Last Chance To Back Out: Should I?

[timacn]

Ordered a 27-inch iMac 4.0GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina 5K display 2TB 395X refurb that arrives at my local store today. Over Thanksgiving, a computer guy told me to get the new Macbook Pro and a larger monitor instead. (same price range greater flexibility) I've also read opinions that say I should hold off for the new Imac in 2017 as the present iteration is getting long in the tooth. Was wondering what the consensus opinion is. 2017 is getting closer.

thanks.

 

[Fishrrman]

"Consensus" opinions are worth nothing.

What do YOU think?

 

[chriz_r]

you might get even more confused by asking that question on the interwebz, as you'll get even more mixed results. What you should think about is your actual needs and then your wants, and only you can decide on that.

1. Do you need a laptop to carry around?
2. Do you need the big display?
3. Are you doing anything cpu and gpu intensive with the computer?
4. Are you using it for work / making money by using it as a tool?
5. Do you have a computer that you can use right now?
6. Do you want the best of today or better one in 6 months?
7. Do you need or want slight upgradeability in the future?

 

[oakrrl]

Ordered a 27-inch iMac 4.0GHz Quad-core Intel Core i7 with Retina 5K display 2TB 395X refurb that arrives at my local store today. Over Thanksgiving, a computer guy told me to get the new Macbook Pro and a larger monitor instead. (same price range greater flexibility) I've also read opinions that say I should hold off for the new Imac in 2017 as the present iteration is getting long in the tooth. Was wondering what the consensus opinion is. 2017 is getting closer.

thanks.

I'm waiting. Expecting/hoping for new iMac in first quarter 2017 when Kaby Lake chips available.
The screen size is the thing - MacBook Pro is very nice but just not enough real estate for video/photography editing

 

[kerrikins]

I went for the current version because I didn't want to risk losing ports, etc. I'm pretty happy with it I have a Macbook Pro 2013 that I am still using when I want to sit in my comfy armchair or whatever, and I'm thinking these two devices should get me through at least the next five or six years, if not longer.

For me the deciding factor was value for my money and what I use the computer for. I didn't need the portability for my new device, but having a working laptop gave me the flexibility in purchasing the iMac since now I have both.

It also depends on your use. If you're going to be doing heavy gaming, editing, video editing, etc then you may want to wait for an upgraded version. If you're not you're probably going to be just fine with the current one.

 

[samcraig]

I bought a lower spec'd iMac than the one described below. I did max out the memory courtesy of OWC. Great bang for the buck. I was seriously considering the MBP - but will get a used MBA instead for flexibility. I wanted to get this iMac before Apple did something dramatic like remove the SD card and USB ports

 

[maflynn]

computer guy told me to get the new Macbook Pro and a larger monitor instead.

Do you need mobility?

You're comparing a mobile computer with a slower CPU/GPU with a desktop, that is not only faster but also has more storage. Two different machines that serve different solutions, and while there's a lot of overlap, if you don't have any mobility needs, I think the iMac is a better buy - just my $.02

 

[macmee]

that iMac is more powerful than even the most expensive macbook

 

[varian55zx]

So... no.

The iMac is more powerful, it has a desktop class processor and is overall a more powerful machine. The i7 in the iMac is much faster than the one in the MBP.

I really think the iMac is a great machine I know that there are some criticisms, but overall, it is just so great.

The MBP is great, sure, but it is expensive for what you get. You really can't beat the screen on the iMac.

In addition to that, I do not understand why people buy laptops just to leave them at home all day connected to an external screen- terrible idea.

The only recommendation I might give is to with pure SSD if you want the fastest experience possible (I did).

 

[0007776]

If you need portability go for the MBP, if not then go for the iMac.

 

[Tony07]

• 3.3 GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 processor
• Turbo Boost up to 3.9 GHz
• 8 GB (two 4 GB) of memory, configuration options up to 32 GB
• 2 TB Fusion Drive 1
• With 2 GB of video memory, AMD Radeon R9 M395
• 5K Retina display 5120 x 2880 P3

I am thinking of getting a new Imac 27 , any thoughts on this guys?

 

[varian55zx]

I am thinking of getting this, any thoughts on this guys?

Solid and great machine.

 

[maflynn]

I am thinking of getting a new Imac 27 , any thoughts on this guys?

In of itself, its a good machine, but please do not hijack another member's thread.

 

[Tony07]

In of itself, its a good machine, but please do not hijack another member's thread.

Sorry, I didn't know if I had to start a new thread.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

I'd hold off. Too much money to spend to then regret the purchase in March or June when a new iMac is likely to be released with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C.

As for the portability issue, I'm finding that with iCloud Drive and the Desktop & Documents syncing in macOS Sierra, owning two Macs is as seamless as ever since the core file system is in iCloud. When I'm done working on my iMac at my desk, I pick up my 12-inch MacBook and off I go with all of my files right there for me as if it were the same Mac. No wires to disconnect or anything. You can buy a decently spec'ed 5K iMac and a 12-inch MacBook for relatively close to the same cost as new MacBook Pro and LG 5K Ultrafine Display.

