A very expensive brick

[richardfinegold]

The answer is simple. Stop them buggering about with websites and the latest whizz-bangs forever and a day. That is THE only reason why I wanted to upgrade. Day by day, either this or that website gets 'waggles fingers' "updated to improve the customer experience" aka screw you up even further because your elderly version of the browser won't support the latest (unnecessary) gizmo. Or the particular browser that worked yesterday on that website now doesn't.

Like you, I dislike the direction that Apple has turned to in the past decade, and I have had to struggle more than I would like with my new MacAir., but I don’t think that you will find Windows to necessarily be the answer.
With Coronavirus, we made a switch to Telemedicine a few months ago. Since we were using ancient equipment, without cameras in the computers, we all got shiny new HPs running the latest Windows OS, whatever it is. It does work with the intended program (actually it was intended to work with a Microsoft Program, basically their version of Zoom which proved after one week to be incurably buggy, but a third party vendor app works ok on it). The problem is when I try to use it for anything else. The “whizbangery” that is driving you to distraction with Apple is there to a higher power with Windows, IMO. Try using any program and you are likely to get a popup telling you that if you invest in another program you will be so much more productive. I also find that wading through the MS System Prefernces (I forgot the Windows term) a real chore compared to say, Windows 7 or XP. Tasks that used to be simple, such as saving a file to the desktop, now seem to have a couple of added steps.
I am sure that with enough use either the Mac or the Windows will become familiar enough, but at least Apple still offers some Customer Support, which in IT is crucial

[Anastasius]

Like you, I dislike the direction that Apple has turned to in the past decade, and I have had to struggle more than I would like with my new MacAir., but I don’t think that you will find Windows to necessarily be the answer.
With Coronavirus, we made a switch to Telemedicine a few months ago. Since we were using ancient equipment, without cameras in the computers, we all got shiny new HPs running the latest Windows OS, whatever it is. It does work with the intended program (actually it was intended to work with a Microsoft Program, basically their version of Zoom which proved after one week to be incurably buggy, but a third party vendor app works ok on it). The problem is when I try to use it for anything else. The “whizbangery” that is driving you to distraction with Apple is there to a higher power with Windows, IMO. Try using any program and you are likely to get a popup telling you that if you invest in another program you will be so much more productive. I also find that wading through the MS System Prefernces (I forgot the Windows term) a real chore compared to say, Windows 7 or XP. Tasks that used to be simple, such as saving a file to the desktop, now seem to have a couple of added steps.
I am sure that with enough use either the Mac or the Windows will become familiar enough, but at least Apple still offers some Customer Support, which in IT is crucial

Yes, Apple support has been very, very good.

I'll tell you one thing for free. Catalina is a real memory hog. On my old iMac I'd keep Activity Monitor running with Memory Pressure displayed. Rarely was there any problem. Catalina ? Well, I ain't got much left before it starts swapping. I'll need to go and buy some more.

[Dave2002]

Yes, Apple support has been very, very good.

I'll tell you one thing for free. Catalina is a real memory hog. On my old iMac I'd keep Activity Monitor running with Memory Pressure displayed. Rarely was there any problem. Catalina ? Well, I ain't got much left before it starts swapping. I'll need to go and buy some more.

Is it even possible to buy and install more memory? Apple made that difficult for some fairly recent models of iMac - maybe they've changed that policy again.

[Anastasius]

Is it even possible to buy and install more memory? Apple made that difficult for some fairly recent models of iMac - maybe they've changed that policy again.

I checked that before I bought. Removable panel on the rear ...

[Dave2002]

I checked that before I bought. Removable panel on the rear ...

Good to hear that.

Does it use standard memory, or something else? One reason why some of Apple laptops aren't easy to have a memory upgrade is that apart from Apple's restrictive "policies", they use non-standard chips or modules not widely used in other machines.

There is perhaps some slight merit in having boards and chips soldered in - maybe more reliable - though I suspect it's done for commercial reasons.

[Anastasius]

Good to hear that.

Does it use standard memory, or something else? One reason why some of Apple laptops aren't easy to have a memory upgrade is that apart from Apple's restrictive "policies", they use non-standard chips or modules not widely used in other machines.

There is perhaps some slight merit in having boards and chips soldered in - maybe more reliable - though I suspect it's done for commercial reasons.

Readily available from the likes of Crucial. Neat job of adding/changing as well. You press a wee button, the flap opens, two levers and out pops the memory container. Nice piece of design IMO.

Don't get me wrong. There are lots of thins to like about this Mac. The display is stunning. It is blindingly fast.

[Dave2002]

Sounds like you should learn to love it!

What's the spec?

[Anastasius]

Sounds like you should learn to love it!

What's the spec?

https://uk.crucial.com/compatible-upgrade-for/apple/imac-%28retina-5k--27-inch--2020%29-imac20-1#memory

[Dave2002]

https://uk.crucial.com/compatible-up...mac20-1#memory

No ... I meant the iMac! I want to know if I can justify buying one.

[Anastasius]

No ... I meant the iMac! I want to know if I can justify buying one.

Of course, you can justify it. Details on the Apple website. 'New' 27" iMac. I got it on 0% finance.

[Dave2002]

Of course, you can justify it. Details on the Apple website. 'New' 27" iMac. I got it on 0% finance.

The very latest seems to cost about £1800 upwards to closer to £4K - and maybe more - https://www.express.co.uk/life-style...ew-price-specs
The nano tech screen seems an interesting, but expensive, option. Of course there may be deals - depending. I can afford it, but justifying might be harder. Some people might be able to get better deals.