A Mac (mini) and External Display Is A Better Option Than an iMac Even For Apple

2022 seems to be the year we finally get an update 27” iMac (maybe called iMac Pro) and a new Mac Mini Pro (it should just be called Mac).

Everyone seems to be anxiously waiting for the pro iMac to drop but I think Apple should just discontinue it and make just the Mac.

Let me explain.

Apple should leave the all-in-one design as a consumer machine in the form of the current M1 iMac. Offer an entry-level display-less option like the current M1 Mac Mini but for the pro segment just offer the Mac and Mac Pro.

What will the Mac Be?

The Mac will be a desktop display-less machine similar to the current Mac Mini but way more powerful and maybe even offering some expandability (unlikely) and the more powerful and expandable Mac Pro tower.

Along with these machines, Apple should offer external display options with different sizes, feature sets, and prices.

But why? The current iMac design is wasteful.

Pro users tend to upgrade more frequently and having to replace the whole machine including a perfectly working display is a waste. Having the option to just swap the Mac will not only benefit the pro user when it's time to upgrade as selling the device and replacing it will be a lot easier than having to ship or move a whole 27”+ iMac. This will also benefit Apple as it will result in more frequent upgrades, less shipping, and storage cost plus it aligns with their environmental commitments.

Besides what about if a pro user wants a pro desktop but just needs a 24” display or the opposite it wants something larger than 27”? Options are the key here and I believe the all-in-one design for pro users is an outdated and wasteful idea.

We can only look forward to the Spring when we may see Apple's direction. Hopefully, a Mac and external display are unveiled.

Possible Apple Even Happening On March 23rd #apple #airtags #imac

We may have a new Apple event as soon as March 23, 2021, with invites going out on March 16, 2021.

While we will have to wait at least until the 16th to get confirmation from Apple here are some of the products that may show up on March 23rd.

Airpods

3rd Generation Airpods with a shorter stem and a design closer to the current Airpods Pro.

Apple TV

We are due for a refresh of the current Apple TV 4K. We can look forward to better more powerful internals targeting gaming. But also a cheaper more barebone version just focusing on streaming content.

iPad Pro

It’s almost a given that we will see updates to the iPad Pro lineup. Details on what may be new are scarce at the moment but if you are on the market for a new iPad Pro just wait a couple more weeks.

Airtags

Yes, the mythical tracking tags from Apple may finally make an appearance after two years of waiting. Hopefully, they will not disappoint.

Wildcard: iMac

One of the most anticipated product for this year is the redesigned iMac with Apple Silicone. I was expecting this to show up in June during WWDC but recent supply channel moves by Apple may point to an actual unveiling this month. If we do see iMacs at this month's events expect a complete redesign, Apple Silicone, Colors, and maybe just the smaller model.

What I will want to see.

• High-end iMac with at least a 30” screen.
• Mac Pro Mini
• Non-Pro Apple Display
• VR Headset (highly unlikely)

My Apple Upgrade Cycle

Upgrade Cycle

During the past year I have been upgrading my Apple gear and after 12 moths I am almost done. I am really happy with all the upgrades and I am pretty sure I won’t need to worry about an upgrade for a couple of years. I only need two more items to complete de full cycle but those are minor ones.

The Upgrades

iMac - June 24th, 2014

I started this upgrade cycle upgrading my super aging 2007 20“ iMac. I decided to start with the iMac since it was my main computer and after 7 years of 24/7 use it was having a hard time keeping up with Photoshop and Final Cut.

Still that 20” iMac from 2007 is one of the best pieces of technology I have ever bought.

Brand new 27” iMac.

I decided to upgrade the iMac with another iMac this time a fully loaded 27” one.

This new 27" is now a year old but still performs as the first day.

And if it keep up as well as the one it replaces I wont need to upgrade for another of 4–5 more years. So no iMac upgrade is planned until 2019 at the earliest.

