Need to Replace 2010 iMac 27"

[steeler]

(NOTE: I included a TL/DR at the bottom, because I wanted to explain to anyone who wants details)

In November of 2010, we purchased a Mid-2010 iMac 27". Over the years I upgraded the RAM to 16GB and put in a SSD as the primary drive with a 2TB HD as extra storage. It is currently a computer mostly used by my kids for school and personal interests. Typically this is web browsing, word processing, photo editing, some games (it actually does surprisingly well with the games that interest them), some video editing, and music recording (they play string instruments).

Over the past year, it started exhibiting green/purple squares on the screen. At first, they would disappear after the iMac "warmed up". Recently, it's gotten much worse. From what I've researched and read, it's likely a GPU issue. I don't see any reason to spend money to replace/fix a nearly 10 year old iMac. It doesn't officially support any MacOS past High Sierra (what it is currently running).

It's served its purpose and we've gotten more than our money's worth out of it (just one reason I like buying Macs.)

Naturally, Apple has decided to transition from Intel to ARM and while I'm excited about it, I feel trapped in the transition. Initially, I was going to try to make the iMac hold over until ARM iMacs were released. Given how long I like to keep hardware around, I think that I want to wait until the 2nd or 3rd generation ARM machines before jumping in on the hardware.

So, I have an iMac that is probably near end of actual life. It won't make it the 2-4 years or more that it needs for the transition. I would like to bridge this gap in a cost efficient manner and still have a functional Mac for the kids.

I'm considering a used Mac mini to bridge this gap, probably a 2012 or 2014. The 2018 Mac Mini options I've seen all are over $900 and I'd like to keep the total cost below that.

I am considering used iMacs as well, which is why I'm posting here.

I would love to hear your thoughts on how I can bridge the gap between now and the 2nd and 3rd gen ARM Macs (probably iMac or Mac mini). Thank you for your opinions!!

------- TL/DR --------
I have a 2010 iMac that is nearing the end of its actual life. The cost to repair would probably mean a new logic board. While a new ARM Mac would be perfect, they aren't available and I probably want the 2nd or 3rd gen anyway (because I keep these things forever).

It needs to be able to do basic stuff like word processing, web browsing, photo editing, some video editing, and some light gaming. A slight upgrade from the 2010 iMac would be great.

How should I bridge the gap between now and when the 2nd or 3rd gen ARM Macs are released?
- Buy 2012 Mac Mini
- Buy 2014 Mac Mini
- Buy (undecided year) iMac

Ideally the total cost should come in around $800 or less. Thank you for your opinions!!

 

[0128672]

Unless I missed it, you didn't mention whether you have an external monitor to use with a Mac Mini. Regardless, I'd recommend looking at the Apple 27" iMac and Mac Mini refurbs to keep your costs down. That way you can get a more recent model (2019 and 2018, respectively). As you probably know, the Apple refurbs are like-new, with the one-year warranty and opportunity to buy Applecare. The shipping is very fast (overnight and 2-day in the US) unlike ordering a new machine where there are now significant lead times.

The trick with the refurb store is one needs to check often because it gets restocked at various intervals. Lately there have been lot of 27" iMacs that may be slightly above your budget. The SSDs versions are more, of course. You might also want to consider a 21.5" refurb iMac to save money. The Minis go very quickly from the refurb store, so it's worth checking a few times a day if this is route you might want to go.

Right now there's several 27" iMacs in the US Refurb Store:

Refurbished Mac - iMac

Save up to 15% on a refurbished iMac. Tested and certified by Apple including a 1-year warranty. Free delivery and returns.

www.apple.com

 

[glenthompson]

If you consider a refurbished or used iMac do not buy one with a 1tb fusion drive. The SSD in the 1tb model is way too small for any realistic working set. The 2 and 3 tb versions have a much larger SSD and deliver good performance.

 

[wpdv]

I also have the mid-2010 with the same upgrades you've mentioned. It's been an amazing machine. If it's a GPU, it may still be worth it to either replace it yourself (Replacing the GPU) or have a local repair shop that specializes in Macs do it for you. The local shop near us only charges $149 labor plus parts. If you're going to do it yourself, I'd suggest laying the iMac on it's back and be very careful not to touch the actual screen (behind the glass) with your fingertips. Best of luck to you.

 

[Fishrrman]

You don't want a 2012 or 2014 Mini.
The 2012's were fine Minis (I still have one), but is just getting too old now.

The 2014 Mini was severely crippled -- the RAM is soldered in and IS NOT upgradeable.

If you get a Mini, get an Apple-refurbished 2018 Mini, properly equipped.

Re iMacs:
Forget ARM for now, consider it in 3-5 years.
Get either an Apple refurbished 2017 iMac (if they still sell them) or an Apple refurbished 2019 iMac.

DO NOT buy ANY iMac UNLESS it has an SSD inside.
DO NOT buy ANY iMac with only a platter-based hard drive inside.
I'd recommend AGAINST buying an iMac with a fusion drive.
Get a 27" -- the RAM is easily upgraded.
You CANNOT upgrade RAM in a 21" iMac without taking it apart.

 

[Boyd01]

If you want a Mini, I'd also vote for a refurb 2018. I have two 2014 Mini's and a 2012 Mini in addition to a new 2018 Mini. I don't think it makes sense to go back as far as 2012, the 2012 quad-core Mini's are still respectable in terms of performance (although the HD4000 graphics aren't great), but it's almost as old as your 2010 iMac. The higher configurations of the 2014 Mini were OK, but could be hard to find and I just don't think it's worth it.

A base model 2018 Mini will be much, much better than any of the 2012 or 2014 models in terms of performance and you can get a refurb for under $600 (with 128gb ssd) or a variety of higher configurations for less than $900. As was posted above, you need to be patient and just keep checking the refurb store constantly. Took me over a month to find the configuration I wanted (which was an unusual model), but I saw those inexpensive models pop up every week. You need to purchase immediately when one appears, because they don't last long.

But the 2018 will have a full warranty, Applecare eligibility and support for all the newest software.

 

[steeler]

Thank you all for your responses! A lot more valuable information than I expected!

I discovered the Apple refurbished store about 12 years ago and have been more than happy with every device I've purchased from there (this 2010 iMac, a few MacBook variants, iPods, and iPads). I've exercised patience many times waiting for just the right product to appear.

Thank you all for the advice about the iMacs and Minis! I am going to take a day or two and try to figure out a general direction.

I absolutely welcome anyone else who wants to provide input! I doubt I'll be buying anything in the next few days.