Price gap between iMac and Mac mini + Studio Display + keyboards is huge

[Adelphos33]

I currently have an M1 iMac that works pretty well for me. I am basically a productivity user - I log on to a Windows machine at work through Citrix, and beyond that use basic MacOs apps (safari, notes, photos, mail, message) and some Microsoft apps / productivity apps. I don't do anything like programming, video editing, podcast editing, etc (which is what most of the users on the forum seem to be doing). So I don't need a lot. On a desktop, I value things like RAM, storage, desk efficiency (don't like too much stuff on the desk), physical design, webcam/screen quality, etc.

With the M2 machines coming out, I am thinking about upgrading my iMac as I am worried about bumping up against my 256G storage and want some longevity. My current machine was spec'd to $1,779, and included an extended keyboard and trackpad.

I'm looking at M2 machines now. I would need at least a $999 M2 iMac to make any kind of upgrade worthwhile (16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) and I am probably looking more at something like $1,199 or $1,399 (depending on which M2 or M2 Pro I get). But that is before a monitor and keyboard/trackpad! If I need to buy Apple accessories, I am out another $1,947!

Basically, if you want to configure a productivity / consumer desktop Mac setup in the current generation, you are basically at a minimum of $3,000 whereas you can spec out an iMac at $2,000 or likely much less.

This is a huge gap. I guess the option of keeping the display long term, and using the display for other stuff (laptop, iPad) makes sense. But you aren't getting that much more computer. Apple really needs to update its iMac to M2, more ram, etc to give people the full set of options in the iMac body (I am actually ok with the screen size)

 

[Buerkletucson]

A large percentage of users don't need anything like the Studio display......
Very good displays can be had for much less.

.....or as you mention, the Studio Display will probably outlive several computers, so the cost needs to be looked at differently and spread across a much longer time period.

 

[now i see it]

This is why the 27” iMac has been discontinued. Mac Mini + any good monitor is going to cost more.

 

[PCandaMac]

I feel you; I had a similar dilemma so my thought process might be helpful for you.

I was debating between an M1 iMac and an M2 Mini and decided on the M2 Mini. When I thought it through, I realized the price difference is a lot lower than it seems at first. Here is why
- I'm getting the Studio display from the Apple Refurb store. That saves $240
- I'm replacing an intel iMac; I will keep the keyboard and mouse, don't need to buy a new set

I'm also assuming I will replace the machine in about 3-4 years. At that time I will only replace the Mini. Whereas with an iMac I would have to replace the whole system.

So over a ~6 year time frame I will spend on 2 Minis and 1 Studio display. This would cost less than the alternative of 2 iMacs.

And I will have better tech, since I am getting an M2 Mini instead of an M1 iMac.
I also have a better set of ports. With the Studio Display included, I will have 1 Thunderbolt and 2 USB-A ports on the Mini, and 3 USB-C ports on the Studio Display.
And I'm getting a 27 inch display instead of 24 inch. Since I am currently on a 27" Intel iMac, that matters to me.

So when I think about what's best over the course of a few years. the Mini makes more sense to me.

One other consideration: if Apple introduces a mind-blowing iMac successor, it will be easy to leave the Mini ecosystem. That's because I expect the monitor to hold its value quite well, better than an iMac would. So I could sell it all for a pretty decent price.

Net, for my purposes buying a Mini makes my money go further and also leaves my options open for the future.

 

[Mainiac]

You say your current iMac works well for you and the only issue is coming against your 256GB HD storage. Wouldn't an external hard drive be your best solution and least expensive solution?

 

[tstafford]

You say your current iMac works well for you and the only issue is coming against your 256GB HD storage. Wouldn't an external hard drive be your best solution and least expensive solution?

Or cloud.

 

[Fishrrman]

The Studio Display costs far more than it's worth (in my opinion).

I'd be looking for a 3rd party 4k 27" display instead.