M3 iMac Review After 45 Days - Avoid My Mistake!

[@BrandonButch]

If you're in an office, would you prefer working from an *iMac* or a *MacBook/Mac mini* connected to an External Display? 🖥

[@judyrico7290]

I’d like to know as well my church is about to purchase a new computer and I requested a iMac computer I’m doing homework to see which one I want and be good for what I do at work. So if you see my comment can you help me out

[@transitengineer]

This is a fun question. Last year, my office co-workers received approval to order new 27-inch Dell/HP type monitors and, I had just received one 6-months prior so, they would stop by my desk to check it out. While a nice size, the resolution of this monitor was no where close to my old 2010, Apple 27-inch Cinema LED (none thunderbolt) display used on my home desktops systems both a "mac mini" and a "space gray" trash can size Mac Pro 8-core model. Between these two selections, I would prefer an Apple 27-inch "Studio Display" paired with a "mac mini" pro model. But what, I would really prefer to have would be a discontinued desktop model an Apple "space gray" 27-inch iMac Pro with its matching "space gray" keyboard, track pad, and mouse (smile...smile).

[@judyrico7290]

Space gray would be very nice they should come up with the color for iMac

[@Darknight_smaw]

would this imac lose to the 2020 one with the 5700

[@bref5532]

Totally an iMac! A 27" iMac! Not going back to smaller!

[@pneulancer]

You hit this one out of the park with your review; covered all the pros and cons and did so in an objective and cogent manner. I just purchased one to upgrade from my 27" iMac that I bought about 8 years ago. Yes, the display is smaller but the view is so much better and the sound is incredible. Highly recommend !

[@hyper-potato]

if it was 27" it would be perfect.. No idea why Apple went with 24". I'm pretty sure the iMac sales would be way higher if it was a 27 inch model.

[@pneulancer]

The 60cm size is fine with me as it isn’t so unwieldy. Of course I only use it for work projects; movies or sports I watch on iPad or TV.

[@NeoAndersonChannel1]

So they can make the M4 iMacs 27" and act like it's this revolutionary new feature that is a huge selling point of a new machine that is marginally different the previous version.

[@BadMannerKorea]

Yeah 24” is complete garbage. 24 inches was top of the line back in like 2005 or something.

[@RedShiftedDollar]

They want you to go Mac mini plus studio display to get the bigger display.

[@vladimirv.g.1436]

That's on purpose, to motivate people to buy the studio

[@hike2024]

It's nice to get an honest review without listening to a bunch of complaints. Thank you, I plan to get this machine soon.

[@PromotingTheBeat]

2:56 You are the first youtuber to mention this, thank you. I noticed when I plugged in my headphones, the music was super clear and I was hearing so much more in songs that I didn't before.

[@sassafras710]

My 8 year old motherboard has that. Glad apple finally got the hint.

[@robtriton]

Add this audio interface to your Mac! A Universal Audio Volt 2 USB-C Audio Interface! Thank me, later!

[@mattshalko6806]

1:06 “This is a $1300 machine, you can’t have everything” is such an Apple comment

[@mahdigamer2852]

I am not apple glazing but stuff like the Mac pro exist…

[@cody7068]

No, it’s just a PC thing to say. 1300 dollars is dirt fucking cheap in the world of PCs. You can get a processor for a home built computer that cost as much as this iMac, I guess you’re just misinformed.

[@LDLK]

my brother's gaming pc is $3000+ so $1300 is cheap for PC

[@mattshalko6806]

You’re right guys PCs are overpriced, my bad

[@cody7068]

@@mattshalko6806 Exactly. PCs are pretty expensive, iMacs and MacBooks are relatively cheap when you take their performance into account and compare it to a similar priced windows computer. the Mac will outlast in and outperform in while being more efficient.

[@BrandonButch]

The iMac is the most aesthetically pleasing Mac Apple has ever designed. Change my mind 🖥

[@AndySchuylerVlogs]

Awesome video, Brandon! Merry Christmas!🎄

[@davidjacobs6244]

I agree.

