Worth it to get older iMac to use as a desktop, instead of just using the MBA?

[rm5]

This is a hilariously stupid idea, I know, but I'd like some opinions...

I've had my M1 MBA ever since it was announced in November 2020. I absolutely love it - it's very fast, reliable, and rarely thermal throttles under my typical workload. However, I'm just getting really tired of, every day, disconnecting EVERYTHING from the MacBook, then when I get back home, connecting EVERYTHING back up again. I want reliable internet speed (a constant 150 Mb/s download), so I have it hooked up to Ethernet. I also always have my SanDisk external SSD connected, which hosts the Logic Pro sounds and most of my sample libraries.

I think owning this MBA has taught me that I really don't prefer laptops (at least as a main computer) - I'm much more of a desktop guy. I think the whole idea of a "laptop for work/school, and having a desktop at home that you use all the time" is really good.

So my point being, I want a desktop (preferably an iMac) - it doesn't necessarily need to be fast CPU/GPU-wise - just needs lots of RAM and internal storage. I've found some good deals on 2014-15 27" iMacs that surely aren't great by any means but should get the job done.

My question is - is this even worth doing? Or should I just keep spending lots of time every day (which will eventually accumulate to hours wasted) setting everything up rather than having stuff permanently attached?

 

[1BadManVan]

Why not just have it connected to a dock or a hub? then its just one cable to unplug when you're done using it

 

[JPack]

You desperately need a dock - this is what they were invented for. Start looking at something affordable like WD19TBS.

 

[MrAperture]

Like the others said, get a dock.

 

[Bazza1]

...while a dock is certainly an option, I certainly 'get' the appeal of always connected and, most especially, the larger screen real estate of an iMac.

That said, I think with your experience with the M1 Air will mean you feel frustrated by the speed capabilities of a much older iMac - not to mention the OS limitations (and software you may wish to use) on them. If you seem to think an iMac is the way to go, certainly look for the most recent you can afford - and I'd advise looking at Apple's own refurb site in their online store for options. Stock there changes all the time.

 

[wilberforce]

I had a 2014 27" iMac and now have a 2020 27" iMac.
IMO, the main reason to get such a machine is the 27" 5k display (I do photo editing and graphics work).

Otherwise, I can't really recommend it: the older 2014/2015 27" iMacs that are "good deals" usually have screen issues (notorious for image retention, edge discoloration) and/or Fusion drives, which IMO really suck: slow, and highly prone to failure at this age. People who have tight budgets can work around these deficiencies (such as using an external SSD, ignoring the screen issues, and living with an older OS), but it is not optimal.

Unless you really want a 27" 5k display, I would get a new or refurb 24" M1 iMac.

Or as others have said, a dock. Another advantage of a dock is you aren't transferring files between machines all the time.

 

[Aggedor]

A dock is the answer, or just a single cable solution. I use a bluetooth mouse and keyboard, and connect my MBA to my 4K monitor with a single USB-C/thunderbolt cable, which provides power and connection to the display.