Hi guys.Well i was wondering if purchasing a white imac would be a good choice to replace my 1.83 mac mini c2d.I would go with the aluminum but i can only afford the 20 inch version.Its either imac white or imac aluminum.Also i purchased a vizio white hdtv and im not happy with the quality.Its fine but the digital channels are not as good as my old crt.could i use the imac with elgato to replace my tv or am i pushing it? Thanks in advance
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Which Imac? White or Aluminum?
- Thread starter nyprospect
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As a proud owner of the base model 20" iMac I can say it is the best computer I have owned. I doubt you will notice a huge increase in speed over your Mac Mini. It really depends on what you plan to do with the machine. For what I do, surfing the net, listening to music, writing reports and moving photos from my camera then it is more than fast enough for me. I can't really comment on the white iMac as this is my first one. I do think the aluminum one looks better and I do love the glossy display and it is slightly thinner (although that shouldn't be a big concern being a desktop computer). The white iMacs are probably great machines and offer similar performance to the existing line-up at cheaper prices, plus they don't have the glossy screens which for some people is a good thing. As a relatively new iMac user I can't really comment on previous models as this is my first one 
I have to agree that the 20" aluminum is fantastic. I use it at home. At work I have the white imac. I prefer the aluminum, and I love the glossy screen (if only I could convince the rest of the family to keep their hands off the screen!). I guess it boils down to whether you prefer a glossy screen or not. The latest updates would also sway me towards the aluminum iMac.
Thanks so much for replying.I really like the aluminum but i saw it at a local best buy and the gradient issue is a problem.I did not think it was as bad i they said it was but wow it was pretty bad.I don't know.What about a macbook? Only thing about the macbook is the mag safe issue.Im leaning more towards the white imac.Hmmm.
I can not comment about the gradient issue because I have never seen it. If you don't need to be portable go with the white iMac. I find the MacBooks screen size (vertical at least) to be small and limiting. I prefer the MacBook pro screen size. Then again you could use an external monitor with the MacBook. But then why not get a Mini?
What is this gradient issue you speak of? Are you referring to viewing angles? If so then I have to agree that they aren't that great and it is best to view it head-on. Although this is pretty much a none issue for me. EDIT: Okay I Googled it and I have noticed no problems with my iMac.
The MacBook is a good machine, however as a desktop replacement you would want to use a monitor rather than the 13.3" display, which would then make me question whether your Mac Mini would work just as well unless you need that portability. I have a few niggles with my MacBook as well. The fans get quite loud, even just what I would call small tasks like watching YouTube videos (I don't have the same problem with my iMac) plus after a few months you will notice a little crack appearing to the right side of the lid causes by the magnetic latch. However, it is a great laptop. It is fast, a nice size for what I use it for, the magsafe is awesome and I love the keyboard.
I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. However, for your budget and requirements I am inclined to go with the white iMac. I can't really justify the added cost of the new aluminum iMac if you are happy to get a second hand white iMac.
The MacBook is a good machine, however as a desktop replacement you would want to use a monitor rather than the 13.3" display, which would then make me question whether your Mac Mini would work just as well unless you need that portability. I have a few niggles with my MacBook as well. The fans get quite loud, even just what I would call small tasks like watching YouTube videos (I don't have the same problem with my iMac) plus after a few months you will notice a little crack appearing to the right side of the lid causes by the magnetic latch. However, it is a great laptop. It is fast, a nice size for what I use it for, the magsafe is awesome and I love the keyboard.
I don't think you will go wrong with any of them. However, for your budget and requirements I am inclined to go with the white iMac. I can't really justify the added cost of the new aluminum iMac if you are happy to get a second hand white iMac.
Thanks you for the comments.Wow i forgot about the flash and heat issue and the cracking.Man thats why i bought a mini lol.I guess the white imac? I was waiting for a new updated mini but that did not work out like i hoped.I think the white imac is a classic.in a way.Hmm im still thinking .
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I do not know why your new iMac gets unbelievably hot???? It should not be that way. I have a 24" 2.8 Extreme iMac, and I can feel the heat along the top of the imac but it is not as hot as you say.
Maybe your fans aren't running properly?
I bought the white 20" 2.16ghz duo iMac about a month before the refresh, and I was so happy I got this before the refresh came out. I hate glossy screens, there are all sorts of video issues (most are fixed by now, but I would've had the hassle). This screen is absolutely stunning, and you should get the White 20"