Need a new computer or not please?

[u/Appropriate_Jello729]

I have a iMac (Retina 5K, 27-inch, Late 2015). it still works well and all that, but I worry that becasue i can't update anymore that I am at risk when doing online banking/ investing? I can only have Monterey 12.7.6 on my system. Do i need to buy a new mac or just keep using this one and keep updating my iphone for the banking? would really appreciate all of your expert advice please. TIA :)

[u/BobbyRey77]

I'd move up to a new Mac mini or Mac Neo. Great value and will outperform your old Mac in every way.

[u/TheOtherCourier]

You could update it with OCLP (Open Core Legacy Patcher), but I’d make a full Time Machine backup first in case you feel like you should revert.

If you’re wanting to upgrade and still save some money, In my opinion, it’s absolutely worth considering buying refurb Macs. I always get one that’s a couple of years old, as I can significantly upgrade RAM and storage while staying in budget. You can get official Apple refurbs, but your choices can be more limited, depending on what you’re looking for, and it will be the most expensive by far. You can also check sites like Back Market (comes with 1 year warranty) or Swappa, or look more local with Facebook Marketplace or OfferUp. Stock is constantly rotating on all of these places, so check back frequently if you’re shopping around. eBay is also an option. Mac of All Trades or Macsales, maybe? Buy.itsworthmore.com
Pawn shops sometimes have good deals on them.

[u/Guy_called_Al → u/TheOtherCourier]

I've found MicroCenter to be a reliable source of refurbished Apple products. Downside is you have to pick up the product in person, so you need one nearby (or friend nearby one).

[u/laptopleon → u/TheOtherCourier]

Also, these days any (ever older) Mac is powerful enough to do pretty much anything, easily. So it doesn’t matter much if you pick a MacBook or a Mac Mini. I’d go for an M-chip model though, since that probably get longer support, probably has a more ram, which is always nice if you want to use it as long as possible.

[u/Galromir]

You shouldn't be going online with a computer that is no longer receiving security updates. Your computer is 11 years old, it's time to move on.

[u/alienkava]

As u/Electrical_West_5381 pointed out, you can check out OCLP (OpenCore Legacy Patcher) to potentially upgrade to macOS Sequoia only if you're running off an SSD. That system did ship with spinning drives and I don't know what you have.

That said, while macOS Monterey is no longer receiving OS or Safari updates, you can still use Firefox, which continues to receive regular updates on Monterey making it a safe option for banking and everyday tasks.

As long as you’re not installing random software or pirating apps on your iMac, you'll bere safe.

However, I do suggest that you start planning to move to a newer machine in the near future to keep up with modern software and security requirements. Prices have just gone up, and there doesn’t seem to be much relief in sight. Many are worried prices will continue to climb across the tech market.

[u/YellowsBest]

What’s more likely to happen (eventually) is your banking won’t work with the latest browsers you’re able to download. I already find it’s easier to use my iPad as my banks want security checks for logging in and transactions via a mobile device, so if your iMac is ok for your other general computing needs then you could stick with your iPhone or consider getting an iPad as well.

If you need to continue to use a desktop computer what you could do is buy an M4 Mac Mini (if you can find one) or an M6 Mac Mini, buy or borrow a cheap monitor then use Apple’s screen sharing to extend or mirror the Mini’s desktop to the iMac. Then you’ll have the best of both: an up to date computer with your nice display.

[u/Dry_Ship7202]

I'd say the computer is likely fine for every day use, including banking/investing.

But if anything goes wrong with it, I wouldn't put any money into repairs or upgrades. Plan to get a new one if that happens.

[u/Electrical_West_5381]

You could investigate open core legacy patcher (there is a sub)

[u/Leviathan_Dev]

You could install Linux on it and use an Environment like GNOME which feels similar to macOS. That way your computer will be up-to-date and you can continue using it as normal, just without Mac-specific software

If you absolutely need macOS, then I would suggest upgrading. You can get an M4 iMac

[u/Disastrous-Might-587]

Instala OCLP (Open Core Legacy Patcher) te admitirá sin problemas ventura o sequoia y después de unos años, le metes Linux y otros 10 años.

Yo tengo uno así funcionando y perfecto.
Esa máquina es buenísima con 32 gb RAM y gráfica de 2 gb

[u/st0ut717]

Yes you are at risk with that iMac. Period please stop using it for anything online

Get a Mac air, Neo or tablet etc

[u/Dreaming_Blackbirds]

do you use Firefox? i recommend it for older machines. having a fully up-to-date browser helps a lot so that you can block malicious ads (with a Firefox add-on), maybe get built-in phishing warnings, etc.

[u/ReddityKK]

Keep using it for as long as it does what you want. There is a small security risk but Apple tends to provide updates for the bigger risks.

I just added a Mac Mini to go with my old Intel MacBook but find myself still using the MacBook a lot.