Your iPad can also be a stylish iMac mini with this stand. Photo: Elago
The Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads lifts the tablet up and does so beautifully. It closely mimics the design of the iMac, making the iPad into a small desktop.
Most iPad stands offer a very limited selection of colors — perhaps only silver. Elago’s comes in a range of them, including pink.
Stand up and take notice
An iPad takes care of your email, web browsing and social networking needs. Why stop there? Add a keyboard and mouse/trackpad and it can be all the computer you need. But making a tablet into a desktop requires a good stand. Something like the Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads.
Attach the included magnetic ring to your tablet and the iPad will cling tightly to magnets in the stand. But the iPad also can be removed with a twist and a tug. Elago’s Magnetic Folio Case (available separately for $26.99) does not interfere with the magnetic connection.
A hinge allows the iPad to swivel to point toward the user, making it easy to see the screen whether you’re typing an email to your boss or watching a TikTok video.
As for the rest of the design, they say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If so, then Elago is sincerely flattering the design of the 24-inch iMac’s built-in stand. Combined with an iPad, some people are likely to wonder when Apple started selling an iMac mini.
Elago Magnetic Stand for iPads is pretty in pink. Photo: Elago
Apple’s all-in-one comes in an array of colors, and so does the Magnetic Stand. It’s available in light blue, dark gray, silver and sand pink. Not surprisingly, Elago offers the Magnetic Folio Case in these same colors.
So make your iPad into an iMac mini with the Elago Magnetic Stand. The cost is $110.99.
This week’s best deals can all be found on Amazon, which is hosting steep discounts on the AirPods Pro 2, Apple Watch Series 9, and the M3 iMac.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
AirPods Pro 2
What’s the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Moving on to the Apple Watch, Amazon introduced a new all-time low price on the 41mm GPS Series 9 model this week. You can get the (PRODUCT)RED model for $295.20 in the M/L Sport Band size.
Note: You won’t see the deal price until checkout.
Capping off the week, Amazon introduced new record low prices across the M3 iMac lineup, providing $149 off nearly every model. You’ll need to clip an on-page coupon in order to see all of these deals at the checkout screen.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
It has been nearly a year and a half since the current Apple TV was released, so the device is becoming due for a hardware upgrade. Below, we recap rumors about the next Apple TV, including potential features and launch timing. The current model is the third-generation Apple TV 4K, announced in October 2022. Key new features compared to the previous model from 2021 include a faster A15…
Apple’s iPhone 16 Plus may come in seven colors that either build upon the existing five colors in the standard iPhone 15 lineup or recast them in a new finish, based on a new rumor out of China. According to the Weibo-based leaker Fixed focus digital, Apple’s upcoming larger 6.7-inch iPhone 16 Plus model will come in the following colors, compared to the colors currently available for the…
Apple’s upcoming iPhone 16 lineup will feature bigger battery capacities compared to previous-generation models with the exception of the iPhone 16 Plus, which will have a smaller battery than its predecessor. That’s according to the Chinese Weibo-based leaker OvO Baby Sauce OvO, a relatively new source of supply chain leaks with an as-yet unproven track record for accuracy. The iPhone 16 …
Apple will begin updating its Mac lineup with M4 chips in late 2024, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The M4 chip will be focused on improving performance for artificial intelligence capabilities. Last year, Apple introduced the M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips all at once in October, so it’s possible we could see the M4 lineup come during the same time frame. Gurman says that the entire…
Apple is “unlikely” to hold an event to announce new iPad Pro and iPad Air models, according to sources cited by Taiwanese supply chain publication DigiTimes. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman already said Apple was not planning to hold an event for the new iPads, but he made this claim back in early March, before it was reported that the devices were postponed due to manufacturing delays. With the…
iOS 18 will apparently feature a new Safari browsing assistant, according to backend code on Apple’s servers discovered by Nicolás Álvarez. MacRumors contributor Aaron Perris confirmed that the code exists, but not many details are known at this time. Álvarez said it seems like the browsing assistant will use iCloud Private Relay’s infrastructure to send relevant data to Apple in a…
There’s no better all-in-one desktop PC than Apple’s M3 iMac. And if you have been holding out on buying one, Amazon has a deal you should not miss.
