Mac mini or iMac?

[Arv3n]

I'm saving up for a new computer, and trying to decide between an iMac or a Mac mini. I already have an HP 2310m 23" HD monitor, and a Logitech MX 518 mouse & Sidewinder X4 keyboard.

So.. should I just get the Mac mini? It would be cheaper. And if I do get the Mini, what uprgades are worth it? I noticed they have an i7 option but it's only a dual core. I want it all to remain below $1000.

Thanks for the help.

 

[alust2013]

I would go with the 2.5GHz mini, and probably just leave it at that. You could add a small SSD yourself if you wanted to boost performance as well. Or you could alternatively get the 7200 RPM drive, which will offer improved performance and a bunch of storage.

 

[brendu]

Mac Mini.

 

[FrankHahn]

Presently I am struggling to decide which Mac Mini to get. As suggested to me in a post, the server model is a good choice for $999, without any hassle to upgrade the HDs.

 

[emptyCup]

I want it all to remain below $1000.

Get the base mini. Upgrade the HD to the 7200 rpm model. Dump the stock 2GB RAM and replace it with 8 GB 3rd party RAM that you install yourself (cheap & easy). Don't worry about an SSD now. They will become cheaper and more reliable in the future. This will give you a fine machine and will be well under $1000. Best wishes.

 

[Icy1007]

The server model of the MacMini looks good, but I wish they offered the quad core i7 as an option in the non-server models.

 

[Kashchei]

I would suggest checking out this thread regarding monitor compatibility with the new mini.

 

[mutantteenager]

It depends what you're doing with it. I would say the iMac is the better machine.