I have been a long time PC user but am looking into a Mac. I wanted to get a Macbook Pro, but have requested a Macbook Pro from my employer to replace the aging Dell M90 Precision I use, so I'd probably end up with two Macbooks.
I have considered the iMac, as the cost and performance per dollar is better than the Macbooks, but I already have a nearly-new Asus 25.5" 1920x1200 display that I use with my HP DV8000 (which will go on the block soon).
I have been following the prices for the Apple Store refurbs and they just recently added Minis to the mix. I am considering the 2.26GHz unit for $499, and here is why:
I have a Hitachi Travelstar 500GB 2.5" drive that I bought for the HP. It will fit the Mini. I can upgrade the RAM to 8GB for $379 from OWC. That would give me a screaming Mini for $878. I'm not counting the cost of the drive as it's been paid for for months, sitting on my desk. $120 more for the Magic mouse and extended keyboard. $998 total, $1000 less than the iMac.
They also have (had, they've sold out) a refurb'd 2.66GHz Mini with 4GB RAM for $799. That unit has a 320GB HD. So for less than $100 more, I could have a better Mini, except for a slightly reduced processor speed. I'be been around long enough to know the speed of the processor is only part of the equation.
I also plan on getting an iPad with 32GB or memory and 3G.
I would do general surfing, photos, emails and some consulting using AutoCAD 2009 Lite running under XP and Parallels. No serious rendering, no video production. Some Photoshop and Illustrator, but nothing major.
So, assuming a new (or recent) Macbook Pro from work and a new iPad for my mobile use, would the Mini be a good compromise, considering I already have the screen?
The nearest iMac build to what I'm proposing with the Mini would be $1699 with a GT card and 256MB VRAM and a bigger HD. An extra $200 gets 8GB of RAM to match the Mini. Processor on the iMac is modestly faster and the screen resolution is higher. The iMac includes the mouse and keyboard, which would be extra for the Mini.
Thoughts?
Tony
I have considered the iMac, as the cost and performance per dollar is better than the Macbooks, but I already have a nearly-new Asus 25.5" 1920x1200 display that I use with my HP DV8000 (which will go on the block soon).
I have been following the prices for the Apple Store refurbs and they just recently added Minis to the mix. I am considering the 2.26GHz unit for $499, and here is why:
I have a Hitachi Travelstar 500GB 2.5" drive that I bought for the HP. It will fit the Mini. I can upgrade the RAM to 8GB for $379 from OWC. That would give me a screaming Mini for $878. I'm not counting the cost of the drive as it's been paid for for months, sitting on my desk. $120 more for the Magic mouse and extended keyboard. $998 total, $1000 less than the iMac.
They also have (had, they've sold out) a refurb'd 2.66GHz Mini with 4GB RAM for $799. That unit has a 320GB HD. So for less than $100 more, I could have a better Mini, except for a slightly reduced processor speed. I'be been around long enough to know the speed of the processor is only part of the equation.
I also plan on getting an iPad with 32GB or memory and 3G.
I would do general surfing, photos, emails and some consulting using AutoCAD 2009 Lite running under XP and Parallels. No serious rendering, no video production. Some Photoshop and Illustrator, but nothing major.
So, assuming a new (or recent) Macbook Pro from work and a new iPad for my mobile use, would the Mini be a good compromise, considering I already have the screen?
The nearest iMac build to what I'm proposing with the Mini would be $1699 with a GT card and 256MB VRAM and a bigger HD. An extra $200 gets 8GB of RAM to match the Mini. Processor on the iMac is modestly faster and the screen resolution is higher. The iMac includes the mouse and keyboard, which would be extra for the Mini.
Thoughts?
Tony
