Please help → Is it nuts to purchase a 2019 or 2020 27” iMac for very basic family use—is it worth paying the extra amount for the 2020?

[pollybrowne]

We need a desktop for light use—no video editing, no gaming. We have other devices for that.

We just need a desktop for basic family use (ie. papers, creating documents, spreadsheets, email etc.)


I’ve heard various different things about the 2019 vs the 2020 iMac as far as future support—It’s my understanding that the 2020 is the last of the supported intel iMacs.

All of our other devices (iPhones, ipad pros etc.) are no more than 2 years old and I’d be concerned if those devices were no longer supported/ ineligible for updates for various reasons.

But my understanding is that it’s a bit different when it comes to a desktop you are using for very basic tasks.



My only question is whether it will still start up and run decently? Would it be ridiculously slow, or come with some other caveat that we aren’t considering?

And last—is there that much more of a benefit to purchasing the 2020 over the 2019 considering there is about a $200 difference?


ANY help/guidance at all would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks!!

 

[Apple_Robert]

Unless you are on an incredibly tight budget and absolutely need a 27" screen, I would not get an older Intel Mac. In my opinion, you would be better off...
1) Getting a current base model iMac
2) Getting a Mac mini and purchase a separate screen etc.

Support for the intel models you mentioned will be limited in a few years not to mention those models run hot and make a fair amount of fan noise.

 

[erihp]

seconding getting a m-based mac mini

 

[Thirio2]

If you ever connect it to the internet, I would go for a newer m model for the security updates.

 

[Fishrrman]

Get a 2024 m4 Mini from the Apple online refurbished store.

If there is ANY way possible, get one with a 512gb SSD instead of 256gb.

Pick up a 27" 4k display. Many available at all price points. I would suggest just a little more than "the cheapest one you see" ...

 

[pollybrowne]

Unless you are on an incredibly tight budget and absolutely need a 27" screen, I would not get an older Intel Mac. In my opinion, you would be better off...
1) Getting a current base model iMac
2) Getting a Mac mini and purchase a separate screen etc.

Support for the intel models you mentioned will be limited in a few years not to mention those models run hot and make a fair amount of fan noise.

I’m not incredibly tight on budget but we are going to be moving back to the UK in a couple of years—and I’d rather not lug an iMac with us, but rather buy a new one when we get there.

I obviously want one that runs for the nest 2 years, but I’m not as concerned about longevity and I’m not worried about fan noise.

My understanding is that the iMac 20 will run the latest software…is that correct?

 

[pollybrowne]

Get a 2024 m4 Mini from the Apple online refurbished store.

If there is ANY way possible, get one with a 512gb SSD instead of 256gb.

Pick up a 27" 4k display. Many available at all price points. I would suggest just a little more than "the cheapest one you see" ...

Are you referring to getting a 27” inch display for the newer model? Or sugessting that if I do get the older model that I should make sure it has a 512 SSD

 

[pollybrowne]

THANK YOU for all of your replies so far I really appreciate it.

 

[mmkerc]

Given you stated uses, and need only for 2-3 years the 2019 is fine. I would suggest if budget allows getting at less 16 GB Ram. Storage is ok at 256 GB in that if you need more you can buy external drives relatively inexpensively that you could use when you return home to the UK.

 

[!!!]

Think about buying an M1 or even Intel 2018 mini. As you mention not wanting to lug around the iMac, it's an option as well. Used M-series iMacs are an option as well.

I would totally go for the Intels, they perform fine for basic use, but the future of updates is a bit uncertain, Apple seems to be slowly wrapping up support for Intel macs over the next few years.