My Dilema: Mini or iMac

[Wingnut330]

Hello all,

Here is my situation: I bought a Mini 2.0 just before Christmas. My intention was to connect it to my HDTV to make it my HTPC. Well, it turns out that I don't really want that solution anymore. I tried it and I'm just not using it. It's too complicated and the Mac isn't getting nearly enough use.

I'd like to replace my XP machine in my Den with a Mac. So...

Do I sell the mini and get a 24" iMac or do I just by a 24" ACD for the mini?

It will be used for light photo/video editing, web surfing, email and MSOffice.

[srichart1]

I'd keep the mini. Some of my best times were using a mac mini. I also have the 24" Imac. It is a nice machine, but doesn't have the charm that the mini does.

[Techguy172]

I'd get the iMac all in one solutions is nice and you don't already have a monitor, It's also a lot more powerful so seems like a good solution just make sure you get more ram unless your getting the extreme model.

[Wingnut330]

Will the mini work ok with a large monitor?

Also, I don't mind updating the RAM in the mIni to 2GB, I just want to make sure it's powerful enough to run good phto editing software like Photoshop or Apeture.

[seattle]

I would get the iMac. I ran some iWeb tests before I bought my iMac at the Apple store and the Mini ran the tests in 12 Mins while The iMac did the same test in 6 Mins. I know it is not a great way to test but I use iWeb alot so I bought the iMac. I think the main speed issue is the hard drive.

[bluedoggiant]

I would strongly recommend a 2.4ghz imac. with 2gb of ram.

[tersono]

I'd go the iMac route - it's faster than the mini and is likely to be a better long-term solution.

To answer your question, though, the mini can drive larger LCD screens with a maximum of 1920x1200 res. That includes the Apple 23" , the Dell 24 & 27" screens and various others of similar spec.

[bohrsatom]

Hi Wingnut,

I'm interested to know why you changed your mind about using the Mini as a HTPC. It's something I've been thinking about spending a bit of cash on but havn't investigated the feasability of it (connecting my MB to my TV is pretty easy, so I assumed it would be just as simple)! Was it a hassle to set up or just a pain to use?

Regards

bohrsatom