Facing a Dilemma. Mac mini vs Imac 21'

[Theone0581]

Alright so I here is what I got going on.

I could ether get the Imac 21 inch. Refurbished found on this page:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC413LL/A?mco=MTU0MzQ1NzA

Which comes down to roughly $1200 after tax.

Or I could go a cheaper route and get this Mac mini Found on this page:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/FC239LL/A?mco=MTU5MTc1NjM

With a 21 inch monitor, wireless keyboard and mouse found on newegg.com

Which comes down to roughly all together after tax: $855

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What do you guys think would be the better option between the two and why?

 

[spinnerlys]

As with every purchase decision thread, it comes down to your needs.

Do you think the Mac mini will satisfy you or will the iMac be a better suit?

 

[TMRaven]

If you do not already have the monitor, mouse and keyboard, then get the 21.5 inch. Even though it may come out to be a little bit more expensive, it's still a considerably better deal. If you just browse the internet all day on the computer, the 21.5 inch model iMac is still something to get, because the extra power will both help futureproof and get you through random cpu intensive tasks you may someday have to do.

 

[Theone0581]

Cool. Thanks guys

 

[Hellhammer]

Spend 100$ more and get the new iMac, the i3 is worth it. As said above, if you don't have the peripherals for Mini, just get the iMac as it's faster plus the screen is better than those cheapish displays

 

[samk8000]

The iMac will be way better forever, there is a new one with i3 so it has hyper threading, a way faster clock speed, all in one simplicity, a built in monitor will save space too, free keyboard and mouse and a higher resale value. Example: an iMac G5 goes for $350-500, from 2004, the mini from that time sells for $200-$300 now.

 

[bigmacman]

iMac 21.5" i3 hands down over mini. If you want to save some money, go for the refurbished 21.5" dual core if that suits your needs.