Need recommendations for a new iMac for basic use

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

"But as functionality has increased- " This makes absolutely no sense to me whatsoever. I have no problem in making computers able to do more stuff, but how's about including some simplicity while they're at it. "More complicated" is really the wrong the approach. Simplicity should be paramount.

Then we would all still be driving "Model T" Fords.

A "Model T" Ford has no air conditioning. My car does. Which means that there are extra controls needed to operate the air conditioning – extra complexity. But on days when the weather is roasting outside and the car would be an "oven on wheels", I'm more than happy to deal with the extra complexity of the A/C controls as a means of cutting down on the amount of time I spend roasting like a rotisserie chicken.

The in-car entertainment systems in today's cars – which have large screens, and can connect to iPhones and Android phones in order to provide real-time directions – add complexity to the operation of those cars. But I don't see people clamoring to remove them and return to the days of paper maps as the main/only method of navigation.

Like I previously stated, I've often see discussions here about storage, and how one cannot have enough storage.

???

That's not true. What discussions are you talking about?

Checking the storage capacity on my ancient desktop Mac, it appears that I have quite a bit of storage left.

Then you have enough storage for whatever it is you're doing.

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

Really...? Your analogy comparing computers to "Model T" Fords makes no sense. Over the years, automobiles operating systems improved to make them easier to operate/drive. Yes, internally, autos have become more complex. But... for the end users they became easier to operate and maintain. Think of automatic transmissions, power steering, hydraulic brake systems, fuel injection, etc. over the years, made autos easier and safer to operate. Computers improve all the time...but they DO NOT become any easier to operate... AND...you're right, on board navigation systems/entertainment systems may add complexity to operating a motor vehicle. But I can choose not to use them...with no consequences to achieving a desired end result. I can't do that when researching something...they don't print encyclopedias anymore... And I can still use printed maps... Pushing a button and/or a lever, or two is hardly complex...as they show/indicate which ones to push/pull for a desired effect... not hard to figure out. Way too many things that are ridiculously convoluted, with a lack of complete instructions, and too many assumptions of operating protocol, to achieve a desired effect with computers.

Everyone is different. I find today's computers with a graphical user interface much easier to use than the computers I learned to program on in the seventies, which required punch tape. I find accessing the internet with a modern browser much easier than needing to learn Unix. Yes, I can use a command line interface (e.g., DOS, Mac Terminal) if I have to. But I'd rather not. My brother, on the other hand, is still in mourning for DOS. He found it much easier.

The point is, what you consider easier or less complex may not be the same as everyone (or anyone) else. That's okay. The reality of the situation is that you need to learn to use the technology as it exists. You're obviously a smart person. Whether or not you learn how to use current computers is a choice that you make. No one can learn it for you and no one can change an entire industry.

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

Really...? Your analogy comparing computers to "Model T" Fords makes no sense. Over the years, automobiles operating systems improved to make them easier to operate/drive. Yes, internally, autos have become more complex. But... for the end users they became easier to operate and maintain. Think of automatic transmissions, power steering, hydraulic brake systems, fuel injection, etc. over the years, made autos easier and safer to operate. Computers improve all the time...but they DO NOT become any easier to operate... AND...you're right, on board navigation systems/entertainment systems may add complexity to operating a motor vehicle. But I can choose not to use them...with no consequences to achieving a desired end result. I can't do that when researching something...they don't print encyclopedias anymore... And I can still use printed maps... Pushing a button and/or a lever, or two is hardly complex...as they show/indicate which ones to push/pull for a desired effect... not hard to figure out. Way too many things that are ridiculously convoluted, with a lack of complete instructions, and too many assumptions of operating protocol, to achieve a desired effect with computers.

Modern vehicles are heavily networked, and routinely have hundreds of million lines of program source code. Simpler in some ways, but immensely more complex. And that’s before discussing the gages that really aren’t, digital dashboards, media systems, cameras including driver-face processing, and climate controls. And as for maintaining, I can usually figure out what happened with a most-of-a-hundred year old Ford tractor, and many parts are surprisingly still available, but I need a pile of instruments and networking experience to diagnose a modern vehicle.

But back to the iMac choice…

The “simple” computing option available from Apple is the iPad, though that too is complex.

Simpler in some ways, but also much more complex than, say, an Apple ][.

iPad is less complex than a general-purpose multi-user UNIX computer such as macOS, though.

I doubt macOS is going to get appreciably simpler than it already is. Not while keeping its strengths.

MrHoffman wrote:

Modern vehicles are heavily networked, and routinely have hundreds of million lines of program source code. Simpler in some ways, but immensely more complex. And that’s before discussing the gages that really aren’t, digital dashboards, media systems, cameras including driver-face processing, and climate controls. And as for maintaining, I can usually figure out what happened with a most-of-a-hundred year old Ford tractor, and many parts are surprisingly still available, but I need a pile of instruments and networking experience to diagnose a modern vehicle.

Indeed. You can’t buy a new car anymore. They are all just computers with wheels.

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

Yes, that's probably true. But as complex as cars are these days, I can pretty much get into any car and, at the very least, be able to start and drive/operate it... I don't have to search/research and risk possibly of hitting an unexplainable dead end. Controls are clearly marked, complete with "instructions" in order to operate it. The car versus a computer is a poor analogy, that's all I'm saying. Computers rely on end users having presumptive knowledge about certain functions to complete a task. Some of us do not have that presumptive knowledge about computer stuff. And yes...I have a 61 year old Dodge truck..,. much easier to figure out how to fix it than a vehicle made today. I sit in front of a computer screen and all I get is more and more complexity. You've said it yourself. The simplicity is way, way, overdue...

Great point. I’m a smart driving instructor for AARP. In addition to the legally authorized 6 hour Smart Driver classes I teach I’m also a presenter for monthly online workshops about safety and convenience features of new cars and also workshops comparing conventional, hybrid, plug-in hybrid and all electric vehicles. The reason we do these is a lot of people don’t know how to use these features or even that they exist.

for your example, if you got in a new car to drive you would discover that if you got too close to the car in front of you your car would automatically brake. And if you started to drift out of your lane the car would edge you back. That would be a surprise if you actually wanted to change lanes if you didn’t know you had to communicate your intentions by using your turn signal. So while you could drive a new car knowing nothing about it you would be in for some surprises.

ExplainitomelikeIm2yrsold wrote:

Yes, that's probably true. But as complex as cars are these days, I can pretty much get into any car and, at the very least, be able to start and drive/operate it... I don't have to search/research and risk possibly of hitting an unexplainable dead end. Controls are clearly marked, complete with "instructions" in order to operate it. The car versus a computer is a poor analogy, that's all I'm saying. Computers rely on end users having presumptive knowledge about certain functions to complete a task. Some of us do not have that presumptive knowledge about computer stuff. And yes...I have a 61 year old Dodge truck..,. much easier to figure out how to fix it then a vehicle made today. I sit in front of a computer screen and all I get is more and more complexity. You've said it yourself. The simplicity is way, way, overdue...

I bet to differ. You may be able to drive but not operate.

We've had a Lexus ES300h for 4 years now and there are many, many buttons on the Dashboard what we have no idea what they do. We've learned about ⅓ of the controls but the ⅔ remaining is a real test. I know my way around macOS but when thrown into a modern day auto I'm lost.

OT