Upgrading from Mini to iMac. Which one?

[jaybar]

Hi

I currently have a 2GH Core Duo Mac Mini purchased on March 2008.

I want to run Windows 7 using Parallels or VM Fusion 3 with VM Fusion 3 being the preferred choice. I now have both software packages and hve used them both. Parallels is slow as I cannot devote much RAM. Fusion is slower.

I want to be able to run windows 7 comfortably w/o having to reboot.

Currently we do internet, email, word processing and light photo editing and light database. I want to explore software beyond iPhoto as I am not impressed with it.

I want a machine that will more fully utilize the graphics capabilities and technologies that Apple seems to be moving toward.

I am visually impaired, but I am not sure I need a screen as large as 27". Maybe? I currently us a 22" monitor at home and a 24" in the office.

I want a machine that will perform well for a full three to four yeard.

We do not game.

Do I need an i5 or i7? I was thinking of 6GB of RAM. Too much? too little?

Are their non-glare options?

Oh, how do I transfer all my stuff from the mini? This is a single account machine although two people use it.

Thanks in advance

jay

 

[EasyJW]

best thing seems to be a 21.5" iMac base really, doesn't look like you need much more, i have parallels and win7 on mine on an alternate screen and it is sweeeeeet!

the 27 might be a bit overkill in power for you when the 21.5 will save you money and be just as good, especially with an extra 24" monitor

 

[Hellhammer]

Either base 21.5" or i7 iMac, depending on your budget. Be sure to get at least 8GB of RAM, that'll speed up things a lot.

All iMacs have glossy screen so no matte

Hook Mini to iMac with Ethernet cable and use Migration Assistant to migrate

 

[jaybar]

I do not have an extra 24" monitor. That is at work will this change anything?

Jay