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Mac mini or Refurb iMac

D

dip

macrumors newbie
Original poster
May 7, 2009
5
0
This is driving me crazy!!! Trying to decide on a Refurb iMac or new Mini. The Refurbished iMac 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with a 2600PRO for 849. Or a Mini with a Dell e-ips 2209WA monitor. The Mini configuration would be a bit cheaper maybe 100. I would still have to get a keyboard and mouse with the Mini.

I am scared of a couple of things the Refurb is at least a year old correct? I am also a concerned with the Mini graphics with any kind of gaming. I would like to play occasional games like COD4 and would like to play the new one coming out in a few months.

I am also thinking the 9400m is fine right now but for how long? I can see the Mini getting a speed bump like the old ones did in 6 to 9 months. I was trying to find some benchmarks on the 2600 vs the 9400 and it looks like the 2600 is far superior.:confused:

Thanks everyone!
 
dip said:
This is driving me crazy!!! Trying to decide on a Refurb iMac or new Mini. The Refurbished iMac 20-inch 2.4GHz Intel Core 2 Duo with a 2600PRO for 849. Or a Mini with a Dell e-ips 2209WA monitor. The Mini configuration would be a bit cheaper maybe 100. I would still have to get a keyboard and mouse with the Mini.

I am scared of a couple of things the Refurb is at least a year old correct? I am also a concerned with the Mini graphics with any kind of gaming. I would like to play occasional games like COD4 and would like to play the new one coming out in a few months.

I am also thinking the 9400m is fine right now but for how long? I can see the Mini getting a speed bump like the old ones did in 6 to 9 months. I was trying to find some benchmarks on the 2600 vs the 9400 and it looks like the 2600 is far superior.:confused:

Thanks everyone!
Click to expand...

Go for the refurb. It has a dedicated GPU rather than one that rides on the rest of the computer for the most part.

Apple Refurbished is when someone returns a computer, used or sometimes unopened. Apple puts the computer through some tests, fixes what is wrong with it, then retests it and sells it.
 
dip said:
I am scared of a couple of things the Refurb is at least a year old correct?
Click to expand...

Many, if not most, refurbs are current generation machines. You'll be able to tell by the specs before you order. It will be brand new and have the exact same warranty as a "new" machine. Order away and don't worry about the refurb.

I am also a concerned with the Mini graphics with any kind of gaming. I would like to play occasional games like COD4 and would like to play the new one coming out in a few months.
Click to expand...

Then you might also be concerned with the graphics in the cheap iMac; it may not be any better.

I am also thinking the 9400m is fine right now but for how long? I can see the Mini getting a speed bump like the old ones did in 6 to 9 months.
Click to expand...

Don't hold your breath; the last bump took over a year and a half, I believe. And 6-9 months is an eternity to wait; if you wait that long, you might as well wait 12-18 months for two revisions from now, etc. You'd never buy anything.
 
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Get the iMac.
 
Looks like the iMac is the winner. The faster processor and video card really seals the deal and your opinions! Now waiting on the refurb to show up today on Apple.com. Thanks again!:)
 
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