While we were pretty certain that a larger iMac wouldn’t be debuting this week, many people are still eagerly awaiting at least a new 27-inch model. Some are even hoping for options in the 30-inch, 32-inch, or larger range.
That said, I still believe a larger iMac is in the pipeline, and the launch of the M4 Mac mini alleviates some of the urgency for a couple of reasons.
The Timeless Appeal of the iMac
I’m a laptop person at heart. I love the flexibility of having a large-screen setup in my home office while being able to take my MacBook Pro with me when I travel. My MacBook Pro has literally traveled the world with me, allowing me to work abroad for months at a time.
However, I completely understand the allure of the iMac. For those who don’t need portability, an all-in-one machine that provides the power you need, a stunning display, and an attractive design is a compelling choice.
Even some individuals who require mobility still favour iMacs. You occasionally see them being utilized on-location shoots, and I’ve frequently observed them employed as display machines at exhibitions and conferences. While it’s not a trivial task to transport, sometimes the convenience of rapidly setting up a large screen is unparalleled.
However, the M4 Mac mini will suffice for many
The M4 Mac mini coupled with a monitor isn’t a direct substitute for an iMac, certainly. But it offers a remarkably good interim solution, for a couple of reasons.
Firstly, the Mac mini has never been a bulky machine, so carrying it alongside a large monitor has never been a significant inconvenience, but the new model is literally half the size. Apple didn’t quite achieve the rumored Apple TV dimensions, but it’s remarkably close.
It’s compact enough that attaching one to the rear of a monitor is entirely feasible (even if the placement of the power button is less than optimal), replicating most of the convenience of an all-in-one.
At a starting price of $599 for a perfectly functional machine, it leaves a substantial amount of budget for the monitor of your choice. As my colleague Filipo Espósito stated:
We’re discussing a computer nearly the size of an Apple TV that is capable of rendering 8K videos and executing console-level games with ray tracing.
And if you’re more of an iMac Pro enthusiast, then the M4 Pro Mac mini has you covered:
- 14-core CPU with up to 20-core GPU
- Up to 64GB RAM
- Up to 8TB of SSD storage
- Thunderbolt 5 with up to 120 GB/s transfers
- Up to 273 GB/s of memory bandwidth
Indeed, I’d contend it’s the superior choice for most.
As I mentioned, I entirely comprehend the “one-box” mentality. But I’d argue that it made far more sense in the era when a desktop computer would barely fit on a desk.
The fantastic aspect of separating the Mac and the display is that you can configure the exact machine you require.
Let's say you're a photographer who's happy with the basic editing capabilities of your current machine. However, you're in dire need of a colour-calibrated monitor. In this scenario, you could save some cash on the Mac and invest more in a top-notch display.
On the other hand, if you're a coder, you might be more interested in maximizing processing power and could be perfectly content with a more basic monitor.
For videographers, the ideal setup would combine both powerful performance and a professional display. With the modular approach, you have the flexibility to achieve this without breaking the bank.
So, what's your plan?
If you've been patiently waiting for a large-screen iMac, will you continue to hold out hope? Or are you now considering the possibility of an M4 Mac mini and a personally chosen monitor?
0 Comments