Mac Mini for Graphic Design?

[tripo11]

hi guys,

Some weeks ago I posted a question here:
https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/352636/

I was basically trying to decide between an iMac and a Mac Pro to use for design classes and work at home.

Now, I have been thinking: what if instead of the iMac I get a Mac Mini? I'd go for the faster one, and with 2 gigs of RAM.

I know you can't put more than 2 gigs. I also know the iMac comes with the screen+keyboard.

I'd have to buy one good monitor, but when you put all together I'd end up paying about $1,400 - $1,450 for the Mini+LCD+Keyboard.... which is still $350 under the iMac I was thinking of buying (the "basic" 24" for $1,799 in the US)

Some people here say the Minis are powerful machines, but I never hear them mentioning the use of a Mini for Graphic Design/Graphic applications.

I'd appreciate yourt feedback on this.
thanks.

 

[devnill]

Mac Mini rules

I have a mac mini with 1 G and 60 G drive Which I would go for more disk space and more RAM photo shop and video editing scanning etc. eats loads of both. All depends on the applications you will be running.
Having said that the GIMP runs real fast. Like you pointed out you need to buy a
keyboard and Screen I bought a NEC AccuSync Monitor as the mini has a adapter for non apple lcd's. The keyboard was recycled from my smoked G4.
I would not swap my mini for anything it's a really neat little box.
The iMac users may have a different opinion.

 

[plumbingandtech]

I would get something that allows for at least 3 gigs of ram.

Once you start getting busy and adding more tools to your palette, you are going to want more. The HD on the mini is slow (not sure if the imac is the same but at least it can be upgraded in both ram and hd better.)


If I were you I would look for a refurbed mac pro. These machines are sweet.

save money. buy more ram (macsales.com cheap. good ram.)

best of luck.

 

[AlexisV]

A Mac Mini with a bit of RAM will be fantastic for PS.

Photoshop even works well on a 700Mhz G4, so you'll have no probs on your Mini.

 

[JAT]

I love my Mini and go around these forums preaching it. But I would buy the iMac for more speed in this situation. (think HDD) Or even the refurb Pro idea above.

 

[Cave Man]

Works for me! Aperture and PSCS3 are quite a combo.

 

[Jiddick ExRex]

How about AutoCad in windows? Any experiences with that?

 

[PTA]

I am running one of the new Core2Duos (2Ghz) and I haven't had any problems running graphic and audio design software. Lightroom, Photoshop CS3, Finale, VectorWorks, etc.

I got the mini because I already had a 20" widescreen BenQ monitor and money was tight this summer. Down the road I would like to get a refurb MacPro. My biggest problem with the mini is that it only has one DVI port so I can not do dual monitors.