Another "what do I do now?" post for an older iMac

[ScottR]

I have an iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2014) with 32GB. I've been waiting to upgrade, hoping that Apple would come out with another 27" iMac because I don't want a smaller screen. But it looks like those hopes are dead.

I've been a Mac user for a LONG time (and an Apple user going back to the Apple II days). I suppose I got into the mindset of getting one of the more powerful models--not that I did heavy work, but so it would last me a while, and because especially in the early years "powerful" was relative.

I used to some multimedia work, but aside from aside from some light video conversion work my AV days are mostly over with. I do have days where my processor is running full-tilt, but that's not a daily thing.

I'm leaning towards either a Mini or a studio, with two external monitors--my vision isn't what it used to be and having that extra screen real estate helps when making the print larger so I think I want to stick with at least 27". I currently also have a secondary screen, an ancient 23" Cinema display (19 years old, I think).

Also, I've been lucky as far as not needing repairs, but if I need to not having to shlep a whole combo screen/computer would be nice.

Right now, I have five external drives, a flatbed scanner, a document scanner, an external DVD/Blu-Ray drive, a mechanical keyboard and a trackpad (both connected via USB), and a MFP hooked up. I never use the iMac's camera (and have electrical tape over it).

In trying to be sensible, a Mac Studio might be overkill, but with all the peripherals and the longer-term in mind, would I regret not getting one?

I don't care about a camera, but having good speakers would be nice (so I don't have to plug yet more things in). It looks like the Dells are being recommended in the forums here. Any particular models, currently?

 

[chown33]

What's your budget? If you don't have a hard number, what's your preferred range?

How long can you realistically afford to wait? With the M3's hot out of the gate, wait and see what the real-world performance benchmarks look like, especially compared to the M2 equivalents. If the M3 performance looks significantly better in your likely uses, then it might be worthwhile to wait for an M3 Studio or mini. If they aren't significant, again, in your likely uses, then look for a refurb with as much RAM as is practical for your budget.

Given the number of external devices, I think you'll be better off with a Studio. I also think the Studio's video output capabilities are better than a similar mini, but you should check the specs to make sure, because I could be misremembering.

Whatever you get, make sure the software for your scanners will work on the OS and hardware. If not, then you may want to replace a scanner at the same time you upgrade the Mac. That will add to the budget expense, but it's better to find that out now by checking softare compatibility than after you've bought a new Mac. Another option might be to keep the old Mac around as a scanner server, i.e. connect to it with Screen Sharing when you want to do scans. That may be practical if scanner use is infrequent, but if it's often, that will be a PITA.

Finally, check the specs on your current monitors (scan rate range, width, height, signal type, etc.) to make sure both a Studio and a mini can drive them using an adapter. Some of that may depend on the adapter. I have no specific suggestions there, but it's worth adding to your list of things to check specs on or get recommendations for.

 

[Fishrrman]

I'll guess (and it's ONLY "a guess") that if new 27" or larger iMacs are coming, they remain nearly "a year away" as of right now. I could be wrong.

If it's time to upgrade, and you want a display bigger than 24", the answer is [relatively] simple:
Get a Mac Mini (I'd suggest an m2pro Mini) and a 27" display of your choice.

I wouldn't buy the Apple Studio display, I think it's way overpriced for what you get. Instead, I'd look for a good 3rd-party 27" 4k display, such as the 3 or 4 offered by Dell.

 

[picpicmac]

a mechanical keyboard and a trackpad (both connected via USB)

Those front USB ports on the Mac Studio tempt me. I bet they will tempt you too.

 

[Regulus67]

I agree with chown33 that you could keep the iMac for things that might not work on a new mac.

If not, I would suggest you consider building your own DIY 5k Monitor. That way you can still use your iMac as a monitor.
As for speakers, I am in the process of modifying my DIY 5k monitor, so that I can use the built in speakers.

 

[ScottR]

If it's time to upgrade, and you want a display bigger than 24", the answer is [relatively] simple:
Get a Mac Mini (I'd suggest an m2pro Mini) and a 27" display of your choice.

I was looking over the Apple store again, comparing the Mini and the Studio.
The base Mini Apple M2 Pro comes with 16GB RAM for $1,299. The Studio's base price, with the M2 Max, is $1,999, and it comes with 32 GB. Up the Mini to 32MB and you're at $1,699. Suddenly, the Studio becomes competitive.

 

[OldMike]

I was looking over the Apple store again, comparing the Mini and the Studio.
The base Mini Apple M2 Pro comes with 16GB RAM for $1,299. The Studio's base price, with the M2 Max, is $1,999, and it comes with 32 GB. Up the Mini to 32MB and you're at $1,699. Suddenly, the Studio becomes competitive.

Yes, after analyzing and over-analyzing the price structure between the Mac Mini M2 Pro and the Mac Studio, it is clear to me that if the base M2 Pro Mini does all that you need - then that is the right machine to get.

But once you start adding RAM or bumping up the Cores - all value is lost and you might as well get the Mac Studio...