24” iMac M4 to older 27” iMac intel i7 32/512 (new) ?

51togo

Recycles dryer sheets
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Apr 22, 2013
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So I’m a new Mac user from a 10 years old abasic Dell with window 7, 27” Newegg screen, and a set of mini HK speakers. Had powerpoint, excel etc on the Dell but I don’t think I’ll use them much anymore. Now retired 11 years so just using the desktop to surf the net, emails etc I do banking on my iPad Pro. Purchased a iMac M4 on Blackfriday, very nice package! Wires management from a total mess to one wire but Immediately I notice the sound is just ok and not as loud or equal to the HK when play you tube musical videos. The screen resolution is good but appears too small ? Am I the only one feel this way ? After some searching I found some new sealed 2020 27” iMac model intel i7 chip still available for coupe hundreds more than this M4 at $1600. Used or refurbished one around $1200. Based on my light usage would the older model last as long as the new M4. Just couldn’t justify the new 27” display with a mini Mac, keyboard, and mouse for $2700. Appears the 27” iMac is well loved by the community and reliable. Your thoughts and thanks!
 

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I got my first iMac in 2004, lasted about 10 years. Now on 2nd iMac, still working in excellent condition. I update when asked. Applecare is amazing. Solves any issue quickly with intelligent well-spoken CS and I do not pay for it. Maybe since all my products are Apple and speak to each other. Updating e-mail, calendar, texts so simple from one to another wherever I am.
 
The 27" iMacs were indeed a very nice computer. In their day. I loved mine. However, there's no way I would go back in time and purchase one today. There is no idea how long Apple will support the underlying software on it.

But I also would not buy the 24" iMac simply because I like the larger 27" (or higher) monitors. I kept waiting for Apple to update the 27" iMac, but alas, they have not done that for some reason. I just bought an M4 Mac mini and at first used it with my 27" Dell 4k monitor. That worked well, but I was in a "blow that dough" mood and I followed up my computer purchase with a 27" Apple Studio Display monitor. It's wonderful, but I paid a hefty price (more than the computer it's attached to) for it, so not for everyone. So, I'm currently using the mini with two 27" monitors (one Apple, one Dell). I know me... at some point, I may very well blow that dough again and replace the Dell with a second Apple Studio Display.
 
The Apple Studio Display is due for update.

Otherwise I might have bit and got an M4 Pro Mac mini.

Now I'm thinking of a 16-inch M4 Max MacBook Pro ...
 
You could return it and get a new Mac mini with a third party monitor that would be very close to the Apple monitor. You could then add some speakers to get the sound you’re looking for. You’ll be giving up the compact “wireless” footprint of the iMac but it seems like the screen size and sound are more important to you. The studio display monitor is very slick, but it’s very expensive for what you’re getting.
 
If you really want better speakers, get computer speakers or stream it to some wireless speakers.
 
You could return it and get a new Mac mini with a third party monitor that would be very close to the Apple monitor. You could then add some speakers to get the sound you’re looking for. You’ll be giving up the compact “wireless” footprint of the iMac but it seems like the screen size and sound are more important to you. The studio display monitor is very slick, but it’s very expensive for what you’re getting.
+1. Better option than buying an old Intel based Mac IMO. Apple silicon is better.
 
Currently there aren't too many 5K resolution displays in the 27-inch size.

So other than that expensive Apple Studio Display and a few third-party displays which are also around $1000-1300, the pickings are slim.

You'd save money by settling for 4K displays but you lose the pixel density, not get the "Retina" sharpness that Apple tries to tout.

The Apple Studio Display has been on sale at various times, as low as $1200-1300.

However, the design is over 2 years old and right now, there are HDR displays to consider, which are brighter.

That's why I've been loath to buy the ASD now.

Next year at some point, Apple is expected to update the Mac Studio from the M2 Max and Ultra chips to the M4 Max and Ultra chips. They may also update the Mac Pro, which hasn't been updated in years.

Maybe they come out with a new display then, around the same price range as the ASD.
 
Currently there aren't too many 5K resolution displays in the 27-inch size.

You'd save money by settling for 4K displays but you lose the pixel density, not get the "Retina" sharpness that Apple tries to tout.
I’d suggest it wouldn’t be “settling.” No matter how sharp your vision, no one would be able to tell the difference between 4K and 5K in a real setting, especially given there’s little if any native 5K content. Just like TVs, you can only see a difference in a side by side comparison if then, and no one has that comparison view once they’ve bought a monitor. Either will look stunning at home/work.
 
A good example of a monitor that is less than half the cost of the Studio Display.

Dell UltraSharp U2723QE 27"​


 
I will second? the M4 Mini + monitor route.

I am very happy with this $200 monitor from Amazon as a replacement for an older 32" Dell.
 
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