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New imac i3 or mac mini 2010
- Thread starter Bodzio1
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Do you already have a monitor and other peripherals you will need with Mini? What is your budget and usage? In my opinion, the iMac is better deal as it's faster plus has the screen etc
Deciding on buying refurbish or "brand new" is a personal choice. My wife hates buying refurbish items. Whether it be a vehicle, TV or computer, she hates the idea of buying something that was repaired. For me, I love the "cost savings" idea of buying pre-owned (and fixed). As long as it works and I save money, then refurbish is my default choice. But since my wife has the buying power in my home (especially since its "her" iMac), she picked the brand new purchase method. Buying new or refurbish is a personal choice...
Buying a Mac Mini or iMac is a personal choice as well. If into typical "home usage with NO games" usage and all one needs the "the box", then I'd buy the Mac Mini. Use existing monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc. is great on a Mini. Run it for 2-3 years and if/when it lags, I would upgrade to better Mac Mini. If into gaming, then go with the highest CPU and video setup. Gaming usage does drive one into higher end 27" i5 / i7 CPUs. i7 CPUs are needed for most intense games.
For my home, my wife picked the 2.15" "middle of the pack" box. re: 21.5" with i3 3.2 and better video card. If she plans to run the odd future game, it should do her OK. Not the best but OK. And for her typical home usage (NO games) with limited desk space, this small size screen box should fit her needs pefectly. Especially since we do NOT have existing monitor, keyboard or mouse - to connect to a possible Mac Mini box instead. For my wife, ALL-IN-ON iMac box looks better. NO wires and mixing of different H/W items either - which she loves as well.
Good luck - on which ever you decide to pick...
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Buying a Mac Mini or iMac is a personal choice as well. If into typical "home usage with NO games" usage and all one needs the "the box", then I'd buy the Mac Mini. Use existing monitor, keyboard, speakers, etc. is great on a Mini. Run it for 2-3 years and if/when it lags, I would upgrade to better Mac Mini. If into gaming, then go with the highest CPU and video setup. Gaming usage does drive one into higher end 27" i5 / i7 CPUs. i7 CPUs are needed for most intense games.
For my home, my wife picked the 2.15" "middle of the pack" box. re: 21.5" with i3 3.2 and better video card. If she plans to run the odd future game, it should do her OK. Not the best but OK. And for her typical home usage (NO games) with limited desk space, this small size screen box should fit her needs pefectly. Especially since we do NOT have existing monitor, keyboard or mouse - to connect to a possible Mac Mini box instead. For my wife, ALL-IN-ON iMac box looks better. NO wires and mixing of different H/W items either - which she loves as well.
Good luck - on which ever you decide to pick...
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iMac will be a better choice. If you want to save some $, get a refurb 21.5" from last year's model.
I've just spent an entire month on this question. I decided to buy a 21.5 inch 3.2 GHz iMac instead of a new Mini primarily because the value for the money metric of the iMac is significantly better.
If the 2010 Mini had been more reasonably priced at US$500 vs US$700, it would have been a different story.
If the 2010 Mini had been more reasonably priced at US$500 vs US$700, it would have been a different story.
Unless you're going to game, buy the cheaper one
I get Imac i3 3.06Ghz + ipod touche 8Gb +2yr AppleCare Protection Plan + tax for $1379 I thinking i make good deal what you think?
Not bad. Enjoy your new gears.
This one caught my eye. There's a saying in some regions. re: "if one keeps the wife happy during the day, she keeps the husband happy at night".
If your wife wants the iMac, then (in the long run), one should get the iMac. Thus, you become happy as well. Works for me (in my region).... If wondering, my wife's iMac 21.5" 3.2 1 TB system will be delivered soon. Hopefully, before this Friday. Only time will tell....
I had to take a double look at that low $63 price...
I beleive he emails you a unlock code, no packet in the snail mail...
Be careful...
I beleive he emails you a unlock code, no packet in the snail mail...
Be careful...