Question about new iMac pricing (ethernet option)

[OneSon]

I'm looking at configurations and something is confusing me.

If you go with the base model (so with only 2 x USB 4 ports) there is the option to add gigabit ethernet for £30. Will this add the power brick with the ethernet port in it? If so, then going with the next model up basically means you're paying around £170 for two USB-3 ports. That seems insane. You might as well go with the base model, add ethernet for £30 and then buy a thunderbolt dock.

I hope I'm making myself clear here.

 

[BrianBaughn]

By "basically" you're ignoring the 8-core GPU vs. 7-core GPU factor…which might not make a difference for most folks.

I guess you could also save the $30 ethernet and find a TB hub with ethernet if there's one out there that works.

 

[cambookpro]

The higher spec also includes the keyboard with TouchID. It's essentially £120 for 2x USB-3 and an extra GPU core.

For context, the MacBook Air 7-core GPU to 8-core GPU upgrade is £50. Means it's £70 for the 2 USB-3 ports if you follow that logic all the way through!

 

[4sallypat]

I'm looking at configurations and something is confusing me.

If you go with the base model (so with only 2 x USB 4 ports) there is the option to add gigabit ethernet for £30. Will this add the power brick with the ethernet port in it? If so, then going with the next model up basically means you're paying around £170 for two USB-3 ports. That seems insane. You might as well go with the base model, add ethernet for £30 and then buy a thunderbolt dock.

I hope I'm making myself clear here.

Yes, I ordered the base model w/ $30 Gigabit Ethernet and full sized keyboard w/ numeric keys.

Already using the M1 Mini base and love it.

I don't need 4 ports, 16GB or anything higher than 256GB due to unlimited cloud and NAS storage I have access to. And I don't do anything graphic intensive so the base model is fine for me. The Gigabit Ethernet power brick is a great idea for one less cable coming up the desk.....

Then after I ordered, I realized my USB-C hub that I plan on using (USB-A & HDMI) has a built in Ethernet port so now I have 2 - maybe I can use 2 Ethernet ports (LAN vs WAN) ?