The fantastic deal drops the entry-level 24-inch M3 iMac to $1,149, making it $149 cheaper than its MSRP.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
Apple refreshed the 24-inch iMac with its latest M3 chip in October 2023. This was the first update to the machine since its transition to Apple silicon with the M1 SoC in April 2021.
The new chip brings a significant performance bump, with Apple claiming a 30% speed boost in Safari and Microsoft Excel. In Photoshop and Final Cut Pro, you will see a claimed “up to 2x faster” performance. And in games, thanks to the new GPU that supports hardware-accelerated ray tracing, Apple claims “up to 50% faster frame rates.”
Compared to the M1 iMac, the M3 iMac supports the faster and newer Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 standards. Go through our M1 vs. M3 iMac comparison to learn about all the changes.
Save $149 on the M3 iMac
Despite shipping with a faster M3 chip, the 24-inch iMac starts at the same $1,299 as its predecessor. This model features an 8-core CPU, 8-core, 256GB storage, and 8GB system memory.
Amazon’s deal makes the machine more affordable by slashing $149 off its price. The listing page only shows a $100 discount, with an additional $49 available through a coupon.
You can get the 256GB configuration with a more powerful 10-core GPU with a similar $149 discount. This drops its price from $1,499 to $1,349. The 512GB configuration of the machine is also available for $149 off, albeit in limited color options.
This is an all-time low price for the M3 iMac. So, if you have been holding off on buying one, this is the deal that you should jump on.
Apple’s all-in-one PC packs a 24-inch display in a sleek design. The powerful M3 chip enables the machine to run all your favorite apps and games with ease.
Music and photography appear to big big jobs for this powerful Mac Pro setup. Note the iMac G4 as well as Wall-E and Eve above the cheese grater. Photo: [email protected]
It’s somewhat rare that we come across a Mac Pro setup on social media for the obvious reason that Apple’s top desktop computer costs a fortune. And the ones we see are often older than 2019’s cheese grater design. But today’s Mac Pro and smart TV setup is a welcome exception to that rule.
It sports a powerful cheese-grater Mac Pro driving a gargantuan smart TV as an external display.
And what’s more, a classic iMac G4 that still works and Wall-E and Eve toys from the Pixar movie look on from a shelf!
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
iMac G4 looks on in Mac Pro and smart TV setup
Photographer and Redditor johnnyphotog showcased the impressive setup in a post entitled, “Mac Pro Creation Station.” John’s Mac Pro (96GB memory, 2TB plus 16GB fast internal storage, dual 6900XT graphics with afterburner) drives a massive 42-inch LG C2 Series OLED smart TV.
We don’t know the year of John’s Mac Pro. But we included a new one in the gear list below that will set you back a mere $12,199. So go ahead and crack open that wallet if it hasn’t run off and hidden somewhere out of sheer terror.
Here’s what you get for that immodest price:
Apple M2 Ultra 24-Core CPU
192GB of Unified RAM | 8TB SSD
76-Core GPU | 32-Core Neural Engine
2 x PCIe 4 x16 | 4 x PCIe 4 x8 Slots
8 x Thunderbolt 4 Ports
2 x 10 Gigabit Ethernet Ports
Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) | Bluetooth 5.3
Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Keypad
Magic Mouse
Full-sized MIDI keyboard controller
Some commenters showed more interest in the Arturia KeyLab 88 MIDI keyboard controller in front of the big display than in the Mac Pro.
“How do you find the Arturia 88?” asked another person about the MIDI keyboard controller. “Does it work well with Logic Pro?”
“Works great with Logic Pro!” John replied.
You can find all the gear in our list, below, under this helpful graphic.
Apple helps you decide how many hundreds or thousands you want to spend on a desktop computer. Photo: Apple
Shop these items now:
Computers:
Display:
Input devices:
Camera:
Audio:
Toys:
If you would like to see your setup featured on Cult of Mac, send some high-res pictures to [email protected]. Please provide a detailed list of your equipment. Tell us what you like or dislike about your setup, and fill us in on any special touches, challenges and plans for new additions.
iMac vs MacBook? Should your next Mac be a portable or a desktop? More than 90% of Macs sold are laptops, and it’s easy to see why — MacBooks are light while offering best-in-class performance and battery life.
