is the $799 mac mini essentially the same as the $1199 imac except...

[stateofmind]

no screen, more hdd space, and a dedicated graphics card?

asking because, I already have everything for the mac mini except the graphics card, and was wondering if its worth it, I am planning on putting Final Cut Pro on the mac mini even thought its not recommended but I wont be doing anything to demanding except for the rare occasion when im dealing with 24p footage.

 

[yippy]

The hard drive in the iMac is also faster as it is a desktop drive and not a laptop hard drive. Plus it has a FW 800 port and the mini does not.

So they are similar in terms of processing power but because you cannot change or upgrade the graphics in either system that is usually the deciding factor to if a Mac mini is an option over an iMac.

 

[GimmeSlack12]

iMac>>Mac Mini

 

[JG271]

Higher screen resolution, dual monitor support.
Also the iMac can utilize a full 4GB ram.

 

[QCassidy352]

Another difference: although both are merom chips, the imac uses the santa rosa chipset, and the mini uses the older, napa chipset. This means, among other things, that the imac has a 4GB RAM limit while the mini will only see 3.3GB.

Basically, the imac is a better choice is pretty much every way. I think you'd be a lot happier with it in the long run, even if you already have a screen, mouse, kb, etc.

 

[inkswamp]

The iMac also has a built-in camera on the display (goes without saying that a headless Mac Mini wouldn't have that, but it's one more feature difference to consider.)

 

[aethelbert]

Another difference: although both are merom chips, the imac uses the santa rosa chipset, and the mini uses the older, napa chipset. This means, among other things, that the imac has a 4GB RAM limit while the mini will only see 3.3GB.

No. This means, among other things, that the iMac has an 8GB RAM limit while the mini will only see 3.3GB.

 

[n1ght]

They have the following differences:
- GMA950 graphics vs. 128MB ATI Radeon HD2400XT dedicated graphics
- 5400rpm HDD vs. 7200 rpm HDD
- 120GB HDD vs. 250GB HDD
- No screen vs. 20" display
- No keyboard or mouse vs. keyboard and mouse included
- No webcam and microphone vs. webcam and microphone
- Mono speaker vs. stereo speakers
- 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi vs. 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 3.3GB RAM limit instead of 4GB (8 is the technical limit, but 4GB RAM sticks don't exist right now.)

The $1199 iMac also goes for $999 refurbished.
The $799 Mac mini goes for $679 refurbished.

Overall, the iMac is a better deal. Sacrificing some upgrading limitations is worth it for the huge list of things you get for $400. ($320 when comparing refurbs.)

 

[balamw]

- No screen vs. 20" display

Not to mention the iMac can also drive an external monitor for a dual display, while the mini can only support one display.

B

 

[themoonisdown09]

I already have everything for the mac mini except the graphics card...

What does this mean?

 

[alphaod]

What does this mean?

He probably means his Mac Mini has everything the iMac has except for the graphics card, but that's not possible because the CPU, chipset, and memory support are all outdated.

 

[balamw]

He probably means his Mac Mini has everything the iMac has except for the graphics card, but that's not possible because the CPU, chipset, and memory support are all outdated.

I read it as the OP meaning graphics card = display. So dedicated graphics card = integrated display in the iMac.

B

 

[PNW]

Overall, the iMac is a better deal. Sacrificing some upgrading limitations is worth it for the huge list of things you get for $400. ($320 when comparing refurbs.)

Those things only have value if you don't already have them and want them, otherwise it's money down the drain. That being said the chipset in the current mini is way out of date. I would definitely recommend holding off on a mini until it's updated (probably not more than a month or two, possibly tomorrow)

 

[stateofmind]

They have the following differences:
- GMA950 graphics vs. 128MB ATI Radeon HD2400XT dedicated graphics
- 5400rpm HDD vs. 7200 rpm HDD
- 120GB HDD vs. 250GB HDD
- No screen vs. 20" display
- No keyboard or mouse vs. keyboard and mouse included
- No webcam and microphone vs. webcam and microphone
- Mono speaker vs. stereo speakers
- 802.11a/b/g Wi-Fi vs. 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi
- 3.3GB RAM limit instead of 4GB (8 is the technical limit, but 4GB RAM sticks don't exist right now.)

The $1199 iMac also goes for $999 refurbished.
The $799 Mac mini goes for $679 refurbished.

Overall, the iMac is a better deal. Sacrificing some upgrading limitations is worth it for the huge list of things you get for $400. ($320 when comparing refurbs.)

Can I expect a refurb imac to be in immaculate cosmetic condition? Meaning if it was scuffed up, that would be worked out before being sold?

 

[airjuggernaut]

Can I expect a refurb imac to be in immaculate cosmetic condition? Meaning if it was scuffed up, that would be worked out before being sold?

I just got my refurb today, and it looks like the brand new one i had just a few months ago

 

[akm3]

The actual comparison is that the $799 Mac Mini is = to the previous generation Macbook, minus the display, minus the keyboard, minus the mouse, minus a battery, minus some BTO options.

 

[bluedoggiant]

The actual comparison is that the $799 Mac Mini is = to the previous generation Macbook, minus the display, minus the keyboard, minus the mouse, minus a battery, minus some BTO options.

you mean the previous, previous, previous macbook.

the 1.83-2ghz generation of macbook's ended in may 2007. then cam the 2-2.16 gen, then 2-2.2ghz, and now 2.1-2.4ghz.