Please help me choose [macmini+screen or Imac for my work?

[aiwann]

I'm a comic illustrator. I mostly work on Indesign , Photoshop , illustrator
dont care much about the screen since I use my old Imac for 6 years (Imac 2008 - Leopard 10.5.8) and the screen having yellow tint issue but it still fine to me. Anyway softwares couldnt update for long time. I decided to buy new one but cant make a decision yet.

Im considering Imac 21.5 Inch
2.7GHz quad-core Intel Core i5
Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz
8GB (two 4GB) memory
1TB hard drive1
Intel Iris Pro Graphics
1299$

and Mac mini
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5
4GB memory
500GB hard drive1
Intel HD Graphics 4000
OS X Mavericks
599$

and Mac mini
2.3GHz quad-core Intel Core i7
4GB memory
1TB hard drive1
Intel HD Graphics 4000
OS X Mavericks
799$

I have Mac keyboard and mouse already, also wacom tablet and External harddisk but I dont have hdmi screen.

please suggest, which option I should choose?

 

[winston1236]

I kind of favor the iMac but just because of the extra RAM. If you are doing this professionally that extra RAM would really come in handy.

 

[phrehdd]

For what you want to do, you will want more RAM.

Which one allows you to upgrade RAM ? --> Mac Mini

Which one has a slightly better GPU ---> iMac

If you decide on the iMac (at least that size) you need to consider spending more to get the RAM in the original purchase. Honestly, to keep the life of that iMac, you may consider 16 gigs.

Though I am partial to the Mac Mini, as I can upgrade both the drive (to SSD) and easily upgrade the RAM, you have to decide about your monitor and can it easily be calibrated.

 

[Trius]

For what you want to do, you will want more RAM.

Which one allows you to upgrade RAM ? --> Mac Mini

Which one has a slightly better GPU ---> iMac

If you decide on the iMac (at least that size) you need to consider spending more to get the RAM in the original purchase. Honestly, to keep the life of that iMac, you may consider 16 gigs.

Though I am partial to the Mac Mini, as I can upgrade both the drive (to SSD) and easily upgrade the RAM, you have to decide about your monitor and can it easily be calibrated.

I would have to agree with this. I would choose the Mini for future enhancement. Upgrade-able RAM, Hard drive and display.

 

[imaccooper]

Im going to agree with the mini crowd despite the fact that i have and love my iMac. I have a 2009 in which the ram is easily upgradable but as has been said, newer models are not. The other thing i would consider is your screen needs (even though i know you said you didnt care). I find myself wishing i had 2 of my 27 in screens when i begin designing graphics periodically. Again, if you are truly uninterested then the imac will work but i still somewhat suggest the mini because you can change your mind later. I would suggest waiting to see what announcements come from the event next week as to which mini to buy but as has already been suggested you will want a decent processor and good ram (upgrade yourself for additional savings). Hope you get a great machine.

 

[schopaia]

For sure wait until next Thursday when new desktops will be announced.

 

[acacia010]

Mac Mini for sure

Hi, if you have not yet purchased a new computer, then go for the mac mini. I decided to take the plunge a couple of weeks ago, and bought a mac mini. As I work quite a lot with 3D, and to a lesser degree with 2D graphics programmes (Maya/Photoshop), I need as much memory as a computer can provide, and the same goes for processor speed. Plus a half way decent video card. So I went for the mid range mac mini model, and then got it ramped up to a 2.6 GHz Intel Core i7, 16GB of memory, and 1TB fusion drive type. To my way of thinking, if you are a professional artist/designer/illustrator etc. the Mac mini is a better option than the iMac, and particularly if you are on a tight budget as I was, and cannot afford to go down the more expensive MacPro route. If you can stretch your budget pick the mid range mac mini rather than the basic one, and the ramp up the memory, processor type etc. as and when you can afford it. Two weeks on, and I am loving this mac mini, performance is superb in real time from loading graphic files to undertaking different operations in Photoshop etc. Wish you well with your new computer.

 

[octothorpe8]

I'd choose the mini plus a decent monitor based on the fact that you can then in the future upgrade the two independently of each other. Since you're a designer, get a decent monitor today (I'd check Wirecutter for reviews) and if you have the need and budget later on, you can upgrade that and keep your computer in place. With an iMac, it's all bundled together.

All that said, I'd wait a little while to see what gets updated on Thursday. You may be able to get a Mini (fingers crossed) that's retina-capable, and could then later on down the road upgrade to a retina monitor when prices start to get more reasonable.

 

[GreatDrok]

Back in 2004 I bought my first Mac mini and got the 20" ACD to go with it. Since that was a PPC machine, I switched it for an Intel Mac mini 2009 model which has since been upgraded as far as it can be and is doing sterling service. I expect I'll upgrade it at some point in the next year or so to whatever mini is current then.

The Mac mini has been a great machine - all my other equipment keeps working and just the box itself gets replaced. I had an iMac at work which was nice but once the machine is no longer up to spec for your needs you have to replace the whole thing, or just use it as a monitor and you're into buying a mini to run on it at that point anyway.

 

[acacia010]

Possible Monitor

To go with my mac mini I recently purchased, and due to being on budget I have gone for the monitor by AOC (model no: Q2770PQU). Why I chose this monitor was for the price (UK £359) in conjunction with the great reviews from credible sources such as MacWorld/PC World etc. See on internet as there are plenty of reviews/detailed specification descriptions etc. and all agree that what you get for the price makes this is a great 27" monitor. So far, I am very happy with the monitor, and the only problem I am trying to resolve is to get the Mac mini to recognise this monitor goes up to 2560 x 1440 resolution, which I will hopefully resolve, after trying different cable options. Can only get up to 1920 x 1080 at present, so any suggestions as to how to sort this would be appreciated.