[@Meadowheadt]

if they went back to the G4 iMac styling with modern day tech standards (displays, processors etc.), that would be the greatest iMac ever released. FACT

[@InimitaPaul]

I would but I don’t want to isht on your parade dude, as long as YOU love it that’s what matters. Good to see you’re a Crowder fan though! 👏👏👏

[@transitengineer]

My favorite iMac of all time is still my first, a 2005, glossy white 20-inch G5 iMac with its matching white keyboard and mouse (wired or wireless), tons of ports, DVD super-drive, and being less than 2-inches in thickness. Daily, I still use mine as a back-up desktop system and, to watch and record over the air TV shows and movies (smile...smile).

[@kiwimjr]

Thanks

[@JustAPersonWhoComments]

I'm a bit bummed about the port situation but those USB-C hubs seem like a great solution

[@BrandonButch]

Honestly worth it just for the SD card slot alone. Baffles me why the upgraded iMac doesn't come with one

[@mikespangler98]

The port situation is the deal breaker for me. Even more so since you can't add a second internal drive for Time Machine.

[@gemini62167]

Nothing like being willing to pay extra for what once was considered standard offerings on Macs ten plus years ago, and still is with almost every other computer manufacturer in this class. The average base standard is 1T - 2T internal SSD, 16G RAM, and a plethora of ports plus card ports. But we Apple lovers just adore getting rooked left and right, because after all… it's an Apple.

[@mneri84]

@@BrandonButch I wonder how much that component would expand the design. They’re are thin as a closed MacBook Air.

[@ewaldradavich7307]

​@@gemini62167. I believe Apple engineers need counseling. Eventually they may loose customers because Apple appears 2 b greedy.

[@waynelast1685]

2:12 sorry to complain again, but why doesn't Apple position the lighting plug so you can use the mouse while it is getting charged? So many times I have to stop by work while I wait for the mouse to charge up, Sheesh. I guess they don't want to ruin the "beautiful appearance" ?

[@dragonballjiujitsu]

Since apple dropped the 27" the iMac it's a no-go for me. I don't care how fast it is. The minimum display size should start at 27".

[@stevens1041]

I agree. 25 inch screen is too small for my eyes

[@thepatrioarchy]

You mean 23.5in, which is the usable screen size on the 27in.

[@dragonballjiujitsu]

@@thepatrioarchy No, I mean 27" My usable screen from corner to corner is 27"

[@Buddy308]

@@thepatrioarchy23.6" is the diagonal measurement of the current "24" iMac, which I believe is actually 60cm

[@christinebaker8754]

Love the 27” !!! When I knew model was doomed I bought a bespoke 2019 model so overpowered it farts fire. Won’t go beyond Ventura but no worries, it doesn’t have to. Sits on my desk like a monarch, a tribute to style and power and elegant design.

[@darlingvi0let4]

I'm a new Mac user, can this be used as a second screen monitor?

[@markoconnell804]

With the iMac we can move it anywhere to work on it in the house and do that without a thought. Best feature ever

[@JP1050x]

I went big, and ordered a M3 iMac with 24gb ram and 1Tb ssd today. 💪 Education discount helped knock it down so the ram upgrade was almost covered in the discount. I’ll be connecting mine to 7-10 external drives, so it would be nice to have more internal storage if I need it. I’m still using a 10 year old mid tier Mac mini, and it actually still works great. But I’m starting to get error messages saying my OS is no longer supported with some apps I use. Also, it’s a pain that HEIC videos from my iPhone 15 can’t play correctly with my old iMac. Hopefully, I won’t have to upgrade again for another 10 years. 😅

[@gemini62167]

Wow! So despite having “gone big”, your already getting error messages and warnings? Just imagine what it’s going to be like in less than a year from now! And that sea of cords and externals you’re buried in must really be worth that shiny chassis that will far outlive Apple’s current estimates of support for their current machines which has been cut almost in half from sevent to eight years, to four or five years. Then you’ll probably have to “go big” again, for even more money! Better start saving now.

[@mneri84]

@@gemini62167 reread, the ten yr old Mac mini is giving the error messages.

