i mac 27

[cayman-black]

so my i mac from 2015 is shutting me out of websites and just getting worse really. Do i buy a new imac 24 inch screen the biggest they do now or get a refurbished one like mine and if so where from? tia.

[wyson]

Could get a 27inch Apple Studio display and a Mac Mini.

Don’t get the same thing you have, its going to stop being supported, if it hasn’t been dropped already.

[clockworks]

Is it the iMac that's causing the problem, or the fact that it can't run the latest version of Safari?

If it's the latter, maybe install a different browser, like Chrome.

I'm running a late 2015 27", not noticed any problems yet, apart from Facebook Messenger

[mmm-five]

If you're happy with your current machine and it's only the OS/browser that's causing issues (probably due to new security requirements), then you could consider forcing the upgrade to a newer OS with https://opencorelegacypatcher.net.

If that's not an option, and if you're happy to live with a 24" screen then I'd recommend a newer Apple Silicon iMac. I only didn't get one because I kept waiting for the larger (27 or 32" model) that never arrived.

But I then swapped my old iMac and Mac Pro for a Mac Studio Max and Studio Display instead.

If you want a refurbed M1 iMac, then you can find them on the Apple Refurbished website...which will give you a good as new iMac for a bit of a saving...and have the same warranty as a brand new one.

They start at about £1000 for the 8GB RAM/8-core CPU/8-core GPU entry-level M1 model and go up to about £1400 for a 24GB RAM / 8-core CPU / 10-core GPU) M3 model:
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/mac/imac

Of course, adding more RAM, cores and storage will quickly ramp up the prices further.

Edited by mmm-five on Friday 4th April 19:20

[clockworks]

I wish I hadn't seen this post, as we are now both considering upgrades.

We both have 2015 27" iMacs. She also has a Mac book Air 2020.

I think the upgrades should be to "separate screen" solutions - Mac Mini for me, she will keep her Macbook for another year or two. Having a separate screen that will hopefully last for many years, while updating the computer part every few years, seems to make financial sense.

I'm struggling with connectivity though. There seem to be quite a few decent non-Apple 27" screens on the market, at much lower prices.
What display inputs should I be looking for, for "future-proofing" with current and future Macbooks and Minis?

[cayman-black]

Thanks guys for the replies. I have had my mac into the computer shop for them to upgrade the browser but they could not do it it would not allow it for some reason. I,m sure the 24 inch screen new one would be fine though.
Mine now is running Mac OS High Sierra 10.13.6 so i,m sure those in the know see this is a very old set up.
Thanks mmm I will take a look at the Apple Silicon iMac.

[megaphone]

A 2015 Mac can run a newer OS than High Sierra. Should run at least Monterey, try updating the OS.

[megaphone]

I went from a 2009 27" iMac to a M3 Mac Mini and a used 27" Apple Thunderbolt display which I picked up on eBay.

[mmm-five]

You don't need an Apple screen for an Apple computer.

Almost anything will do...as long as it can connect via HDMI or USB-C (or can use an adapter to do so).

At least this way you can decide whether 24/27/32" and 1440p/4k is your preference and go from there.

No point paying over £1000 for an Apple display (unless you can offset the cost somehow) when you can get a good, general use 60Hz 4K monitor for £300 (or cheaper if you don't mind buying used on ebay/CEX). Okay, it won't be hewn from an aluminium billet, or have an iPad as it's internal components, but most people won't care.

You can get an old Apple Thunderbolt display (2560x1440p) for less than £200 at CEX (with their 5 year warranty - which will just mean a replacement if they have one in stock).

But if you're going for individual units then an M4 Mini is tiny, quite powerful, and relatively cheap for the base model...and can be had for 15%/£90 off at Apple Refurb (£509)...
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/FU9D3B/A/Ref...

Edited by mmm-five on Saturday 5th April 11:48

[clockworks]

mmm-five said:

You don't need an Apple screen for an Apple computer.

Almost anything will do...as long as it can connect via HDMI or USB-C (or can use an adapter to do so).

At least this way you can decide whether 24/27/32" and 1440p/4k is your preference and go from there.

