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Mini Server or iMac?

B

bld44

macrumors 6502
Original poster
Apr 21, 2007
404
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I'm looking into getting my wife a new mac for her birthday. She's a photographer and a pretty heavy user, so I want to get her a pretty powerful machine that will last for 3+ years. I have it narrowed down to the following:

Mac Mini Server
2.0 Quad i7 Sandy Bridge
4 GB Ram
Dual 500 GB 7200rpm
Intel HD 3000 graphics
$960

iMac 27" mid 2010
2.93 Quad i7 (not Sandy Bridge)
4 GB Ram
1 TB 7200 rpm HD
Radeon HD 5750
$1500

I've never had such a hard time deciding, so advice is appreciated.

First, some thoughts.

* GPU is not extremely important. She's not a gamer.
* Thunderbolt doesn't make or break the deal.
* Performance is about the same on both.
* Both are great upgrades.
* Server version isn't a plus, I'd install client

Now, some pros/cons.

Mac Mini
+ I can put in a SSD I already have and still have a second 500 GB drive. The second drive would be very nice scratch space to have.
+ Not tied to one display forever.
- No display. She has a 21", I figure I could pick up a very nice 24" second display for $500. Puts me close to the iMac cost.
- No new mouse or new keyboard, will probably have to replace

iMac
+ 27" display, which she'd love
+ Mighty mouse, new keyboard
+ GPU > Intel HD 3000
- No second internal HD, also a pain to replace with my SSD
- Last years model (not bad, but meh), but it's a new unit
- Tied to one display forever
- Will have to get a new desk (display is too tall to fit under shelves over current built-in), not a huge deal

As I said, both would be good, but I'm just not sure which way to go at this point. I guess I'm leaning towards the server, since there's a little more freedom. Any suggestions would be appreciated!
 
Apart from SSD, the iMac will be significantly faster than the Mac mini. Also the huge 27" IPS screen is amazing. I don't think Mac mini will last you 3 years, I'd go with the iMac.
 
I am with the previous posters. The performance of the iMac will far beat the Mac mini. Not to mention that to find a screen equivalent to the IPS panel in the iMacs isn't cheap. Putting an SSD into the iMac isn't all that hard, and is in some regards easier then the Mac mini, from what I remember.
 
bld44 said:
Based on what? The two processors have essentially the same scores on geekbench.
Click to expand...

Because of the GPU. Especially because you're going to be working with photos and Aperture.

Definitely would go with the iMac as well.

If you're willing to spend a little more, I would just buy a brand new 27 inch for $1699
 
bld44 said:
Based on what? The two processors have essentially the same scores on geekbench.
Click to expand...

I agree with you...the mini server is surprisingly fast...it really depends on what you want/need...do you have a monitor already?
 
eric/ said:
Because of the GPU. Especially because you're going to be working with photos and Aperture.

Definitely would go with the iMac as well.

If you're willing to spend a little more, I would just buy a brand new 27 inch for $1699
Click to expand...
The iMac is a great system. I agree, your wife will *love* the new iMac. Its a very 'wow' experience and its hard to get that from a Mini since its, well, so mini.
 
Alright, pulled the trigger on the iMac. Did the order through fat wallet for 3% back.

I figured the display would be a big upgrade from what she has right now, and couldn't really find a quality monitor I liked in the 23-34" range for a price that didn't put me right back at the iMac.

Now, just have to find a new desk...

Easy -- if your wife would love a 27" iMac, decision over!
Click to expand...

Haha... very true.
 
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