[@hajjdawood]

@@gemini62167 WOW! You didn’t even read his comment. He said he is getting errors and slow downs on his TEN YEAR OLD MAC MINI. Not his newest purchase. Get hooked on phonics

[@davidjacobs6244]

Absolutely love mine 💛 I got it in Yellow with 16GB RAM & 512GB Storage.I upgraded from a 27” Intel iMac from 2017. The speed difference is really noticeable and it looks good too.Really happy with my purchase.This will last me at least 5-6 years.

[@BrandonButch]

Now that's a nice upgrade. The screen size difference isn't as noticeable as you thought it would be, is it?

[@davidjacobs6244]

@@BrandonButch No,it’s not, and it fits better on my desk as well.Nice and compact.No regrets in downsizing screen size.

[@leebeeskee]

I went for blue in the same configuration and I love it!

[@transitengineer]

Sounds great and, yellow is also my favorite color for a 24-inch M-1 or M-3, iMac desktop system (smile...smile).

[@jetblakink]

Been contemplating this same move, as I've been using my 27" intel iMac from 2015, and it's really time now. Not sure whether to go M3 iMac or Mac Mini route though! To be honest, neither option really grabs me, and I'm not feeling the 16gb ram or the paltry storage options, as I currently have 24gb ram and I terra storage… Maybe I'm just being picky… How did you cope?

[@electricianron_New_Jersey]

My first ever computer was the first edition of the iMac that I bought in 1999. It was bought at 'Comp USA' because at that time Apple was a struggling company and only a small section in the back of the store is where all of the Apple stuff was for sale. By 2008, I needed to upgrade to the new edition available then because software was rapidly advancing. In 2016 I upgraded again and its what I am using today. I cannot wait to buy this new M3 edition of the iMac.

[@carygagliano7616]

Exactly the same for me on the dates with the exception of upgrading in 2017. This will probably be my next upgrade, just don't know when....

[@mneri84]

Same timeline for me. Except I bought midlevel MacBook in 2008 for school.

[@macjeffff]

Does the upgrade to 512 Gb or 1 Tb SSD also improve performance? I think they might have 2 NAND chips instead of one, and I think that may be important. Thoughts?

[@callarati]

I need to know this too

[@mahdigamer2852]

Idk but immq like

[@paulstejskal]

I ddin't realize you were on KZbin for 15 years! So weird to go back in the past but so neat. It's so funny how things change.

[@NinoAmerica]

If I’m look got upgrade. What do you recommend I do? I’m lost with the Mac mini and the iMacs. I have an old iMac. And I do live streaming in 4 k and some audio and video editing. Thanks if you do answer me. Also if I have the old iMac can I still use the display if I buy a mini? Im confused

[@TrevorKeenAnimation]

No mention of the 24Gb unified memory option for iMacs. Not necessary for creative work?

[@jaleesacooney772]

Tried to trade in my 27” I Mac to upgrade to this. APPLE told me it was too old to do so!!! So now I really have to save up for this upgrade. But you made it worth it

[@Buddy308]

What makes the 27" iMac of little value to the trade-in guys is not so much the age, but the Intel CPU that will make it obsolete much sooner than would have been the case with with Apple Silicon.

[@JamesG1126]

Are there any travel cases for the iMac?

[@mauricee3911]

Thanks Brandon. Just found your site on KZbin. It is a very comprehensive review. I will be buying an M3 soon. Do you explain how to transfer data and software from my PC to the new IMac?

[@hajjdawood]

Apple has a bunch of guides and video walkthroughs. When you setup your mac you can migrate your data from windows during the setup phase. It gives you all of the instructions and it is very easy. Apps you will have to install yourself after it migrates your data

[@Lizzie-dn8em]

Are you able to get a different keyboard for it?

[@pjrdegroot]

If I have to choose between an Imac 27 inch from 2020 or a New one 24 inch from 2023, what should I do?

[@tazchars8857]

the 2020 wont be software supported after 1 or two years...the 2023 is going to be a better future proof choice ...depends what you need the computer for....if money aint the issue and you are with the 24 inch screen again depends on the usage go for the 2023 plus you get apple intelligence as well...

[@pjrdegroot]

@@tazchars8857 Thanks.

[@johnjr47]

When do you think Apple will release a 27 inch iMac ?

