Difference between iMac and Mini

[Arkangil]

Hi all,

This is my first post. I've been reading the rumours sites, and researching apples lines for about half a year now. I'm a PC user who is contemplating making the switch for no reason other than I'm ready for a change!

Anyway, my wife bought me a really nice Samsung 22" monitor for my birthday last year. My question is basically this. Is the Mini basically an imac without the monitor?

I know the new ones are coming out, and so I'll wait and see, but is there a chance there will be a Mini model that has the higher end video card and cpu (I game a little), and will perform like an imac, only I can still use my monitor and not have to pay for that? Or is the Mini always a slightly watered down model?

Thanks all!

 

[edesignuk]

If the Mini update happens it should get a better video card, still not as good as the iMac, but better. As for CPU, who knows

You could always get the iMac and plug your 22" monitor in to it for dual screens

 

[Arkangil]

I had thought of that, and will likely go that route should the mini not be enough computer. I was in my local Apple reseller (no Apple Store for a few hours) and had my first long chance to work with a 24" iMac. Nice computer for sure. Like most people who switch, my main concerns are lack of upgrad-ability, price, and lack of software. Of course, the third is a non issue with Bootcamp, and the second is a non-issue with everyone telling me they retain their value, and in a worst case scenario that I hate it, I could probably sell it for 60-80% of it's original cost, buy a PC, and pocket the rest.

I'm hoping I can convince myself. I definately want to give it a long term try.

And the extended desktop might be useful as well. Parallels on one, OSX on the other!

 

[opeter]

Mac mini will be more upgradable, than the iMac...

 

[nick9191]

It should get the Nvidia 9400M graphics. This is better than the baseline iMac's card, and sufficient for any game on the market today, however obviously the card will perform poorly with the likes of Crysis etc.

 

[Arkangil]

Thanks for all the input. I guess it's all speculation right now, given what may or may not happen tomorrow. I will wait and see, and then discuss my options with my Mac vendor, and my PC vendor!