Which is Better: Mac Mini vs. iMac?

Question

Say someone is looking to just play around with a Mac; it's mostly just to get some experience with Macs and expirement a bit. All things considered, which Mac would you choose and why?

Answer 1

I would defiantly go with the MAC mini if you get the "mac daddy moniter otherwise the imac. The Mac mini is the smallest desktop computer marketed by Apple Inc. It is designed to attract owners of Windows computers, iPods, older Macintosh models, and anyone interested in a low budget, easy-to-use personal computer. It was announced at the Macworld Conference & Expo on January 11, 2005. Two models of the Mac mini were released in the U.S. on January 22, 2005 (January 29 worldwide). Slightly updated versions were released on July 26, 2005, new models with Intel Core processors were released on February 28, 2006, and slightly revised models were introduced on September 6, 2006. Where as the iMac is a desktop computer designed and built by Apple Inc.. It has been a cornerstone of Apple's Macintosh line of personal computers since its introduction in 1998, and has evolved through three distinct forms, all adhering to an "all-in-one" design ethos. The machine enjoys a relatively high profile in popular culture due to its distinctive aesthetics and Apple's successful marketing. iMacs and other Macintosh computers can also be seen in various movies, commercials, and TV shows (both live action and animated); due to their implication in video editing/film production. iMacs have also received considerable critical acclaim, including praise from technology columnist Walt Mossberg as the "Gold Standard of desktop computing;" Forbes Magazine described the original candy-colored line of iMac computers as being an "industry-altering success".

Mac mini makes it easy and affordable to work with digital photos, movies, music, and the web. And now it all happens with the blazing speed of the Intel Core Duo. Delivering unprecedented power in such a small package — the Mac mini runs up to five times faster than previously. Coupled with an all new architecture and the world’s most advanced operating system, Mac OS X, Mac mini runs all your modern and innovative software, speedily.

Inside its petite 2-inch tall, 6.5-inch square anodized aluminum enclosure, Mac mini houses that fast Intel Core processor, a 60 or 80GB hard drive, slot-loading Combo or SuperDrive, as well as built-in wireless — all whisper-quiet. This modular design lets you upgrade your current system to the elegance, simplicity and reliability of Macintosh without a lot of extra expense. BYODKM: Bring your own monitor, keyboard and mouse (or buy new ones). Either way you’ll be up and running in minutes.

The full-screen Front Row media experience — with its intuitive menus, large text and brilliant graphics — lets you browse the music, photos, and videos on your Mac mini as easily as you browse music on your iPod. The included Apple Remote lets you enjoy your media from anywhere in the room from your desk chair to favorite sofa. Front Row and Mac mini can even play music, photos, and videos saved on other computers in the house, thanks to Bonjour instant networking. So gather your friends and dazzle them with a slideshow of your vacation pics, a home movie, your latest playlist, or a DVD.

Other Information for you here.
http://www.apple.com/macmini/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_mini
http://www.apple.com/macmini/specs.html
http://www.macintouch.com/macmini/review.html

Answer 2

I agree that the Mac Mini is a great deal for someone who already owns a monitor, keyboard, and mouse and does not need to run graphics-intensive programs, however it does not void your warranty to upgrade the RAM yourself unless you break something in the process. It is certainly harder to do, but it can be done.

If you already have a display, but you're using it, remember that you could get a KVM switch. If you don't mind both your computers being in the same room, you can switch from your Mac Mini to your PC very easily using this handy and pretty inexpensive tool.

Something else the Mini is great for is fitting into small and weird places. You can VESA mount a Cinema Display to the wall directly or onto an arm to gain desktop real estate (see link for more on this), and tuck the Mini into a corner. You can even hook it up to the underside of a shelf for complete desktop freedom.

The Intel iMacs cannot be VESA mounted, but they still have a pretty small footprint. It's better for more graphics-intensive apps, and more economical if you don't already have a display. The RAM is significantly easier to upgrade, but personally I would not base my decision on that fact alone, as you're unlikely to upgrade the RAM more than once during your ownership of the computer.

Answer 3

If you've already got a good monitor, a keyboard, and a mouse and don't plan on graphics intensive programmes, then get the Mini. It has all the basics and the price is relatively low. Adding more memory isn't easy to do at home and it will void your warranty. You have to have a tech do it to retain coverage.

The iMac costs more, but of course includes the screen, easy RAM access for expansion that you can do by yourself without penalty, a faster processor and dedicated graphics.

Answer 4

I bought a mini mac. Laptops and all in one type computers mean that if your screen goes, the whole computer is junk. I have bought one screen for a sum total of three computers, including the minimal, since 2005. This means buying a new computer is less costly if you already have other components. I love the speed of the minimal.

Answer 5

I would get the imac because i have one and it is awsome