 

[ivanwi11iams]

...as others have mentioned, if mobility is key, then you have your answer. But, regardless, this decision is all yours

 

[timacn]

So the shipping on the 27 inch 5K 16 meg 2 TB HD 395X refurb Imac I described in my opening post got delayed a little so I till have some time before picking it up. Lots of good opinions given to me for which I thank you all. I crossed the macbook pro off my list, but I'm still on the fence about picking up the refurb computer or waiting for a new 2017 Imac.

 

[rawweb]

I crossed the macbook pro off my list, but I'm still on the fence about picking up the refurb computer or waiting for a new 2017 Imac.

Pure speculation here: If Apple follows the path of MacBook/MacBook Pro with iMac, what you could see in 2017 might be a redesigned thinner unit lacking traditional USB, Thunderbolt, SD card, 3.5mm Optical Audio and Ethernet ports. Quite frankly, CPU speed has really stagnated. This computer will be a "performance per watt" improvement. I don't think you'll see something that will smear the 2015 in terms of GHz. Mobile GPU and ram speed would see a minor bump.

In my world, I'm incredibly happy that I bought a maxed out 2015 iMac from the refurb store earlier this year. I moved from a cMP and absolutely love it. This computer screams. Knowing it will take a few more years to catch up my personal devices to TB3/USBc, I'm pretty happy with this computer. The display on the 2015 is truly incredible, with great color range. I'm still shocked at how incredibly fast the SSD in this thing is.

Also, Apple is unpredictable right now. They're discontinuing things in the Mac ecosystem (displays, network routers, etc). Based on other products in the line, it's hard to predict what product they'll neglect next. I'm sure they wouldn't want to release a new iMac without having touchbar support. How long will it take for them to engineer/develop a desktop wireless touchbar keyboard? I'm sure that will be a big element to a refreshed theoretical 2017 iMac. Having it on the flagship desktop will really help sell the buy in they want from developers.

 

[varian55zx]

exactly should buy right now, newer one could be worse for all you know

 

[PatriotInvasion]

Pure speculation here: If Apple follows the path of MacBook/MacBook Pro with iMac, what you could see in 2017 might be a redesigned thinner unit lacking traditional USB, Thunderbolt, SD card, 3.5mm Optical Audio and Ethernet ports. Quite frankly, CPU speed has really stagnated. This computer will be a "performance per watt" improvement. I don't think you'll see something that will smear the 2015 in terms of GHz. Mobile GPU and ram speed would see a minor bump.

This is true. For most users, any Intel Core i5 or i7 chip released in the past couple years will be more than sufficient. Especially the quad-core variant in iMacs.

In my world, I'm incredibly happy that I bought a maxed out 2015 iMac from the refurb store earlier this year. I moved from a cMP and absolutely love it. This computer screams. Knowing it will take a few more years to catch up my personal devices to TB3/USBc, I'm pretty happy with this computer. The display on the 2015 is truly incredible, with great color range. I'm still shocked at how incredibly fast the SSD in this thing is.

You should be happy. The 5K display is obviously the main attraction, so you're good. But, I think the USB-C transition speed will really accelerate in 2017. We're close enough to where it may be worth waiting for an iMac that has these ports of the future.

Also, Apple is unpredictable right now. They're discontinuing things in the Mac ecosystem (displays, network routers, etc). Based on other products in the line, it's hard to predict what product they'll neglect next. I'm sure they wouldn't want to release a new iMac without having touchbar support. How long will it take for them to engineer/develop a desktop wireless touchbar keyboard? I'm sure that will be a big element to a refreshed theoretical 2017 iMac. Having it on the flagship desktop will really help sell the buy in they want from developers.

Agreed on all of this, but I think the iMac is popular enough, and dated enough, that Apple would release an updated model even without a potential Magic Keyboard with Touch Bar. This could certainly be sold separately later in the year and would almost certainly be an expensive upsell option to the iMac in the way the Magic Trackpad 2 is a $49 upsell currently. Given that it would have essentially an Apple Watch-like device built-in (T1 chip, Touch Bar OLED display, Touch ID sensor) I could see this Keyboard being as much as $299 as a standalone purchase and a $149 add on to an iMac config.

 

[maflynn]

I'd hold off. Too much money to spend to then regret the purchase in March or June when a new iMac is likely to be released with Thunderbolt 3/USB-C

While I'll not disagree with the logic, I will point out that there seem to be many people upset over in the MBP forum because Apple went to USB-C.

As for the OP, if he has no immediate need for USB-C, then there's no need to wait 6+ months for a new iMac. Why not buy now and enjoy it for several months?

 

[rawweb]

While I'll not disagree with the logic, I will point out that there seem to be many people upset over in the MBP forum because Apple went to USB-C.

As for the OP, if he has no immediate need for USB-C, then there's no need to wait 6+ months for a new iMac. Why not buy now and enjoy it for several months?

