Was this a good idea?

[Loyola]

Amazon had a really good deal on the base model if I used Discover cash as part of the payment. The amount came down to $593 with tax.

The goal was to wait for the bigger iMac or the higher end Mac Mini to replace my 2010 iMac. Everything seems to be working fine on my current iMac but getting close to 11 years makes me a little nervous. It seems like the little beach ball shows up more frequently.

I have two older Dell monitors I plan to use for a little while until I buy new ones. Is there any way to find out if they will work? I have read about some having issues with different monitors.

I plan to use my current wireless keyboard and mouse. In addition I still have the original iMac wired keyboard and mouse if I need them. I will put them back with the iMac so my partner can use the computer until it no longer works.

The only item I need to buy is a USB C to VGA adapter. Here is what I am thinking of getting.

USB 3.1 Type-C 3-Port Hub with VGA

The USB 3.1 Type-C™ 3-Port USB™ 3.0 HUB provides extra connectivity from your computer. These pocket-sized multi-adapters allow you to add 3 additional USB™ 3.1/3.0/2.0 ports for computer peripherals, along with a VGA through your USB Type-C™ port. USB Type-C™ is the new standard for connecting...

en.j5create.com

Eventually the mini would go to my partner.

 

[Loyola]

Just in case people are interested Amazon is still offering a discount if you use Discover cash back for part of the payment. The max amount has gone from $40 to $30. I used $0.61 to save $40.

I am still waiting for it to ship.

 

[familychoice]

Just in case people are interested Amazon is still offering a discount if you use Discover cash back for part of the payment. The max amount has gone from $40 to $30. I used $0.61 to save $40.

I am still waiting for it to ship.

Would love to have bought via Amazon but they don’t stock a 16gb model.

So instead I’ve bought via Apple - a week later and it seems it’s still in a warehouse in China, so that order may yet be cancelled.

 

[Amethyst1]

have two older Dell monitors I plan to use for a little while until I buy new ones. Is there any way to find out if they will work?

What monitors are they? If they are LCDs, hooking them up using VGA is the worst thing you can do in terms of picture quality.

 

[Loyola]

Would love to have bought via Amazon but they don’t stock a 16gb model.

So instead I’ve bought via Apple - a week later and it seems it’s still in a warehouse in China, so that order may yet be cancelled.

I don’t think 8gb will be an issue for my needs. It seemed like a really good price and I jumped on it.

Hopefully someone that needs the base model can benefit if they have a Discover Cash Back Card.

 

[Loyola]

What monitors are they? If they are LCDs, hooking them up using VGA is the worst thing you can do in terms of picture quality.

They are really old - Dell IN2010N and 1909W. The monitors were free to me. I use the 1909W with my iMac.

For my needs the monitor is not the most important thing.

 

[Amethyst1]

I use the 1909W with my iMac.

That one has a DVI (digital) input which gives a much better picture than VGA. If you want to use it with the M1, I recommend a USB-C to DVI adapter.

 

[familychoice]

That one has a DVI (digital) input which gives a much better picture than VGA. If you want to use it with the M1, I recommend a USB-C to DVI adapter.

Yeah I've got a similar Dell monitor, and using the DVI connection get a really good picture.

 

[Loyola]

It is scheduled to arrive early (tomorrow) instead of Thursday.

Hopefully it is a quick set up as I don't plan to transfer everything from my current computer.

 

[KaliYoni]

I'd say your purchase was a "good idea" if the machine you chose meets the needs you bought it for. If you got a discount, even better!

In any case, Amazon (assuming Amazon itself was the seller of the computer, not a Marketplace vendor) has liberal return policies and a deeply ingrained non-adversarial customer service attitude. So you should be able to return the Mac easily if it doesn't work the way you want it to. If you're an established customer with Amazon–or if Discover offers buyer protection services–you might be able to return a non-defective machine despite the published return policy.

(edited to reflect good comments on my initial post below)

 

[Loyola]

I'd say your purchase was a "good idea" if the machine you chose meets the needs you bought it for. If you got a discount, even better!

In any case, Amazon (assuming Amazon itself was the seller of the computer, not a Marketplace vendor) has liberal return policies and a non-adversarial customer service attitude. So you should be able to return the Mac easily if it doesn't work the way you want it to.

It will meet my needs. The discount was great based on what I have seen. As I mentioned in my original post it was $593 including tax.

Of course I want the bigger iMac or the higher end Mac Mini. Do I need either one? Most likely I don't. Unfortunately we don't know exactly when they will arrive. As a result I have to make move.

 

[familychoice]

It is scheduled to arrive early (tomorrow) instead of Thursday.

Hopefully it is a quick set up as I don't plan to transfer everything from my current computer.

Mine arrived today, a week early.

No Bluetooth issues with the mouse (so far), woke from sleep ok, and the monitor works (bit fuzzy, but same as my MBP 16”).

Migration from the MBP was painless, though one of my email accounts doesn’t seem to be receiving email.

Aside from the email glitch, so far so good though.

 

[0128672]

I'd say your purchase was a "good idea" if the machine you chose meets the needs you bought it for. If you got a discount, even better!

In any case, Amazon (assuming Amazon itself was the seller of the computer, not a Marketplace vendor) has liberal return policies and a non-adversarial customer service attitude. So you should be able to return the Mac easily if it doesn't work the way you want it to.

I wouldn’t say Amazon’s computer return policy is liberal. Computers can only be returned if DOA, arrived damaged, or unopened, unlike Apple and Best Buy (and other stores):

”New desktop, laptops, or tablets (excluding Kindle E-readers and Fires) purchased from Amazon.com that didn't start when they arrived, arrived in damaged condition, or is still in an unopened box can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.”

Amazon Return Policy - Amazon Customer Service

www.amazon.com

 

[Loyola]

”New desktop, laptops, or tablets (excluding Kindle E-readers and Fires) purchased from Amazon.com that didn't start when they arrived, arrived in damaged condition, or is still in an unopened box can be returned for a full refund within 30 days of purchase.”

Yes. I saw the 30 days as well.

 

[0128672]

Yes. I saw the 30 days as well.

Yeah, 30 days is nice, but it can’t be returned because the customer changed their mind or decided more storage would be better.