mini or imac?

[acwwjd]

Hey Guys,

I'm a long time recording hobbyist (Cubase- PC) and I'm about to purchase either a mac mini or an iMac for my teenage sons to use Logic Pro. They are both at an intermediate level with Cubase and do really well with Garageband. Also, they currently use iMovie and within a couple of years I see them growing into using Final Cut. Any guidelines on the minimum requirements needed now and where to go as far as upgrading in the near future as the "size" of their recordings/videos grow?

Thank You!

 

[LeandrodaFL]

You really should choose based on wich design you like best, cause they are both great machines.

 

[salazr]

honestly the high end mac mini is powerful enough

get that plus the standalone 27inch display.

if they need more power in a couple of years it will be so much easier to replace a mini

 

[indg]

i think they'd be all right with the standard 2.5ghz i5 mini for $800 and just upgrade the ram to 8gb yourself ($50). if you need a display/keyboard/mouse/webcam/speakers, have $1200 to spend, and not strongly averse to glossy displays, i'd go with an imac.

if in a year or two they outgrow the mini, sell it and replace it with the newest model. don't overspend today on what you think you'll need years down the road. if a mac is too underpowered for your needs, you'll notice it right away. otherwise you should be fine for 12-18 months at least, unless your needs change dramatically.