which computer to buy?

Question

Level 1

4 points

which computer to buy?

I should work on a larger monitor due to vision problems (I'm currently working on a 2019 MacBook with 16GB of RAM, which is too little for me, and the screen is too small, which makes me tired), so I'm thinking about buying an iMac or a mini with an additional monitor.

Namely, I have a budget of about 2000 euros and I'm hesitating between an iMac 2020 with an i9 3.6GHz, 27-inch, 128GB of RAM and 1TB SSD. Or an m4 10 core, 24GB of RAM with a 512GB disk.

I usually work in optimization and internet marketing, and I always have 30 tabs open on my browser, plus 3-4 applications, Google tools, sometimes video and audio recording, AdWords advertising, etc.....varied and demanding. The dilemma is that these two configurations are similar in price, and I don't know which one will give me a better experience. Thanks for the answers

MacBook Pro 13″, macOS 15.1

Posted on Mar 25, 2025 5:02 PM

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Answer 1

Old Toad

Level 10

212,123 points

Mar 26, 2025 11:28 AM in response to zeljkoleko

I agree with rkaufmann87 in getting a Mac Mini M4. I have visions problems so got a Mini with a 32" 4k monitor so I could run it a lower resolution and have larger text. Here are the specs:

Mac Mini M4 with 16 GB of RAM, 1 TB of storage.

A 32" 4K monitor running at 1920 x 1080 w/speakers.

It is $647 less than a similarly configured new 24" iMac. You can save even more if you eliminate the speakers in the monitor and use the speaker in the Mini or earbuds with the Mini.

Lots of options and some food for thought.

Since I have problems with white backgrounds I use the Dark Mode and a minimum of 30 point text in Safari. I also have Reduce Motion, Increase Contrast and Reduce Transparency turned on.

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Answer 2

rkaufmann87

Level 10

146,834 points

Mar 25, 2025 5:37 PM in response to zeljkoleko

Forget the 27" iMac, why would you want to purchase outdated technology? You should get a M4 based Mac mini with a 4K 27" (or larger) display . Get the MM with a 1TB SSD (don't base your decision solely on budget) and if you think you need 24GB RAM fine but based on your stated needs I think 16GB would be okay.

If you are short on cash then use Apple's 12 month same as cash purchase plan. IF you are not aware of that either visit an Apple Store or call Apple's online store (phone number is on their webpage) and the consultant will explain. I hear of folks all the time that buy a 256 or 512 GB MM and regret it because they are either cheap or lazy. Be smart and get at least 1TB of internal storage.

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Answer 3

tbirdvet

Level 6

15,623 points

Mar 26, 2025 10:59 AM in response to zeljkoleko

I have that same iMac and it works fine but I agree with rkaufmann87 that a Mac Mini M4 would be a better buy. I also have a Mac Mini M4 but with a Studio Display and it does perform better.