Cubase with Mac Mini and Lexicon Lambda?

Hello Everyone,

Still torn as to what my next computer upgrades should look like. Main applications for the next desktop are music production and photo editing. I'm currently using Cubase, Photoshop CS5 and Lightroom 3.

I want to spend as little as possible but I know that I'll end up in the 1600-2000 range (before software updates). So on the list are a 27" iMac or one of the better Mac Minis with a new monitor setup (something hi res, single or dual screen that is better than what the iMac offers for photo editing).

Honestly, my preference would be the Mini since I really don't like the all-in-one concept and the glossy screens of the iMacs. Performance for photo stuff and everything else should be plenty fine. But I'm not so sure with respect to audio recording and editing with things like Cubase or ProTools.

Right now I'm using a Lexicon Lambda (USB) interface with an older version of Cubase on a PC. It's workable but not really great once things get a little more complex. So I'm looking for significant improvement around this. I may switch to Pro Tools and a new interface at some point but I'm wondering if anyone here is successfully using that combination right now (Mac Mini i7 server for example with Lexicon Lambda and Cubase 5 or 6).

Again, I understand that the iMac has better performance and is a better value for most users. I just don't really like how difficult it is to open up to add or change drives and don't think the screen would make me happy.