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Feeling lazy. Update to M2 Ultra?

F

fpenta

macrumors regular
Original poster
Oct 30, 2016
231
126
I'm debating weather I should update my iMac 27" 5K 2019 with i9-8 cores, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Vega 48 for the new M2 Ultra Mac Studio + Studio Display.

I'm also using a MacBook Pro 16" M1 Max and since it is so good I feel I can create more with the MBP that I unconsciously stopped using the iMac. Problem is that I think it makes me lazy to work out of my desk giving me less headroom and inspiration to create.
I'd like to start sitting on the desk again and don't be afraid to work with something that can't keep up with me, just like my MBP does.

During the intel days the desktops were always more powerful than the laptops, so this problems could not happen. But now with the Apple Silicon transition I feel that I have a powerful laptop and a useless desktop on my desk. A "solution" would be to use the MBP connected to a Studio Display, but I kind of hate this kind of setups. I tried it for few years and it wasn't really for me.

What do you guys would do?!
 
I really don’t like the laptop clamshell mode solution. I know because I tried and didn’t like it. I also have quite a lot of peripherals connected to the iMac, including a NAS with 10 GB/s on local and network connection. 😮‍💨
 
fpenta said:
What do you guys would do?!
Click to expand...


I don't have any real specifics on your workflow.

If it was me I would keep the iMac and get a second 5k screen because looking at how bad the resale on the Intel iMacs are now I'd rather just keep it. But thats me as I love multi monitors.


I don't think I would go with the Mac Studio from what I am hearing but if you got the money to burn go for it. If I were going that route I think I would want to hold out for a M3 variant for a real difference in performance and use the Macbook Pro to an external display in the meantime.
 
Just buy a 5K monitor (or the new Dell 6K monitor) and connect it to the MacBook Pro, best of both worlds if the M1 Max chip cover your needs.
 
fathergll said:
I don't have any real specifics on your workflow.

If it was me I would keep the iMac and get a second 5k screen because looking at how bad the resale on the Intel iMacs are now I'd rather just keep it. But thats me as I love multi monitors.


I don't think I would go with the Mac Studio from what I am hearing but if you got the money to burn go for it. If I were going that route I think I would want to hold out for a M3 variant for a real difference in performance and use the Macbook Pro to an external display in the meantime.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I’m a pro photographer and do also video/timelapses using Lightroom, PS, After Effects, Da Vinci, LR timelapse and others.
I sometimes get memory error with my M1 Max with 32GB, so I think for me the sweet spot would be 64GB.

Yes I can sell the iMac in the mean time for the studio display.
Is the M3 going to be that significantly better? I have seen some reviews saying that the M2 Ultra is already a significant update on the gpu side compared to the M1 Ultra.
 
fpenta said:
Thanks. I’m a pro photographer and do also video/timelapses using Lightroom, PS, After Effects, Da Vinci, LR timelapse and others.
I sometimes get memory error with my M1 Max with 32GB, so I think for me the sweet spot would be 64GB.

Yes I can sell the iMac in the mean time for the studio display.
Is the M3 going to be that significantly better? I have seen some reviews saying that the M2 Ultra is already a significant update on the gpu side compared to the M1 Ultra.
Click to expand...
I am a photographer and I just got the Studio M2 Ultra base model. I have an M1 Ultra MacBook Pro and just upgraded - the MacBook with Studio display doesn't work as well as using the laptop screen, there are little delays here and there, like going full screen on a raw image there are a few seconds before the image appears on the Studio Display (which doesn't happen on the MacBook screen, its instantaneous). Going full size on the Studio Ultra/Studio Display is instantaneous. BUT: you have to remember Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One can only take advantage of so much raw processing power. I don't think M3 is going to make a massive difference editing photos - video is another story. As a photographer, I appreciate the form factor and the ports on the Mac Studio as a desktop/monitor solution (as opposed to using the MacBook Pro in clamshell). The Mac Studio is blazing fast but honestly working on single images so is the M1 Ultra MacBook.
 
