iMac M3 8/10 24gb 2TB Certified - Still Strong Option?

[Ivabign]

Been waiting for the M5 iMac to come out for my wife as she wanted one in pink - replacing an older Intel MacBook Pro. It thought it important to be able to get a large SSD. Then the price increases... I had bought a Studio Display from a seller on ebay and it was open box and perfect with 11 months warranty left - got a great deal (January 2026) So a trusted seller.

The same seller had the M3 8/10 core with 24gb and a 2tb SSD in sealed Apple certified condition - in pink. My wife will use it for basic browsing, some photo editing, document creation, etc... Will an M3 version stay competent in the next few years, or did I jump too soon and should have waited for M5? The price was excellent - $1599 - the current price for a refurb M4 with similar configuration is $2,499.

So a Mac with an M3 - mistake or bullet dodged?

 

[magbarn]

Been waiting for the M5 iMac to come out for my wife as she wanted one in pink - replacing an older Intel MacBook Pro. It thought it important to be able to get a large SSD. Then the price increases... I had bought a Studio Display from a seller on ebay and it was open box and perfect with 11 months warranty left - got a great deal (January 2026) So a trusted seller.

The same seller had the M3 8/10 core with 24gb and a 2tb SSD in sealed Apple certified condition - in pink. My wife will use it for basic browsing, some photo editing, document creation, etc... Will an M3 version stay competent in the next few years, or did I jump too soon and should have waited for M5? The price was excellent - $1599 - the current price for a refurb M4 with similar configuration is $2,499.

So a Mac with an M3 - mistake or bullet dodged?

The massive price increase really hurts the value proposition with the imac. I got my wife the M4 24/512 model last week for $1750. Also these Mx series iMacs are unfortunately known for screen failures ($700!) so make sure you're able to get applecare on that certified model (you can if it's a genuine Apple refurbished model.)

 

[Juicy Box]

The same seller had the M3 8/10 core with 24gb and a 2tb SSD in sealed Apple certified condition -

What is "Apple certified condition"?

 

[Ivabign]

White box Apple Refurb - 1year warranty - opportunity for AppleCare. Same as at Apple.com. Some retailers have access to refurbs.

 

[magbarn]

White box Apple Refurb - 1year warranty - opportunity for AppleCare. Same as at Apple.com. Some retailers have access to refurbs.

Then I would definitely get AC+ as there’s already reports of the M3 iMac screens also failing. Don’t understand why Apple can’t fix such a serious issue after half a decade?!