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What's Next for the iMac? What We Know on a New Design, M3 Chip, and More
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HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Both… but particularly video editing greatly benefits with a lot less scrolling. For general work, I used to use multiple desktops, scrolling left & right and/or mission control to get to the apps I need. While there’s still some of that, often the number of open windows to get things done fit on a single screen now. I’m surprised how such a small thing delivers a big productivity benefit. I could definitely NOT go back to 16:10 screens now.
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Anyone who has ever owned a large iMac knows what a PITA it is to do anything with it. The Mac studio is the right approach, its just unfortunate that the price points for it and the display are not competitive with the old iMac.
Apple should make the computer part of the iMac replaceable/upgradeable. It can be made even easier for current designed M1 iMac. It's such a waste they don't do this, while going on and on about the environment or climate change.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
Of course, and to each his own. iMacs were my main Macs for over a decade. I can very much appreciate them.
However, when the last one conked, it took my very best computer screen and my very best Windows PC with it. That’s the downside of AIO: let one part fail or macOS upgrades end and a perfectly great screen- likely with plenty of usable life left- is sacrificed too.
So this time I was determined to NOT do that again. Ready to buy the rumored & loaded Mac Mini MAX, I ended up with Studio… paired with a Dell 40” ultra-wide 5K2K… and got full Windows when needed with a Mac Mini-like Mini PC, which can also plug into that same monitor and even split screen (macOS + Windows) side-by-side for an old fashioned bootcamp solution.
I did not want Dell anything but I could not be any happier with that ultrawide. It’s like having two of my old screens in one bezel. And its flexibility to make old fashioned bootcamp work so well is very useful too.
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The folks that are trying to convince themselves that the Mac Studio/Studio Display (or other third-part display) combo is a viable replacement for a 27 inch (or larger) iMac are in serious denial. I don't blame them, they have to justify that in their minds to avoid the realization that they were suckered by the hype and that the "separate display" and a "modular" Mac Studio is just smoke and mirrors. Especially the "the display lasts longer then the computer" crowd, who would dump their current display in a heartbeat if Apple introduced a new Studio Display with promotion/miniLED, well before that 7 to 10 years they prattle about.
I had no issues opening the previous design iMac up for drives. What I do fault is the weight/ form factor, its heavy to carry a fair distance with its odd weight with stand for servicing.
The smaller 24" iMac design with rectangular edges is what I would want larger, it's a lot easier to transport with two hands with the external power adapter then say a Mac Studio with a separate Studio display you also have to carry.
So Apple hasn't changed even with their new M series chips. I don't understand why, if they have M2, that they don't just rev the 24" imac and the mac mini. Forget about the existing owners, sure they don't need to upgrade now, but it doesn't have to be such a big waiting game. It's like they are playing the same game they did with Intel's chips.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
I agree with much of what you write here. However, this train has very likely left the station. I strongly doubt a "bargain" iMac Bigger returns. Apple has removed the Mac from their 27" screen and managed to sell lots of a Mac-less iMac 27" for the old iMac 27" "starting at..." price.
When the next iMac Bigger returns, it probably starts with that price point. Add in the Mac guts of a MBpro 14" and the relative cost of those guts and the new iMac Bigger probably starts at about $3499... probably needing north of $4K to get nicely specced vs. minimally specced.
I really do NOT think Apple will go back to something like an iMac Mx PRO or MAX "starting at..." something like $1999 now. Studio proved they can jack the margin by establishing a 27" monitor ONLY for about $2K with an adjustable stand. iMac guts added into that display seem like they HAVE to get a MBpro-like price sans duplication of screen & speaker parts.
So then your comparison becomes Mac Mini (probably) PRO + Studio Monitor for about $1299-$1499 + about $2K vs. iMac Bigger minimally specced probably starting at $3499. I suspect the days of a nicely specced iMac 27" for under $2K are history.
One can't even buy the minimally-specced Mac anymore with an eye towards getting the RAM and storage upgrade they desire via some value in third party upgrades. Now it's pay up in full up front. A potential separates value "win" lies with not automatically assuming Studio Display as the only option. There's plenty of fish in that sea... and like buying third party RAM and/or storage for your old iMac to get a better value vs. getting it all from Apple, there is some value savings in considering other options there.
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I think it has to do with being very selective with manufacturing lines when they decide to use a newer SoC. Apple has kinda tip-toed Mac hardware updates out this year. That seems to point to not willing to shake up existing production because they aren't trying to sell new models as everyone here seems to demand. In other words if Apple still sees enough buyers for particular products they aren't announcing new models that often. Probably why their profits have been maintained better then other companies that keep pushing out new products and being stuck with old products.