But there are some compelling reasons to stick to the iMac, Mac mini or Mac Studio as well. You save money and you have a more reliable machine.
This post contains affiliate links. Cult of Mac may earn a commission when you use our links to buy items.
iMac vs MacBook: Which should you buy?
1. It’s easier to take a MacBook with you
The biggest and most obvious reason to get a MacBook is that it’s easier to take with you.
Unplug it and put it in your bag — a ten-second process and you’re good to go. In a pinch, you can take it out, sit it on your lap and you can get some work done.
An iMac, being an all-in-one computer, is pretty easy to transport as far as desktop computers go. But it doesn’t have a battery and it won’t fit inside your backpack. A Mac mini can also be relatively easy to move around — provided you have a keyboard, mouse and monitor set up at both destinations.
But nothing can compare to the portability of a MacBook Air.
2. Most desktop Macs are considerably cheaper than MacBooks
The Mac mini starts at only $599. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
The one thing everyone knows about buying Apple products is that they tend to be expensive. I would strongly argue that buying a Mac is worth the price for the quality, power and longevity of the computer you get, but that may not be so reassuring if you only have a little bit of money to spend.
Buying a desktop Mac can save you a lot of money over buying a MacBook. If you compare like-for-like:
The base Mac mini is $500 cheaper than the MacBook Air.
The Pro-level Mac mini is $700 cheaper than the MacBook Pro.
And the Max-level Mac Studio is a whopping $1,000 cheaper than the MacBook Pro.
Add an extra $200 if you prefer the bigger 15-inch MacBook Air — or $300 for the 16-inch MacBook Pro.
MacBooks cost more for a reason. But do you really need the portability?
Most people with a laptop have a desktop display, keyboard and mouse to dock it to, anyways. Photo: Apple
Granted, the price differences are there for a reason: the Mac mini and Mac Studio don’t come with a built-in display, keyboard and trackpad like the MacBook Air and MacBook Pro. On the other hand, if you’re doing your daily work on a MacBook, you probably have it docked to an external display, keyboard and mouse anyway.
So if you don’t have as much money to spend — and you already have a display — you can save a lot of dough getting a Mac mini instead of a MacBook.
The iMac, Apple’s all-in-one computer with a built-in display (which comes with a keyboard and mouse in the box) is actually the same price as a comparable MacBook Air. But while you give up the portability, you trade the laptop’s small 13-inch screen for a desktop-size 24-inch display.
Or, you can use the price difference to get a more powerful Mac. Instead of getting the cheapest 14-inch MacBook Pro, you can get a Mac mini with a more powerful Pro-level chip, double the memory and double the storage — for $100 less.
3. Desktop Macs last longer
In my personal collection of computers, old and new, the desktops give me way fewer problems. Photo: D. Griffin Jones/Cult of Mac
If you only buy a new computer when yours literally stops functioning, you’ll likely get more years out of a desktop Mac than a laptop. Laptops contain more parts and, therefore, more things that can fail over time. (Plus, laptops typically take more abuse than desktop Macs.)
Assuming you don’t drop your laptop, the MacBook battery is the part most likely to go south.
Let me put it this way: If you’re the sort of person who’s still not sure if you should get an iMac or MacBook, you probably don’t use your laptop as a laptop too often. You probably travel for a weekend or the occasional work trip just often enough to make you unsure.
That kind of lifestyle — leaving a laptop plugged in and docked on your desk 364 days out of the year — is devastating to the lithium-ion battery inside a MacBook. My MacBook Pro held up fantasticly throughout college. But as soon as I graduated and kept it at home every day, the battery life plummeted. And now, it’s totally nonfunctional.
4. MacBooks are equally as powerful as their desktop counterparts
The Mac product family, as seen deep in the dark depths of the Intel era. Photo: Apple
When Apple put Intel chips inside Macs, the desktops would outperform the laptops — even with similar specs.
That’s because Intel packaged processors with manufacturing defects, which didn’t run as fast or as hot as better-manufactured ones, as laptop chips. Now that more energy-efficient Apple silicon powers the Mac lineup, the game has changed. Apple wants all of its processors to perform the same: The company puts its best-manufactured chips in MacBooks so the laptops can take advantage of their superior power efficiency, and puts underperforming chips in desktop computers at a higher power rate so they can run just as fast.
