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RedlegsFan

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 15, 2012
528
236
So, are there any essential iMac add ons that compliment the machine? I know this is kind of subjective, but just curious what items really enhance the use of your iMac.
 

cincygolfgrrl

macrumors 6502
Apr 2, 2012
346
227
Somewhere In Time
I write, though not as much as I should. I consider a good text editor with Markdown support to be essential. The best ever is BBEdit, but Byword is really good if simplicity is the goal. Byword is available on the App Store and is less expensive; BBEdit needs to be purchased from the developer. Both do exactly what they say they will.
 

robgendreau

macrumors 68040
Jul 13, 2008
3,469
336
If you have the retina iMac, it's essential that you seek out retina aware applications if you are going to view images. Retina awareness includes the ability for the software to determine what 1:1 really should look like, and of course the use of HiDPI graphics, so you get the most detailed icons and menu items, etc on your machine.

Alas, the freebie Preview Apple provides is NOT retina aware.
 

RedlegsFan

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Mar 15, 2012
528
236
Awesome! What about hardware add ons, I am looking for both to enhance my use of the iMac. Thanks!
 

old-wiz

macrumors G3
Mar 26, 2008
8,331
228
West Suburban Boston Ma
Buy at least one external drive to backup the system. You would be surprised how many people com to this forum asking for help with lost data and they have no backup at all... even people with businsses!
 

DeltaMac

macrumors G5
Jul 30, 2003
13,715
4,559
Delaware
I agree about the backup drive.
But, you do need to tell us about your needs. Everyone would have a personal opinion about what is "essential to compliment my Mac"
Someone might like an extra display (or two).
Some folks prefer a quality mechanical keyboard
How about a quality office-level laser printer, or some other way to provide office support for your Mac?
Some cannot dream of using a computer without having good quality speakers.
Do you need to have backup power available, either a good Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS), or even an instant-run generator?
You might like mood lighting that you can control from your Mac :D

I suggest that you search on this forum for "Mac add-ons". That should give you something to think about.
 
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RootBeerMan

macrumors 65816
Jan 3, 2016
1,475
5,270
A nice set of speakers, an APC uninterruptible power supply, a back up drive. A DVD burner, as said above. Memory Clean, the latest version of Toast for Mac. SO many things to add to a new system.
 

MikeeW

macrumors newbie
Oct 24, 2011
26
2
Asia
I just got a new iMac after years of using a MacBook Pro and Air. First thing I got was a UPS power supply. Second thing was to ensure it was set up to do time machine backups to my time capsule. I had already several external hard drives, so I placed three, one for storage of miscellaneous files like movies etc and one as a time machine destination. The third one I use for carbon copy clone. I already had an external DVD drive. I also have both the Magic Mouse and Magic Trackpad. They are great and I am getting accustomed to the new features.

I want to make or buy a cloth cover for nighttime, since where I live is a lot of soot.

Oh yeah, nice office chair.
 
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