[@swig46]

I keep looking at the Mac mini or Mac Studio option, but the cost of a studio display, keyboard, mouse and sales tax is over $2000, then I have to add the cost of the computer. The iMac comes out way ahead cost wise. I just don’t want to give up my 27” iMac display. Is it still the case that the base iMac only has 1 cooling fan while the 2 other models have 2 cooling fans?

[@transitengineer]

Yes ...base model has only one fan and, the upgraded version has two cooling fans. You would think that, a company with as much cash as Apple, Inc. has, would not have to be this cheap (smile...smile).

[@ewaldradavich7307]

I've thought of a mini refrigerator to put a computer in😂

[@JustBlogg]

The first and main mistake is to buy iMac 24”. After 27” it is absolutely impossible.

[@warren9402]

Agreed, despite the beautiful colors it's a no for me.

[@somersetgrumpy6181]

Hi, great video and informative. I’m thinking of upgrading (Mac is 11 years old) but have a few questions…first, can you have an additional monitor attached? I have a 27” and am disappointed apple do not provide a bigger screen, so thought another screen may do the trick. Secondly, how do you transfer all the stuff currently on the Mac? That’ll do for now!

[@LDDiane]

I love iMacs and I really like your review but I just can’t go to a 24” after 7 years of the 27”! I’m wringing every bit of life out of my 2017 iMac. I don’t want to spend $2K on a Mac Mini and Studio Display but the 24” iMac seems too small.

[@DerekDavis213]

And to make matters worse, the 24" iMac actually has a 23.5 inch screen!

[@neontown5920]

Do think think it works fine for Logic Pro?

[@SoYoung24]

with my 2020 i7 iMac, I lose way more than the bigger screen, I lost multiple ports, ability to add ram at low cost and bootcamp witch I use for my gaming needs. With the specs and SSD of my iMac, I don't see why I should upgrade to an M-Series one. In fact, with my use of a mac right now, I'll lose features instead of having new ones.

[@waynelast1685]

1:02 major flaw: The monitor sits to high , and is not adjustable height.

[@leebeeskee]

THANK YOU for being the first KZbinr to be sensible on their thoughts about lightning on the peripherals. Everyone makes out like it's a big deal and everything is ruined by it! So annoying.

[@briangray5921]

Im holding out. I cant go down to 24 from a 27 inch.

[@Pelimuistelot]

Do you think the base 8gb model is enough for 1080p or 4K video editing? I don't really edit many videos, but I'm thinking about maybe making some videos in the future. I managed to edit some 1080p videos with my base model MacBook Air M1 just fine and M3 should be bit faster? Good video!

[@Laptopdog78]

So are you using a 8 or 16 gb of Ram in your testing of video editing etc in this video?

[@bchung1989]

do you know how to connect more than 1 monitor to the imac M3? I tried connecting 2 external monitors but it is only detecting 1 of them. The other one works only if I disconnect the 1st monitor.

[@JochenVoigts]

Thanks a lot for your great review! Does your iCloud backup the memory on your external SSD or do you have to do that manually?

[@Bluediamond200]

I’ve just bought my first iMac 2012 could I use it to play games would I need to connect a external cd drive ?

[@debbiesheets5585]

I am upgrading from a 2012 Mac desktop 27”. what am I going to need to transfer to the usb2 or 3 flash drive? I transfer to that and dl to my embroidery machine. None of the ports “look” like a usb🤔. I am not very tech savvy if you can tell, thank you for a very informative video on the M3.

[@HCraigF]

Unless Apple has changed things in the last year or two, if you have both desktops next to one another and build them up, a migration assistant will appear and will move everything from your old computer to your new one. You would have the same desktop, the same files, the same applications, although you may need to re-authorize them. Haven't looked at it however, in about 2+ years.

[@DSauve]

iMac m3 or iPad Pro for photo editing?

[@stevereason6931]

At around the 8:25 to 8:30 mark what is the game you were playing on your iMac?

[@steadyghoulin]

I’m considering purchasing one because my 2012 MacBook Pro died last night. Would something like Ableton 10 run smoothly on this while using programs like Serum?