All of this means that Apple laptops are no longer second-rate computers. A MacBook Pro with an M3 Pro chip inside will run equally as well as a Mac mini with the same Apple silicon processor.
5. Only desktop Macs get the most powerful processors
The Ultra chip is two Max chips transposed into one. Image: Apple
While an iMac or MacBook can be identically configured to run the same, you can still buy a more powerful desktop Mac than you can a MacBook.
The MacBook Pro can be configured with up to a Max chip, but the Mac Studio gets the even more powerful Ultra chip. This is effectively two Max chips interposed together, delivering double the processing power, double the graphics power and double the memory.
It isn’t Apple’s style to sell a MacBook Pro with “half-day battery life,” and while Apple silicon chips run much cooler than others, they’re not magic. The MacBook Pro is simply too thin to house such power.
iMac vs MacBook? Mac mini vs MacBook Pro?
Get an iMac if you want good performance with a big screen. Get a MacBook if you need the portability. Go for a Mac mini to save the most amount of money. And choose a MacBook Pro for portability and power.
The real magic about Apple silicon is that these days, no matter what Mac you buy, you’re going to get a great computer that’ll last you years.
Check out the latest deals on Apple’s best products:
You’ll find most of this week’s best deals at Amazon thanks to its new Big Spring Sale, including low prices on the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C and M1 iMacs. There are also notable discounts on Anker and Jackery accessories during this event.
Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running.
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale
What’s the deal? Save sitewide during this Springtime Prime Day
Amazon this week kicked off the “Big Spring Sale,” which is set to run all weekend and end on Monday, March 25. Similar to past Prime Days, there are hundreds of deals to be discovered during this sitewide event, and many of the deals we’re highlighting in this post are from the Big Spring Sale. For more specific information, you can check out our original post.
AirPods Pro 2
What’s the deal? Get $60 off AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C
Amazon has Apple’s AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C for $189.00 during the Big Spring Sale, which is now a solid second-best price on the headphones. This model was briefly available for $179.99 this week, and it’s possible that price could come back before the event ends on Monday.
Jackery
What’s the deal? Get low prices on Jackery products
Another set of deals you can find during the Amazon Big Spring Sale are discounts on Jackery power stations, starting at just $99.99 for the Explorer 100 Plus Portable Power Station. You can find the full list of Jackery devices on sale below.
Anker
What’s the deal? Save on Anker portable speakers, batteries, and more
In addition to all of the Jackery deals, you can still find quite a few Anker markdowns on Amazon right now. We’ve highlighted some of the best sales below, but be sure to read our original article for all of the best discounts.
Expercom this week introduced steep discounts on the M1 24-inch iMac on Amazon, offering up to $651 off select models. These deals are all-time low prices across the board and perfect for anyone who needs to upgrade from an Intel-based iMac and doesn’t necessarily need the newest M3 models.
Be sure to visit our full Deals Roundup to shop for even more Apple-related products and accessories.
