I have decided it is finally time to replace my Dell Dimension desktop with a new Mac. I currently use a late 2008 2.53 MBP as my primary computer as the Dell desktop has become extremely slow to use. The Dell is mainly being used as a central place to store my music and movies. I am trying to determine if I should go the route of getting an iMac or possibly a Mini (since I have gotten used to not using the desktop).
I think if I had a faster desktop I would use it more often as it wouldn't be such a pain. I plan on using the desktop for the usual web browsing, music, and movies as well as using Photoshop, iMovie, Handbrake, and will need to run Windows 7 using Fusion. I don't play any games at this time. I have been looking at the the refurbs as well as the new models as I do qualify for the education discounts, iPod, and printer.
The main thing that throws a monkey wrench into which model to buy is that I tend to keep my computers for awhile and don't upgrade just because new technology has come out. I have had my current desktop for 7 years and my previous desktop I had for 9 years.
If I go the iMac route, I want one of the 27" models. I know the Refurb 3.06GHz model for $1269 will probably get me by with what I need to do today but I am worried about how it will be 5 years down the line. I know it is probably overkill but i have also been looking at the Refrub i7 for $1699 as well as the new i7 model which would be about $200 more than the refurb after selling the iPod and printer.
The other option is to just get a Refurbished Mini ($599) or Server ($849) and use it how I am currently using my Dell Desktop for music and movies. If I go this route, I do have a wired Apple keyboard, monitor (Only 18"), and trackpad so I would not have to buy those, but I would need to buy an external HDD as my music would not even fit on the Mini 320GB HDD. I am worried if I go this route, it would not last as many years as an iMac would.
The Back To School Promo ends on Tuesday, so if I am going to go the new route for any of the models I probably need to order over the weekend. Any thoughts or input on which way would be the best route or is there a different model in the middle that would be a better fit? Thanks in advance for your help.
I think if I had a faster desktop I would use it more often as it wouldn't be such a pain. I plan on using the desktop for the usual web browsing, music, and movies as well as using Photoshop, iMovie, Handbrake, and will need to run Windows 7 using Fusion. I don't play any games at this time. I have been looking at the the refurbs as well as the new models as I do qualify for the education discounts, iPod, and printer.
The main thing that throws a monkey wrench into which model to buy is that I tend to keep my computers for awhile and don't upgrade just because new technology has come out. I have had my current desktop for 7 years and my previous desktop I had for 9 years.
If I go the iMac route, I want one of the 27" models. I know the Refurb 3.06GHz model for $1269 will probably get me by with what I need to do today but I am worried about how it will be 5 years down the line. I know it is probably overkill but i have also been looking at the Refrub i7 for $1699 as well as the new i7 model which would be about $200 more than the refurb after selling the iPod and printer.
The other option is to just get a Refurbished Mini ($599) or Server ($849) and use it how I am currently using my Dell Desktop for music and movies. If I go this route, I do have a wired Apple keyboard, monitor (Only 18"), and trackpad so I would not have to buy those, but I would need to buy an external HDD as my music would not even fit on the Mini 320GB HDD. I am worried if I go this route, it would not last as many years as an iMac would.
The Back To School Promo ends on Tuesday, so if I am going to go the new route for any of the models I probably need to order over the weekend. Any thoughts or input on which way would be the best route or is there a different model in the middle that would be a better fit? Thanks in advance for your help.
