Mac Mini vs. 27" iMac.

[Ollé]

As my 2008 MacBook Air is on its last legs I'm starting to look around at upgrade options.

I am considering letting my iPad do all the mobile computing stuff I need and getting a dedicated desktop system - either a Mac Mini or 27" iMac (I'm open to hearing suggestions about the 13" rMBP as well).

Just looking for people's opinions on the pros and cons of both systems.

I previously owned an iMac when I was in school and loved it, but now I'm thinking that the Mac Mini affords more diversity than an all in one system such as the iMac (and it's cheaper).

Opinions, Go!

 

[maflynn]

You really don't define your computing needs, i.e., what will it be used for.

If you already have a monitor then go for the Mini, if not and you have to buy the monitor the iMac may make more sense.

I'm considering the iMac for my kids computer, we currently have an iMac and for them its great but I'll be getting a second computer (I have multiple kids) and the iMac is on my short list.

 

[Ollé]

Oops, might help mightn't it!

It's basically going to be the house computer for everything I can't do on my iPad so a lot of internet usage and downloads, photo editing, photoshop, video editing.

 

[petvas]

The 27" iMac is a great computer and can definitely be used as a digital hub. Its big monitor is gorgeous and a joy to work with. If you get a Mac Mini you would need to get a display too, but it won't have a FaceTime camera, so think about that. I would go with the iMac.

As for mobile, I would prefer a Macbook Air to an iPad any day, but each to their own

 

[CoMoMacUser]

If you get a Mac Mini you would need to get a display too, but it won't have a FaceTime camera, so think about that.

I don't know about the OP, but the lack of a webcam is a plus for me as an excuse not to do videoconferences.

 

[petvas]

I don't know about the OP, but the lack of a webcam is a plus for me as an excuse not to do videoconferences.

Can't you find another excuse?

 

[Tulani]

27 inch all the way

 

[Naimfan]

While the iMac is nice, I'd get a quad-core Mini and max the RAM. That way you retain a lot more flexibility with monitor, etc., and it is more economical - if you replace the Mini down the road it is a lot easier to sell than the iMac.

 

[petvas]

While the iMac is nice, I'd get a quad-core Mini and max the RAM. That way you retain a lot more flexibility with monitor, etc., and it is more economical - if you replace the Mini down the road it is a lot easier to sell than the iMac.

Unless you want a different display than the ACD, I don't see a reason not to choose an iMac. Of course if the display fails, the whole iMac cannot be used, so you would have less dependencies with a Mac Mini.