Apple’s iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models concurrently, which is why we sometimes get rumored feature leaks so far ahead of launch. The iPhone 17 series is no different, and already we have some idea of what to expect from Apple’s 2025 smartphone lineup. If you plan to skip…
The next-generation iPad Air is now reportedly shipping to the United States and other countries in preparation for launch. The rumor comes from the leaker known as “Instant Digital,” who claims that manufacturers in China are now shipping the 2024 iPad Air in two sizes to overseas locations. “Everything is ready” for launch, the Weibo user says. The sixth-generation iPad Air is rumored…
Apple’s new iPad Pro models with OLED displays will likely begin shipping to customers in April, according to information shared today by Ross Young, CEO of display industry research firm Display Supply Chain Consultants. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also said the new iPad Pro models might not ship until “deeper” into April in his Power On newsletter on Sunday:I’ve repeatedly said that new…
iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 should be released within the next few days, with a build number of 21E235, according to a source with a proven track record. MacRumors previously reported that Apple was internally testing iOS 17.4.1. As a minor update for the iPhone, it will likely address software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear if the update will include any other changes. …
Apple is widely expected to release new iPad Air and OLED iPad Pro models in the next few weeks. According to new rumors coming out of Asia, the company will announce its new iPads on Tuesday, March 26. Chinese leaker Instant Digital on Weibo this morning 日发布%23″>claimed that the date will see some sort of announcement from Apple related to new iPads, but stopped short of calling it an…
Since Apple unveiled macOS Sonoma 14.4 on March 7, the transition to the latest software update has not been entirely smooth for everyone, and a number of issues have been reported by users that significantly impact their daily workflow. This article lists the most prominent challenges users have faced since updating to macOS Sonoma 14.4, and offers potential solutions where available. USB…
Apple today released iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1, minor updates to the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 operating systems. The new software comes a couple of weeks after Apple released iOS 17.4 and iPadOS 17.4 with app changes in the European Union, new emoji, and more. iOS 17.4.1 and iPadOS 17.4.1 can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software…
Apple plans to maximize the display size on the upcoming iPhone 16 series by using a new ultra-thin bezel technology, claims a new report out of Korea. According to Sisa Journal, Apple will use Border Reduction Structure (BRS) technology to minimize the bezel at the bottom of the display. BRS achieves this by rolling up the internal copper wiring into a more compact package. Apple…
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models will be offered with a matte display option for the first time, according to the Weibo leaker known as “Instant Digital.” The Weibo user explained that the iPad Pro’s new matte display option will be offered in addition to the standard, glossy glass finish. It apparently features -4° to +29° of haze and may tout some kind of blue-light blocking…
Apple this week added the latest-generation iMac with the M3 chip to its certified refurbished store in Canada for the first time since the computer was introduced in October. As a reminder, availability in the U.S. began last month.
As usual for Apple’s refurbished products, the refurbished iMacs are discounted by approximately 15% compared to the equivalent brand new models, with pricing starting at $1,439 CAD. A variety of configurations and color options are available.
All of the usual accessories are included in the box, including a Magic Keyboard, Magic Mouse, power adapter and cord, and USB-C to Lightning cable.
Apple says it puts refurbished Macs through “full functionality testing” and a “thorough cleaning process and inspection,” and they are covered by Apple’s one-year limited warranty and eligible for extended AppleCare+ coverage.
In our view, Apple’s refurbished Macs are virtually indistinguishable from brand new ones, providing a good opportunity for savings directly from Apple.
Apple also began selling refurbished 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max chips in Canada last month.
While the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max are still around six months away from launching, there are already many rumors about the devices. Below, we have recapped new features and changes expected so far. These are some of the key changes rumored for the iPhone 16 Pro models as of March 2024:Larger displays: The iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max will be equipped with larger 6.3-inch…
Resale value trends suggest the iPhone SE 4 may not hold its value as well as Apple’s flagship models, according to SellCell. According to the report, Apple’s iPhone SE models have historically depreciated much more rapidly than the company’s more premium offerings. The third-generation iPhone SE, which launched in March 2022, experienced a significant drop in resale value, losing 42.6%…
Apple appears to be internally testing iOS 17.4.1 for the iPhone, based on evidence of the software update in our website’s logs this week. Our logs have revealed the existence of several iOS 17 versions before Apple released them, ranging from iOS 17.0.3 to iOS 17.3.1. iOS 17.4.1 should be a minor update that addresses software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. It is unclear when…
Apple’s next-generation iPad Pro models are expected to be announced in a matter of weeks, so what can customers expect from the highly anticipated new machines? The 2022 iPad Pro was a minor update that added the M2 chip, Apple Pencil hover, and specification upgrades like Wi-Fi 6E and Bluetooth 5.3 connectivity. The iPad Pro as a whole has generally only seen relatively small updates in…
iOS 17.4 was released last week following over a month of beta testing, and the update includes many new features and changes for the iPhone. iOS 17.4 introduces major changes to the App Store, Safari, and Apple Pay in the EU, in response to the Digital Markets Act. Other new features include Apple Podcasts transcripts, an iMessage security upgrade, new emoji options, and more. Below, we…
Apple plans to release new iPad Pro and iPad Air models “around the end of March or in April,” according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. He also expects new Magic Keyboard and Apple Pencil accessories for iPads to launch simultaneously. Apple is expected to release a larger 12.9-inch iPad Air In his Power On newsletter on Sunday, Gurman reiterated that Apple is preparing a special build of the…
Apple today announced three further changes for developers in the European Union, allowing them to distribute apps directly from webpages, choose how to design in-app promotions, and more. Apple last week enabled alternative app stores in the EU in iOS 17.4, allowing third-party app stores to offer a catalog of other developers’ apps as well as the marketplace developer’s own apps. As of…
AirPods Pro will gain a new “hearing aid mode” with the release of iOS 18 later this year, according to the latest report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. Writing in the subscriber edition of his regular Power On newsletter, Gurman claims that the “big news” for AirPods Pro in the near term will be support for a hearing aid-style function when iOS 18 drops in the fall. To be clear, this isn’t …
An updated patent application (reported on by 9to5Mac) that was first filed in 2023 revealed an iMac design with a pivoting stand. The reasoning behind the patent is that such a stand would be much easier to transport around as well as take up less space. However, looking at the images for the iMac brings up some familiar design choices.