[@silvestro2in1]

Can you please tell me if I can connect my work pc laptop to it and use it as a second monitor for that pc? Thank you

[@sleepandhersisters]

I have a 2015 imac and am looking to upgrade, someone suggested the mac mini M3 when it comes out... I use photoshop as a pattern designer and illustrator and have biiiig files, so was wondering whether you think the mac mini would be best and which spec, I guess the biggest ram I can afford? And if I get a mac mini would I be best to go with an apple screen, there are so many out there to choose from!

[@PromotingTheBeat]

10:19 I'm in the camp. Had a 27in 5k as my last machine and I got used to the size within an hour or so. I put the display settings to "More Space" and it makes it like the default 5k. So no one should consider that as a deal breaker. I ended up getting a 24gig of ram one with 2 TB because, I don't change my machines everyday. I'm a longterm user.

[@gemini62167]

Hope not. Apple’s current estimation of support for today’s machines is not the same as it was ten years ago. It’s been cut in half, from 7 to 8 years to 4 to 5 years.

[@PromotingTheBeat]

@@gemini62167 I never needed their support for anything so I’m not too concerned.

[@jart0m]

Planning to upgrade from a 2013 intel iMac in the new year. Thinking of going with 16gb. Can’t decide whether to go with 512 ssd or 1TB. Any recommendations? Any views about the Minisopuru USB C Hub for iMac 24 inch - any good?

[@drau9en]

I would go with 24GB RAM and 512GB SSD.

[@eyeDavid]

How did you not get the Touch ID keyboard

[@BrandonButch]

I did.

[@philiprand3720]

I already move the 27" if more than just myself want to see something, but I certainly agree mobility isn't the prime incentive for changing computers. M3 might be, however, and lightness could be a bonus. It is true, however, that when I picked up the 27" Intel, I brought it home on a Roman bus. It was well packaged.

[@akinsanmi6942]

Amazing review sir.... I do photo editing Majorly and video editing is the m3 going to give me the speed I want compared to Intel core i7

[@richardgordon9939]

i would be very interested on how logic pro performs on this m3 imac

[@HowardBrazee]

Does the M3 iMac need DisplayLink to run 2 HDMI monitors?

[@craigjohnson178]

I have no comments really, but I appreciate an honest review of this iMac. I was concerned about this purchase, but I think for me being an On-line Student this should suit my needs nicely. Thank you gain for your time and effort in making this clip. 😃👍

[@wonderingcandyko]

iMac M3 or Macbook Air M3? Which one should I purchase if I do Editing FinalCut & Photoshop almost everyday

[@mneri84]

Do you want a desktop or laptop? Is the 24” iMac screen worth $200 more? I personally couldn’t work on a 15” screen.

[@wonderingcandyko]

@@mneri84 Oh thanks, I just ordered the new iMac! Yes 15" is still too small for my work.

[@donjames5761]

the only issue i have with imac is. cant really clean the fans with out pulling the screen off, and i live in the desert. so i tend to get the mac mini

[@norcalviking8992]

Ive been using iMacs for many many years - mainly using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop. iMacs work great for these programs as long as your night dealing with huge file sizes. Im in the print industry - prime label market - and the iMacs have been perfect fit!

[@rely9]

i am looking at t he top iMac and upgrading to 1TB drive and max memory. You think that will be good for editing?

[@JnManuelAG]

He said that in the video but also said that if you want that it's better to jump to a mini studio cause is not worth the price

[@juanD23]

Appreciate your observation and recommendation. It is clear to me that i am glad i held back from buying the MacBook Pro 16. I am concerned about converting my current configuration from 2Tb Fusion Drive down to 256 Gb. My configuration consists of iMac 27 with two external 1080p monitors two external hard drives plus super DVD and Orico external case. Do you still recommend I switch to the m3 iMac?

[@George-jo7mi]

I have an obsolete 2011 iMac which made me want follow up on what you meant about future proofing with additional GPU cores. Will be editing underwater and surface videos and also music production. Will look to see if you have reviewed Mac mini and Studio for additional comparisons.

[@RedCheeksBeats]

Will this be good for creative work? video editing programs, music software and such?

