My Computer Headquarters/Office
In November of 2019, I upgraded my computer(s). I replaced a late 2013 iMac with a 27-inch montior with a new 27-inch iMac (5k monitor). This new all-in-one computer has the exact same desk-space profile as the previous iMac. I switched from a Mac Pro to the iMac line in 2013. They take up considerably less space, costs a lot less, and this modern line of iMac has more processor power than my old Mac Pro (early 2009 model). The new iMac (purchased in 2019) has an amazing 5K monitor. After my secondary Dell 30" monitor died (after 12+ years of service), I replaced it with an LG 27" monitor, so I've got two monitors (stacked vertically as shown here). The computer upgrade was started at the begining of November and completed by the middle of November, 2019. Kim and I planned and saved for more than five years in preparation for this upgrade. With a budget of appx $5,000.00 (I didn't spend all of that), I initially planned the computer upgrade for November of 2018, but Apple didn't release an adequate iMac model that year. I considered the purchase of a Mac Mini as a replacement to the iMac desktop, but the Mac Mini doesn't come with a monitor (I didn't want to step down on the monitor option), so I would have had to purchase a monitor separately, and then I would have two 'extra' monitors if I went back to the iMac model the next time I upgraded. Instead I opted to wait. I'm glad I did; this iMac is sweet. I purchased this IBM powered iMac just before Apple's switchover to the M1 architecture (The new Apple designed/engineered CPUs). Thankfully, I managed to acquire a 27 inch iMac before they were discontinued. Since my purchase in November 2019, Apple has seemingly abandoned this form factor. The 27 inch iMac is a perfect form factor for my needs, but Apple still hasn't (as of Sep 2024) returned this type of desktop to their line up. As a matter of fact, with the introduction of the 24 inch iMac (an M1 design), the new Mac Studio form factor and the reintroduction of the Studio Display, it seems that this may be the last of the 27 inch iMac line... |
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Hardware/Primary Desktop machine: |
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Machine type: iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, 2019/Model Number A2115/Model Identifier iMac 19,1). This is my second iMac. I chose the iMac all-in-one desktop model instead of the Mac Pro (back in 2013). In comparisons of computing power for my needs, I now find that the iMac line has sufficient power to handle my computing needs. You no longer need a Mac Pro to do video editing, rendering, production (even the home video type). In the past, the iMac line couldn't adequately handle this type of application (in my opinion). Since occassional video production is now my most CPU/Graphics intensive application, I easily switched over to the iMac line for my computing needs. CPU Type: 64 bit, 14nm, ninth generation Intel Processor (released in October of 2018), code named 'Coffee Lake'. CPU Speed/Number of Cores: I selected the standard build CPU category. The base option comes with a 3.7GHz 6-core Intel Core i5 processor. With the Turbo Boost (automatically enabled based upon processor load), this CPU can clock up to 4.6GHz. This CPU has six, direct channel processing cores (no 'Hyper Threading'). The 6 core CPU has a 9MB shared L3 cache. Memory: The base model comes equipped with 8GB (2x4GB - Two slots unoccupied) of 2666MHz PC4-21300 DDR4 SO-DIMM SDRAM (260-pin) - The machine has 4 memory slots. Once again, I exercised the 'Bigger is Better' maxim. I didn't quite max out the RAM, but I did opt for a juicier option than the default. I upgraded from the 8GB option to a 32GB option for $540.00. Normally, I opt for a second party upgrade (installing it myself). I'm not sure why I didn't do that this time around... I really should have. Apple charges way too much for the RAM - I could have installed 64GB of memory for appx $400.00 - I'm such an idiot! ...Perhaps I'll attempt an upgrade to 64GB by purchasing some second party RAM? There is some risk that the RAM from two different sources may not work in the iMac. Mismatched RAM is a thing. It could happen. Display: The iMac desktop comes with a 'built in' monitor - Actually, it's probably more accurate to say that the iMac monitor comes with a 'built in' processor. This particular iMac comes with the juciest monitor one could ever want! It's an amazing 5K monitor. With a 5120 x 2880 resolution, you can clearly see the wrinkles on a gnats ass with this monitor (I operate the monitor using a 2560x1600 resoltion). The glossy glass-covered widescreen monitor has a 16:9 aspect ration, LED backlighting, featuring IPS (In-Plane-Switching) technology, and a P3 color gamut (P3, aka PCI-P3, is a common RGB color space standard created by Apple, Inc) and 500 nits of brightness (the Nit is the standard unit of luminance used to describe various sources of light. A higher rating means a brighter display. Ratings of 500 nits or more are extremely good). Hard drives: With only one slot for internal storage, I'll need to connect external drives via USB and/or Thunderbolt in order to get the same kind of redundancy/storage I had on the old Mac Pro. The old Mac Pro had a total storage capacity (counting internal and external storage) of 9.28TB.
