RoswellAlien

After it has served admirably (albeit a bit slowly) for 7 or so years, I would like to replace my MacBookPro. I had pretty much decided to go with an iMac desktop and keep the laptop for odds and ends.
HOWEVER, read the other day that Apple is going to start phasing in their own processor chips and phase out Intel, and they’re going to start with MacBooks and tablets, picking up desktops later.
For all you knowledgeable Mac wonks out there, and I’m not being sarcastic*, should I stick with Plan A and get the iMac or wait until the new chips are out and go with another MacBook? I think the article said things should start happening in 2021.

Thanks

*The IT folks at the HS where I taught said I knew enough about the school’s computers to be dangerous. Only crashed one of the labs once - better than some of my colleagues. ;-)

Thanks again.

47greyfox Loc: on the edge of the Colorado front range

The buy’s dilemma strikes again! He who waits for perfection finds himself without. Having said that, take a deep breath and ask yourself if you can live with your current until “whenever” comes out. That could be a year or more, you know. And it’ll probably be expensive. Or.. you could see a performance improvement now that would more than satisfy your needs.

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

The big question of course will be how long before your needed apps run on the new hardware? Will all your preferred and much needed applications be ported to the new processor?

Might do better to buy new now, then after the new hardware comes out and is wrung out properly, let the software developers have time to port their apps to the new hardware, then switch. Just look at all the furor caused by the jump to Catalina & 64 bit only.....

chuckla Loc: Kennesaw, GA USA

A Macworld article yesterday said it would be wise to wait if you don't absolutely need a new one now- that the new chip will probably appear in MacBooks in the late fall, and desktops in early 2021. Not uncommon for Apple to ship new models in December and March. I'm holding off replacing my agonizingly slow late 2014 iMac til spring. OTOH, the 2019 iMac with the Intel chip should drop significantly in price as soon as the new model release becomes imminent, and Apple will support both chips with Rosetta 2 for several years like they did when they moved from the PowerPC to Intel.... :-) Like the man said, "you pays your money (or not) and takes your chances..."

RoswellAlien

Haven’t even considered Catalina! Too many horror stories and doubt the old machine would even load it.

Good common sense responses.
(Been lurking for a while and enjoy UHH. Only one thing: hedgehogs are not ugly - have had a few over the years.)

Appreciate it and Thanks!

Dngallagher Loc: Wilmington De.

FWIW - went with Catalina as soon as it was officially available on my iMac. Only issues were a couple of outdated 32 bit apps that of course quit working. All main apps continued operation fine.

The key is to pay attention and make sure you are aware what the issues going forward will be to minimize impact.

jerryc41 Loc: Catskill Mts of NY

Buying things is seldom simple. Buy now and get a known item right away, or wait indefinitely to buy a more expensive unknown item. Just typing that sentence confirmed my first thought. Buy now!

Will all current software work with the new processors? Will there be glitches?

"Be not the first by whom the new is tried, nor yet the last to put the old aside." - Alexander Pope

Harry0 Loc: Gardena, Cal

Pioneers are the guys wit the arrows in their backs,
Get what YOU need for what you need.
And wait a year after the new ones come out.
Sometimes you'd be amazed at the upgrades and fixes.

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

I would advise you to hold off buying now and purchase your new Mac when they roll out their new chip. Early reports suggest it will be faster and more compatible across the Mac line.

My only concern is Apple may not roll out the new chip in the MBP first.

Good Luck

ejrmaine Loc: South Carolina

Here's an article by WSJ Joanna Stern that may help your decision:
https://www.wsj.com/articles/the-apple-devices-you-shouldand-should-notbuy-right-now-11593096901?mod=politics_trending_now_article_pos5

jccash Loc: Longwood, Florida

Here’s a good article about a new trip.

https://www.macrumors.com/guide/apple-silicon/

paulplaye

Look at today’s Wall Street Journal (6.26.20) excellent article by Joann Stern about what Apple product to buy now or wait.

Morry Loc: Palm Springs, CA

Question: How does one know that they need a new Mac?

EdJ0307 Loc: out west someplace

Buy the iMac desktop now and the get the new MacBook Pro when it comes out. Then get the new iMac desktop when it comes out with the new processor chips. Problem solved.

bpulv Loc: Buena Park, CA

Regardless of which Apple product you are considering, Apple is always evolving their products and with each change somethings are added while others become obsolete. So, if you are always waiting for everything before you buy, you will never buy anything. That is the dilemma with any computer product regardless of brand.

If you need a new computer now, I would not wait what for a product that they are predicting will come out in a year or two. There can be delays when release is that far out. Additionally, it is not a good idea to buy a new version of a computer or upgrade you OS on an old one until it has been on the market long enough for the bugs to be worked out. To me that means if a new feature is to come out in a year and it actually does, I must wait another three to six months before the on line chatter says it is stable before I make my purchase.

When planning to buy your new iMac you should also consider that your new computer will have a 64-bit OS and your old 32-bit software will not work on your new machine. So you will need to plan for the cost of purchasing new versions of some of your programs.