mini or imac?

[amt-austin]

I am having trouble deciding between a mini or imac. I started looking at an imac, the 27-inch models only. I was going to buy one with quad core and possibly SSD. The thing that is scaring me off is all the reports of yellowing on the displays. So, I started looking at the imac + 27-inch cinema display (this display does not appear to have the same issue). I like the idea of not having the display and computer together. However, the biggest inhibitor is that the mac mini only has the core duo CPUs.

I plan on using the computer mostly for web stuff, some photo work (probably stick with iPhoto), maybe some DVD and eventually blu-ray ripping (although I will typically not re-encode as I plan on using a SageTV to play them). Some questions:
1) Does anyone really think the CPU will be too weak for the above?
2) Is there anything (future killer app, etc) in the next 2-3 years that will make make the cpu too weak?
3) Do you think the cpu will handle upscaling 480p/720p/1080p content to 1440p (the cinema display's native res)?

Also, anyone swapped out their disk for a SSD? I am thinking about a 128GB disk, and probably have a much larger external disk attached for ripped movies.

Thanks!

P.S. I would love to go mac pro, but cannot justify that $$

 

[Hellhammer]

Give the iMac a try. IMO it sounds ridiculous to buy Mini and 27" ACD as for the same money, you can get an iMac which is much faster. If you get (several) defective iMac(s), then think about something else.

 

[amt-austin]

I know, it sounds kind of crazy considering the power of the imac. Currently my imac of choice is this:
http://store.apple.com/us/product/G0JP1LL/A?mco=MTk0MjA0MzU

which is about $400 off the non-refurb price.

If I were to upgrade a mini with better disk, and buy the keyboard and mouse, and upgrade memory, I still am not far off from the imac price, but with less than 1/2 the CPU power.

 

[djtofu]

I'd say go with the iMac. I had a mac mini before and I thought i was a happy camper with it as well, but its limted in terms of speed and graphics. The iMac would be a better buy since you do get the nicer looking screen and the option for a quad core cpu.

Refurb is the best place to go, and you shouldnt have any lcd issues, I know I haven't yet

 

[ThinIce]

Go iMac, you will be happy with your choice.

 

[amt-austin]

I ended up ordering a refurb 27-inch iMac with 2.8GHz i5 and SSD. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[ItsMattLive]

Definatley iMac (great value for money) , I made the mistake of buying Mac Mini - Now moving to Macbook Pro.

 

[S.B.G]

iMac all the way. You won't be disappointed. I have a 24" C2D and it is totally awesome!

 

[philipma1957]

I have mac mini
imac
and mac pro the refurb 27 inch imac is the way to go. also in 11 months you can still get apple care and cover the screen. if you buy the mac mini and wait 11 months for apple care purchase the screen is not covered