the best desktop?

[Corrosive vinyl]

For a long time I have been thinking about getting a mac desktop...
right now I have an iBook G4 which I use for everything, literally.

There is no time constraints, and this might not be happening for a long time, because of my lack of moneys, so don't worry about the new OS coming out or new chip. I am interested in the mac mini because of the size, but will have to buy a keyboard, a mouse, and probably a monitor. I don't think I will get an monitor because of the prices, unless I can get one for about $200. Is all that worth it, or would it be better to get an iMac with everything included?

 

[mad jew]

I think the iMac is better value, especially with the graphics card and larger/faster hard drives. The only problem is that when you want to upgrade, you have to chuck everything away and buy everything new again. Still, I got an iMac G5 back in the day and it still goes along fine. These things are awesome.

 

[psycoswimmer]

With all of the things you mentioned, iMac seems like a better choice. Let's say you compare the Mini with other things, and the 20" iMac.

Mini - $799
Westinghouse 20" LCD - $229
Apple Keyboard - $49
Mighty Mouse - $49
Total: $1,126

20" iMac - $1,499

Now, for a $373 difference, you get a widescreen monitor (I'm pretty sure the Westinghouse isn't), a Core 2 Duo chip, an all-in-one design, a built-in iSight camera, more RAM, a graphics card, a larger hard drive, and other features I'm forgetting.

I think it's worth it to get the iMac.

 

[4God]

With all of the things you mentioned, iMac seems like a better choice. Let's say you compare the Mini with other things, and the 20" iMac.

Mini - $799
Westinghouse 20" LCD - $229
Apple Keyboard - $49
Mighty Mouse - $49
Total: $1,126

20" iMac - $1,499

I think it's worth it to get the iMac.

Or maybe a 17" iMac.

 

[psycoswimmer]

And to 4God, I agree. A 17" iMac might be a better choice, especially at that cost.

OP: You might even want to look into the refurb store. The Macs there are close to perfect and have rarely been used. Also, you may get a free upgrade.

 

[nazmac21]

This will be great for OP:

Refurbished iMac 17-inch 2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo SuperDrive
1GB (2x512MB) 667MHz DDR2 SDRAM (PC2-5300)
160GB Serial ATA hard drive
Slot-load 8x double-layer SuperDrive
ATI Radeon X1600 with 128MB GDDR3 memory
Built-in AirPort Extreme and Bluetooth 2.0
Built-in iSight Camera and Apple Remote
price: $1,049.00

 

[Corrosive vinyl]

Thanks you guys... I totally forgot about the refurbished part of the store.... and that westinghouse monitor is a good cantidate. How easy is it to upgrade a mini? If I can upgrade it then I might do that instead. I shall save up my moneys, get a good job and watch out for the deals at the store!

 

[BilltheCat]

or decide what you really want and save for it. Nothing taste so bad as settling for something and discovering you really didnt want it and wanted the bigger one.

 

[4God]

.......I shall save up my moneys, get a good job and watch out for the deals at the store!

You don't have a job?

 

[Corrosive vinyl]

well... I had a job for a month then they "laid me off" because they couldn't afford to keep everyone they hired, it was a start up company. The general manager even left because of that reason, also.