Media Drives: Apple stopped including built-in media drives (optical drives) back in 2008. In January of that year they introduced a new MacBook Air that didn't have a CD/DVD drive. That was the start of their efforts to eliminate these media drives completely. As processor became more powerful (faster), internet speeds increased, and drive storage became cheaper, Apple realized that media drives were no longer a necessary component for modern computers. Over the next eight years, Apple continued to remove optical drives from it's computers. The last Mac sold (in Apple stores/online) with an optical/media drive was the mid 2012, 13", second-generation, non-Retina (display technology), MacBook Pro (MacBookPro9,2/Models MD101xx/A, MD102xx/A). I've been using external media drives since November of 2013, when I purchased my first external SuperDrive in preparation for my first iMac (purchased in November of 2013).
Internet connection:
I unse Xfinity/Comcast as my Internet Service Provider. There are other options in my area (broadband wireless, aDSL over phone lines, Satellite), but they can't possibly provide the speed afforded at the price that Comcast offers. My connection speeds: 200Mbps (download) / 5Mbps (upload) always-on cable (Motorola SurfBoard SB6141 DOCSIS 3.0 cable modem) internet connection w/DHCP IP assignment (Plan was last upgraded on the 15th of Mar, 2020). Cost, after a one year promo period was ~$55.00/mo (not counting fees and taxes). Of course the price has gone up (more than once) since then. Currently (as of 09 Feb, 2024), I'm paying $71.00/mo for the service (after a $5.00 discount for using a credit card/with automatic billing/payments). I own my own modem, my own router, and would switch to a different provider if I could find one that provides comparable (or better) speeds for the same (or better) price. Xfinity has been reliable (of late - with only two unexplained/unexpected outage during 2023, and no apparent outages so far this year (2024))). Unfortunately, their customer service remains and has always been abysmal (I've been their customer since 2003). I dread every telephone support experience, it's ALWAYS painful and less than satisfactory; sometimes making matters worse, and always raising my blood-pressure to stroke inducing levels. Wired/Wireless Network: Setting up and maintaining a proper wireless network is no easy chore. Especially when you have a large house and a lot of devices employing several different wireless standards for communications. Add in some wif-fi wielding neighbors in a standard tract-home community, and you've got one challenging wi-fi landscape.
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Video card / Displays: |
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Video card: iMac desktop - This particular beefed up version of the iMac comes with a Radeon Pro 580X video card with 8GB of GDDR5 memory. You need a lot of memory to drive that 5K monitor, and this beast has an awesome video card. The monitor/video card simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display at 1 billion colors, and 1x 5120x2880(5K) external display (60Hz w/1 billion colors) or 2x 3840x2160(4K UHD) external displays (60Hz w/1 billion colors) or 2x 4096x2304 (4K) external displays (60Hz w/millions of colors). I currently run the primary monitor at a 2560x1440 resolution (so I don't have to squint) for routine/daily use. The video card/iMac also has support for Thunderbolt 3 digital video output via the Native DisplayPort output (to the built-in display) or the USB-C ports on the back of the built-in monitor. You can also connect Thunderbolt 2, HDMI, DVI and VGA monitors using applicable adapters. Finally, the monitor has a built in FaceTime HD camera. Second display: In January of 2022, I purchased a new second display. I purchased an LG-27UN850-W 4K HDR display (from Amazon) for $479.99. The new monitor isn't as big as the old Dell monitor (27" vs 30") and it's 16:9 aspect ration means it's wide but squat. The new monitor can display images in UHD (Ultrafine High-Definition) resolution (3840x2160), but I'm only using a 2560x1440 resolution to match my iMac's display (my eyes can't quite cope with the 3840 or 5120 that my monitors are capable of. I've also got the HDR capability turned off for default work. If I'm watching a movie, I might turn it on. Of course the new monitor is mounted in the same manner as the previous monitor; on a wall mounted articulating arm above my iMac (Thankfully I didn't have to change out the mounting bracket - Thank goodness for those VESA mounting standards). Hopefully, this monitor will last just as long (or longer) than the refurbished Dell (see below).
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Peripherals: |
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Printers: Our home is currently hosting four printers (two in the office and two downstairs near the D&D table) Printers in the office (on the desktop): Printers in the basement (aka the 'Data Center'): - Brother HL-2270DW: Wireless laser printer with duplex printing. This laser printer produces black and white toner prints for cheap. It's a great printer for use with drafts that don't require color and plain text documents (I print a lot of those for D&D). This printer sits in the basement, closer to our D&D table. Eventually I'll get a color laser printer that I can share with others (D&D players). For now it's connected to my primary network, because it doesn't have dual network wireless capabilities.
