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iMac 2020: still good after Apple released M1 chip?
- Thread starter Jovrod
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Not entirely sure what you mean by 'pumpkin'...however if the current iMac meets your needs then it is 'still good' and, hopefully, will still be good for a number of years. Enjoy.
Current machines doesn't stop working when new ones are released. If the current model suit your needs, buy it. If it doesn't, don't.
When the AS iMac 27" is released, the previous iMacs will be available at reduced prices on the refurb store. Not sure if this is what you meant by buying a pumpkin in the spring.
Currently, the AS Macs have a 16GB RAM upper limit. I would suppose Apple will increase that limit for their desktop computers, but it would also mean the end of user upgradeable RAM in the 27" models. Apple currently charges $200 for the 8->16GB upgrade on their AS machines. I wonder if a 32-64GB upgrade would be possible and at what cost.
Currently, the AS Macs have a 16GB RAM upper limit. I would suppose Apple will increase that limit for their desktop computers, but it would also mean the end of user upgradeable RAM in the 27" models. Apple currently charges $200 for the 8->16GB upgrade on their AS machines. I wonder if a 32-64GB upgrade would be possible and at what cost.
I think OP asked about how worthed to spend the same bucks now (for current iMac) compared to wait a bit longer and spend that money on new iMac M1. I would suggest to wait as long as you could. The resale value of current iMac will be going down as well. Unless there is urgent need to buy now better to wait for M1 version.
Intel Macs will minimum be supported for 5 years, I'd bet 7. The larger frame apple silicon iMac is rumored to take until Fall 2021 or even Winter 2022 until it's released. The smaller (potentially 24") apple silicon iMac is rumored for this spring. If your intention is to get the larger frame iMac, it could be a bit of a wait. Either way, again, support will be around for a while. If form factors and things like that are a huge factor for you, waiting might be prudent. For me it's a machine I use for work, and needed one this year. I'm very happy with my purchase.
If I needed one I would probably get a moderately specced Intel iMac with the view of it being a stop gap until the AS 27" is released. Chances are if you're on this forum you won't be able to resist that when it comes out, so I see it as a case of minimising your losses by not opting for expensive configs on the Intel version.
The opposite approach is to spend as much as you can and make it last for as long as possible. I just don't see that being the right move when the product line is about to see a fairly significant leap in terms of performance and exterior design (imagine how dated the current iMacs will look when these come out... Apple are very good at that).
I think it's silly to treat computers as "investments" in terms of them holding re-sale value. If you buy a new technology product and then re-sell it, you will make a loss, but I think for certain people the value of having something 'good enough' for X months can be worth the hit.
The opposite approach is to spend as much as you can and make it last for as long as possible. I just don't see that being the right move when the product line is about to see a fairly significant leap in terms of performance and exterior design (imagine how dated the current iMacs will look when these come out... Apple are very good at that).
I think it's silly to treat computers as "investments" in terms of them holding re-sale value. If you buy a new technology product and then re-sell it, you will make a loss, but I think for certain people the value of having something 'good enough' for X months can be worth the hit.