Mac Mini i7 2012 or rMBP 15" (base model)?

[apfelmann]

what would you do?

Comparison:

Mac mini i7 would cost me 600€ (is on sale)
I already own a 256GB SSD
16 GB RAM costs 110€
23" display costs 130€

total 830€

new rMBP (base model) would cost me 1700€ (edu pricing)
FireWire adapter 30€
back to school gift card -70€

total 1660€

the only real advantages of the MacBook Pro would be the iris pro and the retina display as I don't really need the portability.

or am I missing something in the comparison?

 

[dimme]

Well if you don't need the portability that the mini is the one to get.

 

[ctyhntr]

Memory in the rMBP isn't upgradeable unlike the Mac Mini,

 

[kwijbo]

Memory in the rMBP isn't upgradeable unlike the Mac Mini,

Both are maxed at 16 GB

 

[giggles]

I see you mention firewire adapter.

If you have a lot of bus-powered firewire devices, keep in mind that said adapter is limited to 7 Watts of power:

https://discussions.apple.com/message/19901787

 

[ColdCase]

Are you are talking base 15 inch rMBP?

rMBP wireless would offer much better data rate.

mini has more USB slots

rMBP SSD is PCI, a lot faster than the mini SATA with SSD.

 

[apfelmann]

I see you mention firewire adapter.

If you have a lot of bus-powered firewire devices, keep in mind that said adapter is limited to 7 Watts of power:

https://discussions.apple.com/message/19901787

I only really need it for my FW AUDIO INTERFACE. As far as I know this should work fine with the adapter

----------

Are you are talking base 15 inch rMBP?

rMBP wireless would offer much better data rate.

mini has more USB slots

rMBP SSD is PCI, a lot faster than the mini SATA with SSD.

yes, I mean the 15". I know it's a tough comparison, but there just happened this LEAK for a Mac mini MID 2014!!!

so maybe soon time for a new comparison ;-)

 

[barkmonster]

The CPU in the rMBP is faster, as is the GPU and PCIe flash. The fact it's a laptop is a bonus if portability is needed but I'd hold on to see what specs the new Mac Mini has.