Just an Apple question. | Your stories | Discussion forum

@NorthernRaven

Thanks for the fantastic feedback.

After being totally ticked off with MS windows blue screens, updates and reboots I moved to the more expensive Apple products.. and what a nice relief.

I have a 2010 iMac only that I bought second hand in Jan 2016 for $490. So almost 8 years of service. I bought a new Apple keyboard (new) and mouse (second hand but new) for it. I added max memory and had to put a new hard drive in it. So another $250.

macOS is outdated and Safari has lost a lot of security and now have warnings of same with Chrome. So time to replace.

I see that one can use a MacBook Air or Pro like a Mac Mini and use a mouse, keyboard and monitor. This option has the same concern as a Mac Mini ..... monitor wise.

The Mac mini was designed to pull PC customers over to Apple and allow them to use the PC mouse, keyboard and monitor.

My issue is what monitor as I want to use FaceTime for sure.

A new Apple monitor is $2000 and up. Yet a new iMac can be as low as $1700. I no doubt I would be happy with the new iMac screen which is likely nicer that the one I have.

New Apple iMac seems to have less than 2010 ports and memory/storage for a much higher price. And I am not interested in buying cloud storage for a number of reasons. Every iMac that has more memory/storage or ports you are looking at $300 - $400 more. But can buy a SSD drive 1TB for $79 and up. So I am looking for more for less money ....but new.

So the new MacMini has lots of ports, old and new style. And might be my answer. I have read about difficulties hooking up monitors and some say they loose use of monitor after a macOS update.

And I am suspect that possibly LG made the Apple monitors.
I chatted with Samsung and they say to contact Apple. I know what Apple will say, but found it odd that Samsung doesn’t know what’s out there to develop to meet the needs of Apple and PC.

I would like to get new to be secure for the next 10 years if macOS covers me.

I will join a Mac forum...fantastic idea, and something I totally overlooked.

I think I can do new Mac mini and new monitor for around $1500 and use my existing mouse and keyboard. And I have to keep in mind that the new iMac comes with a new keyboard that I won’t use and a mouse that won’t be needed ...., so that’s $200 mis spent.

Thanks.

NorthernRaven said
I have a 2012 mini, and an old iMac from back around then as well. Apple is pretty good about supporting hardware as long as they can, but MacOS 11 "Big Sur" back in 2020 dropped a bunch from that era of hardware, and your 2010 mini is even older. The security updates for MacOS 10.15 (last that supported them) would have stopped by the end of last year. Safari sometimes will get updates for the app itself, but I know that MS Office apps stop updating on 10.15. It's a pity, as the machines still work okay for light use at alternate locations.

I remember reading that Apple has skimped on the number of ports on the entry level iMacs, which is a pity. Also, the new Apple Silicon chips, while technical marvels, have the RAM bonded on, removing any possibility of user-expandable RAM models - the Apple premium rules supreme!  

Thanks. Yes my 2010 is still running and looking good. Maybe use as a TV with Pluto and Netflix. Or a digital picture fame or for playing music. Or just be offline for Microsoft office.

Skimping is getting annoying. It’s forcing more using Bluetooth and iCloud storage. I like my wired stuff....and it’s all neat.

NorthernRaven said
For those base models with just the two ports, depending on what you need to plug in, you might be able to get a little USB hub, plug keyboards/mice/etc into that, and plug that into one of your two ports.  

Yes, thanks I am aware. I had to buy some to adapt port on new MacBook air to USB for a thumb drive and a hard drive. Learning to use the cloud for small transfers.

I would like to keep wires neat and minimal.

The more I look at Mac Mini and “what kind” of monitor.. I then wonder about the monitor with my MacBook Air and an external keyboard and mouse. Then the MacBook is like a mini.

Then if I go with mini ..... do I get a monitor with speakers only and forget about FaceTime.

The forums seem to only be issues and the simple resolutions are because the instructions weren’t read thoroughly.

I just want to find a good source to tell me what monitor will work for me. The mini had lots of ports ... I like ports.

BillieBob said
@Serendipity

If you are thinking of buying new, you should also check out the refurbished products on Apple Canada’s website. They have the same warranty as new products and can save you some $$$. As a graphic artist using Apple products exclusively for my work for over 35 years, I have purchased a few refurbished computers from Apple and have never been disappointed.
https://www.apple.com/ca/shop/refurbished  

Have you ever used a Mac Mini? If yes how did you research the best monitor for your needs?

savemoresaveoften said
Regarding for apple products say iPhones and iPad in popular, tons of aftermarket parts and shops out there that will can do it. Prob 1/2 of what apple wants for the same repair.

As for apple having crappy warranty, their standard warranty is at par with Samsung and other electronics. Not sure why it’s labeled as crappy ? As for refurbished, most are 1 month or 90 days that I came across.  

A warranty in my mind is a broken item that gets fixed free. As long as it wasn’t broken Intentionally or misused. An extended warranty like Apple care is same.

A paid for extended warranty that gives only a discount on repairs is crap.
If you justify in your mind based on others doing the same (at par in your speak) then they have groomed their customers to believe that something is ok but it isn’t. The at “pars” are money grabs.

BillieBob said

I have never owned a Mac Mini but a few years ago I had a MacBook Pro that I would use like a Mini – connecting it to a Dell monitor and a regular Apple extended keyboard and Bluetooth mouse. I currently have an iMac.  

Ahhh perfect. Did the monitor have speakers, mic, and camera? If yes did FaceTime work?

savemoresaveoften said

serendipity said

A paid for extended warranty that gives only a discount on repairs is crap.

Its all about how much they charge for the extended warranty. If you want any repairs to be 100% covered, they can simply charge for more for the extended warranty up front. Then of course you will complain extened warranty cost too much....
Similar to a car insurance where the deductible exists, just to keep rates somewhat reasonable (if one chooses a higher deductible) and reduce abuse of the warranty.  

You missed the point.