Mac Mini or Low Cost iMac

[petetherock]

Mac Mini
2.5GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (Turbo Boost up to 3.1GHz) with 3MB L3 cache
Intel 4000
Wifi "n"
1 Thunderbolts
1 Firewire
Max of 1 TB HDD
HDMI (probably 1.3?)

Without a 21.5" HD monitor, it will cost about $5-600 less.
Low Cost iMac
1.4GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 processor (Turbo Boost up to 2.7GHz) with 3MB shared L3 cache
Video - Intel 5000 / Iris / Video card
Wifi "ac"
2 Thunderbolts
No Firewire

 

[petetherock]

But once you add the price of a keyboard, and mouse, the price difference is down to less than $300.
The key is whether the Firewire and form factor matters, and if you have a spare monitor, KB and mouse lying around...

 

[ysl060704]

imac or mac mini

depends on what you want to use it for.
My 2 cents worth as this is for me.

Mac Mini - Space is a constrain, to be mounted under TV or used as a HTPC. Monitor is not a important criterial for you. (I used an iMac with the Dell monitor, I can feel the difference in the monitor)

iMac - BIG difference between the 21 and the 27 inch. 27 inch is really worth the money for me personally. Basically for someone who wants an all in 1 setup. Problem is used few years and want replace difficult. Can't be used as a HTPC unlike the Mac Mini if you decide to upgrade. You will want to keep the box too so takes up space in storeroom.

Macbook Air / pro with monitor - For people who need portability. Ask yourself, do you need a laptop often? Does specs matter to you? Is type of monitor important for you?
This setup is more for people who want to do office work.

Hackintosh - Best setup and cheapest pricing. Best customisability but ugly setup. Best for gaming or heavy work

For me I love the 27 inch iMac because I love an all in 1 setup. Initially I regret it because I thought the Mac Mini is more worth it, plus if I want to upgrade, I can use it as a HTPC. However, once I added a Dell monitor to use as my second monitor, BIG difference in the monitor and I do not have any regret after that. Love the all in 1 setup.

 

[petetherock]

The processor in the low cost iMac is really cheesy... for slightly more $$, you get a better CPU, video and bigger HDD.
Will watch this page and see.

The slightly higher specced Mac Mini might work as a small factor disc player too. 1 TB HDD, better CPU with HDMI and Firewire. Probably faster than the low cost iMac...

 

[ysl060704]

Anyway today just came out new lower end and cheaper iMac.
Can take a look if you want.

 

[November]

idkwhy when i buy macs i always tend to opt for higher end rig.

like i bought a mac mini recently, i opted for i7 and 16gb ram

maybe it's my thinking, i7 cpu at least can last me a few years more bah rather than a dual core i5

 

[patrickgoh]

No imac or mac mini unless there is retina display on the imac or mac mini that supports 4K display.

 

[petetherock]

Why The Latest Cheap Apple iMac Is A Rip-Off - Forbes

The newly added entry-level iMac actually contains similar internal hardware usually found in ultra-thin notebook computers like Apple’s Macbook Air – also starting at $1099 – with a low-power dual core i5 processor (instead of a standard quad-core desktop CPU) and a low-performance Intel INTC +0.05% graphics chip – a serious downgrade from the previous Iris Pro Graphics.
An architecture decision that makes this cheap iMac at least 40% slower than the slowest of Apple’s all-in-one desktop computer line so far, according to the first reported benchmarks.
In fact, you could buy a certified refurbished 21.5 inch iMac from the Apple online store now, for the same low price of $1099, and get the full desktop performance. Go figure!

 

[chenaz]

No imac or mac mini unless there is retina display on the imac or mac mini that supports 4K display.

why do u need a 4k display?
1.can u find such a big display in the market?
2.u wanna fill up 1 of ur wall with videos and use it as cinema?
3.can u download 4k videos online?
4.can u buy a 4k videos in the markey?(it gonna cost u a bomb if it does)
5.current HD resolution on tv too blur for u?
6.u wanna see the pimple or the hand hair of the actor?
7.u want to follow latest tech?

for me i don think there is a need for 4k.
currently is good to go. and imac's display is already fantastic

 

[trento]

Why The Latest Cheap Apple iMac Is A Rip-Off - Forbes

agree. the drop in price is not worth it given the drop in specs. this should be a sub 1k imac, SGD i mean.