(Image credit: Apple)
Apple doesn’t normally make it a habit of reusing designs for its patents, especially ones that are so well known by now. So there’s a strong possibility that the company could be disguising a touchscreen iMac, which would be similar to the Microsoft Surface Studio. It would also make sense from a competitive standpoint, as Apple would be taking on a rival by offering a product that clearly has generated plenty of interest.
Not to mention that it would be a boon for artists, who are one of Apple’s top customers since its line of desktop PCs and laptops are perfect for creative work and video editing. And this would be an excellent opportunity to insert itself into the touchscreen desktop PC market and take it over, as Microsoft hasn’t put out a Microsoft Surface Studio since 2020.
Apple should reconsider its touchscreen stance
Back in 2016, Apple’s SVP of worldwide marketing Phil Schiller boldly stated that the concept of a touchscreen iMac wouldn’t work: “Can you imagine a 27-inch iMac where you have to reach over the air to try to touch and do things? That becomes absurd.”
However, he also stated that Apple has been experimenting with the idea, with Schiller admitting the company worked on touchscreen Macs “a number of times over the years.” It seems that whatever resulted from said experimentation soured the tech giant’s opinion of such technology.
But that was in 2016 and touchscreen technology has only improved by leaps and bounds since then. If Apple isn’t already testing it out, it’s high time to get back into the swing of things and test out iMac touchscreens again. Hopefully, this updated patent turns out to be a step in the right direction.
The recently launched Apple M3 iMac all-in-one desktop computer not only maintains the Apple’s reputation for sleek aesthetics but also introduces improvements that make it easier to repair. For those who appreciate both form and function, this iMac might be a sign of good things to come from Apple in terms of repairability. Check out the Apple M3 iMac teardown by iFixit video below to learn more.
One of the most striking features of the iMac is its ultra-thin design. This is made possible by an external power supply, which cleverly doubles as an ethernet port hub. This not only contributes to the iMac’s streamlined look but also simplifies the process of replacing the power supply, which is a plus for repairability. The inclusion of the ethernet port in this external unit ensures that the iMac doesn’t sacrifice connectivity for style.
When it comes to taking the iMac apart, a set of specialized tools is required to deal with the foam adhesive that secures the components. Although this might sound daunting, once inside, the layout is quite accessible. The cables can be disconnected with relative ease, which is encouraging for those who might want to perform maintenance or upgrades.
Apple M3 iMac teardown
The process of removing the logic board shield is a bit delicate, involving careful unscrewing and lifting to reveal the iMac’s essential circuitry. This is a testament to Apple’s thoughtful design, which allows access to key components without unnecessary complications.
Here are some other articles you may find of interest on the subject of the latest Apple M3 Silicon launched earlier this year :
For those who wish to customize their iMac’s stand, there is an option to do so. However, it’s worth noting that changing from the default stand to a VESA mount requires taking apart some of the iMac. This shows Apple’s willingness to allow for customization, even if it means a bit more work for the user.
Throughout the teardown, it’s evident that attention to detail is crucial. Small cables, screws, and brackets are vital to the iMac’s operation, and careful handling of these parts is important for the computer’s durability.