No point paying over £1000 for an Apple display (unless you can offset the cost somehow) when you can get a good, general use 60Hz 4K monitor for £300 (or cheaper if you don't mind buying used on ebay/CEX). Okay, it won't be hewn from an aluminium billet, or have an iPad as it's internal components, but most people won't care.

You can get an old Apple Thunderbolt display (2560x1440p) for less than £200 at CEX (with their 5 year warranty - which will just mean a replacement if they have one in stock).

But if you're going for individual units then an M4 Mini is tiny, quite powerful, and relatively cheap for the base model...and can be had for 15%/£90 off at Apple Refurb (£509)...
https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/product/FU9D3B/A/Ref...

Edited by mmm-five on Saturday 5th April 11:48

How much do you need to spend to get a screen that's as "good" as a 27" iMac Retina display? I think the late 2015 is 5k?

There's an awful lot of screens out there that will work with a Mini, starting at under £300 right up to multiple thousands.
I'm perfectly happy with my current screen, but wouldn't want anything that looks worse

[mmm-five]

clockworks said:

How much do you need to spend to get a screen that's as "good" as a 27" iMac Retina display? I think the late 2015 is 5k?

There's an awful lot of screens out there that will work with a Mini, starting at under £300 right up to multiple thousands.
I'm perfectly happy with my current screen, but wouldn't want anything that looks worse

I don't think you'll find anything that has the same features as the Apple Studio Display - even for £1400 - as some monitors have better colour reproduction, some have HDR, some have better contrast levels, some will have better backlighting tech, etc...but none with have the webcam AND the 5k AND the decent audio AND the alu chassis...and is why I have the Studio Display myself (and an OLED gaming monitor for my gaming PC) when everybody says the ASD is too expensive for what it is (e.g. it would be better with full array dimming rather than edge-dimming; it should be HDR for video editing, etc.).

A £1400 spend on a monitor is justifiable alongside a £4500 spend on a Mac Studio. It's less convincing when you're trying to justify a £1400 monitor for a £500 Mac Mini.

If you want 5K and the same professional designer-level colour / thunderbolt 3, etc. then you're looking at £1k for something like the BenQ PD2730S; If you're happy to go to the more common 4K version then from the same professional designer-level range BenQ as the previous one but 4k (PD2725U) can be had for £700.

However, if you're not using this monitor professionally, and you're happy with just a very good 4k resolution and decent specs, then the prices come down significantly.

For example:

• LG 27US500 (27" 4k) for £180
• Samsung ViewFinity S7 (27" 4k) for £200
• HP U28 (28" 4k) for £300
• Samsung ViewFinity S8 (27" 4k USB-C) for £330
• Asus ProArt PA279CRV (27" 4k USB-C designer monitor) for £470
• etc

Edited by mmm-five on Saturday 5th April 13:56

[clockworks]

Thanks.

I'm not a design professional, but I do like a nice computer.

The BenQ 2730 looks ideal. Similar quality to the Apple Studio, trading better connectivity for a cheaper casing.
Built-in KVM means I could connect my old Windows Mac Mini too.

Now, would I be happy with the basic Mini....

[danb79]

clockworks said:

Thanks.

I'm not a design professional, but I do like a nice computer.

The BenQ 2730 looks ideal. Similar quality to the Apple Studio, trading better connectivity for a cheaper casing.
Built-in KVM means I could connect my old Windows Mac Mini too.

Now, would I be happy with the basic Mini....

I've just got this BenQ monitor to pair with my M3 MBA and very impressed with it:

https://www.benq.eu/en-uk/monitor/professional/pd2...

Connected via USB C

FYI (probably not allowed on here); but I'm selling my brothers immaculate M2 Mac Mini (16GB/256GB) fully boxed with OEM power cable, and 3 week old Touch ID Magic Keyboard & Trackpad (boxed, literally brand new, both USB C (latest versions)

He wants £650 for the lot inc/ RMSD delivery if it's of any interest to you

[clockworks]

I'm wondering if I really need a 5k monitor? They cost about a grand, not that many UK shops stock them.

A decent 4K might make more sense, as they are half the price, and readily available.

I'm leaning towards the Asus PA279, around £430. Gets good reviews at the price.


Am I right in thinking that I could connect both a new Mini M4 and my old Intel Mini (which is running Windows) at the same time, and just switch between them?
I'm using an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and a Logitech MX Bluetooth mouse with my iMac, and would want use them with both Minis.

