I need to replace my iMac m1 (2013). Wondering longevity and dependability of MacBook vs iMac? I was thinking about upgrading to a MacBook Air M3 (15 inch) or the new M3 iMac desktop....pros and con input appreciated.
iMac 21.5″, macOS 10.13
If you’re doing development-related work as seems possible given where this question was posted, then go for 16 GB memory minimally, and for more internal storage than you think you need now. Xcode isn’t a small or lightweight app, and apps and macOS and all our files and data all tend to expand over the useful life of a Mac. Check the minimal and recommended hardware configuration recommendations for whatever apps you plan to use.
Check the number of ports you need. iMac can have either two or four ports, and can optionally have a wired network port, for instance. MacBook Air (M1 or M2, no M3 is available) has two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports.
Desktops such as iMac, mini, and Studio are generally less expensive than the (equivalent or even lower-spec’d) portables, or are more capable as you’re paying extra for the portability. Or paying extra for expandability in the case of Mac Pro. Different targets and different usages and different trade-offs exist.
Had several folks buy MacBook Pro models because they thought they might use it away from their desks, maybe, eventually, and then never traveled with it. At all. That wasn’t the best trade-off. A Mac desktop would have been cheaper and/or had better features. A Mac desktop and an iPad might be cheaper than a higher-end portable too, if you do need some portability, or if an iPad can suffice, too. Trade-offs, trade-offs everywhere.
Base model M1, M2, and M3 support twi displays, one of which is always the internal display when equipped.
Of the MacBook Air and the iMac reliability, I’d assume the iMac a bit more reliable, but only because portables are out and about, and seemingly more likely to get dinged, or dropped, or stolen.
If you want to re-use some parts over a future upgrade, a Mac mini and a display, or maybe a Studio and a display, might be a better approach. A good or higher-end display might potentially be re-used for the next Mac.
Plan to buy an external hard disk drive (or a NAS, if you have the budget) for backups. Figure four to six TB capacity or so, minimally.
If you’re doing development-related work as seems possible given where this question was posted, then go for 16 GB memory minimally, and for more internal storage than you think you need now. Xcode isn’t a small or lightweight app, and apps and macOS and all our files and data all tend to expand over the useful life of a Mac. Check the minimal and recommended hardware configuration recommendations for whatever apps you plan to use.
Check the number of ports you need. iMac can have either two or four ports, and can optionally have a wired network port, for instance. MacBook Air (M1 or M2, no M3 is available) has two Thunderbolt / USB 4 ports.
Desktops such as iMac, mini, and Studio are generally less expensive than the (equivalent or even lower-spec’d) portables, or are more capable as you’re paying extra for the portability. Or paying extra for expandability in the case of Mac Pro. Different targets and different usages and different trade-offs exist.
Had several folks buy MacBook Pro models because they thought they might use it away from their desks, maybe, eventually, and then never traveled with it. At all. That wasn’t the best trade-off. A Mac desktop would have been cheaper and/or had better features. A Mac desktop and an iPad might be cheaper than a higher-end portable too, if you do need some portability, or if an iPad can suffice, too. Trade-offs, trade-offs everywhere.
Base model M1, M2, and M3 support twi displays, one of which is always the internal display when equipped.
Of the MacBook Air and the iMac reliability, I’d assume the iMac a bit more reliable, but only because portables are out and about, and seemingly more likely to get dinged, or dropped, or stolen.
If you want to re-use some parts over a future upgrade, a Mac mini and a display, or maybe a Studio and a display, might be a better approach. A good or higher-end display might potentially be re-used for the next Mac.
Plan to buy an external hard disk drive (or a NAS, if you have the budget) for backups. Figure four to six TB capacity or so, minimally.
Since the M1's first started shipping in 2020, I don't think your 2013 has one.
Anyway, it really comes down to what is more convenient to you. If you think you may travel with it, a laptop is the way to go. I have seen no difference in reliability between the two.
Your old iMac is old enough that it can be a lower-resolution display for an older Mac from prior to 2020, but cannot be used for the newer (2020 and later) Macs. No iMac starting from the Retina era can be used as an external display.
… Use your iMac as a display with target display mode - Apple Support
If you have enough internal or external storage available, the old iMac can be re-used as a NAS:
… Back up to a shared folder with Time Machine on Mac - Apple Support
… Reloading the iMac with TrueNAS might be an alternative here, too.
The iMac can also be used as a digital picture frame, or digital status display (weather or whatever), too.
You got a decade out of a computer, too.
Thank you, this really helps. I was thinking of getting something more portable or downsizing my office at home. It really sounds like the desktop is much more reliable, long-term. I was trying to see if there was a way to still utilize my outdated iMac; it’s still in great condition and hate to see it go to e-waste. Really appreciate your input, thanks again.
Macbook Air M3 vs iMac m3 desktop
