I want the new iMac with Touch ID. I am debating whether the $150 to get the middle model is worth it, as opposed to the lower model and spending the $50 extra for the upgraded keyboard. I don't make videos. I do email and Facebook and look at Twitter and Insta and read blogs and Feedly .... I use Quicken and Excel and Pages (Hate Word). I replaced an OLD iMac with an Air which I will sell after getting the new iMac (It's too hard for my old eyes!) It has 16 GB memory, 251 GB flash Storage, 16 core. Advice on which model for my usage?
While higher-end configurations of Apple's new iMac will ship with the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID in the box at no additional charge, the Touch ID keyboard is a $50 upgrade option for the new base model.
Apple is also offering an extended version of the Magic Keyboard with both Touch ID and a numeric keypad, which will be available as an $80 upgrade option for the base model iMac and a $30 upgrade option for higher-end configurations. Apple is not offering an extended version of the Magic Keyboard without Touch ID at this time.
MacRumors confirmed with Apple that the Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is fully compatible with all M1 Macs, including the new iMac, 13-inch MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac mini. If used with Intel-based Macs or other Bluetooth devices, the keyboard will still function, but Touch ID will not work. However, the new Magic Keyboard options will only be available with the new iMac and not sold separately, at least initially.
Customers will be able to choose which type of Magic Keyboard they would like when customizing the new iMac on Apple's online store.
Article Link: Magic Keyboard With Touch ID Costs $50 Extra for Base Model M1 iMac
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Magic Keyboard With Touch ID Costs $50 Extra for Base Model M1 iMac
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There are really only two technical differences between the entry level and the midrange - two extra USB-C ports, and one extra graphics core. If you're running the included wireless keyboard and mouse, and don't have other devices to plug in, like a printer, scanner, camera, SD card reader, etc... then it strictly comes down to graphics - and given the marginal difference (the midlevel will have 14% faster graphics, all else equal), then the entry level is probably a better buy for you. Unless, of course, you want one of the colors that's only available on the higher end model.
Lastly - even if you do need additional connectivity, an external USB-C or Thunderbolt dock might be a better investment than going to the midrange model. These docks often add USB-A ports, SD card readers, etc - more than the two extra ports the midrange offers over the entry level.
The entry level iMac seems to me like the best deal for most people:
$1300 Entry Level
+$50 for TouchID (must have)
+$30 for ethernet (only 1% of home users will want this)
$1500 Mid Level (2 more USB ports and 8 GPU cores instead of 7)
I think a lot of people will want the TouchID keyboard but few will care about ethernet, USB, and the 7 cores. They save $150. I do know someone getting the Mid Level one because it's available in Yellow. Color availability may be the biggest consideration for a lot of people.
Buy yourself a 4k monitor, a good keyboard/mouse set, then connect them to your mba, it works equal good, plus you can take the laptop with you whenever you want.
In my opinion, if you are going to get a new iMac, having Touch ID is a must. Spend the extra $50 and get one.
It’s funny cause Touch ID is much better on iPhone and iPad and Face ID would be better on a mac
They will be eventually. Apple knows there will be an enormous demand and likely can’t get enough chips for them during the shortage.
My guess would be multi-user support? FaceID can add two faces max while TouchID can store 5 fingerprints.
It's somewhat of a shame we have to pay more now not only for features in our computer hardware, but now keyboard hardware as well.
Maybe next they could charge $50 extra for your magic mouse if you want right click, smh
Maybe next they could charge $50 extra for your magic mouse if you want right click, smh
Sure, the entry iMac is stripped down. Apple has used this strategy often. They offer it in bulk discounts to educational customers. They use it as an entry point for upselling general consumers. It's exactly the same as with cars. The funny thing about your comment is, base models are almost always the best deal for a consumer and the least profitable for the producer. It didn't cost Apple any less to make the processor with 7 graphics cores instead of 8 (it's the same exact chip, just binned), and they probably only save a couple dollars not adding the 2 additional USB-C ports, yet the customer saves $120 (if they were to add Touch ID and ethernet).
Saying that "it gets you close dollar-wise to the next model that included them" is exactly how Apple's marketing team wants you to think. $120 is so close, so just make the jump up. The fact is, institutional (bulk) buyers are not likely to want Touch ID because fleet deployments will have their own account security measures, more users than Touch ID can support, and/or desire peripheral interchangeability. Meanwhile, a smart casual consumer would realize they will never use the extra two USB ports, and have no need for an extra core of graphics processing, thereby saving nearly 10% on the purchase.
Right. I didn’t mean to imply that it would mean having a notch. I meant that it would add cost and complexity for little gain. The Face ID tech in an iPhone is used for more than Face ID. On the iMac it would be limited to mostly just Face ID since people won’t be taking selfie’s or doing AR and whatnot with it.
I do need to connect a track ball. My existing track ball is the old kind USB but works with M1 MacBook Air (which will be sold after the new machine is in place) using a QGeeM USB hub. I probably don't need to connect a printer because I can AirPrint. My favorite color is Pink and I am astonished and delighted that they made one ion pink. Thank you for your advice.
Iff the modem were in my study I would love the ethernet option...but it is in a different room because of the TV and my husband's cube which has digital versions of all the vinyl records and CDs he once owned.
I don't think it's that compelling if the MacBook already has Touch ID. But I guess it depends on the setup.
On old machines it's definitely like that, my 2015 27" Retina iMac for example, but I have a 2017 MacBook Pro that it unlocks very quickly, I can only imagine how quick the M1's are.
Why does the FN key above the arrow keys and why does it have a globe? and why is there a backspace key below it when the backspace key is few mm to its right?
The funny thing is that touch ID is the "worse" option on the cheap iPhone SE. Either way, for an old guy like me, TouchID is still mesmerising. Opening doors with thumb prints is something you expect to see on Star Trek, we just take it for granted. So are touch screens!
it makes it look cool, and really helps in darker areas/rooms .
The funny thing is that touch ID is the "worse" option on the cheap iPhone SE. Either way, for an old guy like me, TouchID is still mesmerising. Opening doors with thumb prints is something you expect to see on Star Trek, we just take it for granted. So are touch screens!
it makes it look cool, and really helps in darker areas/rooms .
I'm a touch typist too. Still no excuse. Backlights benefit a lot of people.
Yes, this is very reasonable speculation. The new M1 iMacs use Bluetooth 5.0, so it's probable that when designing the new, matching keyboards (and mouse), Apple also upgraded them to use BT5 (relative to the 2015 models currently sold separately, which use BT3).
Still, speculation is one thing, and hard evidence another -- it would be nice to have direct confirmation of this from anyone who has access to an M1 iMac and its peripherals.