Changing 2020 27" iMac for M1 iMac

[1222394]

Hey there,

Last year I bought a 27" iMac as I couldn't wait for the M1 iMac any longer to keep on my studies.
Now that the M1 is out, I'm thinking on selling it and get the M1 iMac.

The main reason is that I'm concerned on the long term support intel. My previous iMac lasted for 10 years.
I know Apple will provide support from an OS perspective, but I'm not sure for how long developers are going to hold on.
I've checked developers documentation for supporting both OS's and some macros and specific code has to be done, so I suspect that at some point they'll want to get rid of that burden.

I'm also interested in the possibility of running native apps rather than web versions.

Do you think It's worth to make the effort to sell my current iMac for the M1 iMac?
For how long do you think we'll be able to fully operate intel based macs?

Thanks!

 

[chscag]

Do you think It's worth to make the effort to sell my current iMac for the M1 iMac?
For how long do you think we'll be able to fully operate intel based macs?

Selling your 27" 5K 2020 iMac right now may not be a good idea as folks are waiting for Apple to announce a replacement for it.

You should be able to get more years of use as there are still folks who have and use PPC Macs. However, just like the changeover from the PPC to Intel, there will come a time that Apple will completely dedicate everything (hardware, software) to their own silicon.

It's a tough choice to make. I'm holding on to my 2017 27" 5K Intel iMac as long as I can while waiting to see what Apple will do. The 24" M1 iMac is a replacement for the 21.5" Intel iMac. We really do not know what Apple will come out with to replace the 27" Intel models.

 

[jz0309]

check your trade in value with Apple ...
Intel Macs are supported on Monterey, after that, we don't know for sure, but, security patches for Intel based machines will be coming for at least 5 years is my guess ...

 

[scottrngr]

Or you could get a M1 mini with a 27" 5k monitor. That way you can upgrade more often. Assuming Apple will regularly update the mini that is.

 

[wilberforce]

I too bought a 27" Intel iMac last year, with the full intention of trading it in on the second generation (M2? M3?) Apple Silicon iMac in a few years. This is when they will fix unforeseen issues from the first gen., and make the improvements that they didn't finish in the first gen.

If you are thinking of getting the 24" iMac (actually 23.5"), that might well feel like a downgrade from the 27":

There is no way I would sell a 2020 27" iMac in anticipation of its replacement being better in all ways, with no idea of what its replacement actually is, or how much it costs. Not every new model of device released by Apple has been an improvement without issues, and some have been frankly overpriced. Look at the iPhone 6 (bendy, unreliable), the 2014/2015 retina iMac (image retention, pink edges), Macbooks with butterfly keyboards, etc. What happens if it is discovered that the new display has some unexpected issues?
If instead it turns out that the first gen replacement is absolutely perfect rainbows and unicorns, then at that point get one.
For reference, the current Apple trade-in value on my 2020 i7 iMac (bought last year for $2900) is now $1600. 45% depreciation, unsurprisingly. Buying another iMac this year would be akin to buying a new car every year, moreover without even knowing exactly what the new model is. The dealer would be very happy to put in your order.

 

[Fishrrman]

My opinion only.

And it is:
It's ridiculous to sell a 1-year-old iMac for a new one.
What doesn't your current iMac NOT do for you right now that you need to do?

Going from the 27" to the 24" m1 will probably seem like a "downgrade", particularly due to the smaller display.

Why don't you just sit back another year or two, use what you have (which pretty much represents "the epitome of Intel iMac design"), and see how the m-series iMacs develop?

 

[poked]

If you’re going to keep the imac for years to come, there is no legitimate reason to go with a 24’’ model, ESPECIALLY since you bought the imac a year ago. Your trade-in value will almost certaibtly be a net loss unless the bad boy is in out-of-the-box condition. I would just keep the one you have now for however long you keep it, or at least until the supply chain fixes itself, which will probably be 6mo-1year out. It’s simply not worth it to take that sort of loss.

 

[colodane]

You have a fine new machine. You have no reason to worry about Apple's support of the hardware or software for years to come.

The M1 (and M2?) machines are in their infancy. No reason to doubt that they will be wonderful, but also no reason to jump in immediately given that you have a new iMac already.

I'd give your new iMac at least 3 more years of service and then start looking to see what your options are.