Selecting New IMac

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I want to get a new iMac to replace my current Dell. Of the three available to pick I am not sure what would be the best one for me. I want this to be a long-term purchase so planning for the future is a consideration. I am retired so it would not be used for work. Strictly used at home with me being the only user.

I, of course, want to make the best decision but unfortunately, I don't have the knowledge on this subject that some of you have.

So here I am asking for assistance. Thanks!!
 
Personally I would get a top notch display and a mac mini with 16Gb If either one breaks it can replaced without "rebuying" the other.

Future proofing is best done by purchasing a memory increase when you buy the machine, not trying to add it years down the road when it will be more $$
 
What is making you want to get a Mac? A Mac would sync with the other Apple stuff that I have. I like that they are known for their privacy/security and quality. At the present time I have a Dell all in one but it is getting quite a few quirks. So I am thinking that I will replace it.
 
Wait a few months for the iMac with the M1 chip

https://www.macworld.co.uk/news/new-imac-3696859/

There is a lot of evidence that a new iMac is indeed on its way, and that this new iMac will feature a new design - with bigger screens, and Apple's new Silicon processors.

As we said above we think that the smaller iMac is likely to see an Apple processor sooner than the 27in models. This is based on the fact that it was the consumer-focused Macs that gained Apple's chips first.
 
Agreed, if you're set on a Mac, no use in purchasing a x86 model now. Wait for M1 chip versions.
 
Actually, I got rid of my monitor when I got my current all in one. For me, I like the all in one as it uses much less space. I am thinking that I really don't need anything larger than 27". This whole area, for me, seems to be very confusing. What options to get with which one of the three available iMac's? Wait for a new one to be available? Of course, I would think the new ones will be even more expensive. Certainly are plenty of things to make me think on top of the fact that I wish I was more knowledgeable in this area. But then a lot of people may feel the same way.
 
Don’t overlook a iPad if you are using your computer for simple tasks. The iPad Pro with the Smart Keyboard case gives you portability and pretty much anything you would use a desktop computer for.
 
Future proofing: MAX it out.

The I mac might be slightly more upgradeable (i would have to double check) , even my 9 year old MacBook Pro does not have memory dimms or a HDD/SSD its all permanent memory... Mrs DuckRyders 10 year old MBP has a SSD and Dimms... Both of them still perform well, which can't be said for a 9-10 year old Windows box in most cases.

I do agree that waiting for the new M1 models might be wise if you're not in a bind.
 
I am not in a bind at the present time. However, I am wondering what the timeline is for M1 to be used in a desktop. Is it sometime this year? For general info in response to PimTac I do have a 2 year old Ipad.
 
What exactly will you be using this for? Just internet surfing?

If you're solely using it for basic tasks, buy the cheapest AIO Mac or Mac mini you can find, especially if you have a compatible monitor already. You don't need anything fancy in an iMac for basic needs. You can always use an external HDD to maintain pics and stuff, though it doesn't sound like you'll be using it for that, either.

I would also second waiting for an apple chip, which should be sometime this year. The Mac mini already comes with the M1 chip for just under $700, but with very low storage.
 
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I'd wait for the new Apple-designed CPU too. Do you have a budget ? You mention wanting the 27" screen so after that, there's really not a lot of

As for how an Apple computer "syncs" with other Apple devices, what do you mean ? I have an iPhone and use Macbooks and an iMac so I know what they can do, it's just not always necessary or most people probably don't actually take advantage of it. I know a person who believes he has to use Mac computers because he also uses an iPhone.
 
Seems like best guesses for M1 availably in an i Mac are between March and perhaps early summer.

Keeping contacts and such up to date is very convenient using i Cloud, even though i don't use i Cloud to store documents and so forth... Photo stream is also nice. saves me a bunch of syncing and such. It works better than trying to use i Cloud on a windows computer, I agree it is an advantage, even if you don't use it to the fullest.
 
You may want to wait for the iMacs with Apple's M1 chip. The Intel powered macs will be phased out over the next few years, which might affect support for them down the road.
The M1 is already out, Im typing on one now
Im fully in the Apple world now, Phone, Mac mini and brand new MacBook Air with the M1 Chip.
M1 Chip Macbooks are available everywhere and the only one I would get, might even be hard to find the older models with Intel processors anymore in places like Best Buy ect.
 
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Get the Solid State Drive (SSD), stay away from the Hybrid drive...

Get 16 gigs installed, the new ones may not have a door to access the ram...

Consider an extended keyboard, with the numeric keypad attached...
(Not sure if they even make these anymore)
 
I personally dislike iMac's due to their dead end nature. I have an ancient iMac (2008) out in the shop that is basically worthless for general purpose use, even though it has a really nice display. A Mini makes much more sense to me.

How-to-mount-your-Mac-mini.jpg
 
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