I was thinking about getting a 2.93 27 IMac but the new Mac mini server

[MacBookPr0]

So I was thinking about getting the one model old iMac 27 inch 2.93 quad but I saw the geekbench of the new server and I could get it with 256 ssd and 750 7200 rpm drive, apple care, 2.0 quad i7. All for 1549 or I could get the base (2010 model) for 1589 without anything. I do video editing and lots of school work so what would you recommend?

 

[Jimmdean]

The downside there would be the video card. The 2011 iMacs (and even the higher up 2010s) have some pretty nice video cards. As a main work/play machine it's pretty hard to beat an iMac.

 

[eoren1]

I was in the same boat as you. Ended up getting the 2.5 i5 Mini. I use it mostly for Photoshop/Lightroom. No gaming.
Big pluses for the mini are the upgradeability. Even this one can hold 2 HDDs. The video card should be fine for my purposes. You can get the i7 as a BTO I believe without having to move up to the server one.

 

[Bearxor]

Same boat. Just decided on the iMac, but I'm going to get the $1849 refurb i7.

New mini is REALLY tempting, but I don't really have a decent monitor so adding a halfway decent monitor brings the cost up.

If I were you, I'd go for the newer 2011 iMac rather than the 2010 models. I'd even take the Quad i5 base over last years Quad i7 w/hyperthreading.

 

[philipma1957]

Same boat. Just decided on the iMac, but I'm going to get the $1849 refurb i7.

New mini is REALLY tempting, but I don't really have a decent monitor so adding a halfway decent monitor brings the cost up.

If I were you, I'd go for the newer 2011 iMac rather than the 2010 models. I'd even take the Quad i5 base over last years Quad i7 w/hyperthreading.

Yeah if you are buying an iMac you should get the t-bolt connector.

 

[MacBookPr0]

Well the reason I was looking at last years was because it has a much higher geekbench. And I was messing around with my MacBook pro and used only the intel graphics and it was still very smooth so that's not a problem. In thinking that I'll order it and if the graphics card just isn't up to it I'll return it. Does that sound Like a good idea

 

[MacBookPr0]

then ill add to this, are the intel integrated graphics good enough for every day video editing and a little bit of gaming?

 

[philipma1957]

Well the reason I was looking at last years was because it has a much higher geekbench. And I was messing around with my MacBook pro and used only the intel graphics and it was still very smooth so that's not a problem. In thinking that I'll order it and if the graphics card just isn't up to it I'll return it. Does that sound Like a good idea

well you have a 2 week test period so why not try it out!

 

[Mr.C]

I was in the same boat as you. Ended up getting the 2.5 i5 Mini. I use it mostly for Photoshop/Lightroom. No gaming.
Big pluses for the mini are the upgradeability. Even this one can hold 2 HDDs. The video card should be fine for my purposes. You can get the i7 as a BTO I believe without having to move up to the server one.

The standard Mini has an option for a 2.7 dual core i7 where as the server model comes with a 2.0 quad core i7.

 

[richpjr]

So I was thinking about getting the one model old iMac 27 inch 2.93 quad but I saw the geekbench of the new server and I could get it with 256 ssd and 750 7200 rpm drive, apple care, 2.0 quad i7. All for 1549 or I could get the base (2010 model) for 1589 without anything. I do video editing and lots of school work so what would you recommend?

You are omitting the 27" display included with the iMac. Do you already have a monitor you are happy with?

 

[MacBookPr0]

Yeah I already have a 26 inch vizio with 1900x1440 that I love and I already have the keyboard and magic trackpad