Camera: The iMac's built in monitor comes equipped with a built in FaceTime HD camera. The built-in 720p FaceTime HD camera (with an ambient light sensor) lets you make video calls that are so clear, it seems like everyone's in the same room. Make FaceTime calls from your iMac to any FaceTime-enabled Mac, iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch. The video is supported with the iMac's dual noise-canceling microphones. The camera has an indicator light that illuminates when the camera is in use, but it doesn't have a manual shutter like the old Apple iSight camera, and I can't disconnect it at will like a second party USB camera. When I purchase my next computer (as a replacement for my current (as of 09 Feb, 2024) iMac, I will likely (because I plan (as of 09 Feb, 2024) to purchase a MacMini) need to purchase a new/non-Apple camera (with integrated microphone) for use with FaceTime. Mouse: I exclusively use the Magic Track trackpad 2 for Mac. Awesome! Transforms your hand into a mouse. It's the best 'Mouse' I've ever used. It beats the traditional mouse, the scroll-wheel mouse, and the thumbwheel mouse. No wrist strain, easy to use, highly configurable. Additionally, it's got a rechargeable battery that lasts quite a long time, and I've got the charging cable nearby for the inevitible inconvenient moment when it decides to stop working or requires charging (see note below). Speakers: Bose Companion 3 - Series II mulimedia speaker system. These speakers work so well that I bought a second set and gave my first purchase to a relative. Keyboard: I'm still not using one of the standard Apple keyboards. While I like the aluminum body with chiclet keys styling, the ergonomics of that keyboard aren't comfortable for me. For many years (appx 10 years), I used an Adesso Tru-Form ergonomic keyboard: Model EKB-2100. Despite it's problems handling powered USB peripherals (any use caused continuous restarts after any operator initiated system restart), it served me well for many years. In February of 2009, I bought a Microsoft Natural Ergonomic 4000 keyboard. The Microsoft keyboard features an ergonomic design, augemented with numerous customizable hot/favorites keys, internet/media keys, integrated palm rest, and an outstanding design - Microsoft makes some good stuff. This keyboard is one of their better products. I used that Microsoft keyboard for many years (9 years), and I still own it. It's the same model that my empoyer offers as an Ergonomic option. If necessary, I'll bring it back. In 2018 (for Christmas), I bought a new ergonomic keyboard; one with a superior design (or so I've been led to believe). I'm now using a Kinesis Freestyle2 Keyboard for Mac (9" Standard Separation). Combined with the VIP3 Accessory Kit (KIN-FS-VIP3), this keyboard can be tilted and angled in a manner to produce a highly customized typing experience. My wrists, hands and forearms are already appreciating the fact that I can use the keyboard more comfortably than I ever thought possible.
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Operating system / Core components / Software: |
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Mac OS: macOS Sequoia 15.0 (24A335) - As of 20 Sep, 2024. When I got my new computer (a new 27" iMac with 5K retina display) in 2019, I upgraded the operating system to macOS Catalina 10.15. The new OS was very different from the previous OS (macOS Mojave 10.14). The change from 32 to 64 bit Operating System, and break-up of iTunes (into four apps (Books, Music, Podcasts and AppleTV)) has been a huge change. It took me a long time to work through the Mojave to Catalina update. Thankfully I didn't have to reformat the hard drive, but migrating the data (from the old mac) took six+ hours. The upgrade from Catalina 10.15.7 to Big Sur 11.0.1, on the other hand... Subsequent OS upgrades were relatively pain free and seemed to take very little time. The most recent update to 15 was fraught with networking issues. Many of my network attached peripherals (Drives attached via AFP) are having lots of problems staying mounted. Thankfully, I didn't have problems with one particular application (MacGPG (many of the GPG Tools)). Apple's Mobile Operating System: iOS 18.0.1 on iPhone 15 Pro Max (as of 04 Oct 2024), and iPadOS 18.0.1 on a 10th generation 10.9" iPad (as of 04 Oct, 2024). No more iPod: As of Mar 2022, I wiped my iPod touch (I had a 7th Gen iPod Touch) and gave it to my father in law, so that he could use it to control his Homepod minis - Yes, you absolutely must own/use an iOS/iPadOS device (a macOS/computer won't do) in order to configure/set up a Homepod mini. There is no way to configure these devices without some other iOS/iPadOS device. Imagine how many people (myself included) were surprised to learn this. Unfortunately, the iPod touch has been 'discontinued' - As of May 10th, 2022, Apple announced the end of the line for the iPod. The 7th Gen iPod Touch (the model I purchased in Sep of 2019) was the last of the line. Sales will continue, while supplies last. It truly was the end of an era. Productivity Software - When I ordered this latest iMac in November of 2019, it came with the iWork productivity software: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote all came pre-installed on the iMac at no extra charge. That wasn't always the case. When the iWork productivy suite was first released (2003-2007) it cost $79.00. Since then the productivity suite has improved, but it still lacks a few features (Notably the Database, Draw and Paint functions) of the predecessor suite: AppleWorks (fka ClarisWorks). If you don't own a Mac or Apple mobile device, you can still use the productivity suite for free. Just get yourself a free iCloud account, and you can use the online/web-based versions of the software for Free! Learn more about the web only access to iCloud: <https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204174> All you need to get started is an Apple ID: <https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204316>. Yes - I said Free! The basic iCloud account is free, and it comes with 5GB of storage. If you need or want more storage and features, you'll have to upgrade to one of the iCloud+ plans: <https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204316> No - You don't have to use a Mac, an iPad or an iPhone in order to use the iWork productivity software or an iCloud account. You can access and use most of the iCloud enabled apps/features from a Windows machine. All you really need is an internet connection and a sufficiently advanced web browser: <https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204230>. This is not a trick. You can do this for free. |
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Author: Robert L. Vaessen e-mail:
Last Updated:
October 4, 2024