I tend to agree, the speed increases of TB3 (not necessarily USBc alone) are significant. But to maflynn's point, the 'old Apple' you might expect them to remove one or two legacy ports and add TB3, as the platform is gradually bought into. 'Apple today' seems more interested in just pushing forward and leaving old technology in the dust (so hard for me to call thunderbolt 2 'ancient' technology). OP, do you see use cases for TB3 in your future? If so, you might want to wait...otherwise, if you're like me...grab the potentially last port filled iMac while supplies last!

Maflynn, much like the mbp forum, I think a lot of people would complain if they did this to the flagship desktop. People would be screaming if they had to purchase dongles/hubs and have them hanging off the back of their iMac. In my case (pictured below with my second display usb ports maxed out as well, lol), I would need a lot of dongles/ hub if they ditched all of the older ports!! I prefer to just plug into the device and am not crazy about going back to the days of hubs. I'll keep what I have until I have the cash to upgrade everything else to new standards.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

While I'll not disagree with the logic, I will point out that there seem to be many people upset over in the MBP forum because Apple went to USB-C.

As for the OP, if he has no immediate need for USB-C, then there's no need to wait 6+ months for a new iMac. Why not buy now and enjoy it for several months?

Anyone who is upset about the move to USB-C must dislike the progress of technology. USB-C (along with Thunderbolt 3 speed) is likely the last port we'll ever need until everything is wireless. They're the same people who hated losing the floppy drive and the DVD Super Drive. They are a vocal minority that get amplified on these forums.

As for buying now, I'd attribute it to buying the last model year of a car's body style in the final month of the year without any discounts. I'll be surprised if the iMac that includes Thunderbolt 3 is the same case design as what we have now. They'll have to reengineer some internal components, change the CNC router manufacturing process to change the port layouts, and the current design has been in place since 2012 - same as the older MacBook Pro. The iMac is ripe for a complete redesign, and dropping $2,000 now just seems like a recipe for disappointment in a short amount of time.

 

[bungiefan89]

Anyone who is upset about the move to USB-C must dislike the progress of technology. USB-C (along with Thunderbolt 3 speed) is likely the last port we'll ever need until everything is wireless. They're the same people who hated losing the floppy drive and the DVD Super Drive. They are a vocal minority that get amplified on these forums.

I LOVE the progress of technology, and I LOVE the idea of a future where we can just use 1 port for all our connectivity needs.

What I DON'T like is Apple's approach. This isn't like removing something as large as a CD drive from a mobile computer or replacing a jumble of proprietary ports with one connection. This is replacing all physical connectivity with a single port without any sort of transition period. Had they added USB-C to the rest of the Mac line when they introduced it 2 or so years ago, that would be understandable: give people a chance to have some familiarity with the new standard before fully adopting it. They're telling me, "here's this new computer, but you can't connect ANYTHING you have on your current computer without buying all these dongles first, just have some courage."

Compounding this is Apple's track record with promoting new ports. Sure, USB and CDs were a success, but multiple versions of Thunderbolt and Firewire completely floundered all while Apple stubbornly and repeatedly refused to adopt micro-USB, mini-VGA, and HDMI even when the rest of the entire tech industry had standardized them. We have every reason to be at the very least skeptical that USB-C will catch on.

 

[PatriotInvasion]

I LOVE the progress of technology, and I LOVE the idea of a future where we can just use 1 port for all our connectivity needs.

What I DON'T like is Apple's approach. This isn't like removing something as large as a CD drive from a mobile computer or replacing a jumble of proprietary ports with one connection. This is replacing all physical connectivity with a single port without any sort of transition period. Had they added USB-C to the rest of the Mac line when they introduced it 2 or so years ago, that would be understandable: give people a chance to have some familiarity with the new standard before fully adopting it. They're telling me, "here's this new computer, but you can't connect ANYTHING you have on your current computer without buying all these dongles first, just have some courage."

Compounding this is Apple's track record with promoting new ports. Sure, USB and CDs were a success, but multiple versions of Thunderbolt and Firewire completely floundered all while Apple stubbornly and repeatedly refused to adopt micro-USB, mini-VGA, and HDMI even when the rest of the entire tech industry had standardized them. We have every reason to be at the very least skeptical that USB-C will catch on.

This is a fair take, but the difference with Thunderbolt 1 & 2 is that it was an easy transition for Apple because they had already bought in to MiniDisplayPort years prior which conveniently was the same connector for them. PC makers had not, and thus Thunderbolt adoption was almost non-existent on PCs. But, USB-C/Thunderbolt 3 has been very prevalent on new Windows PCs throughout 2016 and is now the only connection standard on all new Apple notebooks, so I think it's clear USB-C is not FireWire or Thunderbolt 1&2.

The rip-off-the-bandaid approach is necessary because the adoption process would take forever without it. People would keep on using their older USB-A accessories and many would replace them with more USB-A accessories that are cheaper than USB-C currently. It would never end. By pushing adoption, it pushes accessory makers to make more USB-C products which in turn will lessen their cost and push the standard along at a much faster pace. In the interim, people just have to deal with it in a few ways: Buy dongles for what they need to connect, buy one of the many USB-C hubs on the market for pass through, or buy new USB-C peripherals and get on the bandwagon. It's aggressive, but I like it because it gets us to a better place faster.