iMac vs MBP vs Mac Mini

[xy14]

Hey people! I'm going to get a computer this summer, and I am paying 1/2 and my grandpa is paying the other half, and the total can be up to $2.5k.

Anyways, here's what I will be doing

*Basic Photo Editing
*Internet (all the time)
*Windows (SC4, still have an obsession for that and can't stand the mac version)
*lots of video


Here's what I need:
*Intel processor so I can run os x and windows
*at least 120gb hard drive
*1gb ram
*somewhat portability

For what I said, do you think it would be better to get:

Mac Mini 1.66ghz with 1gb ram, 120gb hard drive, 20" Apple Display & iSight ($1973)
-or-
MacBook Pro 2.00ghz with 1gb ram, 120gb hd ($2599)
-or-
20" iMac 2.00ghz with 1gb ram, 250gb hard drive ($1799)
-or-
Wait for intel iBook with 1gb ram, 100/120 gb hard drive (no more than $2k)
Thanks ;)

[Ken S]

I think one of the keys to your answer is how much portability? A Mac Mini, while portable on it's own, would require you to carry around a separate monitor too.

Without any more information, I think the iMac is your best bang for the buck.

Since your purchase is still a few months away, you'll probably want to revist this question again!

[plinden]

For what you're doing, a Mini should be good enough if you want it now (assuming you have all the peripherals).

However, my wife and I had almost decided on getting her a Mini after our Dell died, but we decided to wait for the iBook replacement to see what it's like. If you can wait, like us, wait and see. It should be out soon ... ish ... by the summer anyway ... or the end of year at the latest.

[spencecb]

Definitely go for the iMac. The Mac Mini is just a rip off, especially if you are buying an Apple Cinema Display.

Plus, you get much more horsepower with the iMac.

[turbopants]

I agree with the others, the iMac is a good choice for you.

[miniConvert]

Sounds like the iMac is what you're after from what you said.

Though the Mini + an ACD makes an awesome looking setup providing you don't need to port the monitor around anywhere.

[xy14]

Looks like the majority says: iMac!

But, I just have one question.

You guys know how there's laptop bags?
This may sound stupid, but is there bags for iMacs?
How about for Mac Minis

[milo]

You should consider some other possibilities.

For the mini config, stick with the stock drive and price out a BIG firewire external instead. Same with the monitor, look at options from other brands.

What do you mean by video? Editing or watching? What apps?

[xy14]

You should consider some other possibilities.

For the mini config, stick with the stock drive and price out a BIG firewire external instead. Same with the monitor, look at options from other brands.

What do you mean by video? Editing or watching? What apps?

I would be editing with iMovie and a bit of FCX. nothing major though. I just don't think 512mb would be enough.
Also, the option of using an external hard drive etc would cause less portability, which is the very thing im looking to somewhat keep as i replace my ibook.

[Caitlyn]

I think the iMac is the best bang for your buck, as said before. Plus with iLugger, it's only about 20lbs. and you will be able to take an entire computer, display and all with you if you need to. From the specs you stated, you would get more with an iMac vs. your would-be MBP. Also as said before, the Mac Mini is a little bit of a rip if you buy the ACD.

[spencecb]

I think the iMac is the best bang for your buck, as said before. Plus with iLugger, it's only about 20lbs. and you will be able to take an entire computer, display and all with you if you need to. From the specs you stated, you would get more with an iMac vs. your would-be MBP. Also as said before, the Mac Mini is a little bit of a rip if you buy the ACD.

I was thinking about buying one of those iLugger bags just to have for when I move, so I can have proper protection for my iMac.