Looking to buy a new Mac, Advice?

[DrPiDude]

I would really like to buy a new Mac this summer. I currently have a 2006 model Mac Mini running OSX Lion. I have upgraded the RAM to 4GB, but it still seems a little slow. I mostly use my PC now, but I really prefer Macintosh computers.

I would probably use the computer primarily for Photoshop. I would have multiple windows and images open at once. I would also use it for occasional video editing (with iMovie) and occasional gaming. I don't really play graphic intensive games, when I do play computer games its usually things like Minecraft or flash games, but it would be a bonus if I could play games like Team Fortress 2.

Portability isn't really an issue for me. A laptop would be nice, but so would a desktop. Regardless to which computer I buy, I will probably hook up an external monitor, because I like to have a big screen for photo editing and design work.

I am on a very limited budget (who isn't?) and I will probably buy a used Mac.

I've been shopping around, and I'm thinking about getting a PowerMac or a Mac Pro, but I'm really open to anything.

One last thing: I plan to update to OSX Lion (or possibly Mountain Lion eventually) and so I need a computer that can handle that. Thanks for any help you can give!

 

[randomhkkid]

I suggest a mac mini when they get the ivy bridge refresh. They are powerful enough to do some video and photo editing and if you get a model with a dedicated graphics card gaming isn't out of the question, but even the integrated gpu is decent.

 

[ggibson913]

Any Mac will Do

You really cant go wrong with an iMac but truthfuilly any of Apple's laptops or desktops will work for you. I have a 13" Macbook Pro (last model) and an external monitor for photo editing and that combo works great. If you want to save some $$$ I suggest the refurb store. I don't really think you need a Pro model. If the most graphics intensive task is photoshop that would be kind of like putting a thumb tack in with a jack hammer. Hopefully this helps good luck.

 

[atlanticza]

I am on a very limited budget (who isn't?) and I will probably buy a used Mac.

I've been shopping around, and I'm thinking about getting a PowerMac or a Mac Pro, but I'm really open to anything.

One last thing: I plan to update to OSX Lion (or possibly Mountain Lion eventually) and so I need a computer that can handle that. Thanks for any help you can give!

A refurbished iMac will probably do the job very well.