[@AZTEC_ARTS2023]

I have a Panasonic camera that does 5.7k video (Prores / MOV / MP4 codecs) and i want to edit all footage with a few effects, and VERY LITTLE 3d modeling. What would you recommend so that nothing lags .... Thanks 👍

[@davidpavlica-k6k]

Decided to go for the 512 GB SSD storage but I'm still kind of stuck on 16 GB on unified memory or to get the 24GB would the 24 GB make a huge difference so you wouldn't get the colour beach ball spinning all the time I keep hearing different stories what do you think?

[@Buddy308]

I kept my 2019 iMac 5K, but got a good deal on a '24 M2-Max Studio with 32GB RAM (US$1,750 with tax). I hooked up a Luna Display dongle to use the iMac as a 5K monitor for the Studio (can't recommend Luna highly enough). The boot time is about 5-10x faster than the 2019 iMac, even with the iMac's 1TB SSD. Programs load twice as fast, and now, withOUT giving up my 27" Retina 5K display, I have access to all the "goodies" that Apple Intelligence promises. I'm hoping they keep that promise.🤞🏼🤞🏼

[@davet3530]

Just what I needed to see - thanks Brandon. I am a 27” intel Imac user and use Photoshop and Lightroom a lot. I want to do some video editing in the future using footage from canon R5. You covered the very thing I needed to know about spacing up the iMac versus biting the bullet and getting the M2pro Mac mini or base Studio. I looked at all the specs and upgrade options from Apple and made a chart. Ignoring the need for a separate monitor and keyboard etc, once you max the M3imac to its limit it’s not that big a leap cost wise to the base MacStudio and you gain a whole lot more in terms of ports and performance. Thanks again.

[@Buddy308]

Thoroughly agree. Just took delivery of my M2 Max Studio this afternoon. I certainly considered one of the more powerful Apple-Silicon Minis, but by the time it was tricked out, it cost as much as the Studio I got on a $250-off sale., and it would still be inferior to the M2-Max Studio! The plan is to use Luna Display to make my current Intel 27" iMac appear to the Studio as a 27" 5K monitor. Because these two Macs can be connected to each other by a Thunderbolt 3/4 cable, there shouted be bandwidth that's more than adequate for Retina-quality video. If the Luna device introduces any artifacts or noticeable latency, I'll try selling the iMac and replacing it with a 27" Samsung 5K or, perhaps just use two 27" 4K monitors, which I have already. I'll update this post with the results of this experiment in a few days.

[@sassyseminole2217]

Brandon , the hub you talk about. I have an Apple DVD player, that I cannot use now. My question is what HUB should I get so I can play DVD’s ?

[@JoeSiegler]

I have two iMac's. One is an M1 iMac (16Gb, 256Gb). That one is solely for work. My company wants some specific VPN/firewall crap installed, and I didn't want that on my personal machine, so I got an M1 (about a year ago now) for this purpose. Given 90% of the work I do for this company is in a browser, this config works for me VERY well. Built myself an external 512Gb SSD drive to use as Time Machine, I have it velcroed to the back of the stand, so I don't even see it. Very nice. For my personal machine, I did have a 27" Intel iMac from 2019, which I just a month ago upgraded to an M3 iMac (24Gb, 2TB). This is what I do all my own stuff on, and I'm VERY happy with it. I have to say the reduction in screen size hasn't impacted me at all. I only notice it when lining up a lot of icons on the desktop, but otherwise the smaller screen size has been invisible to me, despite knowing it's physically smaller. The two of them side by side look quite nice, and my personal iMac also has an LG 4k monitor as "Monitor 2", so it's a nice setup here for me. Was holding out on a 27" (or larger) Silicon iMac, but given it doesn't look like that's happening (at least for awhile), I jumped on the M3. Quite happy with it.

[@BrandonButch]

Ooh that sounds like an awesome setup! And the maxed out M3 iMac must be a beast! Why did you decide on that over something like an M2 Pro Mac mini or base Mac Studio?

[@JoeSiegler]

@@BrandonButch I still wanted the iMac vs the form factor of a Mac Studio or a Mini.

[@Cakewalkingbaby]

Just curious; what colour?

[@JoeSiegler]

@@Cakewalkingbaby The M1 was Purple. The M3 is green.

