I know I have posted a few threads on which Mac I should buy, but I think I finally have narrowed it down. Yesterday, I noticed that the Apple Online store's refurbished section had an iMac in it. It specs were: 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 1GB RAM, ATI (don't remember the model) 128MB graphics chip, and 320GB hard drive. For a few days I have been thinking of getting a Mac mini (new or refurb with same specs) with: 2.26GHz Intel Core 2 Duo, 2GB RAM, NVIDIA 9400M graphics, 160GB hard drive. When I equal all of them out, they may come to the same price. If you add a $175 screen, $90 for an Apple Keyboard and Mighty Mouse, it comes to around $865 (I have a screen, so a new one isn't immediately needed, so $690), and the iMac was $750 (just needed more RAM, but no screen or peripherals needed to buy in addition to it. However this computer is not available any longer). I would not buy until after Apple's upcoming event to make sure iLife or anything would be updated, so I have a few weeks for complete consideration. Either would be for a lot of iTunes, online flash video (youtube and CNETTV), iWork, a little Photoshop, and some Java program writing. Thanks for all of the help I have been getting from everyone on this site!
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Mac mini or iMac (refurb)??
- Thread starter MaxMike
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Where in the world did you find the iMac refurb for $750? Its $1150 on Apple's refurb website.
MaxMike said:
It was in the store last night, but someone must have snatched it up earlier today
Oh okay. I must have over read that. That would have been a great deal. I'm also thinking of getting an iMac/ Mac mini. Its a tough decision.
Get the Mac Mini. Upgrade to 4GB of RAM and a 500GB 7200RPM hard drive in the future when needed.
1) If it is on the Apple refurb store page, hurry and complete the transaction. It may sell out in just a few minutes.
2) iMac vs mini.
Do you need the fastest speed? Are you playing any 3D games or using 3D apps? Do you love the Apple KB and mouse that refurb is going to ship with? Yes's indicate get an iMac.
Do you have your own monitor/keyboard/mouse? Do you want to turn it into a HTPC when you get your next computer? Are you really picky about the screen? Can you live with 250GB of disk or an external 1TB drive. Yes's here indicate a mini might be your choice.
I like my minis, hate Apple mice and keyboards, have my own 24" pixel perfect monitor, and plan to pass mini's down and keep them running for many years. iMacs don't do it for me.
2) iMac vs mini.
Do you need the fastest speed? Are you playing any 3D games or using 3D apps? Do you love the Apple KB and mouse that refurb is going to ship with? Yes's indicate get an iMac.
Do you have your own monitor/keyboard/mouse? Do you want to turn it into a HTPC when you get your next computer? Are you really picky about the screen? Can you live with 250GB of disk or an external 1TB drive. Yes's here indicate a mini might be your choice.
I like my minis, hate Apple mice and keyboards, have my own 24" pixel perfect monitor, and plan to pass mini's down and keep them running for many years. iMacs don't do it for me.
I really do wanna get a fast computer because my friend has a 2.4GHz MacBook Pro, and maybe, kinda out of spite I wanna get something just as good
lol. I do like the Apple Mighty Mouse and I do like the Apple Keyboard. I only have a 15" monitor available, and if I'm going to need to spend around $200 on a good screen for the mini, then I may as well just get the iMac because, come on, that 20" screen is gorgeous, it is slightly faster, has a dedicated GPU, and has all of the needed peripherals in the box (all I have is some mouse I don't even know the brand of and the old Apple Pro keyboard {rear USB ports}). So now I just have to wait for another to come up in the Apple refurbished online store . Thanks for all of the help everybody!! 
I bought the base model 21.5" refurbished Imac from the apple store and love it. That's what I would suggest.
But if you want a mac mini then I would suggest waiting for one to pop up on the refurbished section.
good luck.
But if you want a mac mini then I would suggest waiting for one to pop up on the refurbished section.
good luck.
I really do wanna get a fast computer because my friend has a 2.4GHz MacBook Pro, and maybe, kinda out of spite I wanna get something just as good
When they come back spend the extra $100 and get the $849 model with the ati 2600 vs the $749 model with the ati 2400. The 2600 is a much nicer dedicated gpu.
Cheers,