Actually, if the new plan is for the 27” iMac to be replaced with the Studio Display + Mac Mini/ Mac Studio/ forthcoming Mac Pro, that greatly simplifies the build/ configuration options for Apple. Instead of having an inventory of lots of different configurations of big iMacs, they have a few models of the big screens (stand, texture) and a bunch of small boxes where most of the configuration goes on. Just the screen texture choice would multiply the iMac inventory by two.
Dave
Well, yeah. Compatibility with the Mac Studio, but does that mean that all features are supported? If you do a product comparison with MacBook Air and iMac, it seems not. This shows keyboard touch id support for the iMac only.
Otherwise, I’d get one for my MacBook Air so I can use it in closed lid mode.
Apple has thrived by focusing on very small product lines and making it easier for potential buyers to make choices. Eliminating Mac clones and reducing the number of Macs in the lineup was one of the very first things Steve Jobs did when he returned to Apple. He also limited focus of models to appeal to specific user segments. Apple also limits the number of flavors of iPhones, iPads, Watches, etc. Having limited product lines insures their products are differentiated not just from the competition, but from Apple’s own inventory.
Dell is currently selling 29 models of desktops. If I were considering a Dell, my eyes would cross from trying to remember which model does what:
https://www.dell.com/en-us/shop/desktop-computers/sr/desktops/inspiron-desktops
You’re right about the Compare Macs tool, but the system requirements for the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad clearly say:
Mac with Apple silicon running macOS 11.4 or later
@iantidbits.com I compared the Mini, MacBook Pro 14(2021) and the iMac 4-port, and I see the comparison section you posted. I think that it’s stating what comes with the system, not compatibility of any add-on peripherals.
If you scroll down a bit further to Keyboard and Trackpad, it states that Magic Keyboard with Touch ID and Numeric Keypad listed for the mini as (sold separately). I have a M1 Mini and the Apple store says that the new Magic Keyboard with Touch ID is compatible with it.
I’m on a chat with an Apple specialist right now - I hope to have a definitive answer shortly. The specialist did indicate that whether Touch ID works with the mini (and I assume other models) is a good question…
Just got off chat with the Apple specialist. Took a bit of time to research because the new Magic Keyboard is, well…, new.
The answer he found was that the Touch ID that’s on the new Magic Keyboard is compatible with M1 Macs, including the Mini. And that the Touch ID feature works.
I cross-checked this answer with Apple’s new platform security document. Magic Keyboard with Touch ID - Apple Support
It also states that the Touch ID feature works with any Mac with Apple Silicon.
I expect most people who buy a Mac Studio will be buying a monitor from another company. Apple do have the 4K LG monitor at $700 so a healthy discount from their monitor.
Yes, it does. Oh, and there’s a clue in the name, too " Magic Keyboard with Touch ID for Mac models with Apple silicon" (my emphasis). But holy cow, the price!
Ah, I see. Yes that’s what it looks like now that I look more closely. Thank you for clearing that up!
And note that there are several 4K displays with quality panels on the market right now even below $700.
I think it’s the folks that would like 5K who are in more trouble. And truthfully, that’s been the case before too. There is little to choose from outside of Apple’s. The Studio is great, but it’s very pricey and you have only very few options to get 5K at a lower price point. 5K suffers from the lack of savings of scale that 4Ks get due to the TV market.
Apparently won’t happen in the foreseeable future: Apple says it's not planning a 27-inch iMac | TechCrunch
To consolidate the discussions, following comments can be found:
(@ace I don’t know if you want to close this thread?)