[@Cakewalkingbaby]

Thanks for the quick reply! If I may ask your take on RAM. I plan on getting an iMac3 (orange:) but I’m still in doubt about getting 16gb or 24gb. The idea is to do some courses on Adobe, programming in Python, photo editing and making music. I’m thinking the 16gb should be sufficient and in case I do get into a more “professional” workflow and need more RAM, the 24gb wouldn’t even be enough and a laptop with 32gb would be good to have next to the iMac. Does that even make sense.

[@allenbeasley9791]

What watch face is on your watch?

[@darinattard3244]

About to buy an M3 today - Apple products all look clean and cool.

[@ibtisamzubaidi]

Is Ebay reliable? I wanna get an imac but the color I want is so expensive

[@spookyaction4461]

Did your iMac ship with Sonoma? Apparently some M3 iMacs shipped with Ventura? I want to upgrade my 2013 27' iMac (Catalina). Unfortunately I have legacy software that runs perfectly on Ventura but not under Sonoma(vignetting issues). If I upgrade to the base M3 iMac (I have a usb-c dongle and keyboard with touch-id), and it ships with Sonoma will I be able to down grade the OS to Ventura?

[@morganmcconnell592]

I bought a Mac Studio M2 Max a couple months ago and am so disappointed with the performance with large (2-5G) Photoshop files that I'm returning it. Is the M4 iMac or M4 MacBook Pro better than the Studio M2 Ultra?

[@Thewritingisonthewallforusall]

I have an outdated iMac but am considering getting a mini to run with the Mac and iPad.

[@ADSCoachSimonB2112]

Work had iMac 27 inch top specs but the just replaced with iPad Pro and apple Monitor.

[@marthepedersen1454]

can you play azetto corsa competizione and use the thrustmaster t 28 on this machine? pls answer

[@BrianDenmark-x2t]

I'm having trouble finding info about the M3 iMac cooling specs. Does anyone know if the M3 iMacs have active cooling? I'm trying to avoid a passive cooling situation like the MacBook Airs.

[@rein1565]

I’m just a casual user and currently use the Intel chip. Can I even find a new IMac with the M1 chip?

[@JackOusley]

I wish they had a model with a larger screen, I have not used a screen that small in probably 10-15 years yeah. Sure, I could just get a mini and a monitor, but I dig the iMac design.

[@sgtaneja]

Was your 2023 iMac review video based on the base iMac model - 8GB RAM, 256 GB SSD? Does the 2023 iMac have the option of upgrading with M3 pro from M3?? I was looking at iMac M3 pro + 16GB RAM + 512GB SSD storage configuration and pair that with USB-C hub and external SSD storage and external 32" inch display(s). I like using stacked displays, and mission control a lot.

[@MarkMBEMBED-zf8em]

My thoughts are if it is good enough with maxing out ram and storage say to 1TB so I can run up to 2 VMs on it which are ram intensive. Not interested in video or games but like large screen vs MBP. While mini or studio may give better performance that means adding display and another plug so the imac seems ideal, just surprised Apple didn’t have option of M3 Pro chip.

[@barron204]

I won’t upgrade from my 2020 27” yet as the iMac screen size is still too small. Also the price in my country is 30% higher meaning a max spec iMac is $5049. A max spec Mac mini is $7k and a base studio display is $3k. A Pro Display is $9599. Best plan for me is to stay with an intel 27” and upgrade to the new iMac M6 when the intel iMac is added to the obsolete list.

[@cortexpc4288]

List or no list, Intel Mac for any workflow involving content creation or pro software…… is already obsolete

[@BrandonButch]

I went from a 27" iMac to 24" and it was not as big of a difference as you think. The bezels are smaller and the whole computer is so much lighter - I sold my 27" so fast

[@chidude]

Is it possible to buy used from somewhere like ebay to avoid the 30% higher price differential in your country, or is that prohibited by international commerce regulations?

[@barron204]

@@chidude Good question. Unfortunately shipping is expensive. GST plus customs duties are added to all imported products over $400 or $1000 so it adds up to an uncomfortably high price on many products for sale here.

