2011 Mini 2.3 vs 2.5

[T8TRG8TR]

I'm thinking about getting a mac mini for XCode development and I'm trying to decide between the $599 and $799 versions. I'd be using XCode, Photoshop, and maybe some Dreamweaver. I also might do some light gaming, but not much. I basically need to know if it's worth spending the extra $200. Or, would a refurbished 2010 mini work fine? So many options

The mini will work fine with any USB keyboard/mouse right?

 

[amethystjw]

If I were you, I wouldn't spend the extra $200. You may do well to beef up the RAM but the CPU difference won't likely be apparent for what you're doing.

As for buying a refurb, that's probably a good idea but I should point out that I've purchased lots of refurbished items from Apple over the years and a few times, most notably when I bought a refurb 2009 aluminum 20" iMac, I've run into major problems.

As for keyboard and mouse, yes, any standard USB or bluetooth keyboard and mouse will work fine. Of course, most keyboards you will find that are inexpensive have Windows keys on them instead of OS X keys. They work fine but are labeled incorrectly.

 

[MythicFrost]

I don't think the differences between the 2.3GHz and 2.5GHz CPUs will be much, but I do think for such things you'll need at least 4GB of RAM.

I'm also assuming you'll be using a screen with a resolution of at least 1920x1080, in which case the HD3000 graphics will really struggle with any gaming. The 6630M should be playable on low settings with a decent frame rate at that resolution -- depending greatly on the game. I imagine games like Metro 2033 will be unplayable on low at that resolution (a guess, I could be wrong).

What kind of games are you wanting to play?

 

[T8TRG8TR]

I don't think the differences between the 2.3GHz and 2.5GHz CPUs will be much, but I do think for such things you'll need at least 4GB of RAM.

I'm also assuming you'll be using a screen with a resolution of at least 1920x1080, in which case the HD3000 graphics will really struggle with any gaming. The 6630M should be playable on low settings with a decent frame rate at that resolution -- depending greatly on the game. I imagine games like Metro 2033 will be unplayable on low at that resolution (a guess, I could be wrong).

What kind of games are you wanting to play?

Probably just some Minecraft

maybe some Team Fortress 2

 

[FrankHahn]

Apple indicates that both 2.3 and 2.5 GHz models work with a 27" Cinema Display. In reality, which model is more appropriate for ordinary uses and light scientific programming with a 27" Cinema Display?

 

[MythicFrost]

Probably just some Minecraft

maybe some Team Fortress 2

Not sure about Minecraft, but the latter will probably be fine on low with a lower resolution, but I'm not sure how it'd cope at 1080p. I can't be sure though.