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I-MAC 24 Vs Mac-Mini and Samsung 24"

S

sebastiendeg

macrumors newbie
Original poster
Nov 5, 2007
10
0
London, UK
Hello Everyone,

I'm having an issue related to buy a new computer.

I have 2 options :

The I-Mac 24", 2.4GHZ, 320GB and 1GB of RAM (1150£)

or

A Mac Mini (500£) with 2 x 24" like Samsung SM-245B (300£ each) total 1100£

You probably understand that the Mac Mini with 2 24" monitor would be a really great graphic solution, however, I'm pretty sure that the I-Mac is a bit more powerful and is a better Monitor quality .

Thanks for your advice.
 
How are you going to use two monitors with a Mac Mini?

I though it only has one DVI port?

The Samsung monitor you quote is based on a TN+Film LCD panel, which is of less quality than the iMac 24" H-IPS based panel (google for those terms if you don't know what they mean)

If you want the mini, you may be better off chosing a single large LCD screen, like a Dell Ultrasharp, or an NEC H-IPS based screen (max native res 1920x1200 IIRC). But my personal choice would be for the iMac. It's a much more elegant solution - just make sure you test it like crazy as soon as you receive it to ensure you don't have a dud.
 
the mac mini won't drive 2 24" displays.

the iMac ([rant] not the I-MAC [/rant]) is a fair bit more powerful than the Mac Mini. For Graphic Design, you would definitely want an iMac over a Mac Mini.
 
l33r0y said:
How are you going to use two monitors with a Mac Mini?

I though it only has one DVI port?

The Samsung monitor you quote is based on a TN+Film LCD panel, which is of less quality than the iMac 24" H-IPS based panel (google for those terms if you don't know what they mean)

If you want the mini, you may be better off chosing a single large LCD screen, like a Dell Ultrasharp, or an NEC H-IPS based screen (max native res 1920x1200 IIRC). But my personal choice would be for the iMac. It's a much more elegant solution - just make sure you test it like crazy as soon as you receive it to ensure you don't have a dud.
Click to expand...

Thanks a lot.
I'm looking for a good quality system !
 
Scarlet Fever said:
the mac mini won't drive 2 24" displays.

the iMac ([rant] not the I-MAC [/rant]) is a fair bit more powerful than the Mac Mini. For Graphic Design, you would definitely want an iMac over a Mac Mini.
Click to expand...

Thanks,

Good to know the MacMini won't drive 2 24" monitors.
I'm not doing graphical stuff, I'm a Java Developer.
I really like having a big resolution such as 1920*1200.
 
Right now the Mini is running the Intel GMA 950 -- while the iMac has a dedicated CPU, larger drive options since it isn't limited to the laptop drives, and faster CPU options.

You can also save some money with 20" iMac 2.4 which still gets you the faster GPU and CPU.

So a dual display iMac 20" can likely happen quicker, though upgrading the hard drive now may be the best bet. Since it is much more difficult later.
 
Yea I'm gonna have to say to go with the iMac as well. You get a dedicated graphics card and (I'm sure) a faster processor, plus it's an all in one for only £50 more :)
 
Yes, it definitely looks more interesting to buy the Imac.

I'll probably go for the 24" 2.4GHZ and upgrade the Memory later to 4GB.
 
twoodcc said:
not a bad idea. and depending on your needs and how much money you can spend, they do make the iMac with a 2.8 ghz processor
Click to expand...

Yes.

I already have a MacBook pro 15' 2.4 GHZ with 4GB of RAM.

So, i Think for home usage the 24" 2.4 would be more than enough.

(although I'd always buy the more powerful one :D)
 
sebastiendeg said:
Yes.

I already have a MacBook pro 15' 2.4 GHZ with 4GB of RAM.

So, i Think for home usage the 24" 2.4 would be more than enough.

(although I'd always buy the more powerful one :D)
Click to expand...

You know you could get a docking station for your MBP and hook up 2-24" monitors to it and it would be cheaper than an iMac. WIth the Docking station, it would be really easy to pick up and go and not have to deal with a lot of cords to unplug. Heck, you could buy 2 27" monitors from Dell for the price of one 24" iMac. (a fully tricked out one at least). Just a thought.
 
asphalt-proof said:
You know you could get a docking station for your MBP and hook up 2-24" monitors to it and it would be cheaper than an iMac. WIth the Docking station, it would be really easy to pick up and go and not have to deal with a lot of cords to unplug. Heck, you could buy 2 27" monitors from Dell for the price of one 24" iMac. (a fully tricked out one at least). Just a thought.
Click to expand...

thanks thanks,
that's the kind of ideas i need before taking my decision.
 
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