Ohh and the aging 2007 it still running 24/7 as a home security/server station.

iPhone Upgrade - September 19, 2014

I upgraded my aging 2010 iPhone 4 after four full years of heavy use. Yes 4 full years thats how good iPhones are. So I do not expect to upgrade until at least 2017 or even 2018. I went for the 64gb version and that should also help with the future proofing.

iPad Air 2 - February 20, 2015

This is my 3rd iPad the first one been the original 2010 first gen iPad. That one was replaced by my iPad2 after just a year but the iPad2 originally released on 2011 have hold remarkably well for the last 4 years and is now my son best friend.

I got an LTE cellular version and I am glad I did as I use it extensively in the road.

But I mad a critical mistake that may push me to an early upgrade.

I when with a 16gb version and that storage amount is just not enough anymore. I find my self micromanaging the storage all the time and it really pisses me off some times. I will never get another iDevice with less than 64gb.

I may need at least a 64gb but I do not intend to upgrade at least until 2017 unless the mythical iPad Pro shows up and convinces me.

Apple Watch - May 16th, 2015

Ok this is not an upgrade but a new addition but since it will be upgraded eventually I am adding it here for future reference.

I when with the 42mm Space Grey Sport Edition with the Sport bands for the following reasons:

• First Gen. so I did’t want to spend a lot like I did with the first iPad.
• Space Grey looks awesome.
• The Sport bands that I thought I will hate are actually super nice specially for day to day use. I may get a leather bad later on but for now I am happy with just the black Sport band.
• Price. The Sport Edition is the most affordable one at just $399.

Macbook Pro - Today July 20th 2015 Yay!

Today is a special day on the upgrade cycle and the inspiration for this post. As I just placed an order online to be picked up later today for a brand new 13” Macbook Pro Retina. This was the last major remaining upgrade for this cycle.

This new Macbook is replacing my recently sold 2010 also 13” Macbook Pro. That machine was holding very well with the only issue been a dying battery.

The battery will had cost me just $179 to fix but I decided to sell the 5 year old machine for $600 (got $550). Not bad for a five year machine.

This new Macbook Pro is the base model just like the outgoing one and thats fine for me as my power intensive work is done on the iMac.

But still this base models have a lot of power. I debated between upgrading the ram and sad drive but eventually when with the base configuration.

Remaining Upgrades

So whats left to complete the upgrade cycle?

Apple TV

I am waiting for Apple to release a new Apple TV. I have a 2nd Generation at the moment that i got in 2011 and still works fine with the exception of Youtube support that was recently dump by Google.

Why I am so eager for a new Apple TV if my current one works fine?

Well for one the current one only support 720p and while the current for sale $69 3rd gen can do 1080p I rather way a bit longer for the 4th Gen.

I hope the 4th gen will have:

• HomeKit support. This is the main reason I am looking forward to upgrade.
• Apps support. This is long overdue.
• New media deals.
• 4K. Not holding my breath on this one but it will be nice.

Airport Extreme

Another half decade device.

My current Airport Extreme was purchased in 2010 and it still running fine after more than five years of 24/7 use.

Only reason I want to upgrade it’s for the new radios and faster speeds.

Whats not been upgraded?

iPods

The last time I purchased an iPod was back in 2011 and that iPod touch along with a Nano purchased in 2009 and a Classic purchased in 2007 are collecting dust in drawers somewhere in the house.

I don’t see a reason to get one anymore but I have an affection for them as the iPod as the device that brought me back to Apple.

I remember that summer night in 2005 when I wen’t all over town with my now wife trying to find an iPod Mini. We eventually found one at a Sears store after driving 40 miles. That iPod was lost during a car break in but I will never forget the device that started the Apple halo.

Conclusion

While some people say that Apple devices are overpriced I have to disagree.

Yes I pay more upfront for this devices but they offer an enormous value.

They are not only of the highest quality and beautifully designed but they also come with first class support and a long long useful lifespan (in tech)