trickness said:
I am a photographer and I just got the Studio M2 Ultra base model. I have an M1 Ultra MacBook Pro and just upgraded - the MacBook with Studio display doesn't work as well as using the laptop screen, there are little delays here and there, like going full screen on a raw image there are a few seconds before the image appears on the Studio Display (which doesn't happen on the MacBook screen, its instantaneous). Going full size on the Studio Ultra/Studio Display is instantaneous. BUT: you have to remember Lightroom, Photoshop, Capture One can only take advantage of so much raw processing power. I don't think M3 is going to make a massive difference editing photos - video is another story. As a photographer, I appreciate the form factor and the ports on the Mac Studio as a desktop/monitor solution (as opposed to using the MacBook Pro in clamshell). The Mac Studio is blazing fast but honestly working on single images so is the M1 Ultra MacBook.
Click to expand...
I never liked to use a laptop as a desktop replacement. They are just not meant for that. I much prefer to use a desktop machine and a laptop when on the go.
I think the M2 ultra has solved some of the problems that the M1 ultra had. Not sure if I would want to wait until the M3 ultra which would come out in a 18 months cycle time, so early 2025..
 
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fpenta said:
I'm debating weather I should update my iMac 27" 5K 2019 with i9-8 cores, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Vega 48 for the new M2 Ultra Mac Studio + Studio Display.

I'm also using a MacBook Pro 16" M1 Max and since it is so good I feel I can create more with the MBP that I unconsciously stopped using the iMac. Problem is that I think it makes me lazy to work out of my desk giving me less headroom and inspiration to create.
I'd like to start sitting on the desk again and don't be afraid to work with something that can't keep up with me, just like my MBP does.

During the intel days the desktops were always more powerful than the laptops, so this problems could not happen. But now with the Apple Silicon transition I feel that I have a powerful laptop and a useless desktop on my desk. A "solution" would be to use the MBP connected to a Studio Display, but I kind of hate this kind of setups. I tried it for few years and it wasn't really for me.

What do you guys would do?!
Click to expand...
Will it be a business expense?
 
Sharky II said:
Sounds like you just want to buy an M2 Ultra and looking for us to tell you that it's okay. If you can afford it, go grab that M2 Ultra and have fun.
Click to expand...
Well I much prefer to save € 7.000 honestly but there is no point in having the iMac to collect dust.
For those who owned a 27” iMac is a tougher upgrade. On one hand I’d love to get the Mac Studio + the studio display, on the other I realize that this upgrade is going to cost me double because I’m simply giving away the same display for a more powerful computer for 3 times the price.

realizing I’m not using the desktop anymore, makes me think is better to sell the iMac and get something out of the resale to pay for the Mac Studio now, instead of waiting that the iMac’s value is getting lower?

My intention was to buy an iMac Pro which suited my needs and also my budget (around 5k).

Another option would be to buy a M2 Max Mac Studio with 1TB and 64GB ram but configuring it this way, I’m just 1500€ away from having the base Ultra which is twice as fast..it’s a tough decision!
 
fpenta said:
I'm debating weather I should update my iMac 27" 5K 2019 with i9-8 cores, 64GB RAM, 1TB SSD, Vega 48 for the new M2 Ultra Mac Studio + Studio Display.

I'm also using a MacBook Pro 16" M1 Max and since it is so good I feel I can create more with the MBP that I unconsciously stopped using the iMac. Problem is that I think it makes me lazy to work out of my desk giving me less headroom and inspiration to create.
I'd like to start sitting on the desk again and don't be afraid to work with something that can't keep up with me, just like my MBP does.

During the intel days the desktops were always more powerful than the laptops, so this problems could not happen. But now with the Apple Silicon transition I feel that I have a powerful laptop and a useless desktop on my desk. A "solution" would be to use the MBP connected to a Studio Display, but I kind of hate this kind of setups. I tried it for few years and it wasn't really for me.

What do you guys would do?!
Click to expand...

Basically what you're saying is sell the iMac and MacBook Pro and get a Mac Studio Ultra. Which will keep up with your workflow for years if your current MacBook Pro does.
I guess buy the equipment and see if you like it before the return window closes, and either return it, or keep it and sell your other machines.

I am going to one day buy a Mac Studio for my home personal use, because I work from home I have a desk and my own monitor but use a works laptop, but I want a Mac desktop as it will last me years and the Studio is powerful enough, and I don't have the room for a Mac Laptop in my desk as well as the works machine, the Studio will fit in nicely though.
So you need to just sit down and think what you want and what fits in with your needs.

