I love my "Late 2015" 27" iMac (3.3 GHz Quad-Core Intel Core i5), which is the best computer I've ever owned. TurboTax has let it be known, however, that its 2024 won't run on the newest operating system (Monterey 12.7.6) I can run, so it's time to buy a new machine. Some folks have recommended the Mac Mini, but I'd have to buy a monitor, and I love the simplicity of the iMac's form factor.
This week Apple announced new iMacs with the Apple Silicon M4 chip. Ordinarily I'd just go for the newest chip, figuring it will provide more years of compatibility with operating systems and applications, but Apple's selling point on the M4 is that it's optimized for Apple Intelligence, Apple's version of AI. I don't wish to offend anyone, but at this point I couldn't care less about AI and don't plan to use it. I recognize, however, that various applications I use (TurboTax, MS Office, Filemaker) may eventually require the M4's AI compatibility to perform optimally.
So do I buy an M3 iMac or the M4? I have to look at the connectors on various versions (I have peripherals that are old USB, and I want to continue to use them). I'm thinking that the base 16 gb of RAM is sufficient, and I'll have to decide whether to get the 500 gb or 1tb SSD. I don't mind spending the better part of $2,000 for a computer that will last 6-8 years and serve us well.
Any thoughts/recommendations?
Also, does anyone know what cable I'll need to connect the old and new machines using Apple's Migration Assistant?
Thanks.
This week Apple announced new iMacs with the Apple Silicon M4 chip. Ordinarily I'd just go for the newest chip, figuring it will provide more years of compatibility with operating systems and applications, but Apple's selling point on the M4 is that it's optimized for Apple Intelligence, Apple's version of AI. I don't wish to offend anyone, but at this point I couldn't care less about AI and don't plan to use it. I recognize, however, that various applications I use (TurboTax, MS Office, Filemaker) may eventually require the M4's AI compatibility to perform optimally.
So do I buy an M3 iMac or the M4? I have to look at the connectors on various versions (I have peripherals that are old USB, and I want to continue to use them). I'm thinking that the base 16 gb of RAM is sufficient, and I'll have to decide whether to get the 500 gb or 1tb SSD. I don't mind spending the better part of $2,000 for a computer that will last 6-8 years and serve us well.
Any thoughts/recommendations?
Also, does anyone know what cable I'll need to connect the old and new machines using Apple's Migration Assistant?
Thanks.
Statistics: Posted by anonenigma — Fri Nov 01, 2024 7:13 pm — Replies 14 — Views 555