I’m a graphic designer using a ten 10 year 27 in display iMac. What computer should I get next? iMac or laptop? Can I use my old iMac as a display monitor?
HomePod, 26
No, you can not use your old iMac as a display.
If you need to be portable, then a laptop is the only real choice... Otherwise, a 24" iMac or a Mac mini with the monitor of your choice.
The new M4 iMac has a 5K 24" monitor. If you can get by with a 4K monitor you can get something like the following: a 10 Core Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB RAM and 1 TB SSD ($1084 US) with a 32" LG 4k monitor ($331 US) from Amazon.com) is $1415 US which is $541 US less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac ($1956 US) re 07/2025. Keep your keyboard and mouse from your current Mac for use with the Mini.
I got the above Mini with a 32" LG 4K monitor w/speakers for only $60 US more than the 27" (didn't know the Mini had a speaker). There are many monitors available in 27" size for $100 US to $500 US depending on what features you want. The monitor prices are before tariffs.
5K monitors will cost in the range of $800 on up.
Old Toad wrote:
The new M4 iMac has a 5K 24" monitor.
That's a 4.5K 24" screen. It has the same pixel density (218 pixels per inch) as a 27" 5K Retina iMac or a 27" 5K Apple Studio Display, so the screens should be about as sharp on all three. A 32" Apple 6K Pro Display XDR ("if you have to ask the price, you can't afford it") also has 218 pixels per inch.
Graphic designer: New Mac for design & old iMac display?
