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Mac Mini or iMac?

Discussion in 'Technology' started by WJHMH, Apr 16, 2012.

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  1. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #1 WJHMH, Apr 16, 2012
    My six year old Mac Book Pro 17" has giving me a lot of issues lately, overheating, battery, vertical lines on the screen, etc.. & was looking into something to upgrade to. It's most likely not worth fixing so I'm trying to figure out my options.

    I like the Mac Mini because their now faster than my current 2.16 Duo Core, 2gb ram system but doesn't have an optical drive & I'd have to purchase a monitor for it.

    Looked at the iMac 24" & 27" but quite a bit more than I expected but it's all in one & might be the best thing for multimedia projects.

    My friends are surprised my MBP has lasted as long as it did, quite a few of them had issues Just want to weigh in my options.
     
  2. Zack

    Zack Formula 3

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    #2 Zack, Apr 16, 2012
    Mac Mini -- not portable. Otherwise, it does the job.

    iMac - you are spending a lot. Big part of the cost is the monitor that's built in. If you don't need it, and for a multimedia server you don't, then this is not the right choice.

    MacBook Pro - Expensive. You are paying for the portability. And it has a built in screen that you don't need if it's going to be a multimedia server.

    None of these are exactly what you need, if it's a multimedia server you are trying to build. If I were you, I would build or buy a Hackintosh. A PC running the Mac OS.

    If you want to stick with Apple, I suggest the Mac Mini. It's closest to what you want, and cheapest.

    Another option is a used Apple off eBay or Craigslist.
     
  3. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #3 4REphotographer, Apr 16, 2012
    If you have a screen and mouse and keyboard get a Mac Mini otherwise iMac. I had a MBP for a couple years and realized it sat 99.9% of the time on my desk plugged into a display and mouse and keyboard, sold it and bought a very nice i7 Mac Mini that Ive been very happy with.
     
  4. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #4 Fast_ian, Apr 16, 2012
    I'm in almost the same boat - Mine is an original Mac Book Pro (core duo, not 2) and can't go to Lion, which is getting to be an issue.

    However, I already have an external monitor and a bluetooth keyboard and trackpad, so "the box" is all I need. If you have another 'puter (Windoze or Mac) you can share it's DVD drive if required, but Apple wants you to get "most" of your S/W via the app store.

    If you need to buy a monitor etc the price difference drops quickly though and the iMac's become more attractive.

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  5. Fast_ian

    Fast_ian Two Time F1 World Champ

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    #5 Fast_ian, Apr 16, 2012
    I could be wrong, but I read the OP as multimedia projects, not "just" a server - He wants to edit video / pix on it (?)

    Mac Mini + monitor + keybord + mouse is getting awfully close to the price of an iMac which is a very nice piece of kit.

    Cheers,
    Ian
     
  6. Zack

    Zack Formula 3

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    #6 Zack, Apr 16, 2012
    Ah sorry, I thought he meant multimedia server as in home theater pc ie. serve up large media files but not use it as a computer by itself. Looking back, I think your interpretation of the post is correct.

    A multimedia server with editing capabilities...just add up cost of iMac plus a few accessories versus Mac Mini plus equivalent or better monitor and accessories.

    Mouse and keyboard...I wouldn't include them in the calculations.
     
  7. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #7 WJHMH, Apr 16, 2012
    Thanks for the info, I do a lot of photography & some videos so I'd most likely I'm leaning to a iMac i5 quad core, not sure if the Mini could handle multiple programs at once, their only dual-core though Apple (It can be taxing on the processers) you can buy upgraded i7 server version but then you're getting close to iMac price point when doing this.

    However rumor has it both units are due for upgrades sometime in May or August of 2012 but you know how Apple rumors can be. What might happen is Apple will phase out optical drives all together so no more making DVD's or copying disks, I guess I'm one the few that still like doing this. Another thing is possible USB 3.0 & Thunderbolt as the new standard but I might just have to wait & see what happens.
     
  8. WJHMH

    WJHMH Two Time F1 World Champ
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    #8 WJHMH, May 3, 2012
    I went ahead & bought a new iMac 3.1 i5 27" this morning, my old laptop was barely hanging in there. I know that Intel will be releasing a new processer {ivy Bridge) for the iMacs & macbooks within a month or so, the quad cores been well proven & didn't want to take a chance with new ivy bridge tech having issues right after its release. Going with an i7 3.4 would have been overkill & unless I'm a film producer & upgrading to the 2gb video card. It took me about 7hrs to transfer my files & the overall screen size is astounding, I'm going to have adjust my computer desk shelf just to move it back from me. So far I'm really enjoying the new system.
     
  9. 4REphotographer

    4REphotographer F1 Veteran

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    #9 4REphotographer, May 3, 2012
    Very cool, the iMac is a great computer.
     
  10. Innovativethinker

    Innovativethinker F1 Veteran
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    #10 Innovativethinker, May 10, 2012
    You can order an Imac with an I7 processor, faster video card, SSD drive and up to 16 gigs of ram.

    In my experience, the Apple stores only stock "basic" versions of the products.
     

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