eyephone said:
momopi said:
The GPU on my 2009 27" iMac died so, rather than fixing it I bought a new M1 Mac Mini in 16GB/500GB config.
After doing some research here are my recommendations:
* Costco has very good price on the base M1 Mac Mini with 8GB RAM and 256 GB SSD. However, I can only recommend this configuration for light use.
* Since the RAM and built-in (soldered) storage cannot be user upgraded, I'd suggest paying more for 16GB RAM to accommodate future versions of MacOS and applications. More RAM also means less disk swapping, which in theory prolongs SSD lifespan.
* I'd also suggest 500GB or larger internal storage. The default OS + apps install already consumed 100 GB. There are also reports that the M1 Mac's have excessive SSD wear, which could be actual (write cycles) or incorrect reporting. Assuming the excessive wear is true, smaller disks will mean higher % of disk wear in shorter time.
* If the internal disk fails, it's still possible to boot via external drive via thunderbolt port, but there are some questions regarding the reliability so more data is needed.
* Unless if you really need to replace your Mac now, if you can wait a bit, I'd suggest waiting for v2 of the new production line.
* Don't buy the LG monitor with desk clamp if you have a thin desk. I had to add to the thickness of my desk with piece of wood + screws so the clamp would work. Though it is possible to mount the arm on the wall or screw directly to desk.
When is v2 scheduled to come out?
M1X based new Macs are expected later this year, but I would keep an eye out on fixes for current issues like excessive SSD write cycles, printer drivers, bluetooth/wireless keyboard/mouse connectivity, etc.
There's some weird bug that cause interferences with wireless keyboard/mouse devices. I'm now using a hard-wired 3rd party Mac keyboard, and my wireless mouse (w/USB dongle) freaks out when plugged in next to USB printer connection or USB external drive connection. Should have kept my old USB cable mouse with extra long cable.
Have an older printer? Chances are it's not supported on M1 running Big Sur. I was able to get my Canon jet printer working with 3rd party drivers from Gutenprint, but it prints slow.
None of these issues exist under Mojave on my old iMac or MacBook. If my iMac's GPU didn't die I would have kept using it for another year or two. Though it was possible to replace the high performance GPU or disable it, I didn't think it was worth the trouble for a 2009 iMac.
On the plus side... the new Mac is going to be great for video editing.