The new iMac 2021 for a beginner?

[jahin17]

So I currently have a 27inch iMac, 3.1Ghz, i5 version which I got from work. Now this device is quite slow and it doesn’t even upgrade to Big Sur. I’m pretty sure it’s a 2011/12 model.

I’m not an avid PC user but I do occasionally use it for work and it’s nice to have a desktop computer.

It seems as if this version of the iMac is aimed at those individuals etc, so would you recommend me getting it?

I currently have a 2017 MacBook Pro and I’m definitely upgrading when the newer Pro model comes out later month.

 

[AxiomaticRubric]

The new iMac is definitely good as an entry-level desktop. It appears that Apple is sending the iMac back to entry-level status, like it was originally in the 90's.

Based on my experience with the M1 it's still a beast if you need the iMac to handle demanding tasks like encoding video, bouncing audio files from Logic Pro, etc. For an "entry-level" consumer Mac you're still getting quite a bit of power.

The camera specs look really nice too if you do a lot of video conferencing.

If you don't need all the fancy things then an M1 Mac Mini might be a more efficient machine for you.

 

[jahin17]

Yeah essentially just to use it for browsing, streaming, occasional Football Manager and some work. I considered the Mac Mini but I’d rather just get the desktop PC experience etc.

 

[skaertus]

I think it would fit your requirements. And the M1 is a powerful processor, so you will probably be happy with the new iMac.

Can you check which model of the iMac do you currently have?

You may choose the entry-level iMac for $1299 if you do not need a wired Internet connection (Gigabit Ethernet) or additional ports. If you do, you may want the $1499 version.

Now, if you need extra storage, which is always nice to have, you may well go with the $1699 model. Or even choose to upgrade RAM.

 

[jahin17]

I’m pretty sure it’s the mid-2011 model. I’m most likely going to go for the 1499 model mainly due to the Touch ID keyboard and the extra power.

 

[CWallace]

This forum is overly-represented with power-users and enthusiasts (I am the latter), so they're naturally going to dismiss / criticize the 24" iMac just as they did the 21.5" because it doesn't have a honking CPU or GPU with shedloads of RAM and exabytes of storage. But it is anything but a "toy" or "Fisher Price My First Computer". It is a powerful machine capable of handling a significant number of tasks.

The M1 iMac will handily outperform your current iMac across the board. And the display will be so much sharper and richer in color. And 8GB is actually an acceptable amount of RAM for an average user and 16GB even more so should you choose to upgrade to that. So unless you need Windows support, it should be a fantastic upgrade for you.