Disagree completely. Love my 27" iMac. If you would like to donate a Mac Studio; I will be happy to accept. The Studio is a great machine; but way over priced.
Because apple didn’t offer me a good upgrade from my 27“ 2013 iMac, I just bought a used 2020 27“ iMac. The speakers are completely bad compared to my old iMac but the display and the power for music producing & photo- & video editing will last me long time.
Listen, Apple: 27“ iMac users want at least 27“ or bigger for an upgrade. Buying a MacBook and a 60HZ studio display is not worth the 40% price hike for this combination.
Listen, Apple: 27“ iMac users want at least 27“ or bigger for an upgrade. Buying a MacBook and a 60HZ studio display is not worth the 40% price hike for this combination.
Tell us you more recently came from the PC world without telling us...
I've owned iMacs since 2006. For me, a prosumer, it's hands down the best option to this day. I'm really curious what you want to "do with it" that you can't?
The Mac studio is the right approach for some.
There is also a very solid and very legit demographic that wants an iMac. Just look through the comments in this thread, for a start...
My intel 27 inch iMac has been a great machine, however, all good things must come to an end. After examining the new Studio at the local Apple Store, I realized that I preferred the design of my current iMac.
The 24 inch iMac doesn’t have a large enough screen, nor does it have enough ports or memory. The Studio is a nice machine but for my use it is just too expensive.
What I would like to see is an iMac with a 27 to 30 inch display, with processor, port and memory options similar to those of a high end MacBook Pro.
The 24 inch iMac doesn’t have a large enough screen, nor does it have enough ports or memory. The Studio is a nice machine but for my use it is just too expensive.
What I would like to see is an iMac with a 27 to 30 inch display, with processor, port and memory options similar to those of a high end MacBook Pro.
You're pricing an 'iMac Pro' ("guts of a MBpro 14" ") while people want a "just bigger 24" " with the option of slightly better specs as upgrades. You don't "need" a M Pro chip for the larger screen as the base option.
If a 27" iMac in the base version starts at $2000, I think a lot of people will be plenty happy. Your $3500 claim is completely ridiculous. That bigger iMac is not supposed to be an AIO version of the mac studio... it's supposed to be a larger... iMac.
That is one reason why they came out with the Studio Display so your display is not longer limited to the useful life of the computer inside and so it can be used with multiple computers.
HobeSoundDarryl
macrumors G5
What people want? Yes, I’m perhaps mistakenly speculating what Apple wants: much greater profit from the previously high-value Mac.
It will be terrific for all if Apple rolls out another approx. $2K nicely specced, bigger iMac. Let's see if it happens at an Apple who just realized they can sell a 27” monitor without a Mac inside for that much.
iMac 27” has traditionally been MBpro in a desktop package. I’m not as confident that “what people want” is something less than that… but even if some do, I still suspect Studio Display sets the screen pricing at about $2K. Add in Mac Mini spec Mac guts and price and I still suspect “starting at…” is about $2999. Seek more than 8GB RAM + more than 256GB storage at Apple pricing and even a Mac Mini-based iMac bigger goes well into the $3Ks.
Else, what gets compromised? Cheaper screen? Weaker (than Mac Mini) guts? Lower than Mac Mini specs?
It will be terrific for all if Apple rolls out another approx. $2K nicely specced, bigger iMac. Let's see if it happens at an Apple who just realized they can sell a 27” monitor without a Mac inside for that much.
iMac 27” has traditionally been MBpro in a desktop package. I’m not as confident that “what people want” is something less than that… but even if some do, I still suspect Studio Display sets the screen pricing at about $2K. Add in Mac Mini spec Mac guts and price and I still suspect “starting at…” is about $2999. Seek more than 8GB RAM + more than 256GB storage at Apple pricing and even a Mac Mini-based iMac bigger goes well into the $3Ks.
Else, what gets compromised? Cheaper screen? Weaker (than Mac Mini) guts? Lower than Mac Mini specs?
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I’m trying to understand this comment and I have to admit I don’t. My 2017 iMac is pretty much set-and-forget, haven’t had to move it to another room more than once since purchase (to repaint the room’s ceiling).
I have to ask: what has to be done to a large iMac that everyone else knows is a PITA?
I think you might start with the M2/3 8GB/256GB for that price but for the pro chip and that much ram/ssd, you'll probably get up to $3K.