iMac 2020 still worth it in 2022?

[onlyremainingname]

Trying to help my sister get the right Mac. She likes the idea of 27” display for using AutoCAD and some Adobe creative cloud work. I see lots of 2020 27” models in Apple’s clearance store, but wondering if that is the best route to go in 2022 or if someone may have an alternative recommendation?
Thanks

 

[blacksurfer]

Yes if you don’t want to splurge on the new Mac studio.

 

[ondert]

I'm thinking about the same. Having waited for a long time for a redesigned 27" iMac, then this Studio thing happened. Why would I pay 1600$ for the display only while adding a few hundreds more let you get the same display on an intel iMac.

 

[wilberforce]

Right now there is a huge hole between a Mini (M1) and a Studio (M1 Max or Ultra).
I for one am waiting and hoping the Mini gets updated to to an M1 Pro level, or equivalent.
So choices include (but are not limited to):

1. Get a refurb mid-spec 2020 iMac - you get a lot for the price, but it is not the future - expect to maybe upgrade again in several years
2. Get a Studio plus studio display for twice the price and is likely overkill
3. Wait and hope for an improved Mini, plus studio display

What you decide depends on budget, affluence, and how long you want to wait.

Other possible pairings include third party monitors (not as good), or a 14" MacBook M1 Pro (if you need a laptop anyway).

This is discarding dreams like a larger iMac.

 

[PBG4 Dude]

I would say her decision will be made by determining whether or not AutoCAD for Mac is compiled for apple silicon. At just over $5K for a 3 year subscription (or $299/month or something), the computer is the inexpensive part of this equation.

 

[Andrea Filippini]

Trying to help my sister get the right Mac. She likes the idea of 27” display for using AutoCAD and some Adobe creative cloud work. I see lots of 2020 27” models in Apple’s clearance store, but wondering if that is the best route to go in 2022 or if someone may have an alternative recommendation?
Thanks

Sincerely I would avoid Apple Silicon (at least for a couple of years).
I would suggest an iMac 27-Inch i9 3.6 (5K, 2019). Powerful Intel-based machine with upgradable memory and storage.

 

[JPH675]

2020 iMac 27 vs. 2021 iMac 24 both refurbs, specs at i5/16GB/512 storage are about the same money in the refurb store. Looking to replace a 2018 MacBook Air i5/8/256 that I use with the LG 21" 4k screen, which has handled all my computer needs. Any input as to which one to choose for 4 years of use?

 

[Andrea Filippini]

2020 iMac 27 vs. 2021 iMac 24 both refurbs, specs at i5/16GB/512 storage are about the same money in the refurb store. Looking to replace a 2018 MacBook Air i5/8/256 that I use with the LG 21" 4k screen, which has handled all my computer needs. Any input as to which one to choose for 4 years of use?

2020 iMac 27 storage is soldered onboard, the same for 2021 iMac 24.
i5 is not bad but not strong as i7, depend on your daily schedule.
For 4 years of use if you can find it on 2nd hand market I would suggest an iMac 27-Inch i9 3.6 (5K, 2019).

 

[Fishrrman]

IF one still needs:
- Intel CPU
- Compatibility with Windows
... then the 2020 iMac could still be "worth it"...