Does anyone even buy the iMac now? Is it still worth it?
I’m in desperate need of a new computer but I’m on a tight budget. I use my laptop a lot at home but I really need a bigger screen for work. I usually just connect an external monitor and keyboard to my laptop. I work from home a few days a week, and my laptop is not comfortable for my neck or eyes for long periods.
I really want my first Apple computer and I have done a lot of research. Should I get the basic iMac and just stick with my Dell laptop? Or should I go for a MacBook (I’m thinking about the M2 Air) and a good external monitor?
Which option is better? It seems like most people just get a laptop and a nice monitor now. Can I get a display quality as good as an iMac with a laptop and an external monitor?
Is an iMac even worth getting anymore?
Is it possible to find an external monitor under $500 that works with a MacBook and offers a screen quality close to what an iMac has?
Given how you use your computer, I would recommend the Air with an external monitor over getting an iMac. You want a machine that you can use anywhere, not just at home. I wouldn’t want to use a Windows PC for work and then have an iMac at home. But if you think you can make it work with both a Dell for work and an iMac at home, then that might be a direction to consider.
Vale said: @Elliott
Is it possible to find an external monitor under $500 that connects to a MacBook that is close in quality to an iMac?
When I got my 2018 Mac Mini, I set up two Sceptre 32 inch curved monitors, even though one needed an adapter. It worked really well.
Later, I moved one monitor to my MacBook Pro from work with an HDMI to USB-C adapter, and it connected without any issues.
Eventually, I decided a large monitor and a small laptop display weren’t what I wanted, so I put the other monitor on my work desk too. It all worked perfectly when I plugged it in.
It might be this adapter I found on Amazon: LENTION USB C Hub with 4K HDMI, 3 USB 3.0, SD/Micro SD Card Reader; Compatible with 2022-2016 MacBook Pro, New Mac Air/Surface, Stable Driver Certified Multi-Port Adapter (CB-C18, Space Gray)
Just to share, I sold my M1 Mac Mini (got it in October 2021) and bought a used 27 inch iMac (2017). Some people might wonder why I would trade an M1 for older Intel, but that 5K display is stunning. You would need to spend quite a bit to get this level of display quality with a MacBook or Mini. I spent $600 including shipping and tax. I mostly just use it for browsing, watching videos, and light gaming. Totally worth it for me.
Micah said: @Cary
Thanks! I don’t know why I got downvoted; I was just telling the truth! Most students prefer monitors since iMacs are out of reach financially.
Exactly! I’m saving for a 4K monitor. I replaced my old desktop with an M1 MBA and have no regrets, but I miss having more screen space.
It depends on what you will use it for, how much you travel, and if you want to work in different places.
For me, I bought a used 2019 iMac for about $750, and it has been perfect for my needs (I avoided M1 because some software isn’t compatible yet). Upgradable RAM and a solid display make it worth it.
iMacs usually give good value for their display quality and performance. A matching external monitor will likely cost a fair bit.
I use my M1 MBA for audio recording and editing. When I sit down to work, I like using a Thunderbolt dock and connect it to a larger 4K display for better workflow.
I have also been successfully using a 2015 iMac 21.5 inch for teaching online classes since the pandemic, and it works fine with a 2014 Mac Mini for networking.