Mac mini vs iMac?

[macdatadrive]

Okay, not exactly sure if this should go in iMac or Mini, but anyway.

For gaming on the level of Sims 3, Photoshop, iLife, iWork and office, plus some light video editing, which would be better?
The screen doesn't matter for now, just value for money.

 

[miles01110]

For value and discounting the requirement of an extra screen, I think the Mini wins in that scenario.

 

[Poki]

Definitely the Mini - if you already got a screen. The IPS-Panel with LED-backlight, which is used in the iMac, comes pretty expensive if you buy separately, so if you don't have a screen you're happy with, go iMac.

For your uses, however, the Mini is more than sufficient. You even can play much more demanding games then the Sims 3, which is like Fifa when it comes to system requirements.

 

[vigosstian]

re:Mac mini vs iMac?

Video editing would be much better on an iMac. Besides that, both the 20" and 24" screens are gems... can't go wrong with an extra monitor! If I were in the market for a new Mac, the extra cost of the iMac would be totally justified. As I've said before, the baseline 20" iMac right now is a steal.

 

[Moonjumper]

The Mac Mini should suit you well. I wouldn't buy the current iMac, even though it is a great machine in many ways, because of the screen. I hate the reflections. Try one for yourself to see if you find it a problem.

 

[Poki]

I personally don't like the all-in-one concept. If you buy a new computer, you're stuck with your old iMac. If you buy a Mini and a separate display, just connect the Mini to your TV, gift it to your parents, whatsoever, and use the screen for your next computer. But that's maybe just me.

 

[macdatadrive]

See, I have the last white intel iMac.
And I mean, I know the mini, is more than sufficient, but now I realise the screen I have is C.R.A.P.
So, I could either save up extra for the TD (which would come in handy is I get a MBA or MBP)
Or I could buy an upgraded iMac for the same price.
What do you think.
My white unibody Macbook is Sufficent for now.
It runs ML, so that makes me happy.

 

[lilsoccakid74]

As the owner of 3 imacs and 3 minis over the last 6 years, here is something important to think about while you still have options.

2/3 of the imacs died, and the beautiful 17'' monitors on them are now useless


I went from an '06 mini to an '09, and then to a 2011. Being able to simply unplug everything from one machine and plug it all back into the other in is fantastic. This also makes it easy enough for me to just sell every 2-3 years, and for about 200 bucks I can get the latest and greatest

 

[safetyobc]

I am in a similar position. I want to get a new Mac since I am typing this post on a late 2007 Macbook Pro 2.2 GHz. She is still working well but age is starting to become a factor. I would like to get a Mini but also like the iMac. I don't have a screen so I would need to buy a monitor and keyboard.

The Mini would save me some $$$ for sure. I mainly web surf, iPhoto, iTunes, and Civ V for gaming. I think the Mini would be an awesome upgrade from my current MBP. I'm going to wait and see what the rev will bring for the Mini though.

 

[Ifti]

I had an iMac, literally for 2 weeks. The screen is beautiful when you are in a darker environment, but in lighter environments, or during the day, there are way too many reflections. It's really distracting.
I'm holding out for a new mini and will go for the server version to, well, use as a server! Lol