Processor...is a little bigger really better?

[camardelle]

I am so jonesing for a machine to add to my stable of Apple computers and see that there are two processors available. My question is whether moving up to the 2.5 processor is worth the extra $200 bucks. Also, please consider the extra ram (cheap elsewhere and easily user installed) and the improved graphics are included in the price.

The computer would be for home use. I would use iPhoto but reserve iMovie for my iMac. Overall, it would be a surfer and email checker at best so I'm not sure if the graphics card would be a huge deal breaker for me.

Any and all input is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

 

[Lesser Evets]

The computer would be for home use. I would use iPhoto but reserve iMovie for my iMac. Overall, it would be a surfer and email checker at best so I'm not sure if the graphics card would be a huge deal breaker for me.

Any and all input is welcomed.

NO.

Don't waste the cash. The smallest/slowest processor of the Mini is now fast enough to smoke when doing simple tasks like video viewing, browsing, image display, etc

If you were going to load it with 10 applications always working hard and hogging processing with complex tasks, it might be best to go heavy as possible. It wouldn't be worth the prudent expenditure to get anything over the minimum if you want it as a basic computer which has a 4-year expectancy. If it isn't a professional machine, don't waste the cash.

As it is, the Mini in its most-basic form is quite a bargain of a machine for anyone already possessing a monitor. Stacking the memory inside, yourself and not from Apple, is cheap compared to memory prices of years past or the larger pro models.

I think the coolest thing about all minis is the HDMI which allows the computer to be an easy tote to become a home media center when attached to any TV with HDMI. It's like a REAL Apple TV.

 

[Bear]

If you're going to use it for iPhoto, I suggest you get the base model and upgrade it to 8GB of ram via third party memory. That would be the best use of your money.

This is based on your above stated planned usage. The graphics card won't be an issue.

 

[namelessme]

I agree with the others. For basic photo and web use, the extra processor wouldn't matter.

And to be honest, if you just want it for basic internet/photo/email stuff, you probably would save money just buying an older used machine, or cheapo PC.

Put Linux on an ancient Pentium III, and it'd even be fine for normal internet/email stuff.

 

[philipma1957]

if you want lion and don't care about a dvd/cd player buy it at amazon for 568



http://www.amazon.com/Apple-MC815LL...CLM6/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332099068&sr=8-1


then buy this ram sell ends the 22nd

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produ...C-031612-Index-_-LaptopMemory-_-20231295-L04A

use the code

EMCNGJD29 ram is 35 bucks plus 568.95.


603 total and you are good to go. I mod and sell on ebay. I have used these sticks time and time again. after you put them in test them for free with this


http://kelleycomputing.net:16080/rember/


it is free do all ram 1 pass takes about 2 hours.

 

[camardelle]

All good information folks. I appreciate your assistance.

 

[adddictedtomac]

I am so jonesing for a machine to add to my stable of Apple computers and see that there are two processors available. My question is whether moving up to the 2.5 processor is worth the extra $200 bucks. Also, please consider the extra ram (cheap elsewhere and easily user installed) and the improved graphics are included in the price.

The computer would be for home use. I would use iPhoto but reserve iMovie for my iMac. Overall, it would be a surfer and email checker at best so I'm not sure if the graphics card would be a huge deal breaker for me.

Any and all input is welcomed. Thanks in advance.

I chose the 2.5 GHz just because of the ATI graphics. The reason is because I wanted to play Windows Games on Bootcamp. I know that it is not the ideal machine for games, but instead of purchasing a gamer PC, it was cheaper for me to just pay a bit extra and have a decent gamer. By the way, It runs well under Windows 7 and the games run with no problem (don't expect miracles but games are actually playable). I am glad I chose it.