New iMac vs Mac Mini?

[barrydmd]

I have a Mac Mini which is going on three years old. I believe it has a 1.8
processor, 80 GB memory, and I recently upgraded the Ram to 2 GB. The Mini has crashed three times since I have had it.

This is inconvenient since I run my accounting software for my business
using Windows and Bootcamp. While the Mini is in the shop, I can't use my business software. Also, my wife, who is an internet junkie, can't go online.

I have been thinking of getting a second computer as a back-up. If I get
a new Mini, I would use the old Mini as my back-up. All I would have to do
is disconnect the new and connect old, if I need a repair. I don't think I
want a MacBook.

The new Mini is $700 and the IMac is $1,200. I don't need a keyboard, mouse or display since I already have these. The iMac is tempting since it has 3.06 GHz processor, 500GB hard drive and 4 GB Ram vs the new Mini's
2.4 GHz, 320GB and 2GB Ram. However, I don't do much sophisticated stuff on the computer, but one is always wanting to increase memory.

 

[spinnerlys]

You can increase the RAM (memory) on the new Mac minis quite easily.



It can take up to 8GB.

 

[Hellhammer]

If you don't need much performance (sounds like you don't), you should consider buying a refurb. 929$ for previous gen 21.5". There is even refurb Mini for 429$ which would meet your needs, just bump the RAM to 4GB. iMac is better value IMO unless you buy refurb Mini. You could keep using your current Mini as it is if you get an iMac