New Intel Mini or Intel iMac?

[slick316]

I was waiting for this day to come, Intel Mac Mini's release. But now I am unsure on whether or not I should get it. The $799 version looks nice, but then I have to add KB/M and Ram, possibly a hard drive. That stuff drives the cost up. When the configured price of the Mini I wanted went over $1000, it made be think a little "That iMac 17" looks nice for $1299".
The only thing keeping me from getting the 17" iMac is the fact that I have a Dell 2005FPw that I wouldn't mind using, I can easily sell it though.
Which would you get if you had to choose?

BTW, I have a MCE 2005 PC that I use with my TV/Stereo for DVD viewing, PVR (HD and Non-HD content) and as a music server, so I really don't need a Media computer, just a nice everyday computer for internet, photos, school, etc.

 

[risc]

iMac

 

[jsw]

Ditto: iMac. Unless you need the small footprint of the mini or else don't for other reasons want the built-in monitor on the iMac, get the iMac if possible.

 

[zap2]

went from wantting the Mac Mini, then went to the iMac 20''(also wanted a large screen then the 17'' iMac G5 i have now) so thought the iMac intel would be better priced for the features i got with it


for you- iMac sell the Dell screen(or use it with you iMac(, you get a faster Mac, better specs, all around a better deal

 

[jadekitty24]

If that monitor is 20" (I believe located the right model, correct me if I'm wrong) I would get the mini. It would still be $300 less than the iMac and you'd have 3 extra inches. If that isn't a big deal to you (it would be to me if I had Front Row capability) then go for the iMac.

 

[slick316]

With the Mini, even though I already have the monitor, I would've had to buy one anyways, so its not really saving money. Plus, the Mini using 2.5" hard drives so I'm limited to 120GB (which should be enough for now, but you know, its still limiting), and that cheesy integrated graphics has me frowning. I don't game heavy, but I have a few games, Tiger Woods 05, Unreal Tournament and COD and it would be nice to play them on whatever I get.

iMac seems to be getting more votes though, I can see why. Any good arguments for the Mini?

 

[jsw]

If that monitor is 20" (I believe located the right model, correct me if I'm wrong) I would get the mini. It would still be $300 less than the iMac and you'd have 3 extra inches. If that isn't a big deal to you (it would be to me if I had Front Row capability) then go for the iMac.

I like zap2's suggestion to use the Dell monitor with the iMac. I have that exact setup in front of me now as I type, and it's great.

The mini is great for those situations in which a small system is desirable or when the cost difference is too great for someone to afford an iMac. I think the graphics in the mini will be fine for most. However... the iMac will be a much more responsive system, with much faster graphics and a much faster drive, and it's smaller than the mini + monitor combination, if you don't attach the second monitor.

Just MHO.

 

[NYmacAttack]

iMac seems to be getting more votes though, I can see why. Any good arguments for the Mini?

The mini is small.... that the best argument i can come up with.

I'd go with the iMac

 

[Danksi]

If you're not concerned about a slower hard-drive, with less storage and since you have a nice large screen already, then save some money and go with the Mini.

Some thoughts that you may not have considered:-

1. The iMac 'needs' Applecare; I just get a feeling of uncertainty about the all-in-one box approach, if one thing goes, the whole lot goes.
2. In comparison; depending which model you get, the Mini is a throw-away item if you don't bother with Applecare and consider the saving's over the iMac (although today's price increase may make a bit of a difference). In theory by the time the little box dies, there'll be a new model out.

For what you're planning to use it for, have you considered a refurb Mini-G4? (if you can find one)

Or perhaps even an iBook, since you already have a Media PC? - with the screen-hack you could share the larger monitor as well

 

[slick316]

Well, I think the iMac might be best for me since I don't really care for the difference between a 17" and 20" widescreen and I have absolutely no use (or desk space) for dual monitors.
Unless something changes while I sleep, I'm probably getting a 17" Intel iMac tomorrow. Thanks for the help guys, I appreciate the replies.

 

[bousozoku]

If you're not playing games or doing intensive graphics work, the Mac mini, but the iMac makes more sense if you need a more balanced machine.

 

[MacTruck]

Refurb Powermac G5

 

[wpwj40e]

Just had this discussion with my brother He has a 20.1 sceptre.

One of the issues you might have with the IIG on the mini is the ability to drive the monitor at high resolution and playback a 1080p trailer...Not a deal breaker - but the IIG cannot do what a dedicated graphics card can and drive a display - while running other apps etc.

