Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

iMac or MacMini - some questions?

mercuryguy

mercuryguy

macrumors member
Original poster
Jul 21, 2009
73
2
Tampa
Hey guys,

I am thinking on buying a new computer, debating to go with imac 21.5 or mac mini with a new monitor. Money is tight :(

I do a lot of browsing with firefox, sometimes i have more than 50 tabs open along with Mail, Itunes, iphoto, ical open. My work has given me a 2006 macbook pro with 2gigs which I am currently typing this and I feel 2G is not enough for my needs with my wife logged in with her firefox running. I will have to return it back when I quit there.

I don’t play any video games, so I don't really care for high graphics.

I am a software developer so I install various packages like iPhone sdk, xcode and so I need good computing power.

I also need the webcam and microphone since I talk to my family online who are in an other country.

Based on the above I have been thinking of the two options:

1) Base iMac 21.5 - 1149 with edu discount comes with $71.81 tax to $1220.81

2) MacMini with a new monitor
base macmini with 4g - $639, comes to 678.94 with tax
Samsung 24 inch from newegg - $270 ( http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16824001280 )
adaptor to plug the mini to the monitor - $29
I have keyboard and mouse
The disadvantage here is I need to buy an external webcam and mic to chat with my family.

My only fear is that I never bought a All-in-one before and so little worried about it. Also, I keep hearing about the screen problems. Also I was thinking of not getting Applecare if I buy the macmini, but if I decide to buy the iMac, do you think I need to buy the AppleCare?

While posting this thread, I feel the iMac makes a lot of sense but would like to hear what you guys think. In the future I might get a 13in macbook pro.

what do you guys think?

Thanks!
 
I'd look at getting the iMac. Even though you won't tax the computer much, it's still worth it to "future proof" it. It will be able to last you for much longer than a mac mini.
 
No, did not consider it. I guess I like to have new machine. I will have to up the memory to 4G on that refurb.

I like the back-lit, memory card slot and more harddisk space on the new imac.
 

Attachments

  • profile.jpg
    profile.jpg
    122.3 KB · Views: 89
If I do go with the iMac, I am thinking of going with the Base 21.5 with 9400M graphics since I don't do high-end graphics or play games.
Maybe in the future I can buy cheap ram and upgrade it to 6G or 8G by myself.

What do you guys think about the screen of the new imac, its glossy. I have never worked on a glossy screen before but when I looked at it at the apple store it didn't seem to bother me.

Where is the best place to buy, Apple store or Amazon or macmall?
I will get the edu discount and $100 rebate from the apple store. I was planning to get a printer anyway, so the apple store might be the best place to buy.

Also, do you guys recommend the wireless keyboard or wired, I like numeric pad and so I guess I will have no choice but to get the wired keyboard, although I do have the white old wired last generation keyboard with big keys.

Also, the mouse, to go with magic mouse or the mighty mouse?
Sorry guys, I ask a lot of questions :)
 
I say iMac, in the long run it will last you alot longer then the Mini will, and about Applecare it should come with one free year, so you don't have to buy it right away, just purchase some later on but before your 1 year free applecare ends.
 
Thanks for the replies so far.

I am having hard time picking between Base iMac 21.5 with Nvidia 9400M and iMac 21.5 ATI with 256mb.

Its almost $250 more but its very tempting. I know I don't play any games on it, but I use it to play ripped movies, tennis videos, you tube and such. It will also come with extra 500G memory,

What do you guys think?
 
mercuryguy said:
Thanks for the replies so far.

I am having hard time picking between Base iMac 21.5 with Nvidia 9400M and iMac 21.5 ATI with 256mb.

Its almost $250 more but its very tempting. I know I don't play any games on it, but I use it to play ripped movies, tennis videos, you tube and such. It will also come with extra 500G memory,

What do you guys think?
Click to expand...

I always like futureproofing a machine to the best of my ability. It's better to have it then wish you had it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back