Which mini to buy? Need a little advice

[xxRONNIExx]

Okay basically all I will do is internet browsing, Final Cur Pro X (family movies), along with playing with Logic Pro...no games.
Not planning on buying another computer for a few years after this one.
Whats the big difference between the 2.5GHz and the 2.3Ghz? Is it worth the extra $200 dollars? I already have my SSD that I will install along with that 8GB of RAM.
Is there a big difference in the two? Or should I just up grade to the i7? Not sure if thats overkill for what I want to do...?

 

[warvanov]

The big difference between the $599 and the $799 mini is the graphics. The higher priced one has a discrete graphics card. If you're not going to be doing any gaming then you probably don't need it, although Final Cut Pro may or may not be able to take advantage of it.

 

[WelshDog]

Same question here. I plan to use the Mini for a variety of things. It will serve my home automation controller software (Indigo), play video content via HDMI through my Denon receiver, transfer and convert Tivo shows for playing on iPad, maybe host some web pages, stream video from a security camera and the like. Would the server version be the best choice or is that overkill?

Thanks!

 

[shortcut3d]

@RONNIE

Final Cut Pro can use the graphics card to assist with import. Everything else is processor (CPU).

@WelshDog

You would probably benefit from the server model for convert files. Its considerably faster than either Dual-Core Intel.

 

[Karr271]

i have the 2.3 model with 5gb ram. I don't have any problems with the processor as i think it's fine. I have been using iMovie (haven't downloaded FCPx yet) and it's ok but i think the graphics processor would make it much smoother. Additionally i've been using Motion 5. While rendering and editing, i get about 17FPS so the graphics card would definitely help, but the final project in Motion is in a smooth 30FPS. I wish i did get the 2.5 model, but i'm not upset with the 2.3. If you're completely unsure, get the 2.3ghz model and test it out and see how it fits your needs but no matter which model you get, definitely upgrade the ram. I just got a 4gb stick (4gb+1gb= 5gb) and i'll soon have 8 to keep things smooth.

In about a year or so, I do plan on upgrading my mini to a newer model with better graphics because i like to upgrade every 18-24 months.