The M3 iMac is the perfect all-in-one computer for families or students with limited space. But you probably won’t call it that. cheap, Using an all-in-one approach can often lead to unintended consequences. This is not a flexible or modular desktop computing solution, and as I’m about to show, there are cheaper ways to achieve Apple desktop computing nirvana.
I’ve been working for or writing about Apple for nearly a decade, so I know a thing or two about the value of Apple computing. So, if you want to build a compact, future-proof, Apple desktop setup. It’s cheaper Strap in over the price of the M3 iMac.
I surprised my colleagues with this concept during Black Friday 2023, but with Prime Day Apple deals just around the corner, one of the best Prime Day Macs available is the M3 iMac, priced at just $1,199. Accordingly, this year’s budget was reduced by $100. Still, I enjoy this job.
Best M3 iMac Alternatives
M2 Mac mini — a beating heart
As with last year, budget-conscious M3 iMac alternatives begin with the M2 Mac mini, the best value in Mac computing. It may not be as fast as the M3, but iMac users will hardly notice the difference. It has all the processing power you need to perform a variety of everyday computing tasks, including spreadsheets, word processing, and web surfing. Even some light photo and video editing is possible.
Make moveTee: $1,199 expenditure: $499 left $700
Display — Samsung steps in
I am experiencing some issues with the display. Naturally, the M3 iMac has a 24-inch 4.5K Retina display. The pixel density is excellent, but unfortunately other alternatives can’t match it. 5K is way over our budget so we have to do it in 4K.
While we will be sacrificing pixels we will be getting a much larger display and we have found the corker! This 32-inch Samsung M70C series smart monitor offers a variety of features, including 4K resolution. Notably, it includes a SlimFit camera so you don’t have to buy a webcam, but it also comes with plenty of USB-C, HDMI, and USB-A ports. As the name suggests, the M70C is smart monitor. This means you can use it like a smart TV. With a smart TV app and remote control, you can quickly watch your favorite content, including Netflix, YouTube, and Disney Plus. It also supports AirPlay, another big win for Apple fans. Lastly, my favorite feature is the Samsung Gaming Hub, a dedicated space for streaming games without any additional hardware.
make moveTee: $1,299 expenditure: $814 left $385
Peripherals
A mouse and keyboard are included in the box with the M3 iMac, so you’ll need a few more peripherals to complete the set. My mission to find a good Mac keyboard can largely be summed up as “which Keychron is on sale?” To that end, I found the amazing Keychron K4 Pro marked down to $89 instead of $105. Keychron makes some of my favorite keyboards, and this one is really great. Features hot-swappable K Pro Brown switch keys. This means that not only does it provide a great typing experience out of the box, but it’s also perfect if you want to tinker a bit more with your mechanical keyboard. Works with both macOS and Windows wirelessly or via USB.
Last year, I chose the Logitech MX Master 2S as my mouse of choice. This year we are upgrading. The MX Master 3S is the undisputed king when it comes to great Mac mice. It’s wireless, has touch scrolling, and works on all surfaces, including glass. It has a quiet click sound and supports both macOS and Windows.
make moveTee: $1,199 expenditure: $992 left $207
If you have $200 or more left in the bank, you have two choices. You now have a full desktop Mac with a great display, mouse, and keyboard. You can cut your losses there and save $200 if you want. Or you can make the experience a little better with some really cool accessories. Here are a few I’ve recommended before.
The M2 Mac mini only comes with 256GB of storage, so you’ll likely need an additional hard drive at some point. We found the Samsung T7 Portable SSD, which offers 2TB of storage space and fast speeds, for $165, a whopping 39% discount.
If so, it’s proof that you can get a great desktop Mac outfit without buying an M3 iMac. Don’t misunderstand. The M3 iMac is a great piece of kit. I’ve always preferred the more modular and flexible approach of using Apple’s powerful Mac mini and your own set of peripherals.
That said, the M3 iMac is actually discounted on Amazon this year, making the choice a little more difficult.
