Replacing my iMac

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

I love my iMac. All 27 inches of it. But it is now over 11 years old (best computer ever) and no longer gets the new operating system updates so I think it's time to update. I also bought a new, smaller desk earlier this year and the Mac is taking up a lot of space.

My next computer will still be an Apple product. No wavering on that.

But I can't decide what I want. I love the idea of a desktop, but don't want to spend the $$ for the 27 inch. I could go to the 24 inch, but don't know that I "need" it either.

I am toying with the idea of a MacBook Air. But I have some reservations. One of the things I love about the iMac is that you plug it in and don't have to recharge it every day. I already have to charge my phone, Apple watch and iPad every night. Do I really want yet another item where charging it is a must.

Also, on my desktop, I love using a wireless mouse. I am extremely slow, painfully slow, on computers where you have to use the trackpad. So I need to see if you can use a mouse with a MacBook Air.

If I go with the MacBook Air, it would stay on my desk all the time. For use in the living room and stuff, I use my iPad.

For those who have a MacBook Air, how do you like it?

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

Sooner · ‎03-10-2010

I am on my third Mac Air. I have had one since they came out. I trade the old ones in for new ones and never think about anything else.

I have had an IPad and IPad Pro too, but rarely ever use them. RARELY! My husband has a MacBook Pro and it is heavy and doesn't do anything we need done that my Air doesn't.

If you get one I think you will love it! I'll bet it won't stay on the desk! Don't know if you can use a mouse but I feel sure you could. Call Apple and ask!

Toot1920 · ‎07-22-2018

@gidgetgh, I just purchased a MacBook Air. I like it but I really use my iPad so much more. Since I don't use it everyday, the charge seems to last awhile. My understanding is that you can use a mouse Instead of the trackpad. I do like that both my husband can use it under his Apple ID and so can I. Of course, he really just uses his iPad Pro.

Bhvbum · ‎07-18-2010

I have a MacBook Air 13" and never use my desktop anymore.

I keep my Mac plugged in all the time, but the battery seems to last a long time even when I do unplug it.

I have a iPad 12.9" that I never use anymore either, even when I travel; I prefer the Mac keyboard. The Mac has a different operating system than the iPad and a lot of the Apple apps are simply not available. I've just set up bookmarks for those websites instead.

If I had just one thing though, it would be the Mac Air 13"

judy0330 · ‎01-03-2011

We are a total Apple household as well. I have a 13" Macbook Air now (replaced my MacBook Pro last year) and I love it. When it comes time to replace it -- I will get another one. My husband has always had iMacs. He got a new 27" iMac last year and LOVES it. Much better than the one he replaced. (I don't remember how old that one was -- but a lot less than the one you are replacing. I think you will find a HUGE difference!) Like you -- he likes to use his computer at his desk. I like something portable. Given that you are used to a desktop -- I think you would be happier with an iMac. I have to say that as much as I love my MacBook Air and it is perfect for my needs -- I am often blown away when I see graphics on my husband's iMac. No comparison.

mspatmac · ‎06-10-2015

I have had Macbook pro's for years and love it. I can't even explain why I didn't go to the air but I guess I chose to stay with what has works for me and is familiar. That said, you will love the air I'm sure. Mine stays plugged in so recharging daily is not an issue. However I have an iPad i use but when I unplug, depending on usage it lasts a long time. Good luck

gidgetgh · ‎03-09-2010

Thanks everyone. I plan to go and "visit" them at the Apple store some time this week. My nephew works for Apple and I always talk to him when I'm near decision time but I like to do my own advance scouting and stuff. So that I somewhat know what I'm talking about once I talk to him.

The MacBook Air would definitely stay on the desk. To be honest I've never been a huge fan of laptops. I had a Toshiba years and years ago, in addition to our desktop, and never used it.

I would go with another iMac, but I'm trying to hold the cost down some.

For using something in the living room and bedroom I love my Ipad pro, 12.9".

Why is it, when I have a 50/50 guess at something, I'm always 100% wrong?

Sweetbay magnolia · ‎04-14-2013

I have an Air (13"). It's an older one - 2015. Though I bought it in 2017, that was the period in which Apple was on the verge of deciding whether or not to continue the line, so it was as new as you could get.

I like it. I keep it plugged in on my desk most of the time, but that has caused my battery to have a short charge life. If I had it to do again I would drain it and re-charge it more frequently. I guess I could just have the battery replaced.

I don't see why you couldn't use a wireless mouse - If I'm not mistaken, that's a bluetooth device and I have to believe the newer Airs have bluetooth.

We have an early 2011 iMac (DH's desk). Yeah, the updates are no longer there. Some of the compatibilities have changed between that and the newer phones, and the Air, but it still works (a little slow). When it fails, I don't know what DH will want to do. He uses a PC for work and he may just decide to go that route (cheaper!).

Anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to get another MacBook Air. The display has been improved (thought what I have is fine). I'd have to get used to the new "dongle" thingie. My machine has different ports (and a headphone jack) than the new ones but I'm sure there are many adaptations.

Have fun choosing. Anything you get will be great, IMO. I've never had a PC that was as reliable or user friendly as a Mac! @gidgetgh

Cogito ergo sum

SunnysMom · ‎03-12-2010

I had the same age MAC as you and purchased the newest 27" two months ago. Don't want the Laptop. I have the IPad and Iphone. . .so Love this newest member. However, if I did get a MACbook. .would have to have a Mouse. . .hate the track pad. Good Luck

jackthebear · ‎03-11-2010

@gidgetgh wrote:
I love my iMac. All 27 inches of it. But it is now over 11 years old (best computer ever) and no longer gets the new operating system updates so I think it's time to update. I also bought a new, smaller desk earlier this year and the Mac is taking up a lot of space.

My next computer will still be an Apple product. No wavering on that.

But I can't decide what I want. I love the idea of a desktop, but don't want to spend the $$ for the 27 inch. I could go to the 24 inch, but don't know that I "need" it either.

I am toying with the idea of a MacBook Air. But I have some reservations. One of the things I love about the iMac is that you plug it in and don't have to recharge it every day. I already have to charge my phone, Apple watch and iPad every night. Do I really want yet another item where charging it is a must.

Also, on my desktop, I love using a wireless mouse. I am extremely slow, painfully slow, on computers where you have to use the trackpad. So I need to see if you can use a mouse with a MacBook Air.

If I go with the MacBook Air, it would stay on my desk all the time. For use in the living room and stuff, I use my iPad.

For those who have a MacBook Air, how do you like it?