t think the 24-inch iMac is worth it anymore. You can get a more powerful computer for half the price and buy a good monitor to come out ahead.
The look of the 24-inch iMac might interest you, and that may be worth something to you, but just remember you are spending more for those looks. If you’re okay with that then go for it.
No matter which route you choose, going up to 16GB RAM is a smart choice (for perspective, my 2012 Mac Mini has 16GB RAM). The 8GB machines work okay but I think you should only consider that if you’re aiming for something cheap. An 8GB M1 MacBook Air makes sense because they are affordable. Getting an expensive all-in-one with a great display but only putting 8GB RAM in it seems crazy to me.
@Skyler
Not really since you still need speakers and a camera, plus all those wires and half your ports are used up. Even with an M1, the 24-inch model is still a good deal.
That said, I’d wait at least until next month to see if there is an update.