We are seniors and NOT techies. The Mac mini sounds like a greener option, and I think we can use our wireless keyboard and mouse but would have to buy a new display screen. The other option is buy a new Mac Air laptop. Which option would be easier for us? Would the extra cost of the laptop be outweighed by the amount to technical expertise needed?
Earlier Mac models
Both the Mac mini and the MacBook Air are very much Macintosh computers, just as your old iMac is.
The macOS software has evolved a bit since 10.15 Catalina, but not so much that the operation will be foreign to you. I think either of these computers would serve you well.
The Mac mini is a powerhouse in a small package. You can continue to use the keyboard and mouse or trackpad from the old iMac if you like. You will have to budget for a new monitor. You can find a fine screen in the $150-$350 price range. I think the mini is a great Mac.
The big questions really are:
1) Do you need to have a computer that is mobile and not tethered to a desktop?
2) Is portability worth the extra $ that a MacBook Air will cost? Would you want to travel with it?
You might visit this Apple website and see what you come up with: Mac - Which Mac is best for me? - Apple
Any new Mac, whether the Mac mini or a MacBook Air, will run rings around the old iMac.
In my humble opinion, the benefits of current support, warranty, modern macOs software and increased internet security justify the transition to a newer Mac.
Both the Mac mini and the MacBook Air are very much Macintosh computers, just as your old iMac is.
The macOS software has evolved a bit since 10.15 Catalina, but not so much that the operation will be foreign to you. I think either of these computers would serve you well.
The Mac mini is a powerhouse in a small package. You can continue to use the keyboard and mouse or trackpad from the old iMac if you like. You will have to budget for a new monitor. You can find a fine screen in the $150-$350 price range. I think the mini is a great Mac.
The big questions really are:
1) Do you need to have a computer that is mobile and not tethered to a desktop?
2) Is portability worth the extra $ that a MacBook Air will cost? Would you want to travel with it?
You might visit this Apple website and see what you come up with: Mac - Which Mac is best for me? - Apple
Any new Mac, whether the Mac mini or a MacBook Air, will run rings around the old iMac.
In my humble opinion, the benefits of current support, warranty, modern macOs software and increased internet security justify the transition to a newer Mac.
OK, thank you. Very reassuring info.
Our 21" Mac cannot update beyond Catalina ver. 10.15.7.
