iMac 5k keep or not without Thunderbolt 3

[ravptor]

Got the new iMac 5k and the display and performance is phenomenal and I am spoilt with the resolution and graphics. But a few things are bothering me and want some advice:

1. My primary laptop is Macbook Air (Mid-2012) with Thunderbolt 1 and I use it at work with a 4K display and at home with my dual dell monitors.
2. There is not Target Bridge Mode for the Air with the new 5k and VNC output is horrible and I would not be able to use it at all. The iMac 5k has just Thunderbolt 2 ports on it.
3. From what I read so far, the ability to drive 5k displays from the MacBook or Macbook Pro's will have to be with Thunderbolt 3.

So planning out for the next 3yrs(considering all in, this would be ~$4k+ investment); should I keep the new iMac 5k and hope that when the new Macbook's or Pro's come out, I will be able to connect them to the 5K iMac to use as a display?

What bothers me is the lack of clarity around the iMac 5k having the ability to become a display to the new Macbook's which may have Thunderbolt 3 and not being backwards compatibility with just having Thunderbolt 2 ports.

Any advice? Should I just wait for both the iMac and Macbook's have Thunderbolt 3 and then bite the bullet?

 

[AppleHater]

Buyer's remorse? You should've asked the question before you purchased it. Sorry pal, the question you're asking can only be answered by YOU because only you know what use you have with Thunderbolt3.

 

[ravptor]

Buyer's remorse? You should've asked the question before you purchased it. Sorry pal, the question you're asking can only be answered by YOU because only you know what use you have with Thunderbolt3.

Not really, just got it a day back so I can return the iMac. As these are expensive purchases, I want to make sure this will last me a few years.

Don't want to keep the iMac 5k and then when the new MBP's come out with TB3, they won't connect to iMac5k because it does not have a TB3 port.

 

[iSee]

...should I keep the new iMac 5k and hope that when the new Macbook's or Pro's come out, I will be able to connect them to the 5K iMac to use as a display?...

Don't count on ever being able to use the 5K iMac as a display. If you want a 5K display, send it back. If you want an awesome computer, keep it.

Buy a 5K display once you actually have a need for it -- they will likely drop in price quickly so buying ahead is a waste of money. If you were thinking about retiring your 5K iMac in a few years to use as a display, instead just plan to sell it and use the money to buy a 5K display.

 

[cbrand493]

Not really, just got it a day back so I can return the iMac. As these are expensive purchases, I want to make sure this will last me a few years.

Don't want to keep the iMac 5k and then when the new MBP's come out with TB3, they won't connect to iMac5k because it does not have a TB3 port.

I can guarantee you apple will release an adapter.

 

[ravptor]

Ok, returned the iMac as there is no way I can use with the Macbook Air and I don't think the new MBP's will be out for a bit. Ohh well!

 

[cbrand493]

Ok, returned the iMac as there is no way I can use with the Macbook Air and I don't think the new MBP's will be out for a bit. Ohh well!

So your sole reason for buying a 5K iMac was to use it as a monitor for a Macbook Air? Why not just buy a monitor?

 

[maflynn]

Any advice? Should I just wait for both the iMac and Macbook's have Thunderbolt 3 and then bite the bullet?

Ok, returned the iMac as there is no way I can use with the Macbook Air and I don't think the new MBP's will be out for a bit. Ohh well!

Sounds like the 5k iMac was the wrong machine for you, too bad, you mention how fast it is. Personally, I'd make that machine the primary one, and the MBA the secondary, but I don't know your circumstances.

 

[colodane]

4K displays are readily available and inexpensive. They offer a user experience that most people would find to be indistinguishable from a 5K. They would be ideal for your present and future laptops. That's what I would have done. And then enjoy your 5K iMac for what it is.

 

[jerwin]

5k imacs don't support target display mode-- of any kind. The closest you can get is vnc over thunderbolt, or target disk mode. Possibly AirServer/AirPlay Mirroring.