21.5 Imac or 2011 Mac mini?

[101blargman]

Hey guys,

This is my first post on this site. I need a new desktop computer that has enough power to run Final Cut Pro, Microsoft Office, iWork and maybe Photoshop in the future. I'm planing for this to be my switch to mac from windows. If I were to get a Mac Mini the specs would be

Processor 2.7 Duel i7
4GB of ram
500GB hard drive
total would be $899

And if i were to get a iMac the specs would be

Processor 2.7 Quad i5
4GB of ram
1TB hard drive
total would be $1499

In the future I will max out the ram.

So what I would like to know is would the Mac Mini have enough power to run those programs or should I spend the extra $600 on a iMac? Also is a SSD drive in a Mac really worth the extra money?

Thanks.

 

[Hellhammer]

Get the base iMac, the high-end 21.5" is not worth it.

 

[Liquinn]

Get the base 21.5" iMac since it has a screen and it comes with an Apple keyboard/mouse if I remember correctly.

 

[Sodner]

+1 for the base iMac. I have one in my home office and got one for the family in the living room. Great machines.