Mac mini + screen query help/ advice needed

[the black fox]

I normally use a 27” I.mac for p.p and general use .but although hi spec in its day it’s a 2013 model and can no longer be updated in operating system or lightroom .. so whilst still useable it’s lifetime limited ..
so taking into account I already have a wireless keyboard and Magic Mouse and could scrap the i.mac .. I have been looking at a Mac mini the mid range one with the 512 SSD . Pretty sure that would fit my needs .?

Also had a brief look at 27” monitors but totally lost what to look for or do I go bigger I.e a 32” screen any reasonable priced options

if anyone uses this set up what are the drawbacks / pitfalls over a new i.mac bar price etc ..

 

[Craikeybaby]

I always found that if you tried to spec up a Mac Mini and monitor equivalent to an iMac's you were just as well buying an iMac. Now it is even harder, as the iMac uses a 5K screen, and there are not too many of those available. I am currently running my MacBooks on a 27" 4K screen, but that doesn't give me as much screen real estate as an iMac would.

 

[ancient_mariner]

Biggest pitfall with an iMac vs mini + separate screen is that every time you need to upgrade the processing unit you have to replace the screen too. Your 2013 iMac will have been quite sluggish for several years now, and you might have replaced it with a significantly faster machine some time ago if you didn't have to bear the full cost of an iMac.

 

[pooley]

Jeff, I have a Mac mini, the one with an M1 chip. Without going into the whole Mac / PC debate, it runs photoshop, Lightroom, DPP4, Topaz and Capture 1 all just fine.

Mine is also tasked with running a 32"4k screen, no problems there.

Are you opposed tabuing refurbished kit? I've bought a few bits that way without issue, here's a quick possibility -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-i5-8500-3-0GHz-A2115-512GB/dp/B08MWQ4JCG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3FM8MS5698XYV&keywords=iMac+27+Inch+16gb&qid=1690071263&sprefix=imac+27+inch+16gb%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-5

Or a 24" model straight from apple refurb which I've always found spot on -

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/mac/imacOr a 24" model straight from apple refurb which I've always found spot on -

A reasonable option without going silly or a 4k 27" would maybe be -

BenQ PD2705U 27 inch IPS 4K Monitor

But there are loads of possible monitors, just beside in the knowledge that the M1 Mac mini is well up to the task

Mike

 

[the black fox]

Jeff, I have a Mac mini, the one with an M1 chip. Without going into the whole Mac / PC debate, it runs photoshop, Lightroom, DPP4, Topaz and Capture 1 all just fine.

Mine is also tasked with running a 32"4k screen, no problems there.

Are you opposed tabuing refurbished kit? I've bought a few bits that way without issue, here's a quick possibility -

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Apple-i5-8500-3-0GHz-A2115-512GB/dp/B08MWQ4JCG/ref=sr_1_5?crid=3FM8MS5698XYV&keywords=iMac+27+Inch+16gb&qid=1690071263&sprefix=imac+27+inch+16gb%2Caps%2C84&sr=8-5

Or a 24" model straight from apple refurb which I've always found spot on -

https://www.apple.com/uk/shop/refurbished/mac/imacOr a 24" model straight from apple refurb which I've always found spot on -

A reasonable option without going silly or a 4k 27" would maybe be -

BenQ PD2705U 27 inch IPS 4K Monitor

But there are loads of possible monitors, just beside in the knowledge that the M1 Mac mini is well up to the task

Mike

Cheers mike , currently looking at a mac.mini M2 chip + screen size debateable .. I know you use yours similarly to me so that’s helpful … as I said already got the keyboard and Magic Mouse as I don’t think there’s any inherent value in the i.mac so may as well keep them and scrap the main unit ..
no rush to buy got a week away in sept in the new caravan and then I’ll see

 

[the black fox]

after chatting to mike by p.m and phone I went ahead and bought a M1mac mini and dell 27 inch screen . all installed today and running sweet as a nut .luvverly jubbly