An interesting aspect of the iMac’s design is the integration of the M3 chip, storage, RAM, and power port onto a single board. This could potentially make future repairs simpler. Additionally, the iMac has modular ports that contribute to its sleek design while also being practical for maintenance purposes.
The battery has been redesigned to be more repair-friendly, now featuring a single battery unit that is easier to access. This is a positive development for both professional technicians and users with the right knowledge.
The adhesive used in the assembly of the iMac has received praise for its repair-friendly properties. Unlike other adhesives that can make reassembly difficult, the one used in the iMac allows the device to be put back together after repairs, which can prolong its lifespan.
The Apple M3 iMac represents a device that successfully combines visual appeal with improved repairability. While there are some challenges, such as the need for specialized tools and the disassembly required for stand adjustments, the progress made in the internal design and the use of a forgiving adhesive are steps in the right direction. This new iMac is a promising example of how future desktops can balance aesthetics with practicality, meeting the needs for both visual appeal and ease of maintenance.
Filed Under: Apple, Hardware, Top News
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Just a few weeks ago on October 30, 2023 Apple announced the launch of its new M3, M3 Pro, and M3 Max Apple Silicon chips. The industry’s first 3-nanometer chips providing next-generation GPU architecture and delivering dramatic performance improvements, together with a a faster CPU and Neural Engine, and support for more unified memory. If you are wondering how the new Apple M3 silicon performs when playing emulated games, you will be pleased to know that ETA Prime has been testing out the new iMac M3 desktop computer with interesting results.
The M3 iMac is powered by an ARM-based chip, marking a significant departure from the traditional x86 architecture. This chip has shown exceptional single-core performance, as validated by Geekbench 6 benchmarks. The CPU performance cores and efficiency cores are 30 percent and 50 percent faster than those in M1, respectively, and the Neural Engine is 60 percent faster than the Neural Engine in the M1 family of chips. And, a new media engine now includes support for AV1 decode, providing more efficient and high-quality video experiences from streaming services.
Apple iMac M3 games emulation
While its multi-core scores may not reach the same heights, they remain competitive, especially when considering the power efficiency of the ARM architecture. One of the most fascinating features of the M3 iMac is its GPU performance. Although it may not compete with the raw power of top-tier dedicated graphics cards, it stands its ground against older cards such as the GTX 1060 and RX 570. This is particularly noteworthy given the optimization of the Metal backend, which boosts the GPU’s efficiency.
Other articles we have written that you may find of interest on the subject of Apple M3 silicon :
The emulation performance was assessed on a variety of consoles, including the PS2, GameCube, Wii, Wii U, and PS3, using the PCSX2, Dolphin, CEMU, and RPCS3 emulators respectively. The M3 iMac handled these emulators with varying degrees of success. OpenEmu, a comprehensive emulation frontend, was used to manage these emulators. This software provides a user-friendly interface and streamlines the process of setting up controls for different consoles. It is an essential tool for anyone interested in emulation on the M3 iMac.
The emulation of GameCube and Wii on Dolphin produced impressive results. With 5K enhancements activated, games such as Rogue Squadron and F-Zero GX ran flawlessly. PS2 emulation using PCSX2 was also successful, with games like Gran Turismo 4 and God of War II maintaining a steady 60 FPS at 4K resolution.
However, Wii U emulation using CEMU encountered some challenges. While some games, like Bayonetta 2, performed well, others faced issues. PS3 emulation using RPCS3 also had mixed results. Games like Ninja Gaiden Sigma and Tekken 6 ran smoothly, but others like Skate 3 encountered graphical issues.
The M3 family of chips features a next-generation GPU that represents the biggest leap forward in graphics architecture ever for Apple silicon. The GPU is faster and more efficient, and introduces a new technology called Dynamic Caching, while bringing new rendering features like hardware-accelerated ray tracing and mesh shading to Mac for the first time. Rendering speeds are now up to 2.5x faster than on the M1 family of chips.
The M3 iMac shows considerable potential for emulation. Despite some limitations, particularly with more demanding consoles like the Wii U and PS3, the overall performance is commendable. With the potential for future enhancements and the prospect of the M3 chip in other Mac models, the future of emulation on Mac seems bright.
Filed Under: Gaming News, Top News
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