Apple

Out of context: Reply #2758

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  • mg330

    Help me out here...

    My main music / photo editing computer is a 2017 iMac 3.8Ghz with 40GB of RAM.

    Apple will give me $840 if I trade it in. The 16GB unified memory
    1TB SSD storage Mac Mini will run me about $1,299.

    With that trade in, the mini is about $459. That's hard to beat for a new machine that is leaps ahead of my iMac.

    If I add two monitors to it that are suitable for photo editing, 27" and 4k, what's the way to go to keep this relatively affordable and, say, not push more than $1,200 in cost overall?

    • In the same pickle; the only solution is either 1 "good" monitor OR 2 "value"-based monitors.

      Mac Mini (again) is phenomenal.
      ideaist
    • ^ See the BenQ images above for some light monitor advice.ideaist
    • Thanks ideast. I'm eager to see huge performance increases with Logic Pro.mg33
    • But on the monitors. Here's the big question: I currently use an iMac, and a Thunderbolt 27". What "value" monitors are just as good as those?mg33
    • And do they make glossy monitors still? I'm so used to these being glossy.mg33
    • Are there any useful MacRumours about when the 'M1Pro' or whatever is going to come out? RAM and monitor limitations seem to hamper the M1 nowNairn
    • ...and I say that reverentially - the M1 is a beautiful piece of Hardware. Just not quite perhaps ready for people who actually require 40Gb RAM, etc! :)Nairn
    • @Nairn; i think the Mac Pro with M1 is looking like late this year. 16" MacBook Pro's as well.

      @mg33 Search amazon for 4k 27" monitor and sort Low > High $.
      ideaist
    • Nairn - you can run two monitors with the new mini though, right?mg33
    • My apologies, I was aware of limitations, but they were not for the Mini. You might need to get a USB-C connector. That might only be for 5k displays though.Nairn
    • *USB-C - HDMI *converter*, not connector.Nairn
    • This looks like a good way to do it: https://thesweetsetu…mg33
    • I'm finding some good reviews on this.
      https://www.amazon.c…
      mg33
    • Basically, Mac mini + two of those = about $1,400, minus additional cables, bigger USB hub, etc.mg33
    • Two Dell U2720Q will set you back about a grand, but totally worth it.monospaced
    • Mono - I'd choose Dell over most at that price.mg33
    • Although I don't like the connections coming in from the bottom. What a PITA.mg33
    • the dell connection from the back/bottom is ideal (USB-C) and the screen is the same as the MBP in look and colormonospaced
    • mono - does this Dell have the ability to switch inputs? My setup would be Mac mini to monitor A, work MBP to monitor B...mg33
    • ... but often using monitor B as a duel monitor for the Mac mini. If I could do that without changing cables all the time, that would be great.mg33
    • Nevermind, I answered my question. There's an input source button to switch between inputs.mg33
    • Look for used high quality monitors. Eizo coloredge Dell premiercolor. Hp dreamcolor, anything ~100% aRGB. Good monitors last ages.monNom

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