Anyways...He decided on the 17 in from amazon. Was 1154 shipped to his door next day. (He's a prime member - 3.99 next day shipping)

His reasons - Wanted a bigger hard drive, no risk with the graphics, additional firewire, faster processor, gets keyboard and mouse (likes keyboard - doesn't know about mouse). He would not get the basic mini - so amazon was not an option for the mini - with the current rebate and no tax on the iMac-

800 - Apple Mini
125 - HD Upgrade
72 - Tax
$997 For the mini - no KB, Mouse, Monitor etc FROM APPLE
$1154 17" Base iMac FROM AMAZON

For an extra $157 - gets all the above and then will decide how he likes the monitor. If its okay will sell and make about 300 - so the price of the iMac is actually cheaper.

Food for thought....

 

[slick316]

Just had this discussion with my brother He has a 20.1 sceptre.

One of the issues you might have with the IIG on the mini is the ability to drive the monitor at high resolution and playback a 1080p trailer...Not a deal breaker - but the IIG cannot do what a dedicated graphics card can and drive a display - while running other apps etc.

Anyways...He decided on the 17 in from amazon. Was 1154 shipped to his door next day. (He's a prime member - 3.99 next day shipping)

His reasons - Wanted a bigger hard drive, no risk with the graphics, additional firewire, faster processor, gets keyboard and mouse (likes keyboard - doesn't know about mouse). He would not get the basic mini - so amazon was not an option for the mini - with the current rebate and no tax on the iMac-

800 - Apple Mini
125 - HD Upgrade
72 - Tax
$997 For the mini - no KB, Mouse, Monitor etc FROM APPLE
$1154 17" Base iMac FROM AMAZON

For an extra $157 - gets all the above and then will decide how he likes the monitor. If its okay will sell and make about 300 - so the price of the iMac is actually cheaper.

Food for thought....

How did your brother get a 17" iMac from Amazon for that price? It shows up on there website as $1299.99 just like Apple.com, even after I add it to the cart. Unless you are calculating out the rebate.
BTW, is Amazon a good place to buy an Apple? Never bought an Apple from any place other the Apple Retail Store and the Apple Online Store.

 

[wpwj40e]

How did your brother get a 17" iMac from Amazon for that price? It shows up on there website as $1299.99 just like Apple.com, even after I add it to the cart. Unless you are calculating out the rebate.
BTW, is Amazon a good place to buy an Apple? Never bought an Apple from any place other the Apple Retail Store and the Apple Online Store.

Yea - He was calculating in the rebate and the A9 discount. For him it was about the bottom line and he/I have never had any problems with the Amazon rebates.

Amazon is a great place to buy from(when buying from Amazon directly) their return policy and customer service are outstanding. If your iMac has a problem they will send you a pick up notice and you can return without issue. You have 30 days not 14. If you decide you just don't want it - i.e. no problems you are responsible for return s &H - but there is no restocking fee.

If you do not need to BTO your mac- highly advise Amazon. You can get memory for your iMac from OWC, Datemem or Crucial. The first two are substantially cheaper and offer the same lifetime warranty and Apple guarantee. So would not BTO just for memory.

I personally own the iMac 20" and it is quite a lovely machine. Was planning on getting a mini for the family room - but do know about about the graphics(just refuse to argue this online) and for me - I would not be happy with it.

Feel very strongly that the iMac is a substantially better computer over the current intel core duo mini.

 

[slick316]

Just ordered the 17" iMac from Amazon, can't beat the return policy and the fact that I get a rebate (which will pay for ram ).

Thanks for the help guys, can't wait to get it, its going to be sweet

 

[brotherjoe9000]

yea

i just got the new Imac .it only has a 16 inch screen i think but it is great. even though i cant get the programs i want because of the new intel processor. but either way, if you are going to buy the mini and need a monitor and other stuff, its a better deal to get the imac. and if you go to an apple store you can get some free stuff like a printer like i did.

 

[Will_reed]

I say the graphics alone make it the choice over the nano. Though if a high end mini can play 1080p HD? (unlikley) it would be prefect to stick in the lounge with one of those sony 1080p tvs.

 

[iEdd]

iMac, unless you already have the display. To carry around an overpriced, underpowered mini and display around is carrying more than carrying an iMac, which is way better and CHEAPER.