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I just sent off my 2017 desktop iMac with the Phobio trade-in offer. I am ready to choose a new Mac. I do not do any processing, gaming, etc. Just internet surfing, messaging, email and video conferencing. I enjoy the larger screen and desktop version.
Should I go with a 24” iMac M4 16 GB memory 256 GB SSD ($1200) or consider a Mini Mac and monitor ($600) + monitor?
hcsitas wrote:
Dude, you can offload that file with an untick. You can also upload from external including another machine.
True, you can choose to store files only in iCloud and choose to not store them locally. But then they cannot be used unless you have an internet connection, for instance, you would have to pre-download what you want/need in advance if on a plane, car, hotel with slow internet, etc. Also, the files must be downloaded to be backed up locally. Modifying image files for photos or video is not straightforward unless they are locally stored.
Finally, take care, testing iCloud with large files is against iCloud t.o.u. Remember, you’re not responding to an open question or existing problem.
I have read the entire terms of usage Legal - iCloud - Apple and see nothing about "testing" but Old Toad wasn't "testing" anyway, he was using iCloud for file storage and showing how it works and responding to a user who had posed an open question about Mac file storage and how much to get. Use of iCloud for storage is relevant to that query.
I would never get a new Mac with less than 1 TB, and now we are getting 2 TB. We are heavy users of iCloud and also Dropbox and Google cloud storage, no stranger to online storage and its pros and cons, but 256 GB is inadequate. The best way to see this is to see the scores and scores of posts in the Apple Discussions from users who are running out of local storage because they purchased a new Mac with only 256 GB file storage. It's called, "penny wise and pound foolish." One needs to pay one way or another -- one can get local storage when buying the Mac, one can purchase more online storage and pay per month, and/or one can buy external drives to store the files that won't fit on the local computer drive. One way or another one has to pay. The use of external drives is also inconvenient for that spillover storage because now that external drive has to be backed up in addition to the internal drive. All doable but inconvenient. My employer won't even allow employees to select a computer with less than 1 TB storage, that is the minimum allowed (and the employer pays for these Macs).
hcsitas wrote:
Dude, you can offload that file with an untick. You can also upload from external including another machine.
True, you can choose to store files only in iCloud and choose to not store them locally. But then they cannot be used unless you have an internet connection, for instance, you would have to pre-download what you want/need in advance if on a plane, car, hotel with slow internet, etc. Also, the files must be downloaded to be backed up locally. Modifying image files for photos or video is not straightforward unless they are locally stored.
Finally, take care, testing iCloud with large files is against iCloud t.o.u. Remember, you’re not responding to an open question or existing problem.
I have read the entire terms of usage Legal - iCloud - Apple and see nothing about "testing" but Old Toad wasn't "testing" anyway, he was using iCloud for file storage and showing how it works and responding to a user who had posed an open question about Mac file storage and how much to get. Use of iCloud for storage is relevant to that query.
I would never get a new Mac with less than 1 TB, and now we are getting 2 TB. We are heavy users of iCloud and also Dropbox and Google cloud storage, no stranger to online storage and its pros and cons, but 256 GB is inadequate. The best way to see this is to see the scores and scores of posts in the Apple Discussions from users who are running out of local storage because they purchased a new Mac with only 256 GB file storage. It's called, "penny wise and pound foolish." One needs to pay one way or another -- one can get local storage when buying the Mac, one can purchase more online storage and pay per month, and/or one can buy external drives to store the files that won't fit on the local computer drive. One way or another one has to pay. The use of external drives is also inconvenient for that spillover storage because now that external drive has to be backed up in addition to the internal drive. All doable but inconvenient. My employer won't even allow employees to select a computer with less than 1 TB storage, that is the minimum allowed (and the employer pays for these Macs).
+1 NEVER EVER buy an iMac with 256GB SSD, a minimum of 1TB is suggested. I have similar needs as you and I am convinced a MM will be my next Mac. If you cannot afford the 1TB upgrade then take advantage of Apple's 12 month same as cash financing or wait until you can afford it.
If you only purchased 256GB of storage there is a good chance you will eventually run out of storage and will be forced to buy external storage.
They would have to be very basic needs. My current iMac has 2TB of SSD storage, about 1.25GB is being used. I know I am an exception (we take a lot of pictures while on trips) however 256 is really low. Mac OS will use some so unless one already stores large libraries (photos, music and movies) on some type of external storage 256 is cutting it close. IMHO, too close for comfort.
The OP also stated they were trading in their old iMac which means they should keep the iMacs keyboard and mouse. Therefore these accessories will not really be needed unless of course the OP wants new components.
hcsitas wrote:
... forcing 512 on everyone would be a scandal because not everyone needs all files all the time
No one forces anything on anyone. The OP has a choice and asked for opinions or guidance, which they received in abundance. The question was whether to choose 256 GB or 512 GB or more; everyone has the option for 256 GB, but it appears that for many (maybe not for you) that it would be a better choice to go with more than the minimum storage.
BarbfromWyoming wrote:
I am ready to choose a new Mac. I do not do any processing, gaming, etc. Just internet surfing, messaging, email and video conferencing. I enjoy the larger screen and desktop version.
Hi Barb
Perhaps the following Apple Support article will help....
Personally, either would work but I would never buy a computer with a 256 GB drive.
Our "minumum needs" Mac user gets a 512GB SSD. Three years down the road, 256GB may be too little for you.
In all honesty, 256 shouldn’t even be an option on modern computers.
The Mac mini. 256GB hard drive is more than enough for basic needs, throw the extra money elsewhere like on an Apple keyboard and trackpad. I have never even come close to needing more, you shouldn’t either. It’s mainly for boasting…
It’s adequate according to Apple (see @den.thed’s link) and offered precisely because forcing 512 on everyone would be a scandal because not everyone needs all files all the time or carries their iMac/Mac when they travel. That last bit was truly funny! Thanks 😁
BTW, OP has made no claims of being a “heavy” user. I certainly am and can reconfirm I haven’t for once needed more than 256. To each his or her own…
Dude, it’s additional storage - local downloads are optional. See Upload and download files from iCloud Drive on iCloud.com - Apple Support.
All clouds are additional storage; iCloud adds local sync and other Apple-compatible features. Anyway, enough said. For further doubts/questions, please post here iCloud on Mac - Apple Community.
Yup, 2TB. When I pull the trigger on a MM (I'm thinking sometime next year) it will have 2TB too.
hcsitas wrote:
Have you heard of iCloud 😁 - costs pennies and works like a charm.
iCloud is not off computer storage. It's a syncing feature so multiple Macs with the same iCloud ID can have the same files. Those files are stored locally on the device for use when the internet is not available and synced to iCloud and the other devices.
If you have iCloud Drive enabled the files that you put in it will be located in the User/Home/Library/Mobil Documents.
That's just a portal to purchasing more storage in the cloud for iCloud Drive. It still requires all files in iCloud Drive to be stored/mirrored on the Mac. Otherwise one wouldn't be able to view and use the file when there's no internet connection.
To demonstrate that bring up, in the Finder, the Mobile Documents folder in the Finder. Then add a large file, ~500 MB, to the iCloud Drive and watch the size of the Mobile Documents folder increase by the same amount:
As does the suggestions below I think they are right you should probably buy the 1tb one… you could also purchase a 512 one if you don’t want to spend a lot of cash…. But I prefer not to buy the 256 one the go will be too little for you…
hope it helped
Which Mac should I purchase?