[GetCarter]

Whatever you do, I'd do it fairly fast. Most experts saying that all Apple products will go up in price (a lot), due to the fact that they are made in China and imported into USA, then exported to Ireland (EU) then imported here. Every move will now catch tariffs.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/iphone-apple-pr...

Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 6th April 09:23

[clockworks]

Hmm, I'll order today!


I've just checked what resolution my current iMac is using - 2560 x 1440. I find that resolution a little bit hard on the eyes, so I definitely don't need a 5k display!

Edit:

10% off right now at a lot of shops, so I've ordered the basic model from Amazon for £539.

Edited by clockworks on Sunday 6th April 09:45

[megaphone]

GetCarter said:

Whatever you do, I'd do it fairly fast. Most experts saying that all Apple products will go up in price (a lot), due to the fact that they are made in China and imported into USA, then exported to Ireland (EU) then imported here. Every move will now catch tariffs.

https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/iphone-apple-pr...

Edited by GetCarter on Sunday 6th April 09:23

My new Air was made in Vietnam, big tariffs to the US now. I'd expect Apple to bypass the US and import straight to Ireland or even straight to the UK. Can see a lot of grey imports arriving directly to the UK.

[mmm-five]

clockworks said:

Hmm, I'll order today!


I've just checked what resolution my current iMac is using - 2560 x 1440. I find that resolution a little bit hard on the eyes, so I definitely don't need a 5k display!

Edit:

10% off right now at a lot of shops, so I've ordered the basic model from Amazon for £539.

Edited by clockworks on Sunday 6th April 09:45

The Apple 5K (5120x2880) display is usually by default run at 2x so that it displays nicely at 2560x1440. It basically renders at the full 5k to get the sharpest image, and then scales it to 2x to give you larger text/screen elements whilst giving better anti-aliasing than a native 1440p display.

Remember that using the same pixel-scaling will give you 2048x1152 on a 4K screen - so you may want to consider a 32" screen to make everything look a bit larger.

Edited by mmm-five on Sunday 6th April 10:56

[clockworks]

mmm-five said:

The Apple 5K (5120x2880) display is usually by default run at 2x so that it displays nicely at 2560x1440. It basically renders at the full 5k to get the sharpest image, and then scales it to 2x to give you larger text/screen elements whilst giving better anti-aliasing than a native 1440p display.

Remember that using the same pixel-scaling will give you 2048x1152 on a 4K screen - so you may want to consider a 32" screen to make everything look a bit larger.

Edited by mmm-five on Sunday 6th April 10:56

OK, I understand that scaling 2x from native gives the best balance for readability and quality.

Doesn't that mean that a 4K display would be best at 1920 x 1080? (From what I can make out, 4k displays are 3840 x 2160 native)
This would make text a fair bit bigger than 2x scaling on the Apple 5K display

Or, did you mean that a 32" 4k screen could be used without scaling and still be readable?


Edit:

It gets a bit complicated.

On my iMac, the default display setting is scaled 2x to give me 2560 x 1440. This is "quad HD", but with more pixels.
It's also a bit hard on my eyes.

A 27" quad HD screen would give me exactly the same resolution and display sizes, but might look a bit rubbish (a quarter of the pixel count).

A 27" 4K screen would give me a lower resolution at 2x scaling, making everything "bigger", but better quality than a quad HD display.


A 32"screen won't fit on my desk - shelves to one side, door to the other

Edited by clockworks on Sunday 6th April 12:00

[danb79]

clockworks said:

I'm wondering if I really need a 5k monitor? They cost about a grand, not that many UK shops stock them.

A decent 4K might make more sense, as they are half the price, and readily available.

I'm leaning towards the Asus PA279, around £430. Gets good reviews at the price.


Am I right in thinking that I could connect both a new Mini M4 and my old Intel Mini (which is running Windows) at the same time, and just switch between them?
I'm using an Apple Bluetooth keyboard and a Logitech MX Bluetooth mouse with my iMac, and would want use them with both Minis.

Yup; I've got my M2 Mac Mini connected to my BenQ via USB C to DP and my M3 MBA connected via USB C

I just use the toggle switch on the rear of the monitor rather than the 'puck' that's provided