Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

New Mac Mini? iMac? Display?

blairh

blairh

macrumors 603
Original poster
Dec 11, 2007
6,116
4,832
Current setup is an old Mac Mini that needs to be replaced by this summer when I have the money to do so. I'm using a 20" ACD that I purchased right after they were discontinued and it has no issues.

My plan was to purchase a Core i7 Mini with the SSD option. ($1,099 without tax.) I would increase RAM manually. No I don't want to install my own SSD.

The other option is a 21" iMac with Fusion Drive. ($1,549 without tax.)

I think the Mini makes a lot more sense. If I go that route, should I get a new monitor? I was thinking no because the 20" ACD has no issues plus it's a room with a lot of sunlight so matte is preferred for sure. (Though I know the iMac's are much better at that now.)
 
blairh said:
Current setup is an old Mac Mini that needs to be replaced by this summer when I have the money to do so. I'm using a 20" ACD that I purchased right after they were discontinued and it has no issues.

My plan was to purchase a Core i7 Mini with the SSD option. ($1,099 without tax.) I would increase RAM manually. No I don't want to install my own SSD.

The other option is a 21" iMac with Fusion Drive. ($1,549 without tax.)

I think the Mini makes a lot more sense. If I go that route, should I get a new monitor? I was thinking no because the 20" ACD has no issues plus it's a room with a lot of sunlight so matte is preferred for sure. (Though I know the iMac's are much better at that now.)
Click to expand...

I wouldn't get a new monitor.
 
The mini is just as powerful (apart from graphics) as the iMac, and it is is more flexible (RAM and HD/SSD upgrades are possible). And you can upgrade to a larger monitor in the future if your prefer.
 
Thanks. I'll probably get the Mini then and keep my monitor.

Here's a follow up: sell my MBA for a 13" MBP Retina? Love my MBA but I never travel with my laptop so I don't mind going heavier. Also saw the MBP Retina at the Apple store last week and it is tempting to upgrade for that screen.
 
blairh said:
Thanks. I'll probably get the Mini then and keep my monitor.

Here's a follow up: sell my MBA for a 13" MBP Retina? Love my MBA but I never travel with my laptop so I don't mind going heavier. Also saw the MBP Retina at the Apple store last week and it is tempting to upgrade for that screen.
Click to expand...

Get the mini. Keep the Air. And stop tempting yourself with new kit...:D
 
I recently switched over from a PC, back to a Mac.. I looked at the iMac 27" but for $1999 (no SSD) but I found by buying a refurbished 17 2.6, installing the 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD myself (purchased both from OWC) and then buying a 27" Thunderbolt display for $799 (Best Buy matched Frys online price) I would get better value for my money. That might be debatable for some, and more work than its worth for others. I came in at $1960.

In regards to you not wanting to do the SSD install yourself.. believe me, follow the many Youtube videos on how to install it and you'll be done in 30 minutes.. and saving $150 bucks off Apples price installed.

Mac mini refurbished i7 2.6 $760
SSD 240GB 260
16 GB RAM 140
Thunderbolt Display 800
External enclosure free (OWC shipped it with SSD)
1TB external drive free (used the original drive to mac mini)

Total: $1960
 
Last edited:
The goal of Apple is likely to be all-retina at some point. They almost have to be going in this direction as everyone seems to expect it.

So, maybe hold onto your present screen for awhile until you have an idea of what future monitors will be like.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back