Aside from the graphics, and slightly slower processor how does a 1.66Ghz Core Duo Mini compare to a 1.88Ghz Coure Duo iMac, performance wise? Do you think I would notice a big difference in performance with the iMac? The reaso I ask is becaue I wan't to sell my current G4, and either buy an iMac or a Mini. But I don't wan't to spend that much, so the Mini seems like a good deal. Im not really that into Gaming so the integrated graphics don't bother me. What do you think? Mini or iMac?
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Mac Mini Vs. iMac?
- Thread starter todd2000
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The mini also has the slower notebook hard drive meaning it'll also be more expensive to replace/upgrade further down the track. However, this doesn't sound like it'll be a huge issue for you. If you already have a decent screen, then the mini is an excellent choice. 
mad jew said:The mini also has the slower notebook hard drive meaning it'll also be more expensive to replace/upgrade further down the track. However, this doesn't sound like it'll be a huge issue for you. If you already have a decent screen, then the mini is an excellent choice.
Yup, and you will get another USB 2.0 port and both optical in and out not just out (iMac)
If you don't need the graphics and don't do anything too expensive you'll be just fine with a mini
I had a G4 mini and it was a great little computer, so I would get one, they are solid Mac's and you can always change the display out if you fell you ever need a bigger one. If you want to ever upgrade you Mac, I would then buy the iMac since it is easier to change the parts out.
If you have a good screen, Mini is perfect. I'd advise you to get a wireless Apple keyboard and a Might Mouse. That is the sweetest combo... Performance wise, you may notice the iMac being a bit snappier, but since you don't game, the Mini will fullfill all your needs, unless you do heavy graphicswork/videoediting, and in such a case, you could just get 2 GB.
$700 - CD Mini
$300 - 2 GB RAM (it will last you longer)
$50 - Mighty Mouse
$60 - BT keyboard
=$1100
A stock 17" iMac is $1299, so you will in any case get a better deal from the Mini, if you already have a display.
Performance wise, you may notice the iMac being a bit snappier, but since you don't game, the Mini will fullfill all your needs, unless you do heavy graphicswork/videoediting, and in such a case, you could just get 2 GB.$700 - CD Mini
$300 - 2 GB RAM (it will last you longer)
$50 - Mighty Mouse
$60 - BT keyboard
=$1100
A stock 17" iMac is $1299, so you will in any case get a better deal from the Mini, if you already have a display.
My daughter is looking for her first computer. And I was thinking of the Mac Mini and beef it up as much as possible from the Apple Store Web Site. All she needs to do is run MS Office, Edit & Print Pictures, Surf and E-Mail. Do you think this would be a good option for her or go with the 20" iMac? Thanks..
Bill.....
Bill.....
merc669 said:
I think the iMac is better for children, I mean the Mini is a small computer.. and it'd be quite a lot of interconnecting cables running between the monitor and the mini, on the other hand the iMac is just one big integrated appliance.
Also the power switch is on the back of the mini, so for a small child she'd might have to stand up to reach behind just to power it on, not that nice.
eXan said:
Unless they're on special, they're closer to $150 a pop. I bet we all wish they were $100 normally...
generik said:Too bad the Macbook is not included in the poll, cos that's the one I'd root for
Both the Mini and iMac are way dated for their price and both are really in need of a speedbump that should be due about anytime soon.
Why do you say that? The 1.83 Core Duo MacBook is basically the same as the Mini but $300 more? It has the same Processor, Same Video Card, Same Speed ram, same FSB. What makes it better then a Mini?
merc669 said:
A maxed out Mac Mini would be cover more then ever thing she needs to do.. heck a Core Solo with 1Gb of RAM could do it.. but the Core Duo is worth the extra few 100 for much more speed. Unless you don't have a screen in which case go from the iMac 17''.. unless she uses lots of apps a the same time.. then the 3'' might be worth it.
Also how old is she?
She's 20 living in Hawaii with a 9 month old. I thought of the Mac-Mini due to space limitations in her Apt. Maxed out it looks cheaper than a 20" IMac. all she wants is MS Office with Word and PowerPoint, and a way to edit, view and burn pictures along with the Surfing and Mail. She is not into games unles its a good game of Solitare. I have priced out Gateways and I get a discount with Dell but I have been so impressed with my MBP that I am encouraging that. She just reupped in the Army for a second tour with a bonus. So I thought this would be the chance to get a decent computer without the headaches of Windoze! Also she works a lot with Unix at work and she likes that so I told her about the terminal and console and writing scripts, etc. I figure it would be a shoe-in unless she goes with a PC and moves to Linux. I used to do Linux and have no problem helping her there.
Bill.....
Bill.....
I too have been waiting for WWDC and a speed bump to the Mini before replacing my G4. I would get a Core Duo with 2GB RAM, but have been worried about the graphics and drive speed issues. I have a great 19" LaCie monitor and bluetooth mouse. I want to do quite a bit with iMovie and eventually move to Final Cut Express. Any ideas on how the graphics will affect that, or will the RAM be more the issue in which case 2GB is fine. I am hoping the Mini get upgraded to the GMA 965 chipset which has 128mb integrated graphics. I also have a 7200 RPM 120GB Western Digital SE with 8MB Cache that I can throw into a case. OWC has a newerTech v2 case for $80 or you can get them with drives, that holds a 3.5 inch drive in the same footprint as the Mini and expands your ports. Any thoughts on how that a 7200 RPM drive via Firewire will compare speed wise with the internal SATA 5400 RPM drive of the Mini.
Another big question for me is whether Apple will release a mid-size tower at WWDC, something with expandability but not quite the power or price of the pro line. I want dedicated graphics and a second drive slot, but don't want the built in screen of the iMac. Don't get me wrong, it's a great machine, but I have a 19" screen, so I would have to get the 20" at this point and that's $1700 before RAM or a bigger drive.
Another big question for me is whether Apple will release a mid-size tower at WWDC, something with expandability but not quite the power or price of the pro line. I want dedicated graphics and a second drive slot, but don't want the built in screen of the iMac. Don't get me wrong, it's a great machine, but I have a 19" screen, so I would have to get the 20" at this point and that's $1700 before RAM or a bigger drive.
roland.g said:
Yeah it would be nice if they released a tower with like the same specs as the iMac and charged a few hundred less, since you wouldn't get a screen.
On the subject of Graphics, how much better/worse is the GMA950 than my current Radeon 9000 Pro?
paddy said:
I guess I really should save up and sell my G4, Monitor, and iSight and just get an iMac I don't wan't any component of my new computer to be worse then my current one, not to mention I would like a 17" display, and the ability to upgrade eaiser should I want to.