If I was in your position personally I'd just buy an Apple monitor and use my MB Pro. Best of both worlds then. But that's me. It seems you want to keep your MacBook Pro and have a Studio desktop too. Do you really want two computers like that?

Don't bother waiting for that M3, before that comes out we'll have leaks and rumours about the M4 and you'll want that then and on and in it goes. Need to stop and get off the roundabout at some point.
 
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Pezimak said:
Basically what you're saying is sell the iMac and MacBook Pro and get a Mac Studio Ultra. Which will keep up with your workflow for years if your current MacBook Pro does.
I guess buy the equipment and see if you like it before the return window closes, and either return it, or keep it and sell your other machines.

I am going to one day buy a Mac Studio for my home personal use, because I work from home I have a desk and my own monitor but use a works laptop, but I want a Mac desktop as it will last me years and the Studio is powerful enough, and I don't have the room for a Mac Laptop in my desk as well as the works machine, the Studio will fit in nicely though.
So you need to just sit down and think what you want and what fits in with your needs.
Click to expand...
I would still keep the MBP since I also travel a lot and need portability. I would sell the iMac only which is pointless for me to keep. it’s just hard to justify the 7k upgrade, especially the studio display which is basically the same as my actual iMac. I wish I could use my iMac as an external display..😭
 
fpenta said:
I would still keep the MBP since I also travel a lot and need portability. I would sell the iMac only which is pointless for me to keep. it’s just hard to justify the 7k upgrade, especially the studio display which is basically the same as my actual iMac. I wish I could use my iMac as an external display..😭
Click to expand...

Although it's a nicety are you able to not use a big screen and just use your laptop on your desk instead? On a stand with an external keyboard and mouse?
You seem to be putting up mental blocks to your line of thought in spending the money.

Perhaps use your laptop at your desk for a week and see if you are more inspired at your desk? Before spending the cash?
 
If I had anything in any Apple Silicon Max chip, I'd avoid buying any new serious hardware until the 3nm hardware is released. I think the M3s will make the M1/2s look bad.
 
fpenta said:
Well I much prefer to save € 7.000 honestly but there is no point in having the iMac to collect dust.
For those who owned a 27” iMac is a tougher upgrade. On one hand I’d love to get the Mac Studio + the studio display, on the other I realize that this upgrade is going to cost me double because I’m simply giving away the same display for a more powerful computer for 3 times the price.

realizing I’m not using the desktop anymore, makes me think is better to sell the iMac and get something out of the resale to pay for the Mac Studio now, instead of waiting that the iMac’s value is getting lower?

My intention was to buy an iMac Pro which suited my needs and also my budget (around 5k).

Another option would be to buy a M2 Max Mac Studio with 1TB and 64GB ram but configuring it this way, I’m just 1500€ away from having the base Ultra which is twice as fast..it’s a tough decision!
Click to expand...
If I was you, I would probably do following:
1. Sell the iMac while it is supported and can command a higher price.
2. Purchase Mac Studio (even M1 is fine actually).
3. Buy a Samsung M display or LG/Beng display with proper calibration (32 inch).
That way you will fit the budget of resale value from your Intel iMac and will upgrade both on display and performance. You might add some money but not much.
 
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StoneJack said:
If I was you, I would probably do following:
1. Sell the iMac while it is supported and can command a higher price.
2. Purchase Mac Studio (even M1 is fine actually).
3. Buy a Samsung M display or LG/Beng display with proper calibration (32 inch).
That way you will fit the budget of resale value from your Intel iMac and will upgrade both on display and performance. You might add some money but not much.
Click to expand...

Thanks. Yes, I sacrify the 5k and high dpi of the Studio Display for the performance of the M2 Ultra.
Which monitor would you recommend? I would probably go for a 27" because I could find too much difference going from a 5k 27" to a 4k 32" in terms of dpi.
I could also go for the LG Ultrafine 5k and save 1200€, and maybe buy a new Monitor once a new Studio Display with mini led and higher refresh rate comes out.
 
Scaling is such a drag, that’s why I bit the bullet and got the Studio Display, which is not without its own flaws, but will at least does provide an iMac-like experience
 
So I have decided to go for the Mac Studio M2 Ultra + LG ultrafine 5k which in my country is 1300€ cheaper than the Studio Display with adjustable height.
Couldn’t justify the additional price to get the Studio display.
 
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