iMac replacement advice

[airborne]

I have been running an M1 MM with 16GB ram and 256GB storage (plus 2TB external SSD) with this monitor for over 2 years now and it's a great combo!

lg-27ul500

That's a nice monitor for the money, that's what I would have advised the OP to get with a Mac Mini, amazing value.

 

[FiestaST]

So after much back and forth and deliberation and window shopping on the 'net, I decided to go with a M3 iMac with 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD and 4 ports rather than 2. Not being near a large city where I could go and view acceptable monitors, and the number of conflicting opinions regarding monitors, made the Mac Mini less of an option for me. The 24" monitor on the iMac is more than adequate for my application. I like the neatness of an all in one machine too.

Prices on used Intel Macs have dropped through the floor. In August last year I got an offer of R11000 for my late 2015 iMac. Same company now offered me R5000 for the same machine. Won't look at an offer for my 2009 iMac.

I cannot believe how Apple shafts users though. Spec upgrade prices are just crazy. And this on top of already expensive machines.

Close to 2 months later.

Still happy with your M3 iMac decision?

 

[Velskoen]

Close to 2 months later.

Still happy with your M3 iMac decision?

Two months already? Wow!

Absolutely. Interesting how one adapts to slowly deteriorating equipment. Like a clutch or brakes that slowly wear out. The iMac is lightning fast compared to my old Intel Mac. I am even noticing that WiFi connectivity is noticeably better. For what I use it for, it will never even break a sweat. It has been a major upgrade (and expense!) for me. Should last me many years thankfully.

A few specifics:

• The screen is fantastic, seriously. Text is as crisp as printed text, maybe even better if that's possible. Pix are real-life realistic. The detail is incredible. I don't want to over use adjectives and I admit Apple has its flaws, I'm not blind to them. Price being a major one. Cost of RAM and storage is absurd.
• Compared to the Mac Mini that was also an option I considered, I am pleased I went with the iMac format. It's neater, a cleaner footprint on my desk, easier to setup and get going and less hassle matching a monitor to the MM.
• The touch ID is very nice. Makes life easier and faster, less hassle.
• I thought the increase in monitor size from 21" to 24" would be more impressive. 27" or 32" would've been nicer but 24" is good.

 

[Velskoen]

I'm feeling a bit miffed this morning after reading an email I received from MacShack. They are advertising a brand new 24" iMac M3 with 512GB SSD for R29000. I paid R37900 for the same spec for a pre-owned model in March last year.