iMac v. Mac Mini

[repojen]

I rely on my 15" PowerBook G4 for day to day use, though I have a host of peripherals and drives that are served off an old grey G3 tower using a 17" flat display. The tower functions primarily as a hub for all of the storage and as a media center; I do all my eyeTV recording on it.

Lately, I've done all of my hard work -- Photoshop, video editing, et cetera -- on the laptop since the G3 wasn't really up to it. I don't see that changing, and I still see the desktop model being primarily a media center.

I'm about to get a new Mac laptop (jury's still out on which one) and a new desktop model. I had been waiting -- for ages -- for the Mac Mini update, in hopes of something far more impressive than we just got. But, since it's going to be a while before we get another Mini update (if they keep a headless option in the lineup at all) and since my G3 is literally groaning all the time now (I can hear it a room away), it's clearly time for me to take the plunge.

I have a 17" flatscreen display from when I purchased the G3. Obviously, I have mice and keyboards galore. So, a Mac Mini makes a lot of sense. I don't feel compelled to ditch the display I already have for a 20" one compartmentalized in an all-in-one machine unless it's far, far faster.

So, how do the new iMacs stack up against the Mac Minis in performance? Has anyone seen any head to head(less) performance comparisons on the latest models?

Jen.

 

[Father Jack]

I would think the iMac wins from a performance point of view, but I think it's important to be able to chose the make and size of monitor.
Personally I wouldn't use the iMac for "serious" Photoshop work, but no doubt there will be many who won't agree ....

 

[gkarris]

We use a new Al iMac at church, and I have a Mini at home.

I love the Mini, I hesitate to buy anything with a built-in monitor.

But of course, the iMac is a more powerful machine with the discreet graphics chips.

I say, if you can find a used Mini, go with that until maybe the Santa Rosa Minis come out next Spring (the Minis tend to mimic the MacBook chipset).

If nothing comes out, use the Mini you have. If something does, then resell the Mini, they hold their value.

 

[FatSweatyBlldog]

The mini is an awesome machine, for what it is.

I would avoid the new iMacs until they workout the hardware/driver/freezing kinks (i.e. future revisions). Look at the white iMacs: rock solid by the end.

As others have said, your best bet might be a mini now to hold you over until new iMacs/new minis. The refurb 1.83 Core Duo, 1.83 Core 2 Duo, or 2.0 Core 2 Duo all seem like great refurb values...just be sure of the specs on the machine you're ordering, as there are still some core solos in the refurb shop.

Good luck, and here's what can be had at Apple's refurb store, if you check early enough:

 

[JAT]

For a media center and server, the Mini is very good. You'd probably want an external hard drive of some sort if you have a lot of stuff to store.

 

[repojen]

thx

Thanks for all of the advice. I think I will go with an older Mini -- and keep a close eye on the specs while shopping. This makes me feel better about sticking with headless options.

You're right about needing separate storage. With the current setup, I have data stored on four different drives ranging from 120 gigs to 360 gigs (and use a massive fifth one for backup of everything). I really need to consolidate it all before the usb and fw cords alone take over, but just getting the mini will be a good first step since I'll be able to realize usb 2.0 speeds on the desktop (something I can't do now).

Thanks!
Jen.