 

[PetPet]

Why The Latest Cheap Apple iMac Is A Rip-Off - Forbes

They chose that chip probably because of the graphics.

 

[junkeehunting]

Was intending to start a new thread luckily I saw this.
I need some advice here actually. Here's my situation.
I only have a budget of $3k strictly,

Considering between a maxed out mini
-2.6 quad core
16GB Ram
1TB fusion drive

With apple trackpad and wireless keyboard & apple care total would be 2.3k.( also planning to get a 27inch monitor as I don't have one)

Have never used any mac stuff except for iPhone. After reading the comments, would it be better off getting a 27inch i5 imac with lousy specs? But it would still be better than maxed out mini? And mini so long haven't get updated don't know whether can Tahan the new Yosemite that's due soon. And I heard the 802.ac not very good on the mini? Mainly using for heavy office work at home, parents use Videos, surf net, download music from torrent, watch movies and play light gaming like fm14 and Dota2. SORRY FOR THE LONG WALL OF TEXT! Any advice is welcomed!

 

[petetherock]

Used Macs for most of my life, since the Apple IIe...

IMHO, your 3k budget can get a mid-range iMac with good specs.. go and chat with some of the vendors to see what they can offer you.

Cheers.

 

[ysl060704]

Let me try to help you cut cost.

Cost cutting tip no 1. Never buy RAM from the Apple store!!!! It's a rip off! Go Sim Lim buy your RAM regardless is Mac Mini or iMac really very easy to fix. I like go Fuwell just tell you want buy RAM for your Mac computer.

Cost cutting tip no 2. Buy AppleCare from people here in the forum. There are 2-3 good sellers with good review so is safe to buy from them.

Cost cutting tip no 3. Apple trackpad and keyboard takes up battery. Why not consider logitech trackpad which is rechargeable (at same price) and use a cheaper wireless keyboard?

Cost cutting tip no 4. Consider buying a refurbished set on the Apple online store. Yes it is 2nd hand but it's brand new! Look up reviews online and people will be saying refurbished sets are as good as new especially if you buy AppleCare.
(I know a friend once who bought a refurbished set and it keep giving him problems for 2 years, on the 3rd time he complain, Apple gave him a brand new updated model! And the warranty reset! omg Apple has such good customer service)

Cost cutting tip no 5. NEVER buy in reseller shops!!!!! Either buy online through Apple (not really a cost saving tip but it helps if your mac has problems) or if you really want safe money, buy in Malaysia. Yes it is cheaper.

OK now for the comparison between mac mini and iMac.
I try to make the spec as close as possible to match your requirements.

iMac 27 inch (excluding the cost of RAM @ $255 which you can buy from SIm Lim)
fusion drive
$2768

Mac Mini
2.6 qua core and fusion drive
$1508
27inch monitor from Dell (Same as Apple Spec)
$749
Apple Keyboard and Trackpad
$98 + $98
=$2453

$300 price difference. Of coz the graphic card is different. iMac has a better graphic card which unless you are dual boxing, playing dota should not be a problem.

I would like to ask you this, do you want an all-in-1 system? Do you like the slick look of the iMac or don't mind saving $300 and get the Mac Mini?

Either one you will not regret your decision.

Lastly, can you wait? I'm very sure both are coming up with a refresh by year's end.

Was intending to start a new thread luckily I saw this.
I need some advice here actually. Here's my situation.
I only have a budget of $3k strictly,

Considering between a maxed out mini
-2.6 quad core
16GB Ram
1TB fusion drive

With apple trackpad and wireless keyboard & apple care total would be 2.3k.( also planning to get a 27inch monitor as I don't have one)

Have never used any mac stuff except for iPhone. After reading the comments, would it be better off getting a 27inch i5 imac with lousy specs? But it would still be better than maxed out mini? And mini so long haven't get updated don't know whether can Tahan the new Yosemite that's due soon. And I heard the 802.ac not very good on the mini? Mainly using for heavy office work at home, parents use Videos, surf net, download music from torrent, watch movies and play light gaming like fm14 and Dota2. SORRY FOR THE LONG WALL OF TEXT! Any advice is welcomed!

 

[junkeehunting]

Let me try to help you cut cost.

Cost cutting tip no 1. Never buy RAM from the Apple store!!!! It's a rip off! Go Sim Lim buy your RAM regardless is Mac Mini or iMac really very easy to fix. I like go Fuwell just tell you want buy RAM for your Mac computer.

