Should I buy an iMac?

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by NHH

I'd also consider the quad-core Mac Mini i7 (2Ghz) with dual 500GB 7200rpm internal drives. 16GB RAM.

Couple that to any screen for surely the best bang-for-buck solution.

Not quite the speed of the top-line iMac but not far off, and a fairly sizeable price difference.

Actually the price difference isn't that sizable when you consider you have to add a display, keyboard and mouse to the purchase price of the mini. If you have those then great. But if not that's an expense to budget for. And the mini you spec is way slower than a top of the line iMac.

[NHH]

Originally Posted by musicman691

Actually the price difference isn't that sizable when you consider you have to add a display, keyboard and mouse to the purchase price of the mini. If you have those then great. But if not that's an expense to budget for. And the mini you spec is way slower than a top of the line iMac.

'Way slower'?

That quad-core in the UK I quoted can be had for around £700 - the top line iMac is around £1500.

That's a heck of a budget for a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

I wouldn't argue that the iMac (the top version) is quicker but just pointing out a viable cheaper option.

Also, the iMac has only a 5,400rpm internal drive so you'd need an external whereas the Mac Mini has 2 internal 7200rpm drives.

Yeah, I think I'll stick with that original post - good option.

[musicman691]

Originally Posted by NHH

'Way slower'?

That quad-core in the UK I quoted can be had for around £700 - the top line iMac is around £1500.

That's a heck of a budget for a keyboard, mouse and monitor.

I wouldn't argue that the iMac (the top version) is quicker but just pointing out a viable cheaper option.

Also, the iMac has only a 5,400rpm internal drive so you'd need an external whereas the Mac Mini has 2 internal 7200rpm drives.

Yeah, I think I'll stick with that original post - good option.

The 5400 rpm drive is only for the 21.5 inch iMac; you can spec a fusion drive with a faster platter. And the 27 inch iMacs come with a stock 7200 rpm drive. You have to be careful when you talk about iMacs because the two sizes have different stock configurations.

[NHH]

Originally Posted by musicman691

The 5400 rpm drive is only for the 21.5 inch iMac; you can spec a fusion drive with a faster platter. And the 27 inch iMacs come with a stock 7200 rpm drive. You have to be careful when you talk about iMacs because the two sizes have different stock configurations.

Fair play; I hadn't noticed this.

[philip morris]

hey guys, quick question to the mac pro experts: how do the pre 2009 Two Quad core processors compare to the later One Quad core processor equipping later models? also how does the current Mac Pro Quad compare to the iMac i7 quad in raw performance?

[tribedescribe]

You can compare the performance of all macs at geekbench. just type in "mac geekbench" into google and they have almost every imaginable mac listed in order of raw power.

As to the mac mini I believe the OP wants to also use the machine for video editing and the current mac mini can only do vram via the hd400.

As for the price of the mac mini, below is what I just spent on my new mac mini refurb.

Mac Mini 2.3 refurb $680 ($800 new)
16gb ram $87
Asus 20" monitor $110
usb mouse/keyboard $50

= $927 total cost for i7 mac mini (or $1050 for non refurb)

The closest i7 imac is the 21.5 at $1800 with 16gb ram. Although its a 3.1ghz for audio production the mac mini is a much better deal. Later on I am going to add a ssd for the os drive. Mac mini's rule for audio work on a budget!

[NHH]

Yeah, what tribedescribe said - that was my original point.

[ianbee]

I only have about 5k saved up in my bank... so I decided to stick with the computer I have and then save the rest for rent money when I move out. But when the time is right and I have extra money, I will deff. buy the 27" iMac

[YYR123]

Originally Posted by ianbee

But when the time is right and I have extra money, I will deff. buy the 27" iMac

Pawn shop cash is king