[@ChrisTreborn]

Okay. Super helpful. I needed the one with Ethernet built in, so I avoided that mistake. Thank you.

[@alpumar]

I do mind the obsolete lighting connectors

[@user-rn1hn3fg5y]

Just switched from a 27" to a M3. Thanks for details as to why this was indeed a good move.

[@christopherramon-reid2000]

Very, very helpful! Thank you!

[@flying3809]

Très bonne vidéo 👍🏽

[@SinisterSaneW]

Hm me still stuck with a MacBook Pro mid 2012 which is lagging at 16 gb ram:

[@BrandonButch]

rip. Planning to upgrade soon?

[@SinisterSaneW]

@@BrandonButch Sadly can’t since I’m out of budget for any MacBooks around 2017 and up

[@BrandonButch]

@@SinisterSaneW time to get working or learn a new skill so you can afford a new one!

[@SinisterSaneW]

@@BrandonButch Yeah! Thank you Brandon! But so far since I have 2 iPhones one is an unlocked iPhone 12 which is my main, Am I able to do anything with my blacklisted by T-Mobile iPhone 14 Pro Max?

[@123theprodigy5]

You should get the M1 MacBook Air when Apple gets rid of it. It’s still decent enough to get work done

[@ThrivenetTeam]

Hello. I am getting basic iMac, do you think it will be enough to edit not professional videos ? That is what I can afford right now .

[@UIV7096]

Hi @BrandonButch Can the M3 iMac be upgraded by memory or not? Ty

[@dallionaire8947]

Nope

[@west4coast77]

Great advice. Thanks a lot! (Running an old iMac but certainly time to upgrade. Use both Logic and Final Cut (not intensive editing), so your suggestions for upgrade certainly help). Cheers.

[@bmw3842]

I love my 27 in iMac and it is late 2020 .Time replace and this is a good replacement

[@rhw2005]

Great review. You made my mind up for me! Thankyou

[@TheEmrickman]

Where is the best place to sell an m1 iMac?

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Bro, i got impressed by your apple watch band ❤. Looks very beautiful 👌. Is that ocean band ? . If yes, please let me know if you feel heavy using it. I have watch ultra 2, i am using Trail Loop band and got bored by it 😁. Planning to get ocean band but seing people reviews as heavy , i am not able to decide . Please have your honest review on ocean bands 😊

[@BrandonButch]

It's from bandwerk.com/brandon!

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

@@BrandonButch oh woww..❤Thanks for sharing 🙏I will get one now 😊

[@kinocchio]

Wish Apple made an imac Pro 27 inch display with black bezels and pro/max chips

[@jeffMinnesota952]

Good Job. I was looking for someone to sum up which iMac I should get, and you have done the best job! I am more than ready to spring for the extra ports, in fact, I think you literally can not have too many ports, I will be getting the 4 port mid machine, and getting the 10inOne Basis Hub or equivalent. Do you think I need to pay for more RAM? I edit photos, but rarely video, that would be the only intensive task. Coming from a late2015 27 inch iMac with 32G RAM, finally giving up after all the problems with outdated OS and browsers. If you are up for another question, I am deeply attached to good old iPhoto for librarying images, hate to leave it, anything out there to compare for rating each image? Thanks, greatly impressed with your thoroughness and your success on the internet.

[@AndySchuylerVlogs]

So Brandon, should I keep my iPhone XR or should I switch to a new iPhone? Because I like my iPhone XR. And I think I should keep it. What do you think?

[@lindaghrp]

Hi Brandon, I watch your videos as soon as they come out. The reason for this comment is that I’m seriously afraid to update my iphone XSMAX to iOS 17 let alone the latest updates. The latest update on my iphone is 16.7.2. I’m still afraid of something going and causing me tremendous anxiety. Do you think now is a good time to update? Is it possible to update the security updates only? Thank you for your informative videos, I’d be lost without them! You are very much appreciated!

[@DarkstarDarth]

60hz display is just a greedy as 8g ram. Shame

[@Gallardodreamer06]

Would this be good for a software engineer

[@Gallardodreamer06]

I’m considering getting 512 gb to make sure I have enough room

[@rxdmac]

good review and advice for most all in one buyers.