MacMini

it wont be that great, but usable

im not sure how a screenshot would help you out =/

 

"Graphic and Web Designing" is a broad category. Which Apps are you going to use?

The Mac Mini you are talking about is basically the same as a MacBook but with a much larger screen.

Sure, it doesn't have a dedicated graphics card, but if you aren't playing games, or using something that specifically takes advantage of the Graphics Adapter (like Aperature), then who cares?

There are a ton of people doing Web and Graphic design on older G4 and G5 machines, and this will run circles around all of those, except for maybe the last of the big G5's.

I think it will work fine. It's too bad you can't put more than 2GB of memory in it. You might consider adding a large external firewire hard drive for extra storage. Take a look at the Newertech MiniStack from OWC:

http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/ministackv3

It fits right underneath the mini and gives you a USB/Firewire hub plus a Firewire drive. You can add your own drive, or get one preloaded.

Definitely add your own memory to get to the 2G max. Apple's memory is way over priced ($150!)

Depending on how tight you are on money, you might think about the 1.83Ghz model also (assuming you don't need the super drive either). You would save $200, and I am not sure the performance difference is that noticable - you should check one out in person if you can.

You can also watch for refurb Mac Mini's at the apple store - full warranty is a great deal.

 

If you are getting a 24" monitor with the purchase of a mini and you plan to use it for graphics designing, an iMac would be a better choice.

Of course, updates for the iMac and perhaps the mini are coming within the next few months which will give you time to save up and there will be more features/ lower prices. So if you can't afford it right now, just wait and see what happens.

 

If you already have the monitor then the mini will probably be a must on a budget. but if you haven't already gotten the monitor then an imac would be a better choice. If you do get an imac, get a fast cpu and buy ram from an online reseller.

 

Fair point it is a little more expensive.

$800 + $400 = $1200 for Mac mini + 24" Dell monitor.

Compared to $1200 for a 20" iMac, although you do get a little more for your money (keyboard, mouse, over 2x Hard Drive size, dedicated graphics card) but "only" 1680x1050 resolution.

If an update was to happen, I would guesstimate at anytime before June (with a June release being a switch to Montevina). I know that's a massive range of dates, but I doubt it would happen out that window, and Apple updates can be unpredictable sometimes (e.g. Apple Cinema Displays, Mac mini).

 

I strongly suggest waiting for a Mac mini update or just going with an iMac.

 

I just bought a Mini

I bought a Mini about two weeks ago. I upgraded the RAM and the hard drive when I purchased from Apple, and I purchased the Newer Technology external hard drive enclosure (I installed my own 500G Seagate Barracuda). It runs like a champ. I also have a PowerMac G5 Dual 2.3GHz, and I really can't tell much of a speed difference between the two (which I think is impressive when you see how tiny the Mini is). I have mine connected to my 42" Sharp Aquos as a home media PC. I waited until after Macworld, and when it wasn't updated, I purchased it. After all this talk that it was going to be discontinued, I thought that I probably should get it and enjoy it rather than waiting and wishing I would have bought one. I've used it to edit home movies and to play high def trailers from Apple, and it hasn't sputtered at all. I don't know what you're going to be doing with yours, but I'm thinking it will probably be powerful enough, especially with the RAM upgrade.

 

You could also go for a refurbished iMac.

 

My thoughts also lean toward refurb. About $1000 for the current generation 20" model, and it will outperform a Mini.