iMac 2021 in a Suitcase when Travelling?

[Esopus]

Am I crazy for thinking the form factor of this new iMac is great for someone who travels very frequently and wants a (HiDPI + Display P3) display bigger than a laptop? I'm thinking about sandwiching one between some custom foam inserts and sticking it in my aluminium check-in suitcase when travelling.

The flat, rectilinear, and thin form of the display (and foot) means it'd be significantly more space efficient in a suitcase compared to the curvaceous old iMac, and I'd assume the unibody construction would make it reasonably robust.

(My main sticking point is the lack of a 32GB+ RAM option. 16GB doesn't quite cut it for my workflow based on the tests others have done on current M1 lineup. So I'll probably be waiting for an iMac Pro or iMac (2022+).)

 

[madmin]

You could make a case for this, along the lines of the one Apple designed for their max headphones

 

[Hexley]

Am I crazy for thinking the form factor of this new iMac is great for someone who travels very frequently and wants a (HiDPI + Display P3) display bigger than a laptop? I'm thinking about sandwiching one between some custom foam inserts and sticking it in my aluminium check-in suitcase when travelling.

The flat, rectilinear, and thin form of the display (and foot) means it'd be significantly more space efficient in a suitcase compared to the curvaceous old iMac, and I'd assume the unibody construction would make it reasonably robust.

(My main sticking point is the lack of a 32GB+ RAM option. 16GB doesn't quite cut it for my workflow based on the tests others have done on current M1 lineup. So I'll probably be waiting for an iMac Pro or iMac (2022+).)

If only the stand was user detachable then it would be very easy to travel with.

The iMac 24" have the following dimensions without stand.

• Width: 21.5 inches (54.7 cm)
• Without stand depth: 0.45 inches (1.14 cm)
• Without stand height: 14.37 inches (36.5 cm)

 

[Esopus]

You could make a case for this, along the lines of the one Apple designed for their max headphones

I also fully expect there'll be third-party cases pretty soon. For my particular needs, though, I'm already at my size/weight limits regarding carry-on luggage so a Max-style bikini would need to go in my check-in suitcase.

If only the stand was user detachable then it would be very easy to travel with.

The iMac 24" have the following dimensions without stand.

• Width: 21.5 inches (54.7 cm)
• Without stand depth: 0.45 inches (1.14 cm)
• Without stand height: 14.37 inches (36.5 cm)

I discovered the new iMac has a VESA-mount version available without stand, which might work well for travelling: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-vesa

Although if I bought that I'd have to find an alternative stand to use!

 

[Hexley]

I also fully expect there'll be third-party cases pretty soon. For my particular needs, though, I'm already at my size/weight limits regarding carry-on luggage so a Max-style bikini would need to go in my check-in suitcase.



I discovered the new iMac has a VESA-mount version available without stand, which might work well for travelling: https://www.apple.com/shop/buy-mac/imac-vesa

Although if I bought that I'd have to find an alternative stand to use!

Thanks for the link man! Now to figure out the actual dimensions and weight of the iMac 24" VESA mount.

 

[Fishrrman]

Too much trouble, especially with airport security. You'll grow tired of this quickly.

If you're going to travel, get a MacBook Pro or a Mini.

If it's a Mini, it's easily "packable" (along with keyboard and mouse).
You can rent, borrow, or buy a small display to use with it.

Perhaps your best solution would be to WAIT until the new m-series 16" MacBook Pro is released, and get that. It won't be until around August/September, however...

 

[8KYUP]

I wonder how many of us Macbook pro owners never use the keyboard or battery. I always suitcase a full sized mouse and full sized keyboard with num pad. I look at the VESA iMac 24 and see a near perfect portable desktop. Does anyone know the weight?

A slightly downsized version for road warrior creatives would be magic. 22"? We are pretty close to carry on max at 24. A folding or detachable stand would be wonderful. No chin or speakers required for me, although inclusion would not be a sticking pint.

The upcoming mac mini pro guts in a portable all in one package. Retina loveliness onboard. Sign me up.

 

[AdrianaG]

I wonder how many of us Macbook pro owners never use the keyboard or battery. I always suitcase a full sized mouse and full sized keyboard with num pad. I look at the VESA iMac 24 and see a near perfect portable desktop. Does anyone know the weight?

A slightly downsized version for road warrior creatives would be magic. 22"? We are pretty close to carry on max at 24. A folding or detachable stand would be wonderful. No chin or speakers required for me, although inclusion would not be a sticking pint.

The upcoming mac mini pro guts in a portable all in one package. Retina loveliness onboard. Sign me up.

Just under 10# for the machine, carrying box is at least another 10.