Cost cutting tip no 2. Buy AppleCare from people here in the forum. There are 2-3 good sellers with good review so is safe to buy from them.

Cost cutting tip no 3. Apple trackpad and keyboard takes up battery. Why not consider logitech trackpad which is rechargeable (at same price) and use a cheaper wireless keyboard?

Cost cutting tip no 4. Consider buying a refurbished set on the Apple online store. Yes it is 2nd hand but it's brand new! Look up reviews online and people will be saying refurbished sets are as good as new especially if you buy AppleCare.
(I know a friend once who bought a refurbished set and it keep giving him problems for 2 years, on the 3rd time he complain, Apple gave him a brand new updated model! And the warranty reset! omg Apple has such good customer service)

Cost cutting tip no 5. NEVER buy in reseller shops!!!!! Either buy online through Apple (not really a cost saving tip but it helps if your mac has problems) or if you really want safe money, buy in Malaysia. Yes it is cheaper.

OK now for the comparison between mac mini and iMac.
I try to make the spec as close as possible to match your requirements.

iMac 27 inch (excluding the cost of RAM @ $255 which you can buy from SIm Lim)
fusion drive
$2768

Mac Mini
2.6 qua core and fusion drive
$1508
27inch monitor from Dell (Same as Apple Spec)
$749
Apple Keyboard and Trackpad
$98 + $98
=$2453

$300 price difference. Of coz the graphic card is different. iMac has a better graphic card which unless you are dual boxing, playing dota should not be a problem.

I would like to ask you this, do you want an all-in-1 system? Do you like the slick look of the iMac or don't mind saving $300 and get the Mac Mini?

Either one you will not regret your decision.

Lastly, can you wait? I'm very sure both are coming up with a refresh by year's end.

1) buy ram from outside , wont warranty & applecare be void? very risky..and isnt it non upgrade-able?

2) thanks, will look into it. sounds good!

3) thats cuz logictech trackpad dont work as well on a mac hence cant ulitize full potential of a external 3rd party track pad on a mac

4) seriously looking into this option. eyeing the refurbished set , being offered at 3088!

specs are
Originally released October 2012

27-inch LED-backlit display with IPS technology

16GB memory

3TB Fusion Drive

NVIDIA GeForce GTX 675MX with 1GB

Built-in FaceTime HD camera

the ONLY thing holding me back is the 802.11N and not 802.11AC on the new model... 802.11AC is the new gold standard already.....shame

thanks tho! at least def now i know iwant the imac..much more powerful , mini uses a mobile processor. sleek design and most imptly to me..SAVES SPACE!

oh yeah i cant wait tho , as my house has no com atm.

 

[jnetsix]

1) buy ram from outside , wont warranty & applecare be void? very risky..and isnt it non upgrade-able?

imac's ram is user upgradable, search for apple support documents for ram upgrade. There is step by step for upgrade.
Below is the link, just incase for those who are lazy to search.
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1423?viewlocale=en_US

 

[junkeehunting]

i see. Thanks! like this i'll get the 8GB RAM then i buy a 16 GB.

so i reckon the setup would be

1- 4gb (apple)
1- 4gb (apple)
1- 8gb
1-8gb

total of 24GB RAM?

 

[fuzzybear]

i find those new one notbad but wont it suffer in performance vs the older model?

 

[trento]

Depends on what u use it for

 

[sky37]

Cost cutting tip no 1. Never buy RAM from the Apple store!!!! It's a rip off! Go Sim Lim buy your RAM regardless is Mac Mini or iMac really very easy to fix. I like go Fuwell just tell you want buy RAM for your Mac computer.

Cost cutting tip no 4. Consider buying a refurbished set on the Apple online store. Yes it is 2nd hand but it's brand new! Look up reviews online and people will be saying refurbished sets are as good as new especially if you buy AppleCare.
(I know a friend once who bought a refurbished set and it keep giving him problems for 2 years, on the 3rd time he complain, Apple gave him a brand new updated model! And the warranty reset! omg Apple has such good customer service)

Totally agree with upgrading your own RAM and getting refurbished, especially for Mac Mini which you just put away somewhere. You still get full warranty and can add AppleCare. As for RAM, been using 3rd party with no problems whatsoever, and easy to upgrade.

One other thought. I've upgraded my Mac Mini with a SSD on top of the original HDD that came with it. Not sure if the current model allows like-wise. Certainly save quite a fair bit compared to getting Fusion drive.