Warnings!

[Randy B. Singer]

Two things that I want to bring up before I forget, that folks ought to know.

First, if you intend to purchase an M1x-based Mac, and use a virtualization program with it, such as Parallels, to run Mojave or earlier so that you don't lose your irreplaceable legacy 32-bit programs...you can't. It turns out that just as you can't run a version of the Mac OS earlier than the one that came with your Mac, you also can't do it via virtualization. A Mac OS that expects an Intel processor won't work with an M1x processor, even under virtualization.

Second, while an SSD is a really good idea for creating a clone backup (so that your bootable clone doesn't run as slow as molasses), it might be a good idea to stick with a rotating disk hard drive to do a Time Machine (versioned) backup. Why? Because when an SSD becomes close to full it slows down precipitously. Time Machine works by filling up your hard drive with multiple versions of your saved files, and then erasing stuff as needed once the drive is full. Unfortunately once your SSD becomes close to full, Time Machine will still work, but it will become painfully slow.

 

[Slydude]

Thanks, Randy

I must admit that I haven't followed some of the technicalities surrounding the M1 Macs as closely as some others have been. Then again, I may have to start paying attention to it. My 2008 MB died suddenly, and I'm down to my 2015 iMac. If it were to begin having issues, I'd be forced to use a Windows box or use my work, Mac. Neither of those options is appealing for a variety of reasons.

 

[Rod]

Maybe you need to start nosing around for a refurb or second hand MB or MBP I would have thought with the introduction of the M1's the price may be down a bit.

 

[chscag]

The 2020 Intel 27" iMac is still available for purchase. Several sellers (Amazon, B&H) have it discounted. And since Apple has decided that it will continue to produce an Intel Mac Pro (for now) it means that Apple will continue to support Intel Macs and keep Rosetta 2 updated.

 

[Slydude]

I'm starting to nose around a little bit, but I'm not in a hurry unless the iMac suddenly blows up as well.

Thanks for that suggestion about the 2020 iMac Charlie. Given how long I've kept most of the Macs I've owned, I'm leaning in the direction of one of the newer Macs when I finally replace what I've got. I generally buy the latest tech I can afford and hold on to it for some time.

Before I do anything, I will do some troubleshooting with the MB Pro. I'm suspecting the power switch. I see a trip to the ifixit site in my near future.

 

[Randy B. Singer]

I'm just curious why this thread was moved out of the Macintosh forums to the General/Off Topic forum? My entire post to start this thread was about the Macintosh, and even the follow-up posts are about the Macintosh, though they have strayed from the topic of my original post.